The lottery piece to me screams (without getting too political) that folks in poorer regions are not looking for marginal increases in their pay (that often politicians spout as the answer to people's economic woes). People want to have much better standards of living, that doesn't come with a tiny pay increase.
They're looking for their shot at the American Dream...which for many is more and more out of reach, with a lottery being seen as a route (however illogical) to get there.
Not to excuse the poors, but the marginal tax rates they face are practically 100%. Go big or go home makes a lot more sense then tiny income increases.
That’s my whole point - they’re not looking for marginal increases.
So when political classes talk about increases to minimum pay etc, people don’t buy it, as it won’t help them change their lives in any meaningful way.
And yes, I agree with your point re. life changing - but if you’re poor, you won’t have the luxury of thinking of many other ways to dramatically alter your income. Hence the draw to quick fixes, however delusion, like winning the lottery.
The lottery piece to me screams (without getting too political) that folks in poorer regions are not looking for marginal increases in their pay (that often politicians spout as the answer to people's economic woes). People want to have much better standards of living, that doesn't come with a tiny pay increase.
They're looking for their shot at the American Dream...which for many is more and more out of reach, with a lottery being seen as a route (however illogical) to get there.
How do the cash for homes people get away with it? I assume they are in the same business. Is it just because they are doing it the dumb low tech way?
Not to excuse the poors, but the marginal tax rates they face are practically 100%. Go big or go home makes a lot more sense then tiny income increases.
That’s my whole point - they’re not looking for marginal increases.
So when political classes talk about increases to minimum pay etc, people don’t buy it, as it won’t help them change their lives in any meaningful way.
And yes, I agree with your point re. life changing - but if you’re poor, you won’t have the luxury of thinking of many other ways to dramatically alter your income. Hence the draw to quick fixes, however delusion, like winning the lottery.