Reading the letters section is a great way to find out what community members are thinking and feeling. We can blame the riot on alcohol, immature college students and even the police. I do believe all three things were factors, however, we need to focus on ensuring safety for all.

First, I believe strongly that police officers need to use less force and more intelligence. Too often young people are mistreated in less aggravated situations, and when violent situations occur, young people, in my opinion, are likely to retaliate for prior mistreatment.

I feel that the "majority of students (who) were following the officers' orders" (as stated by Matthew Schmell) would leave out of respect and concern for the officers, the situation or their own safety.

Second, college students go to college looking for the all acclaimed "college experience."

That comes in different forms for every student. Many students had theirs on Friday night.

To those "thrill seekers," I stress the need to keep safety as a priority in all aspects of having that experience. Whether your experience is sexual, or an alcohol- or drug-related venture, or even if it takes place protesting or celebrating with thousands of other people, safety should be a priority.

I ask all people to reconsider the potentially harmful situation you are causing with these riots. I fear the next one could be worse. I would urge police to keep up their good work enforcing laws and to find harmless ways to send drunken and disorderly people home.

I seriously question the use of spray; I wonder if perhaps spraying water on the crowd with fire hoses (from a distance) could be used. Perhaps the students and the police need to work together to find solutions. Here's one idea I hope will help in the pursuit of peace.