The astonishing flow of questionable legislation being cranked out of Augusta recently is impressive. Since a small rural state can only produce a certain number of truly sinister politicians, it seems likely that it’s being scripted on a national level.

At a time when the least financially secure people in the state are either just barely or not getting by, cutting minimal services while giving tax breaks to the wealthy is nothing short of bizarre. Yes, sometimes wealthy people are “job creators.” They are also owners of luxury cars and boats, and people who can afford lavish vacations.

Would the hardworking taxpayers of Maine like to finance a new swimming pool for the state treasurer’s seaside mansion? Or pick up the tuition for children from some of Maine’s wealthiest families to attend really first-rate private schools?

I think not.

De facto welfare for the wealthy — also known as “take from the needy and give to the greedy” — is an old idea that hasn’t ever worked, except to help the rich get richer.

If the extremist political fringe currently pulling the strings in Augusta is determined to damage the quality of life in Maine, it might be expected that they won’t be invited back to take another swipe at taxpayers any time soon.

And if that sounds like hot air or wishful thinking, keep an eye on Wisconsin state politics, where a similar political fringe has tried following the same script.

Gregory Onnen, Farmington