Back in 2001, Dr. Roy Cordato predicted Governor Easley and other pro-lottery policy makers way over estimated lottery proceeds. Even Dr. Cordato?s report predicted higher than what we now know. Today?s article in the News & Observer continues to report on the lower than expected sales. Gov. Easley?s solution is to give more flexibility to the lottery officials to raise the prize payouts. OK, so we will just put a bigger carrot out there for poorer families to gamble away their money. The ?education lottery? continues to be a sad joke on the citizens of North Carolina.