It is not only an historical fact, it's a Biblical truth; "no bad tree bears good fruit". Nothing good comes from something evil. Gambling is evil and it doesn't matter how much supposed good the money can do, it will always be tainted by the fact that poor suckers, (gamblers), are getting cheated out of their milk money in the foolish hope of crawling out of the financial despair of their lives.  The overwhelming majority of people who gamble shouldn't, but it is perceived, sometimes rightly, that winning a jackpot is their only chance of getting out of poverty. It is a cruel and immoral practice to take advantage of these people, and even more despicable to claim that it is somehow a good thing.

To hear them barking "there is a demand and we should meet it", "they need bigger jackpots to keep them interested", etc. is sickening. There is a demand for heroin and crack cocaine. Hookers are in demand. Why not have the state take over those rackets too? Claiming to have the education of our children as the motive sends them the message that the ends justify the means, which is another indisputable lie. It says 'if you can cheat a sucker, do it as long as the money is for a good cause'.

In fact, it is evident that the state has even embarked on a campaign to market the lottery to children. I have been collecting scratch tickets (used, not bought by me) and have found the names and pictures clearly aimed toward a young audience. I have test-driven this display with consistent results; the pictures, artwork, names and overall themes are childish. You would expect a piece of gum with it. Add to that the reliable placement above the candy rack and you can only conclude the obvious; children are the target audience while being touted as the beneficiaries..

I think it's time to find those lawyers who sued over "Joe Camel" and the "Marlboro Man". Their evidence was far less convincing. At the least, I intend to share my collection with the legislature. Of course, I don't expect anything to change the minds of the heartless robots on the Left. Try it yourself, look into their eyes.  They are like blank screens, almost alien.  The push for anything that advances gambling is like nourishment to them.  'Get out the way'.  As I've said more than once, the fiscal mess they are creating is intended to push us into either new taxes, or gambling.  Who do you think is favored? 

Gambling is naked greed without mercy for the victims, and the state's participation is blatant sin being embraced by our evil representatives pretending to be altruistic benefactors, while advancing the demise of our state and the creation of more misery. Gambling is a sin-tax of the most heinous and unproductive kind.  It will increase the demand for social services, law enforcement and end up costing more money than it brings in, for society at large (aka taxpayers).  Bad fruit. 

It's going to take more than just some pruning this year, we need chainsaws in Concord. There's a whole forest of bad trees there.  More importantly, we need some good saplings!  Step up, please!!!