We wish we could be optimistic about the special session that Gov. Pat Quinn has called for next week to work on meaningful pension reform.

But the lack of courage among legislators to deal with an $83 billion unfunded liability remains predictable, particularly as elections approach in November. Given those circumstances, there doesn’t seem to be anything magical about Aug. 17.

Whatever reform takes place will raise the ire of powerful public employee unions in a state controlled by Democrats who hope to keep it that way.