A new generation of billionaires is remaking American cities. The cities are better off; the democratic process sometimes suffers.

Centrism is smart presidential politics. But it's ideological zeal that dominates the state electoral scene these days.

Florida legislator Susan Bucher is a woman of strong opinions. She's willing to express them anywhere, anytime.

In some parts of the country, playing sports in the street is part of the urban culture, like stickball in New York. Generations of suburban kids have grown up, too, with a basketball hoop on the cul-de-sac and after-school games.

There are some who say that direct democracy is the wave of the future in American government. If I may be excused for paraphrasing John F. Kennedy, let them come to Denver.