Ugly Baby, Ugly Divorce

A few months ago a Chinese man named Jian Feng divorced and sued his wife for having an ugly baby. (No, you did not read that wrong). Feng told reporters that the child was “incredibly ugly” to the point where it “horrified” him. First, he accused his wife of cheating on him because he thought there was no way he could have helped to create such an unattractive child. He was so convinced that this child wasn’t his that he demanded a DNA test. However, the results proved that the baby girl was indeed his and that left him even more confused than he was to begin with. He wondered how he and a woman as beautiful as his wife could create such an unsightly child.

Due to the unraveling evidence, Feng’s wife eventually confessed that she had thousands of dollars worth of plastic surgery before they met. Feng then took his wife to court and sued her. His argument was that he was married under false pretenses because she deceived him into thinking she was beautiful. The crazy part is… he won and his ex-wife was ordered to give him $120,000.

I have sympathy for this woman because I could only imagine how embarrassing this was for her. However, I have to side with the man. Nobody wants to sound superficial but when we are looking for spouses, the two main things we look for are personality and physical attraction. Good looks (or decent looks) are important because it reassures someone that if they were to have a child with this person, the child would be cute. In this case, this man was misled. He obviously believed that he would have a cute child because he considered himself a decent looking man and his wife was “beautiful”. Just imagine how excited he must have been to be expecting a beautiful baby girl. Then imagine how disappointed and confused he must have been to receive the total opposite.

This is a very peculiar story and I’m sure everyone will have different opinions. What do YOU think about it all?

Spending Money You Don't Have

There’s a guy that always stops by my job, but I’ve never spoken to him until last week. One day I saw him and he looked a little down, so I asked him if he was alright. He proceeded to tell me that he was upset because he was on his way to court for missing child support payments.

Mind you, this guy is always decked out in jewelry and designer clothes and he drives a ’09 Mercedes Benz.  He’s only 21, he has a kid, he works at Starbucks and he doesn’t make illegal money on the side (so he says). Once he told me why he was upset, I looked at his clothes, his jewelry, his car and his new IPhone 5 in-hand and I just laughed. I literally could not stop my mouth from saying “Wow, you’re kinda dunce.” It was completely out of character for me to impulsively say that, so I made sure I apologized and explained myself… but I still meant it; he was stupid.

Don’t you think paying child support is a bit more important than buying an IPhone or Louis Vuitton sneakers? If this guy is a young parent and Starbucks is his only source of income, why on earth and how on earth did he have all of these expensive things? How does that add up?

Some people in our society would rather buy $300 shoes than groceries. I just don’t get it. It seems like tricking people into thinking you have money has always been the “it thing”, but why? Everyone, especially the youth should be careful with how they spend.

If you are a young parent, prioritize your spending! If you are a college student, prioritize your spending! If you don’t have money trees in your backyard, prioritize your spending! In America, folks tend to buy a bunch of things they don’t need or they buy things they do need, just the more expensive version of it. I’m not sure if it’s manipulation by the media or if it’s the need to impress people, but either way it doesn’t make any sense. Unnecessary spending always backfires on YOU so please people, just be smart.

 

NHL Lockout

The National Hockey League has now been in a lockout for 90 days and has canceled games through December 30^th. 526 games, that is the number of games that has been cancelled so far this year including, the famous Winter Classic that had only been around for five seasons but was one the biggest revenue generators the NHL had. With games getting canceled for the un-seeable future fans can only hope this lockout doesn’t end up like the one that canceled the entire 2004-2005 NHL season. So what are the reasons behind this seemingly unenviable lockout?

The reason for this lockout is because the old Collective Bargaining Agreement has expired and there was never an agreement reached for a new one between the Players Union and The Owners. During many talks and proposals it seems like the main side causing the lockout is the Commissioner  and the Owners, who want a lot more of the revenue in terms of splitting it with the Players Union. Last year the NHL revenue was 3.3 billion, which is 1.1 billion more than 2004-2005 revenue which was the year after the previous lockout. The 30 Owners know that this sport is growing and want many new restrictions on contracts and salaries caps that will benefit them and screw over the players in the end, because that’s what the Owners have always done.

Another factor going into this lockout is that the Players Union actually have a president that is trying to make things fair. For years everyone knew the Owners would get their way because the players never had a strong leader to stand up for them and make things fair. Until, former Major League Baseball Players Union President Donald Fehr decided to take his talents into hockey to take the same position. Mr. Fehr has been known for always getting his way and making things fair. As he always got his way when working in baseball for the players. So now that the Players Union actually has a voice and trying to make things fair for once. This has caused a Lockout that some people say could last for possibly two seasons.

As a hockey fan I know that this lockout will last for the season, or at least I would prefer that because if there was a season it would be too condensed and forced. I would rather see the Owners and Players Union just work on getting the NHL back for next year because with canceling games through the beginning of the year 2013 gives fans little hope for a season this year. The most demoralizing thing about this lockout is the fact that this is the second lockout in less than a decade, with the last one cancelling the entire 2004-2005 season.

What is enough?

            I work in a daycare with children and was devastated to hear the news concerning the man who went killed twenty children and seven adults in Connecticut. I cannot imagine the devastation that these families are going through and my heart goes out to all the parents who have to deal with the tragic loss of their children. Parents should never be put in a position in which they have to bury their children. What upsets me most about this whole situation is that I have long ago believed that second amendment is ridiculous and frankly quite outdated. I am tired about hearing comments concerning the government trying to infringe on people’s rights by limiting gun control. I am also tired about hearing arguments as to why limiting gun control will only harm rightful citizens because the majority of the people who commit the crimes own guns illegally so making guns illegal will not solve anything. Gun control should be restricted and individuals should not be allowed to own them. We have had many cases throughout this past year alone where guns had resulted in the senseless killing of innocent lives. Disturbed individuals who were allowed to buy a gun legally purchased them with the intent of killing and the result is that innocent people died. Children should not have to be afraid of going to school and parents should be able to send their kids to school without worrying about anything bad happening to them. Schools are supposed to be one of the few places where parents can rest assured that their children will be looked after and are in good hands. Recent events have changed this and it is almost as if people need to worry about going out anywhere at all. Events like this happen and people become too afraid to leave their own houses for fear of their own lives and their children’s lives. I hope that this shooting prompts change to happen and I hope that the change involves stricter policies involving individuals owning guns. The children who died today were innocent victims and another tragedy like this should not be allowed to happen. If restricting people’s rights to owning guns means that innocent lives are saved than I am totally in support of that. People’s lives are more valuable than the right to own arms.

The Tomorrow That Never Comes

 As an English major I have been told time and time again that the key to writing a well written paper is writing many drafts and editing them many times. Although I understand how in theory this makes sense, it is a practice I hardly ever follow. The reality of the matter is that the only time I write a rough draft of a paper is when my teacher requires me to do so. I do not find anything wrong with writing rough drafts and am sure that they help in the writing process but for me it has always been unnecessary step I have skipped whenever possible. How many of you can identify with having weeks to complete an assignment but waiting until the day before to bang it out? My friend insists that she does this because she writes better if she is under pressure and feels that her papers would not be as good if she had worked on them for a longer period of time. I find myself doing the same thing she does and waiting until the day before to write my papers not because I am foolish enough to believe the my paper turns out better written the night before, but because I am guilty of leaving things until the last possible second. Every time I have an assignment I find myself planning out the days I will use to complete it: I imagine all the drafts I will write, and the several days I will have to edit it. Throughout the course of many years I have to terms with the fact that is wishful thinking because this almost never occurs unless a teacher requires me to complete multiple drafts. The fact that I can write papers the night before and receive an A on them is the reason why I believe that I have not changed my ways. As long as this is my reality I will continue to be one of those people who leave things for the last minute because she knows she can get away with it. Completing papers in a timely and orderly fashion is fine but nothing beats the drama of cranking out a paper hours before its due and being rewarded with an A for your effort. One thing I hope to make clear is that the quality of my paper does not lessen because I chose to leave it until the last minute. I try to make sure that I produce a quality paper each and every time I turn something in because although I do not believe the grades are the end all be all I do take pride in getting good grades for the hard work I put I in.

Sports Journalism

With having an established newspaper, a variety of athletics going on, and a well-equipped Communication Arts department that has all the production necessities, why doesn’t Framingham State University offer Sports Journalism and Production core classes that specializes in covering the school’s athletic teams and events?

As a Communication Arts major who is graduating in the spring, I have seen what this department has to offer and what it could offer.  I have personally taking a production class and have thoroughly enjoyed it, as it has given me the chance to see the capabilities of the studio on campus. The studio is definitely capable of offering a nice set up for a sports talk show, but this school has no interest in doing that as they are more into performing arts.

This isn’t the only problem when talking about the lack of a Sports Journalism and Production class being offered here. The two main production professors,  Professor Robert Johnson and Professor Bowen, primarily focus on using the studio just for performing arts. Both of these professors are great teachers as I have had both of them in my journey to get my Bachelor’s Degree, but only are useful for students who are looking to pursue a career in communication performing arts .  As my time winds down at Framingham I really wish they would offer any type of Sports Production  and Jorunalism class for various reasons.

One reason is because it would get even more high school graduates and transfer students to apply here if they were looking to pursue a sports journalism or production concentration. If Framingham offered the basic classes this would allow kids to pursue a a sports journalism degree at a cheaper price as they could take their core classes here and transfer to a more prestigious sports journalism school, such as Syracuse or Emerson. The second reason is that this would spread the word and expand the knowledge of the Framingham State Athletics on and off campus as the students would have to produce video segments highlighting teams and game highlights. Right now the only publicity the sports team receives are on fsurams.com and the Gate Post. Having two well established media sources is a good start but adding a consistent video segment would help extend the knowledge of the Rams success more obtainable to the public.

I proposed this concentration of Communication Arts because now a days a lot of the Massachusetts State schools are starting to offer more and more majors. Framingham recently picked up Criminal Justice as the newest major and that attracted many new kids because it is one of the few state schools to offer. So why not add a concentration that no other state school offers and attract even more students?

If Framingham State University were to add this class to it's program, not much more would need to be added. They already have a studio and the right equipment for a student to produce a sports show here on campus. The school would have to hire a person who has been in the industry as they would able to relate to the student and teach them from personal experience.  In closing, this is a concentration that I would really like to see Framingham add but with the constant focus on the integral parts of the university such as construction and renovation of the school I do not see this happening in the near future.

Global warming and politics

Why did Conservatives deny Global Warming?  Did something happened? The Bush administration was skeptical by refusing to sign an international agreement to reduce global warming. Environmentalists, argued that the phenomenon does exist for example the average temperature have climbed 1.4 degree Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius) around the world since 1880. The Arctic is feeling the effects the most. What is its definition/nature? The Bush administration defined global warming as naturally occurring, while environmentalists base their definition on industry-related causes. What is the Quality? Here the two parties in the issue must demonstrate where the evidence for the dangers of global warming comes from? Who stands to gain if the dangers are accepted as real and present and eventually who stands to lose. What action should be taken/Policy? For the Conservatives, nothing need to be done since global warming is a naturally phenomenon, it will correct itself in time. If, on the other hand, global warming is a clear and present threat to the quality of the atmosphere as the facts showed or environmentalist argued, then the Administration would recommend legislations to regulate global warming. The regulation could impose companies to reduce their Carbone Monoxide, and others policies to protect our environment from mass pollution.     

Are Malls a safe place?

I am personally scary after I saw the images of the shooting in Oregon Mall on Tuesday. Three people were killed, including the shooter. By going to the Mall during these Holidays, we don’t if our lives are protected. After all, people should discuss the issue of gun control.

 There are millions of “crazy people” up there who possess guns and weapons, and sue them in a wrong way, taking others’ lives without regret. Violence associated with guns is increasing every year and something must to be done to stop it. The gun legislation in the United States is mostly based on a State level, that’s why it is hard to compromise solutions for all.

 I believe, gun legislation should be abolished in favor of federal gun legislation. Places like Malls, theaters crowd of people are targeted by “shooters” like the one in Oregon who could kill no matter who you are, children, women, seniors, etc. Regulation of guns is necessary action that needs to be taken in order to save lives.   

The Never Ending Trend of Cigarette Smoking

If there is one thing that has withstood the test of time it is cigarette smoking. A variety of people smoke cigarettes. I have been exposed to it all of my life. When I was a junior I noticed people around my age or either a few years younger than me or a few years older than me smoking a cigarette. Now being in college I see people smoking everywhere. I see smoking outside of the McCarthy Center, outside of the library, walking to commuter lots. I see it in other places other than on the Framingham State University campus. I see it outside of the Natick mall, when people drive their cars; I have even seen people smoke in their own house. This is appropriate and legal, but all you are doing is killing yourself slowly.  This makes me question if I was the only one listening in health class when they said cigarettes are bad for you.

I have thought about having a cigarette and I have even tricked people into thinking I would smoke one. BUT I HAVE NEVER SMOKED A CIGARETTE AND I NEVER WILL. I do not understand what the attraction is to cigarettes in this generation. The media does not portray cigarettes like it did in other generations. It is illegal for tobacco companies to advertise cigarettes. Meaning the media cannot be the main cause. I have heard stress is a cause, but smoking does not make stress go away. Even on the package it tells you cigarettes are bad for you by saying “This product can cause cancer.” But I have heard all of the stories about cigarettes being addictive. My advice is do not start smoking cigarettes, no matter how bad your life or how "cool" you think it is.  

Tobacco companies make millions of dollars a year. Pharmaceucitcal companies have created methods to "stop" people from smoking such as patches and electronic cigarettes. I have heard numerous stories about the patches so I do not trust them. I have seen how blu cigarettes help. It is not smoke, but water vapor that you can customize with different flavors and add or remove nicotine. This product helped my father and step mother from smoking. But when does cigarette smoking end? Better yet when will it die down? I hope the next generation of people will not get involved with cigarette smoking. I would love to see cigarettes die out and tobacco companies fall. But for now this is only a dream.

The New Disney Channel

Growing up I loved to watch the Disney channel. It was full of good quality shows that were appropriate for kids and preteens to watch. There was Even Stevens, Lizzy Maguire, Hannah Montana, and Boy Meets World, but now Disney Channel has kind of gone downhill.

These shows were all shows that were relatable to the intended audience. Even Stevens was a show about a family with three kids with different personalities like Ren the studious sister, Donny the athlete, and Louis the trouble maker younger brother. This show was one my friends and I could relate to as well as, other kids because everyone either has a trouble maker in their family or knows of a family with one. The Lizzy Maguire show was mainly about three friends growing up together in junior high and dealing with all the obstacles they had to face from social problems to acne to academic issues. This was a show that helped preteens cope with issues going on in their lives because of how the show portrayed real life situations. Hannah Montana on the other hand was a show where a girl was living a secret double life and only a few people knew about it but it showed how ordinary kids can follow their dreams and grow up to be whatever they want to be. Lastly there was Boy Meets World. This was also a show that was about friends growing up and dealing with all sorts of problems from middle school all the way to college. This was my absolute favorite show because it was a good story that everyone could relate to and had a great cast.

All of those shows eventually had to come to an end and make room for new shows, but the only problem with these new shows is their quality and what they are teaching the younger generations. These newer shows are not so much down to earth and relatable in the ways the old shows were. These new shows teach kids to misbehave, be rude, and not care about school. For example, I was babysitting for two kids recently and they wanted to watch a show called “Dog with a Blog” on Disney Channel. After watching it I was kind of disappointed with how Disney channel has changed. Throughout the entire episode there things that shouldn't be in children's shows such as trash talk about school, not going to do homework (making it sound like that was okay to do), their talking dog was looking up pictures of girl dogs and making comments about their looks, as well as using inappropriate language.  Now I am not sure how the show quality went from genuine, funny and relatable to teaching kids it is okay to misbehave, use inappropriate language, and not care about school but if I had a kid I would not let them watch this crap, would you?

Under-aged and Overexposed.

Many retailers have been making tighter jeans, shorter skirts and more revealing tops for girls as young as three-years-old. It seems like year after year, clothing for young girls gets skimpier and skimpier.

Television shows like “Toddlers & Tiaras” on TLC depict over-sexualized images of children. This show is basically about girls up to 12-years-old who dress up like they are in their twenties and compete to see who is “the most beautiful”. Little girls watching at home can quickly be manipulated to think that the only ways they will be accepted in society is if they act like divas, if makeup is caked on their faces and if their midriffs are showing.

If things like this are being shown in the media, it is up to parents to decide whether or not they want their daughters to be exposed to it. If they do allow their daughters to watch, it is their responsibility to reassure them that they do not need to act or look older to be beautiful. However, it seems like a lot of parents aren’t having that talk with their daughters, because I have seen one too many little girls dressed inappropriately lately.

Once a girl turns fourteen she is eligible for a job, meaning she can afford to buy some of her own clothes. She is already under the impression that “less is better”, and once she has her own money, she can continue to dress skimpy.

When kids and teens wear sexy clothes, it’s not just distracting, it is dangerous as well. When they are giving off the illusion that they are older, older males will be attracted to them. Then, these girls can easily lie about their age and get themselves into serious trouble. But who do we blame?

The media… for being a bad influence?

Parents… for not putting their foot down?

Or retailers… for making these clothes in the first place?

Styles of Teaching

     With the semester coming to a close, professors are starting to hand out evaluations for students to complete. As I filled out evaluations for each professor, I began thinking more about each of their teaching styles, and which classes have really been effective in allowing me to learn new information.

     Most students prefer to have a professor who is more laid back, gives less work and is an easy grader. However, in many cases people feel a laid back approach is risky and may result in the student not learning anything. In some cases this may be true, if the professor gives little work and gives students good grades for work that may not effectively show an understanding of the topic.

    This isn’t always true, though. In one of my classes in particular, the professor is very laid back and constantly engages in conversation with the students in the class. He doesn’t seem to worry too much about grading based on whether or not the student fully met the goal of the assignments, instead he gives more credit if he can tell a student put a lot of effort in even if they missed one or two things. The workload overall was less, but we were still tested several times on the material, and because there wasn’t really any added stress due to major assignments during the semester, it was easier for me and other students to relax and take in the knowledge he was giving.

     Most of the professors I have had have been somewhere in between the two extremes. I’m not saying that every professor needs to do things exactly like that one particular class, I just feel one can learn just as much or even more from a class like this, even if the workload isn’t extremely challenging. 

Let's Talk About Fame.

Fame is money, talent, and popularity in one. Do people need fame though? I have noticed that the more shine people get, the more they change (especially towards people). For example, the female rapper artist Nicki Minaj made millions with the Young Money Crew and got plastic surgery all over her body. Now she calls herself a "Barbie". What grown woman calls herself a Barbie? Anyways, the way she talks, moves, and blinks, it's like she transformed herself after the fame. 

Now, I strongly believe everyone should be treated equally, but how can celebrities treat us equal when they talk about how much money and diamonds they have? Or the mansion they own in their new movie. Does everyone have that? No. So what's the point of always showing the riches and not what's real?

Celebrities that do music should not only display what money can do, but what you can do. There are many adolescence's who want to become music artists, even I had wanted to in my life time, but the picture some artists portray to these people are wrong.

All I'm saying is it would be nice to listen to someone's story about how they got fame instead of how much they spent on a Gucci scarf.

This is just me speaking out loud, if you take any interest on this subject I would be pleased to read your comment(s). Thank you!

Old School Textbooks

I am currently a sophomore at Framingham State University and I must say I find textbooks to be the biggest waste of money on the entire campus. I can understand how they were important back before we had technology that we do in the present time. But why do we still have them? I have taken courses that have no textbook. I have also had classes where the professor does not use the textbook in class. I think I have only had three classes where the professor uses the textbook while he or she is lecturing. In all of these cases however, I think professors can find a way to tech their course without a textbook. On this university everyone is required to have a laptop. Professors can tell their students to bring in their laptops to use along with the lecture. Whether it is to take notes or to look something up. Now in a textbook if someone needs to find something they have to browse the book or if they are lucky it is in the index or glossary. But someone who needs to find the same thing can just google it on their computer and browse.

Now another bad thing about textbooks is how heavy they can be. I commute to school Monday through Friday. I have six textbooks that vary in height and weight. Some I do not need everyday, so I might not need all six. Regardless they can still be heavy which puts strains on my back. Children grow up with this but it is not fair if it could result in a bad back.I'm not sure about others but I do not want to grow up being hunched over.

The last bad things about textbooks is that they cannot be updated easily. Professors have to update there textbooks as often as that actual company updates their textbook. The Internet can be updated frequently and easily. If companies have to keep updating their textbooks they are making people pay more money for updated information that people can just google. I will say textbooks were at one time relevant and important. But times have changed and college students and professors can learn the material required through the course another way.

Elections and Negative Ads...

The percentage of negative ads ran during the 2012 election was up dramatically over the previous one (2008). At least 70% of ads aired this year have been negative. ‘The election is a formal decision, a process by which a population chooses an individual to hold the public office’. During That period in the United States, the presidential election was reported through a variety of newspapers, television programs, radio commercials…which allow the candidates to reach a huge number of constituents.

 During the campaign, we have learned a lot between President Obama and the former governor Romney through the media. The most obvious side of this election was how both candidates have attacked each other’s approaches and the major issue: the economy. Like in any election, people who run for office will try to convince their supporters and persuade undecided electors to their side. They usually try to “destroy” their rival for their good benefit.

The use of these ads is designed to influence voters through the use of rhetoric as a technique for both candidates to maximize gains. As we know, campaign strategists know when it is a good time to reach a bigger audience as much as they can. That is the great opportunity to promote a candidate and also to go against the other opponents.

 Since the president took office in 2008, the improvement of our economy was seen as a crucial issue. Mitt Romney had blamed the President for not handling the problem and for him that was one of the key arguments to change people mind on the Election Day. In the other hand, President Obama had tried to reassure Americans what he had done, his proposal for the future if he get elected.   

Happy Holidays

     It’s that time of year again. As soon as thanksgiving came to an end, people started getting out the Christmas decorations, and stores, including my own workplace, have started playing Christmas music. Often times people refer to it as the most wonderful time of year, but for many people that really isn’t the case.

     A good point that someone made in one of the comments on my other blog entry has to do with school work. For the many students who are like me, this time of year is filled with high levels of stress. Basically every class I have had large projects to focus on, along with having to deal with the hours of studying for final exams. Because the main focus of my life after thanksgiving right up until the days just before Christmas is on schoolwork, this isn’t actually the most wonderful time of year for me.

     This time of year isn’t only stressful for students. It definitely has an impact on the workplace as well. In my place of employment, along with many others, things get busier in the weeks leading up to the holidays. This obviously puts more pressure on me as a worker. However, I don’t really care very much if it is busy, in fact I actually prefer it to be fairly steady because time goes by faster. What bothers me is the attitude of customers during the holiday season. Most of the year I have little complaints about the way customers treat me and my fellow employees, but during the holiday season things get out of control. Last year, multiple time the story was very busy and several customers said rude things to the employees. The reason to me seems obvious. People are getting stressed out at this time of year. People need to stop stressing so much about things like holiday shopping, and enjoy the holiday the way they should be. 

The Right to Racial Profiling

A couple weeks ago I posted a blog about the Second Amendment and how it’s outdated definition is no longer practical.  I was pleased with the feedback I got and decided to explore other amendments to see if they’re equally problematic.   The Fourth Amendment which states, “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probably cause, supported by Oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Ultimately, the Fourth Amendment protects against “unreasonable” searches of individuals and their property and ensures that the government officials and, in particular, law enforcement officers do not invade an individual’s privacy.  However, the definition of what qualifies as an “unreasonable search” is nonexistent nor does it explain how illegally obtained information or evidence may be used in a criminal trial . Which means that government officials and law enforcement officers are fundamentally responsible for using their own judgment to determine whether a search is necessary.  

When applied responsibly, the Fourth Amendment is exceedingly adequate in preventing drunk driving, illicit drug use, terrorism similar dangerous situations.  For example, consider a situation in which a motor vehicle is stopped by a police officer who witnessed the operator swerving and driving recklessly.  In this instance, the police officer justifiably has a probable cause to believe that the operator is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Conversely, imagine there has been several reports of illicit drug distribution in a local community and a police officer passes a house in the community that is emitting an odor of marijuana.  Therefore, the police officer forcibly breaks down the door to the house and conducts a thorough search of the property owner’s property and belongings.   

While these are two completely different situations, the consequences are largely the same.  As Rick Ungar states in a recent Forbes magazine article entitled, “Supreme Court Erodes 4^th Amendment Protections-Eases Ability for Police to Enter Your Home Without Warrant,” “In a surprising 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that police can knock down the door to your home and enter if they hear noise or are suspicious of any illicit activity that may lead them to believe that evidence is being destroyed”.  The violation of individual’s personal privacy by overzealous law enforcement officers is just one complication of the Fourth Amendment.  Essentially, the Fourth Amendment should be a matter of weighing individual privacy over public security.  Especially in a post 9/11 society where the threat of terrorism is always relevant, a breach of the Fourth Amendment should only manifest in situations where there is an immediate danger to the public.