UNLESS “MESSAGE for the masses’’ (g, Sept. 29) was a rhetorical ploy to garner a passionate reaction and stir people into action, it was an abuse of the power Alex Beam has as a journalist employed by an organ of the mass media. The icon above his name shows a smirking little boy with a megaphone; perhaps this is the persona he wishes to cultivate. However, the world doesn’t need such proud displays of ignorance, despair, and immaturity, but a commitment to make the changes necessary to reach the critical goal of sustainable living.
On the one hand, Beam has done his job: He has perpetuated the meme of “350’’ - as in parts per million of carbon dioxide as the safe upper limit for sustaining life on earth - one goal of the international day of action on Oct. 24 to which he refers; on the other hand, with his mocking tone, he has colored how the masses who read his article will receive this important idea. We no longer have the luxury of cynicism and despair. The world needs better than that, not only from Beam but from all of us.
Richard Smyth
Bradford 
