Tag: Furman University

Bad Soccer Played for a Good Cause

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Fabien Vorbe, U-17 Haitian National Team, Furman University Paladins
Fabien Vorbe, U-17 Haitian National Team, Furman University Paladins

Recently I had the privilege to interview Fabien Vorbe, a Furman student-athlete, who was born and raised in Haiti. 

He came to Furman University with great anticipation as a highly touted soccer recruit.  At the young age of 17, Fabien became a prominent player for U-17 Haitian National Team, competing against countries from all over the globe. 

He was named captain for the team and helped them reach the U-17 World Cup in Korea in 2007.  Fabien hails from one of the most notable footballing families in Haitian history so it was no surprise when Fabien exhibited splendid prowess out on the pitch. 

Fabien brought this prowess to Furman by starting at forward as a freshman.  This past winter, like most college students, Fabien returned home to visit his friends and family for Christmas break. 

On January 10, he left his native home to come back to school.  The Haiti he left drastically changed the day he got back.  A disastrous earthquake ravaged his home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 12, 2010. 

Fabien received word that his family made it out alive but his house was destroyed.   Some of his closest friends and teammates died in the earthquake.  Also, he was devastated to find out that his Haitian National Team coach lost his life along with 30 Football Federation members. 

To help raise money for Fabien and his family, Furman University held a school-wide soccer tournament on January 22, 2010.  I had the honor in participating in the tournament and felt honored to help out. 

It was great to see students, fellow athletes, and coaches donating to help Fabien and his family.  The story was covered by the Greenville News. 

Check out the interview with Fabien in my next post and also check out these pictures of Fabien.

Security or Liberty?

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After the introduction of many new airport security measures since September 11 like Secure Flight and full-body scanners, the ethics of these measures have been called into  question by the EU and other officials.  Issues have arisen regarding the use of the new technologies.  Janice Horowitz writing for The Huffington Post even suggests that body scanning machines are unsafe. 

At an informal meeting in Toledo, Spain this January, Napolitano and the EU agreed that “biometrics, passenger screening and the ‘identification of illicit materials’ through ‘enhanced technologies’” will become commonplace security measures in airports around the world. 

With the introduction of new screening technology, the EU hopes to “totally remove the ban on liquids” at airports. 

The goal of these technologies is to change the experience of passengers so they no longer feel like “suspects” when going through airport security.
When it comes to civil liberties and privacy, the USA and EU are as one: security comes first.

Current security measures include weight and size requirements for baggage, liquid restrictons, and bans on explosives or weapons in luggage.
Current security measures include weight and size requirements for baggage, liquid restrictons, and bans on explosives or weapons in luggage.

Over the next couple of blogs, I’d like to discuss the security measures and the reactions to these measures from frequent fliers, and students who fly to and from Furman.
I’d like my interviewees’ opinions on whether or not they see current security measures as effective means of protecting the passengers against terrorism in the air.  Should we see these new technologies as invasive towards our civil liberties, or is it worth sacrificing liberty for the sake of security?