Star Telegram -- Molly Ivins -- A monstrosity in the making

One interesting aspect of the Seriously Dumb Tax Cut we are watching develop in Washington is that we are simultaneously witnessing the effects of Seriously Dumb Tax Cuts at the state level. The states are plotzing right and left, caught in hideous binds -- whether it is better to release dangerous prisoners or cut back the schools, cut back health care for kids or nursing homes for old folks.

Despite all the screaming and yelling, the progressive income tax is the fairest form of taxation ever invented (unless you want to count the wealth tax used by most European countries). When Dwight D. Eisenhower left office, the highest marginal tax rate was 95 percent, and no one thought Ike was a communist. It's now down to 38.6 percent and due to drop to 35 percent.