Tony,
In our system of government, the majority does not always rule. We elect representatives to become knowledgeable on issues and make the best choice, based on the knowledge they have at the time. That best choice doesn't always mesh with popular opinion. This prevents the majority from terrorizing the minority.
According to your logic, I'm also tired of the government telling me that it is immoral to rob, steal, murder, etc... We should toss those laws too.

Bob-

It is true we live in a Republic, not a democracy. And I understand that representatives are elected to look out for the well being of the public. However, this issue has been flying around for many years with a majority of the "people" wanting a lottery. The represenataives are supposed to do what the majority wants..they are not supposed to have their own agenda. A lottery does not allow for the terrorizing of anyone! I agree that some sense of morality is needed in our lives. But comparing the lottery to murder or robbery is a little far fetched. That's like comparing a fruit salad to a bowl of fruit loops. It just doesn't make sense!

Tony,

If the majority of the people want a lottery and have for so many years, then why haven't they voted people in who would approve a lottery?

No Tony, our representatives are not just "supposed to do what the majority wants." That was the whole point of my comment about our government not being a winner takes all system. You state that you understand that but then continue to repeat the opposite. Perhaps this isn't about a personal agenda, perhaps it is a more informed ruling class creating a social structure that is best for us - whether we know it or not.
Also, I was not comparing the lottery to murder, robbing, etc. I was pointing out the flaw in your logic.

A ruling class creating a social structure that is best for us? That doesn't sound like what I learned in school. I learned a government of the people, by the people and for the people. I am not saying that a lottery is a fix-all. It isn't. But my initial point was that we are paying over $.38 per gallon of gas in taxes alone. Add to that the personal property taxes on everything from our cars to our pets. What about the tax we pay on necessities such as food? We are not talking national security where we have to trust the government to protect us from terrorists. We are talking about a game; a game that may aleviate some of our state's financial problems. Will it fix them? NO. But it won't harm anything either. I feel that if this were to be put to the people (again, it is not a national security issue, it is a game), then yes--the majority should rule. And you know what? If that means the people vote AGAINST the lottery, I'll tuck my tail and go lie down. Let's allow our state government to focus on more important issues. For the record, I am not a NC native, but have lived here 12 years. I come from a state that has a lottery...and yes, there ARE problems with it. But the greater outcome was that it WAS used for education, maintenance of state roads and assisting with lower income families. As a people, we cannot continue to force our personal moral beliefs on others. After-all, our founding fathers even recognized freedom of religion as one of the main keys to freedom. And in my native state, I rarely played the lottery. But I still look forward to the tickets my Grandma sends me every year on my birthday!

The scariest thing about "a government of the people, by the people and for the people" is the people. We have some stupid people in this country. Just last election, the voters in this state approved how many bonds that will increase our taxes? That right there tells me that stupid people still vote. So, just because the majority of people want a lottery, doesn't mean that it makes any sense.

Plus, you ever notice how people always say it is the 'poor' people who buy lottery tickets. And yet, it always seems like it is the little old 80 year old blue haired lady living in Irving Park who doesn't even need the money who always wins. Why is that?