The library is putting students in danger

The new library Webcam is a blatant misuse of modern technology. Each and every day, students at N.C. State trust that their privacy is carefully respected. Whether it’s keeping their e-mails private or ensuring that their transcripts are for their eyes only; the University typically does a wonderful job respecting the privacy of students through the proper use of technology. This time, the technology is working against students. At this very moment, stalkers, sex offenders, ex-boyfriends and ex-girlfriends everywhere can eavesdrop and easily identify the face of anyone who passes the entrance to the new Learning Commons wing of D.H. Hill. Do you see the problem here? Though Capt. Jon Barnwell of Campus Police believes that “no one can have a reasonable expectation for privacy when they are in a public area,” I strongly disagree. It is the job of Campus Police, the library and any other University-affiliated organization to do their best to protect our privacy. I applaud Anne Rudisill and the rest of the Technician staff for bringing this issue to light. Let’s focus on the safety of the current student body instead of a cheap recruitment tactic and put this Webcam to rest.

Drew BetzJunior, Business Management

Editor’s note: Due to space availability, the 250-word limit was waived for the letter below.

Reaction to Clark Leonard’s sports commentary

I appreciate your optimism concerning Andre Brown and the Wolfpack this year. I hate to see Toney Baker being hurt, but lucky for us we have two capable backs in Brown and Eugene to carry the load for us. Hopefully, Baker comes back as strong as ever next season. I knew Andre was special when he ran for over 300 yards against my high school in the State Championship game in 2004, and I’m excited to see what he can do as the only feature back in our offense.

That said, I am disappointed in the Technician‘s coverage of Saturday’s season opener against Central Florida. Instead of an article on how we got demolished on our own field, we get an article on our new starting QB, Harrison Beck. Wolfpack students need to know the truth: that the first half of the UCF game was downright embarrassing, that Tom O’Brien failed miserably in his debut and that we made unforgivable mental errors throughout the game that ultimately cost us. As depressing as last season’s seven straight losses to end the year were, Saturday was a chance for us to start with a clean slate. In true N.C. State form, we then give up an 80-yard touchdown run on the first offensive play of the game and throw an interception three plays into our own first offensive series of the year. That is about all it took for me to return to last year’s deep depression about our football team.

I’m not embarrassed by the fact that we lost. Central Florida is a better team than most would think. It is the way we lost, and the way we played in the first half, specifically, that is so demoralizing. We looked poorly coached and undisciplined and let our opponents take full momentum less than a minute into the game in our own packed stadium. I could go on, but you get the picture.

Michael RobsonJunior, First Year College