As I was walking across campus on my way to class Wednesday, I was utterly appalled to see a melee near the Administration Building on the banks of the Red Cedar River. Students were lying out, reading, and talking to each other. Ever since Saturday, I realized that a peaceful gathering is the new riot for the year 2005, so as soon as I witnessed these students "rioting" I quickly turned the other way.

My biggest concern is if the East Lansing Police will teargas 20 students with five canisters, after the "riots" were over, (thank you East Lansing police, I didn't even know I was breaking the law) then where is the riot gear and the gas canisters when five to six times as many students are hanging out by the river? Maybe you were unaware such crime has been happening as an everyday occurrence on campus, I know I was.

And what about Sundays? Every week the students take their "riots" and go into churches, for a peaceful gathering. We can no longer let this stand.

I demand action. I no longer feel safe anywhere on campus or in East Lansing.

On a serious note, if no apologies are made and there is no retribution given to the students, ask yourself, East Lansing and Michigan State officials, what precedent you are setting for next year. Celebrate peacefully and nondestructively or like a bunch of idiots and you will receive the same treatment.

Mark Weber
civil engineering senior