[cake_crumb]

"But people who have become financially independent know more than anybody else that the state lottery is a fool's game and not a valid way to increase one's wealth. As I said before, there is nothing "fun" about picking six numbers out of 30 at odds of millions to one."

I know plenty who would disagree with you about that...heck, I waste $5 or $10 bucks a month on it myself. New York Quick Draw mostly...it's fun. Like I said, I know people who drop a hundred or two a week on it. THAT is inconcievable to me, but it's their thing. I can't tell you why, but it IS fun for some people. I waste a buck a week on the football pool or baseball pool or race pool...whatever season pool it is, and I waste $10 bucks on the Super Bowl pool. Makes the games or races more interesting if nothing else.

I agree with you that the government has no right to monopolize gambling the way it does...the government seems to think that it's monopoly on "sin" is ok... althewhile decrying those same "sins", "weaknesses", whatever. Heck, flip over a lottery ticket, even an instant win ticket...on the back you'll find the 800 Gamblers Anonymous hotline of all things. The lottery is here, though. Government makes big bucks on it...and will NEVER give up it's monopoly on it.

My only point is that no one forces people, whether they're rich, "poor" or somewhere in between to buy those tickets.

[RKV]

It makes me sad when I hear of people who are addicted to gambling or other compulsive behavior. I am sorry for their families and the others they harm. But it is NONE of my business what they do (within the limits of just laws) and NONE of my problem what they do to their families. I'll take care of mine and they get to take care of theirs, or not. Their failure does not legitimize the theft of my productive efforts.