Rash of scratching afflicts Sooners

Starting today the Oklahoma Lottery sells scratch tickets at 1200 retail outlets. The serious lottery games begin down the road, including the Oklahoma linkup to the multi-state Powerball (which we last heard was up to $240,000,000). Even with 8% stealth inflation -- so called because the Federal Government has learned to cleverly mask the numbers -- $240 mil is still enough money to pay taxes and live comfortably for a month or so.

Sure many thousands of saps have to invest and lose the baby's milk money in order for one or two lucky stiffs to ruin their lives with unearned, unexpected wealth. That's the new American way, sweetheart! Be one with the universe, like the lillies of the field that neither sew nor spin, produce nothing but expect to be rewarded anyway.

Rather enjoyed listening to KRMG (740 AM) earlier today as seven members of the on-air staff scratched off seven $1 Lucky 7 tickets bought before the broadcast.

Of the seven tickets, only one paid off. For $2.

"Let's see," said host Joe Kelley, "we spent $7 to make $2. (Pause) That doesn't work."

Count on the fact that few will listen to reason, especially with the Gov. Brad "You Betcha" Henry and the Lottery Commission promising that the odds are better than one in five.