The buzz is that police security cameras located along Yonge Street over the holidays may become a permanent fixture if some downtown business owners have their way.

Cameras discourage troublemakers and aid investigators, police say.  And in the wake of surging gun crime, they help shoppers feel safe, the Downtown Yonge Street Business Improvement Association adds.

Some see the cameras as minor intrusions on individual rights in order to serve a greater good. Others fear that Big Brother lurks behind the lens and that the demise of personal privacy is nigh.

But is the idea of being observed so new to people in the 21st century? Gas stations, banks, apartment lobbies and highway overpasses point cameras at us every day. Reality TV — Big Brother's glossy little sister — is the most popular thing on the airwaves.

And how many people have camera phones, share photo blogs or post videos to YouTube?

The problem isn't that we're being watched. We're used to that.

Society’s problems lie with who’s doing the watching. Nobody complains when the CIBC tapes his or her movements. But when it’s the police — different story.

If you don't want to be observed or recorded, stay home. Pull down the shades, unplug the television and don't answer the phone.

Or accept the fact that the state has the right to use surveillance and recording technology to protect public safety.

Just don't be stupid enough to smoke a joint on Yonge Street.