The following is a Counterpoint commentary:

By Nancy Banks

It should be noted that when Eddie Davis, the full-time paid employee of the North Carolina Association of Educators, endorses the proposed state lottery, he does not speak for all North Carolina teachers.

I am retired public school teacher with 32 years experience in the classroom, and I don't believe the lottery will help our public schools. I understand that public education needs more money, and new schools need to be built, but the lottery is not the answer.

Many of us understand that the lottery is primarily a grab for money and power by politicians who will probably use the money as they please. That's what has happened in other states where the lottery was established as a so-called education lottery, and I fear that is what will happen in North Carolina.

A state-run lottery contradicts the most important thing we teach children: that they should value knowledge and honest work, and a good life will follow. The lottery teaches just the opposite: "Don't work. Don't educate yourself. Buy a ticket and get rich quick." What the lottery hucksters won't tell you is that your chances of getting struck by lightning are greater than winning the lottery.

School construction funds were among the first to be diverted to general government expenditures two years ago during the budget crunch. Gov. Mike Easley is recommending a $15 million cut in school construction funds this year. Budget writers in the General Assembly now are contemplating a $200 million-plus reduction in education funding, apparently in anticipation of the lottery.

I believe Bill Friday and former Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Ward when they say after much thoughtful consideration that a lottery will hurt, not help, our public schools in North Carolina. People will believe what politicians have told them over and over that lottery money will solve our education funding problems. Thus, taxpayers will be less likely in the future to support increased school budgets.

If lottery money becomes available, politicians will reduce traditional revenue support and our schools will go begging. That has happened in Florida, California, Ohio and many other states where lottery money was promised for schools, and it will happen in North Carolina.

I'm confident that many North Carolina teachers understand this and agree with me. Shame on our leaders for trying to deceive us with this sinister scheme.

The writer is a Raleigh resident.