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Interesting points. Lotteries look pretty good on the surface, but underneath you see the real story. I don't agree that a lottery should be considered a regressive tax because people aren't REQUIRED to pay it.

Ms. Cheek implies that the lottery is a morality issue. As we all know, morality cannot be legislated nor dictated. And how any individual spends his or her money is strictly up to them. And that's why North Carolinians are traveling north, south, and soon west, to participate in a state run lottery.

As to how much money is generated, I prefer to talk actual dollars rather than percentages. In the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2005, the Georgia Lottery transferred over $188 million to its Education Account. This brings the total amount raised to over $7 billion since the lottery's inception some ten or so years ago. Personally, I don't care if that is 10%, 20%, or whatever percent. I do care that that figure has gone to scholarships and educational programs for the state. I obtained these figures from www.galottery.com if anyone wants to check them.

To me, particpation in a state run lottery is close akin to bad television or alcohol consumption. If you don't want to watch the program, change the channel. If you don't want to consume alcohol, don't buy it. And if you don't want to buy a lottery ticket, put your money back in your pocket. Just don't mess it up for the rest of us.

Whether or not it's an education based lottery or not, that's extra money going to the schools is it not? And boosts more economics imho. In the short time that I've been here, I've seen many friends cross the border for a ticket. Whether or not the money is going to state, or education, I would say to keep NC money in NC.

I find it amusing that people are quabbling about how not all of the money would go the education. It is a government driven lottery. Nothing is ever efficient or done well. I would rather that an extra 10 million go to education than nothing at all.

Just my two cents.

Mad Dog, If morality can not be legislated, then what are laws based upon?

Mad Dod, if morality cannot be legislated, why is gambling in a poker game illegal in NC?

Or definitions of marriage, or anti-marijuana laws, or anti-prostitution laws, etc. etc. etc. Morality (or the politician's definition of it) is most definitely legislated.

ECU, laws are (or are supposed to be, anyway) based on protecting and securing the rights of individuals.

To All,

I agree with Rusty in that the politicians's definition of morality is what is being legislated. As to the question "What are laws based on?", you tell me. If you look at some of the laws that have been passed, I'm not real sure what they are based upon.

Rusty, Is "protecting and securing the rights of individuals" a moral good?

Mad Dog, If you're NOT SURE what the laws are based on, how can you know that morality CANNOT be legislated as you asserted above?

ECU, I have no idea where you're going with your question, but yes. Securing the rights of individuals is a good thing.

Rusty, Your answer to my question simply points out that law IS based on someone's morality. It is an erroneous statement (you did not state this yourself) that "you can't legislate morality". All laws should have some sort of moral basis to encourage the good and discourage or punish the bad (or evil).

The fact that protecting rights is a good thing does not mean all laws should be based on moral interpretation.

I say again: the basis for laws should be whether they "secure our rights". Not whether or not the object of the law is moral.

Perhaps we should contact our representatives as Ms. Cheek suggested and let them know we want to decide whether NC has a lottery or not.

why not tax all lottery winnings by North Carolinans at 100 percent. Maybe that would stop money from going out of the state.

Well, the lottery looks like it is going to pass. I would bet my entire life savings, that in 10 years, kids will still be going to school in 'temporary' buildings. Lottery or no lottery. Since we have so many gamblers out there, anyone want to match my bet?

Mr. T, I'll see that bet and raise you: I bet you my life savings AND my cat that in 10 years, we'll also have higher taxes and more government involvement in still MORE areas where they shouldn't be!

The Lottery is a tax just like any other tax; it is a tax on gullibility. If you don't believe that, then take a close look at who is buying all of those lottery cards in SC. Stand there near the counter and see what happens. It will enlighten you.