Lotto Tree?

Opponents of lotteries for education have often told of the dangerous message sent to students that it is okay to make your way off of the backs of those less fortunate (ie, let's pay for education because someone has a gambling addiction!). Of course, proponents pooh-pooh (I've always wanted to used that phrase) any notion that kids would adopt this mindset. Then comes this. Elementary students put together a Christmas tree that was displayed in the state capitol rotunda decorated with used lottery tickets. A school spokeswoman said, "they had been studying about the lottery and understood lottery money benefits public schools. They came up with a theme about the gift of education." Thankfully a Republican state representative called the school principal and Governor Henry's office, and the tree was removed.

One may say, "so what, it's just a decoration." However, when students are studying the fact that their education is paid for off of gambling money and they find out the realities of gambling (as they should), what message does that send? I don't think it's one of compassion. And to celebrate Christmas by commemorating the lottery smacks of idiocy.

So here we go. We will soon be seeing the fruits of the lottery for education. Our youngest minds will soon learn that it doesn't matter what price must be paid--who must be hurt--so long as we get ahead--that's whats important. Such a selfish mindset...one antithetical to everything Christmas stands for.