Don't miss this timely and illuminating run-down of who actually pays what taxes at the state and local level. If you want every last detail and stat you can download Bob McIntyre's whole study here. Historically, the federal government has almost always been the ally of the weak, whether that be in racial or economic terms. The states ... not so much. This is yet another good example.

By the way, Bob McIntyre -- DC's Lord of Progressivity -- has a lot more expertly crunched numbers here at the Citizens for Tax Justice website -- one of the true gold mines of information about fiscal policy.