Lottery

Every week millions of dollars are voluntarily thrown into the lottery system from the public’s pocket ($24.9 million spent in one week to try to win the $45.3 million jackpot), all because of an extremely thin chance of winning.

Wouldn’t it be nice if the public were so willing to give its dollars to the many social ills that face us? The return would not be a multimillion jackpot, but less crime, less substance abuse, better mental health services, better health care, more affordable housing, etc. We probably would see an improved quality of life for all people. These seem like better odds than the current ones offered by the lottery.

SUSAN PERLSON

Brea