I think that if someone is going to criticize the actions of the police or the students at the "riot" last weekend, they should have at least been there. The comment made that the police were forced to clear the streets after beer bottles were thrown from the balconies may be true, but it should be clear that the police were first spraying many innocent (and some not-so-innocent) people in the face with chemical spray. Most likely the beer bottles were a form of retaliation.

I was sprayed in the face by a group of officers because I asked them for help after having a large piece of ice thrown at my head while standing by a balcony door of an apartment building. When I pointed to the individual who threw the object to the police, they ignored the individual and threatened to spray me. Before I had time to respond, another officer sprayed me in the face. If this was the type of behavior that others had experienced, it is a wonder how the riot was ever stopped. I did see others provoking attacks by the police, but I also saw individuals, like myself, who were just sprayed without cause or ample warning.

I believe that a police presence was necessary, yet the force used by the police had a direct impact for the violent behaviors of many. I think that the unprovoked use of mace by some of the police should be at least considered when examining the cause of the "riot."