Dr. Judy Shelton, senior fellow at the Independent Institute and author of "Good as Gold: How To Unleash The Power of Sound Money," explains why the U.S. stands at a monetary crossroads requiring fundamental reform. She critiques the Federal Reserve's practice of paying banks billions not to lend, the distortionary effects of currency manipulation in international trade, and the moral implications of a 2% inflation target that systematically erodes savings. Shelton argues for auditing the Fed, restoring accountability, and considering gold-linked bonds as a path toward sound money, which she describes as a foundational element of economic liberty consistent with America's founding principles.

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Monetary Metals. https://monetary-metals.com/julia

Links:

Book: https://www.independent.org/store/book.asp?id=143

X: https://x.com/judyshel

0:00 Introduction of Dr. Judy Shelton1:01 Overview of monetary crossroads and need for reform4:23 Discussion of needed monetary reforms and Fed critique6:36 Analysis of Fed's interest rate mechanism8:58 Explanation of Fed payments to financial institutions11:25 International monetary impacts and currency distortions13:34 Sound money as moral contract and possibility16:31 Historical support for gold standard from past presidents19:56 Critique of Fed's 2% inflation target22:09 Question about Fed serving public interest25:03 Central bank accountability issues27:51 Gold-linked bonds proposal30:22 Closing remarks and where to find her work