Compared to prior years, the resolution of the 2006-2007 California state budget was a relatively benign affair. True, it was still late, as the constitutional deadline was June 15th. But like the line from the first Pirates of Caribbean movie, this constitutional provision has always been treated more like a “guideline,” not a firm rule. (This alone tells us a lot about the fidelity to constitutional principles held by our ruling elites). The budget was passed, happily, before the beginning of the fiscal year which started on Saturday. That has not happened since the year 2000. And there is more...