Dr. Judy Shelton: Why Shouldn’t the Dollar be as Good as Gold?
Oct 23, 2024
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Dr. Judy Shelton, a Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute and author of "Good as Gold," passionately advocates for sound money as a moral obligation. She critiques the Federal Reserve's inflationary policies, arguing they undermine the dollar's purchasing power and create inequality. Shelton discusses the differences between money and currency, emphasizing the need for a market-determined interest rate and the revival of a gold standard to promote economic stability. She also highlights the importance of individual entrepreneurship in fostering innovation.
Dr. Judy Shelton emphasizes that sound money is a moral responsibility of governments, ensuring value preservation for citizens over time.
The podcast critiques the Federal Reserve's inflation-targeting policies, highlighting their negative impact on purchasing power and economic equality.
Shelton advocates for a new international monetary framework anchored by gold, aiming to stabilize global currencies and promote financial accountability.
Deep dives
Understanding Sound Money as a Moral Issue
The concept of sound money is presented as a moral contract between the government and its citizens, emphasizing the need for a dependable currency system. It is argued that money should function effectively as a reliable unit of account and store of value, aligning with the original intentions stated in the Constitution. The speaker highlights that government has a responsibility to create a stable monetary system that allows individuals to plan their finances effectively. The expectation is for money to maintain its value over time, providing a solid foundation for economic decisions about saving and investing.
The Risks of Currency vs. Gold as an Asset
Purchasing gold is identified as a strategy for preserving wealth in the face of the currency's decreasing purchasing power due to inflation. It is noted that holding physical gold ensures that individuals possess an asset with intrinsic value, unlike currency, which is subject to devaluation by Federal Reserve policies. The Federal Reserve's commitment to a set inflation rate leads to a planned obsolescence of currency value, thus presenting a contrast between stable gold and the eroding value of money. This distinction underlines the importance of reconsidering how society defines sound money amidst ongoing monetary policy debates.
Challenges Posed by Central Bank Policies
It is argued that the Federal Reserve's approach to handling interest rates through discretionary policies can lead to economic distortions and investment disincentives. Notably, zero interest rates can stifle innovation by discouraging investments in riskier projects, ultimately affecting economic growth negatively. Additionally, excessive reliance on central planning for monetary policy is criticized for undermining a truly free market economy where rates should naturally adjust based on supply and demand. As economic data emerges that doesn't align with Fed projections, doubts are raised regarding the efficacy and reliability of data-driven policymaking.
The Need for a New International Monetary System
The discussion explores the implications of various central banks pursuing divergent monetary policies, which can lead to currency manipulation and exacerbate global economic tensions. A lack of a cohesive international monetary framework raises concerns about competitive devaluations, affecting the fairness of global trade. It is suggested that introducing a standardized gold-backed monetary system could stabilize exchange rates and diminish the chaos birthed by current currency wars. Gold's historical role as a reserve asset is emphasized as a potential foundation for a more equitable international economy.
The Path Forward: Gold-Convertible Treasury Bonds
Proposing the creation of gold-convertible treasury bonds as a way to link the dollar to gold is viewed as a means of restoring confidence in the U.S. financial system. Such bonds could serve as a hedge against inflation and signal a commitment to fiscal accountability, reassuring investors about the long-term value of the dollar. The idea involves utilizing a portion of the U.S. gold reserves, providing a structure that allows for a stable response to economic fluctuations. The emphasis remains on encouraging responsible government behavior while engaging citizens in discussions about sound monetary practices.
Tom welcomes a well known and interesting guest for the first time to the show, Dr. Judy Shelton. Judy is Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute and author of Good as Gold, passionately advocates for sound money as a moral obligation of governments to their citizens. Sound money, according to Shelton, should maintain its value over time, acting as an unchanging standard for economic planning and transactions. She criticizes the Federal Reserve's policy of debasing the U.S. dollar through inflation targeting, which undermines its purchasing power and creates inequality in society.
The Federal Reserve was initially established to provide an elastic currency that addressed seasonal economic fluctuations. However, the role of the Fed has shifted significantly over time, leading to concerns about its growing dependence on the government for budgeting needs and potential consequences for the economy and small businesses.
Shelton argues for market-determined interest rates, pointing to historical examples like the gold standard. She also highlights the importance of accurate data in monetary policy decision-making and critiques central banks' conflicting policies on a global scale that can lead to currency wars and instability in international trade.
Shelton advocates for a new international monetary system anchored by a gold convertible long-term US Treasury bond, which would promote stability and accountability in international transactions. She recalls her unsuccessful nomination to the Federal Reserve and expresses her belief that economic growth under President Trump's agenda and Elon Musk's involvement could lead to controlling the budget and promoting sound money. Shelton urges for less central planning by governments, believing there is a collective yearning for trustworthy, stable money in society.
The interview concludes with Dr. Judy Shelton expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to discuss her ideas and the success of her book "Good as Gold" on Amazon's charts. She encourages listeners to get radical and demand sound money from their governments for a more prosperous economy based on individual liberty.
Time Stamp References:0:00 - Introduction0:45 - Sound Money & Morality2:27 - Money Vs. Currency4:32 - Price Stability?11:52 - Fed Control & Hubris18:30 - Central Planning & Mkts24:03 - Fed 'Independence'27:20 - Pricing Money Free Mkt.36:10 - C.B. Global Effects39:34 - BRICS & Gold?44:34 - U.S. Gold Bonds?55:30 - Golds History of Restraint59:15 - Politics & Financial Plans1:01:59 - Nominee & 'Extreme Views'1:10:22 - Book 'Good as Gold'1:11:50 - Get Radical & Wrap Up
Talking Points From This Episode
Dr. Judy Shelton advocates for sound money as a moral obligation of governments to ensure economic stability and planning through unchanging currency value.
The Federal Reserve's inflation targeting policy weakens U.S. dollar purchasing power, leading to inequality and potential consequences for the economy.
Shelton proposes a new international monetary system anchored by a gold convertible long-term US Treasury bond for stability in global transactions.
Guest Links:X: https://x.com/judyshel
Book: Good as Gold: How to Unleash the Power of Sound Moneyhttps://www.amazon.com/Good-Gold-Unleash-Power-Sound/dp/1598133896
Dr. Judy Shelton is a senior fellow at Independent Institute, former chairman of the National Endowment for Democracy, and former US director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. She has provided testimony before the Senate and has been consulted on international monetary issues by the White House and the Pentagon. She is the author of multiple books and has written for the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times.
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