PENALTIES IN DRUG BUST SHOULD BE HARSH AS RING MARS CSU IMAGE

"Just say no." There is no doubt that by age 10 this phrase was
hammered into our brains by the officers from D.A.R.E.

True, the cartooned scenarios in the handbooks were a little cheesy,
but at least we learned crack is whack and weed, grass and chronic
all mean marijuana.

Sadly, a few - ah, I mean 75 - students from San Diego State failed
to take those handy drug lessons to heart.

Last week, about 100 people, including 75 students, were arrested in
an undercover drug sting at the university, CNN reported. Some of the
goodies gathered during the raids, named Operation Sudden Fall,
included 2 kilograms of cocaine, 350 Ecstasy pills, marijuana,
psychedelic mushrooms, hashish oil, methamphetamines, prescription
drugs, several guns and at least $60,000 in cash.

Wow, I didn't realize "Scarface: The College Years" was in the works.

As a result, six fraternities linked to the massive drug distribution
have been suspended, CNN reported. Ironically, one of the students
allegedly dealing cocaine was a month away from receiving his
master's degree in homeland security and worked under campus police
as a student community service officer.

Just the kind of caliber we need in law enforcement. Man of the law
by day, nose-candy-hound by night. It could make for a pretty
interesting reference on a resume, though. Who else could flaunt the
fact he's experienced both sides of the law? Not many, that's for sure.

And don't think these students are just going to get kicked out of
the dorms or some other kind of disciplinary probation. This doesn't
even compare to getting caught smoking weed in the dorms.

If convicted, they could face up to five years in prison and up to $2
million in fines, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

One thing's for sure - these students are completely undeserving of
pity. They knew exactly what they were doing, and they weren't afraid
to be nonchalant about it.

The students would sell to anyone who asked, including federal agents
disguised as random students, CNN reported. Fraternity members would
even send out text messages to customers advertising discounted drug
prices and other specials.

Nothing brightens up a day like a text that reads, "get ur coke, best
deals in town."

Not only will this ruin the lives and reputations of these students,
it's also hurting the California State University system.

It's no secret our school has had its fair share of bad press. And
now with San Diego State jumping onboard, it's only a matter of time
before more crap begins to hit the fan.

If you ask me, now is the time for us to be on our best behavior.

With the proposed $1 billion cuts to the from the CSU, University of
California and community college systems, these drug busts won't help
curb legislation's final decision.

Obviously, they'll think we are all more preoccupied with getting
high than getting an education.

Were these students cold hard criminals at heart? Probably not. But
did they screw up royally? Without a doubt.

Whether they were straight-A students or complete bums who learned
math from weighing weed, they need to be punished for their crimes,
and a few years behind bars should do the trick. It's sure going to
put big smiles on their parents' faces to know all the money they
spent on college tuition was so their kids' first jobs in the real
world are as prison inmates.