What I've been reading

• Veronique de Rugy provides evidence that democracies can cut spending. Now that would be some real hope and change. 

• Andrew Cockburn gives the humanitarian case against sanctions. We don't help weaken governments we don't like by impoverishing their citizens. 

• Michael Connolly presents a teachable moment from the iPhone 4 mess. 

• Greg Mankiws notes some problems with biofuels. 

• Michael Cannon highlights journalists who contribute to the perception of government-provided health care as free.  Then again, if you're one of the 45% of households that don't pay any income tax, maybe it really is free.