Most theories of "inflation" revolve around some kind of money creation. In the past, this was commonly done with a printing press; thus "money printing." Today, it's mostly digital. But, as we described in our 2022 book Inflation: What It Is, Why It's Bad, and How To Fix It (the updated paperback edition is the one you want), it is much better to understand "monetary inflation" as a decline in the value of a currency. This might be accompanied by an increase in the "money supply," or it might not. Read More ›
The 2020 period, in which central banks around the world engaged in unprecedented monetary expansion, showed their increasing willingness to essentially “run the printing presses” whenever things got tough. Unfortunately, along the way, they also showed Congress (and other governments worldwide) that no real discipline is needed, because every problem can ultimately be solved with the central bank printing press. Read More ›
The idea of “Sound Money” — this means using gold and silver as money — has been persistently popular among the states for over a decade. Beginning with Utah in 2011, one state after another has removed barriers and impediments to using gold and silver, and digital or other alternatives based on gold and silver, in a monetary role. With over 40 states now having passed some kind of Sound Money legislation, it is now time to take on the federal government. Representative Alex Mooney (R), of West Virginia, recently introduced the Monetary Metals Tax Neutrality Act, HR 8279, into the US House. The bill aims to repeat, at the federal level, what has already been accomplished in many states. Read More ›
