Weak Job Figures for June, The Pauls Tout Internet Freedom, Zimmerman Bashed by Judge: P.M. Links

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  • The jobless rate remains unchanged at 8.2 percent, says the Labor Department, as employers added only 80,000 jobs in June — a figure that was (wait for it) lower than expected.

  • Mitt Romney's strategly of running for president as a sort of colorless piñata is drawing criticism from Republicans who urge him to advocate for something. Anything.
  • Rep. Ron Paul and Sen. Rand Paul released a document celebrating the unfettered nature of the Internet and advocating for keeping the world-wide network free of government regulation.
  • The presidential campaign of Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson picked up another $130,059 in federal matching funds. The money comes from a $3 voluntary check-off on tax returns. So far, the Johnson campaign has received $230,059 from the program.
  • In an effort to keep Italy from becoming the next Greece, Prime Minister Monti issued a decree cutting the budget by 5 billion euros beyond previous cuts, and gradually reducing the state work force. The decree must be approved by parliament within sixty days or it expires.
  • The judge overseeing George Zimmerman's bail accused the high-profile defendant of stockpiling cash and preparing to flee the country. "This kid can't disappear. That's a safe bond," says longtime bail bondsman Jack Benveniste "He's very visible: It would take two minutes to find him."
  • A long-shot effort to legalize marijuana for medical use by the people of Kentucky is being promoted by Sen. Perry Clark (D-Louisville) in honor of Gatewood Galbraith, the state's prominent marijuana advocate, who passed away in January.
  • Journalists, bloggers, and writers from around the world are invited to enter the 2012 Bastiat Prize for Journalism, which will honor commentary, analysis, and reporting that best demonstrates the importance of freedom and its underlying institutions.

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