CHICAGO -- Democracy can be cruel because elections deprive the demos of the delight of alibis and the comfort of complaining. Illinois voters have used many elections to make theirs the worst-governed state, with about $100 billion in unfunded public pension promises, and $6.7 billion in unpaid bills. The state is a stark illustration of prolonged one-party rule conducted by politicians subservient to government employees unions.

Within the next few weeks, the Legislature will officially deliver the fiscal 2014-15 budget to Gov. Rick Scott for his perusal and ultimate approval.

WASHINGTON -- When my neighbor gleefully reported that Bill Maher had dedicated a searing monologue to me for a column about the Donald Sterling/Cliven Bundy rants, my first thought was, Nah.If I tussled with everybody who tossed a brick through the window, I'd never get the draperies hung.