In reply to Edgar (aka MrConsumer).

I understand in essence what you're saying Edgar. I think it is more that we disagree fundamentally on the what the state's role here and in similar situations should be. The idea of a state run lottery is a nightmare to me and I don't play those games at all, but I believe any private entity that wants to run a lottery or gamble on a poker game should be allowed to. Why not let Wheaties put $50 in random boxes and how is that very different from convincing millions of people to pay money into "education" with the chance to get money back? A state run lottery is just as much gambling as your Wheaties example, being run by the state doesn't make it any better. It doesn't even prevent it from being corrupt.

Having said that, I think we differ in opinion, but both opinions are perfectly valid.

Edgar replies: The big difference, Joel, is that the proceeds of the state lottery go to a public purpose such as schools or road maintenance rather than to the bottom line of huge corporation like General Mills. Yes, we differ in outlook on this... my opinion is that gambling should not be universally allowed.