Recommended reading

• The New York Times details the Cuban government's decision to lay off 500,000 workers. Some interesting quotes in there. 

• Mark Perry writes about consumer sovereignty. His sentiment sounds rather familiar. 

• Both the NYT and Washington Times note problems with green jobs/energy.

• Bryan Caplan argues that libertarians should embrace austerity rather than free market reforms such as social security privatization. It's food for thought.

• Russ Roberts explains why inequality is a red herring. 

• Michael Cannon rounds up reactions to Kathleen Sebelius's threat to health insurance companies. 

• It's election season, which means that Democrats are out bashing free trade. 

• Matt Welch notes a shift in rhetoric by the White House on its much-hyped "recovery summer."