Taxes on tobacco are designed, in part, to discourage smoking. We also feel that the lottery is an easy way out of raising taxes for education. If not, then don't. But don't wimp out with a lottery. The legislators must have the courage to spend money where it is most needed, raising taxes or spending less elsewhere.
Legislators shirk their duty when they cut taxes and then initiate a lottery as a substitute.
We expect the legislature to show leadership. Following the a public opinion poll is not leadership. Difficult decisions must not be shunted off to the voters. North Carolina does not permit issues to be determined by referendum, as in California and other states. We do not elect our legislators to blindly follow our direction.