Online Discussion: Gold and Economic Freedom
Details
In "Gold and Economic Freedom," originally published in Ayn Rand's Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal, Alan Greenspan (then a private economist and Rand associate) argues that the gold standard is not merely a monetary policy, but a crucial safeguard against government overreach and the silent confiscation of wealth through inflation. Written at a time when the world was moving away from a gold-backed currency, Greenspan's essay offers a scathing critique of fiat money and deficit spending, positioning gold as the ultimate protector of property rights.
This online discussion group will delve into:
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The inseparable link between gold and economic freedom: How does Greenspan argue that a gold standard inherently limits government power and protects individual wealth?
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The "shabby secret of the welfare state": What does Greenspan claim is the hidden motive behind government opposition to a gold standard, and how does he connect it to the welfare state?
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Inflation as confiscation: How does Greenspan explain the mechanism by which unbacked currency leads to the erosion of savings and the redistribution of wealth?
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Contemporary relevance: In an era of unprecedented national debt, quantitative easing, and digital currencies, do Greenspan's arguments for gold and sound money still hold true?
Join us for a stimulating and critical examination of an essay that provides a unique Objectivist perspective on money, markets, and the very nature of economic freedom. Prepare for a lively exchange of ideas on a topic that remains central to our economic future.
Recommended viewing ahead of the discussion is the documentary, "Ex Nihilo: The Truth About Money", which can be viewed at the link below:
Online Discussion: Gold and Economic Freedom