East Lansing police

I can't believe that happened. If those accounts are accurate, they are very disturbing.

I've heard it from several people (who've heard it from others, so no primary sources but still ...)

I'm fairly certain that those stories are accurate, however. The official police line was that they used the gas to prevent a problem (rather than in response to the problem).

I find it interesting that 3 police officers had minor injuries (no hospital) from thrown objects (and the police were in full riot gear with giant shields and all) and between 15-20 people needed medical attention from the effects of the gas.

See also this article which includes some more information (including how the prosecutor is really going after the people they arrested).

Unbelievable. A preemptive strike precedent is GOOD! See! An abuse of power is a more accurate description.

When I was there in 1999 (no, I wasn't in town during the riots, but I was there for the buildup) it was generally understood among the student body that there were going to be riots whether MSU won or lost that weekend.

The generally accepted reason for the riots (among the students) was the feeling that the administration, police, and surrounding population had no respect for the student population. Students felt badgered and victimized.

The single best thing that could be done to prevent problems like that from happening in the future, would be to work to improve student relations.

Of course, no one wants to do something like that. It's _much_ better to act like tough guys and shoot gas at groups of people, then arrest them and make sure they get unusually cruel punishments (fine + jail time + banned from school for 2 years).

I can understand fines and jail for people who are actually rioting, but I have a hard time understanding the state's interest in keeping people from attending an institution of learning.

Yeah, the state is the reason you don't attend that institution of learning anymore!

Nah, a cost-benefit analysis (and the fact that I hated it) are the reasons why I don't attend that institution of drinking anymore.

Ain't brotherly love grand. Good one David, I liked that.

Thank you sir. I would also like to recognize you for finding the most appropriate nickname for my brother, well done.

You want everyone to know your nickname? :)