This afternoon, I participated in my 24^th commencement ceremony. This one (like the last nine) was for the students at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas, where I am an administrative drudge. It is always fun to see our students graduate, and it is always hard to see them go. What follows will be a sentimental and optimistic tribute to the students who graduated today. Continue at your own risk.

As the legislative session in Illinois nears its conclusion on May 31, several issues, including gay marriage, remain unresolved in the state. Now, Governor Pat Quinn is directly calling on the Legislature to solve the issue.

For most, the term 'drone' has come to reflect a dangerous and abused weapon of war capable of targeting enemies from above. The politically charged debate on drone policy has seen a transformation in the last year, however, as the potential for drones to occupy the airspace at home moves to the forefront of the national dialogue.

Over the past year, the issue of gun control, or more specifically, whether the existing laws dictating who may purchase firearms are effective, has become a contentious topic of debate. In the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook, calls for stricter regulations, background checks, and limitations for would-be gun owners have once again filled the halls of state legislatures and the nation’s capitol.

The Second Amendment And States' Rights

Next week, Governor Brown will announce the revised state budget for May and California is expected to have an important surplus for the first time in years. However, before Californians expect too much from the Legislature, they need to understand that this could be a one-time revenue gain.