Smart Luck

A woman in New Hampshire who won a gigantic lottery prize has asked a court that she be allowed her anonymity.

Apparently, in New Hampshire, a winner's name, town and prize amount are public information.  I'd like to know who passed such a law.  I can see announcing the amount, and perhaps even the town, but it should be up to the winner to decide if her name is public or not.

I realize this isn't a widespread problem, but if suddenly I have a few hundred million dollars, the last thing I'd want is for people to know about it.  It'd be bad enough to have your friend's hitting you up.  But then there'd be all the solicitors, all the charities, looking to get a chunk.  You'd never be left alone.

Worse, there'd likely be criminals who figure you don't need to keep everything you have.  It's no wonder she's asked to remain anonymous.  The only thing I don't get is why her request isn't granted automatically.