Casinos? Not to worry
Brummett todays dispenses with the vexing legal argument that Lt. Gov. Bill Halter's lottery amendment could open a box full of gambling pandoras.
Speaking as one of the left-wing pundits he references, I remain ambivalent about the lottery. If it's passed, I'll play. I don't begrudge -- or feel it's my place to vote no to prevent -- the expenditures by people who can't afford the sucker bets. WLR is full of people who can't afford their houses and bass boats, etc. Let them spend. I believe the lottery benefits will largely be enjoyed, as is the case in other lottery-for-college states, by middle class and up people already headed to college. I believe the gambling will provide a false sense of fulfillment on the part of legislators toward meeting higher education needs. I believe it will require, over time, more gimmicks, more marketing, more gambling options to continue to provide a reliable level of revenue.
But .... everybody else is doing it.
It will pass.
Comments
Max those are some pretty good reasons to vote "NO" on the lottery. Maybe Jerry Cox should call you up and add you as a consultant!
Posted by: Achbani![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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October 5, 2008 10:18 AM
If more can go to college, does it matter what "class" they are from?
Posted by: Doc![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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October 5, 2008 10:27 AM
Of course "it" will pass. Many things would "pass" were people given a chance to vote. Bill Halter
didn't need to look very far to see that culturally Ark is very akin to Okla, Missouri and Texas.
Medical marijuana would pass in a jiffy were a vote of the people to be allowed.
Instead, backroom games about the petitions containing mistakes are used to thwart.
Animal cruelty laws would pass if given a ballot position.
And regarding your judgment on
"I believe the lottery benefits will largely be enjoyed, as is the case in other lottery-for-college states, by middle class and up people already headed to college."
As Bill Halter repeatedly points out the main reason students don't finish college is finances.
They run out of money.
.
Posted by: eLwood![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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October 5, 2008 11:38 AM
Prohibiting cell phone conversations in cars would also pass, if allowed to go to a vote.
Posted by: Republicans for Obama![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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October 5, 2008 03:06 PM
Maybe, maybe not Max. It's failed before and I know of a few who will vote no and not just on religious grounds.
Posted by: docholliday![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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October 5, 2008 11:44 PM