I ask this question with genuine sincerity: Can't we just print more? Why do people think we can't just print more?

          • Mrtryfe [none/use name]
            ·
            3 years ago

            If the end conclusion is that the US just can make the printer go brrr because they have the largest standing army on earth, and not due to any real monetary considerations, I'd say that's pretty telling

                • GreenTeaRedFlag [any]
                  ·
                  3 years ago

                  the consequences of inflation aren't imaginary. It's in the same way if you think God's not real you can make that case but that doesn't mean the people who died for impiety are actually still alive. Because the people who manipulate the economy on top can have their worst debts bailed out and constantly have more investments, inflation doesn't affect them negatively, but actually positively because they can pay off loans easier with increased cash flow compared to when the loan taken. So, because the mechanisms at the top are now increasing their intake of cash without returning more cash to the economy, increased prices only target those at the bottom of the economy. This could be manipulated by raising the minimum wage, forcing money to move down from the top to the bottom, or by fixing prices, mitigating the effects of inflation. However, both of those result in lower profits(not none or negative, but lower) for those at the top, and they finance campaigns, so the state will not act against those interests and will allow inflation to hurt only the bottom.

              • Mrtryfe [none/use name]
                ·
                edit-2
                3 years ago

                If the past decade plus has taught us anything, no one has a real handle on what exactly inflation says about the economy

                As far as individuals go, they should just HODL, as the kids say