Thanks, sick of thugs, I appreciate the comments. I agree it's a slippery slope once you allow politicians to push through something minor in a sneaky way -- a trick like that can only escalate. I hope it doesn't. But I guess it'd be too optimistic to think that the State Legislature is miraculously clean now that Jim Black is gone. ;-)

Since I enjoy the lottery, I admit I'm being selfish when I look the other way. We'll probably just have to agree to disagree on this one.

And I did read your blog -- very interesting! I'm sick of thugs, too, especially the ones in my neighborhood and in my children's schools. It's downright scary. You probably know my stance on human life and capital punishment; still, society today will make a man start to rethink some priorities, y'know?

Btw, are you an LEO? Sounds like you are, from the posts on your GoLo site. (But according to Die Hard 2, cops love the Lottery!)

Seriously, if you are one, thanks, and be careful!

You Are Correct Sir. Let me first say that I do enjoy talking back and forth with you. Your posts promote thought to many different discussions and I appreciate it. With that said I wanted to respond to the " but the bill they passed was victimless" comment you stated. It was not "victimless". By your own admission the bill was not passed the proper way. That means that WE are all victims of crooked politics. Thats not right. We (well, some of us) voted certain people into positions of authority and we should expect them to do the right thing. If we all just say that its ok and let it roll off our backs then does that make it alright? How many other laws are going to go into effect this way? Are we going to continue to allow it?------Check out my blog on my profile and post..Thanks!

sick of thugs 4: 'You Are Correct Sir. How can you say that it doesn't matter "how it was passed". I think it does matter. If it was passed by back door dealing then it is everyones problem. Its not right.'

But nobody was hurt by it. We should have had one a long time ago and I'm glad they finally got one in, even if they had to vote while two dissentors were not in the session. It was sneaky, I admit, but the bill they passed was victimless. I wouldn't be so cavalier about their methods if it had been something more important, with further-reaching ramifications -- that's hypocritical, I know, but the Lottery just isn't that big of a deal. It's something fun for consenting adults, and nobody was hurt by squeaking it through.

As far as schools receiving the benefit from the lottery, I'll believe that when I see reduced class sizes, better resources, schools that can accomidate the number of students attending, and enough staff to provide the instruction students deserve. THEN I may play to support it.

Your comments are not relevant. I guess we are even. On a lighter note, check out my blog and let me know what you think in the form of a post!