Money oils the wheels of exchange. An absence of sound money undermines gains
from trade. As Milton Friedman informed us long ago, inflation is a monetary phenomenon,
caused by too much money chasing too few goods. High rates of monetary
growth invariably lead to inflation. Similarly, when the rate of inflation increases,
it also tends to become more volatile. High and volatile rates of inflation distort relative
prices, alter the fundamental terms of long-term contracts, and make it virtually
impossible for individuals and businesses to plan sensibly for the future. Sound
money is essential to protect property rights and, thus, economic freedom. Inflation
erodes the value of property held in monetary instruments. When governments
finance their expenditures by creating money, they are, in effect, expropriating the
property and violating the economic freedom of their citizens.
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