Forgive me, but those tears being shed by Christian Schneider over the exploitation of the po' folks of Wisconsin by the state lottery have the air of the crocodile about them ("Wisconsin's War on the Poor," 7/1/11). Too bad Schneider can't work up a little outrage over the policies of our visionary new governor and majority party in the Legislature. But then, fat cats like schoolkids, old people and artists probably don't qualify as "needy" in the New Wisconsin.
Jack Guzman
Christian Schneider incorrectly suggests that the state government in some way is targeting the poor; I find no evidence of that.
They don't publish different sets of odds for winning based on someone's economic status. The state's "advertising" of the lottery is read, seen and heard by everyone regardless of economic status. I see no differences in motivation for playing the lottery based on economic status; they all play for entertainment, fun or the hope of winning a lot of money.
If I were poor I would be offended if it was asserted that I have to be protected in some special way because of my economic status.
Marshall Alwin, Middleton