We can’t help pointing out a few things. First, how are those ticket vendors supposed to figure out who is on welfare or in bankruptcy? (Maybe Jan Brewer, the infamous “papers, please” governor of Arizona, is faxing over some suggestions?)

Second, aren’t most Republicans against giving the poor that welfare money in the first place? When they buy lottery tickets, they’re handing the money directly back to the government. You’d think that would thrill conservatives! And it’s not even called a tax!

Lastly — and here’s the one that galls us most — is that statement by Rep. Stam: the poor should be using welfare money for only “the barest of necessities.” What could be more of a necessity than hope?