Posted on 11/21/2018 4:45:45 PM PST by Kaslin
Before I show you what I’ve learned about a plan to seize control of America’s money, let me make one point clear…
If you value sound money and political freedom… if you value limited government and taxation with representation… and if you value enterprise and privacy… then you’re going to hate the future I’m about to describe.
There is no philosophical or monetary middle ground on the issue.
You’re either with it or against it.
The Chicago Plan
In March 1933, Henry Morgenthau Jr., chairman of the Federal Farm Board, was sent a short memo titled, “Memorandum on Banking Reform.”
It was signed by Frank Knight (the acknowledged author of the memo), Garfield Cox, Aaron Director, Paul Douglas, Lloyd Mints, Henry Schultz, and Henry Simons. All of them were professors at the University of Chicago.
The memorandum advocated for full-reserve banking (FRB) in the U.S. monetary system. U.S. currency would be backed only by government debt, not bank debt (loans issued by commercial banks to private citizens and companies).
It wouldn’t nationalize the U.S. banking system. But it would nationalize the nation’s money supply.
Under this kind of system, banks could no longer “create” money by lending it into existence. Money creation would be the exclusive territory of the government of the United States.
In this system, the key government agencies could not create money through new lending. They would do so through new spending (on priorities determined by elected politicians).
They called it “The Chicago Plan.”
The most radical elements of the plan – which we’ll discuss shortly – were left on the shelf nearly a century ago.
But I believe it’s about to find a resurgence in modern America…
The End of Fractional Reserve
Before I show you what the implications of a modern Chicago Plan would be, it’s important you understand how money creation works today.
Despite what you may think, the central bank (the Federal Reserve) doesn’t print that much money. The vast majority of the money supply in the U.S. economy is grown by banks lending money into existence.
Commercial banks issue a loan, it appears in your account, and just like that… it’s money. From nothing, something! And then there was cash!
But here’s the other part of that process that most people don’t realize. When the banks issue a loan, they don’t have to have a dollar in cash in their vaults for every dollar in cash they lend. If they DID, then every loan to a new customer would be matched with an equal amount of savings already in the bank from another customer. That’s “full reserve” banking.
What we have today is called “fractional-reserve” banking. Why? The amount of cash savings actually held by the bank is only a fraction of the money lent by the bank. And for each dollar in saving deposits held by the bank (your money), the bank can lend up to $10 in new money (this is the secret magic of money creation).
It’s also what some people call “debt-based” money, because money is created when a new debt is born (in the form of a bank loan).
Proponents of the Chicago Plan contend that allowing banks to create credit in a fractional reserve system leads to credit cycles. And the credit cycle has booms and busts. The busts damage everyone, not just those who have borrowed and spent too much.
That’s a problem, they say. To circumvent it, there are those in power actively trying to end the banking system as we know it. They want to go back to the original idea of the Chicago Plan. And then they want to go one step further and replace America’s money with something else entirely.
America’s New Money
The main feature of the Chicago Plan is that it moves credit creation from private hands to public (government) hands, with the average American unaware of who is really moving the government hands. Money isn’t lent into existence. It’s spent into existence.
You can imagine that he who does the spending in this system has great power. That’s exactly the idea!
Under the plan, instead of stimulating growth by changing the price of money for commercial banks (which is how monetary policy currently works with the Federal Reserve and interest rates), the government would “spend” money into circulation – on public works and infrastructure projects, for example.
The quantity of money in the economy would be determined by the government, not the commercial banks. And, at least in theory, the government would enjoy vastly lower levels of debt (both absolutely, and relative to GDP) in this kind of money system. Why?
In the current system, the US Treasury raises money by selling bonds to commercial banks or the Fed, paying interest to both. Money is created by borrowing. But again, it’s debt-based money. That wouldn’t happen in the new system. But what would the new money be backed by?
Er… government debt!
The term “full-reserve banking” implies every unit of currency is backed by an actual reserve. Some advocates of full-reserve banking (including a handful of Austrian economists) believe you could back the money with gold. Thus gold would be restored as the most important reserve asset in the world.
But if your agenda is to spend money into existence in unlimited quantities, you can also use government debt as a reserve asset. There’s a lot of it already. And you can always make more!
In fact, this is a key feature of the Chicago Plan. It’s full-reserve banking where the government does all the money creation, “backed” by government debt. The commercial banks merely provide payment services or pay interest on deposits. They are forced out of the debt-based money creation business (where all the profit is, of course).
According to the theory, this new American money system would accomplish three things…
Does that sound like an improvement on the current system to you? To some people, it all sounds somewhat appealing, until you look closer…
Monetary Sovereignty
Under the Chicago Plan, the government has “monetary sovereignty.” What is monetary sovereignty? It is the complete decoupling of money from anything real.
Let me explain what I mean and why that’s so important for the value of your savings and investments today.
Under the Chicago Plan, money doesn’t have to have its roots in real value-added labor. Money doesn’t come into existence because a tradesman has created something useful and sold it to someone else, requiring money to make the transaction.
And under the new system, money certainly doesn’t have to be anything physical and scarce, like gold.
Under the new system, money can be whatever the government wants it to be.
With a monetarily sovereign government calling the shots, money is literally no object. A monetarily sovereign government wouldn’t have to borrow anymore, or pay interest. To create money, it would simply spend it into existence. Voilà!
Think of all the jobs and incomes created when a monetarily sovereign government decides to spend trillions on new infrastructure and “nation building” projects.
This is Richard Duncan’s “creditism” without the need to borrow. It is economic growth without effort, wealth without labor, riches without risk.
If you think it sounds absurd, you’re not alone. But remember what’s at stake here: total control of American money, and through it, of the economy, and of you. And it’ll be accomplished by controlling the quantity of money through a central authority.
For an idea of what that might look like – and why it’s so dangerous to your cash and savings today – consider this quote from the innocuously titled “The Case for Unencumbering Interest Rate Policy at the Zero Bound.”
It was delivered by Marvin Goodfriend of Carnegie Mellon University at the Fed’s annual retreat in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 2016 (emphasis added is mine):
The most straightforward way to unencumber interest rate policy completely at the zero bound is to abolish paper currency. In principle, abolishing paper currency would be effective, would not need new technology, and would not need institutional modifications. However, the public would be deprived of the widely used bundle of services that paper currency uniquely provides.
[…] Hence, the public is likely to resist the abolition of paper currency at least until mobile access to bank deposits becomes cheaper and more easily available.
First, we have a proposal for a new system in which only the government can create money. Next, the “experts” think the most logical way to “unencumber” ineffective monetary policy is to abolish cash.
Goodfriend, by the way, was nominated by President Trump to serve on the Federal Reserve’s seven-member Board of Governors. His nomination is currently awaiting action by the U.S. Senate.
Taken together, there is a real effort underway to do away with your individual economic liberty and your preference to hold cash in the face of interest rate uncertainty. “If that could be overcome,” Goodfriend seems to be saying, “then we could make you act the way we want you to.”
Am I exaggerating? Would Wall Street allow such a fundamental change to America’s banking system? Would the Fed really abolish cash? Is there a possibility of all of this becoming a reality?
It’s happening faster than you think.
For example, the Swiss recently voted on implementing a version of the Chicago Plan earlier this month. They ultimately voted it down, but the fact that such a plan was considered in the first place shows that this idea is coming back into the mainstream.
Also, keep in mind that the Swiss, due to their constitution, get to vote on these kinds of things. It’s a direct democracy, controlled at the local level. Top-down change – the kind of change which tends to benefit the elites and those in the shadows of power – is very hard to achieve in Switzerland. But in the United States…?
What would it take for elected officials, and the American voters, to decide that the banks can no longer be trusted? What would it take for politicians and voters to agree that it’s time to end “too big to fail” banks and change the financial system so “the people” (through their elected officials, of course) can be in charge of the money system?
A stock market crash?
Another “systemically important bank” collapse?
A sovereign debt crisis?
The catalyst could come from anywhere, or nowhere. And if you think it’s out of the realm of possibility, then you lack imagination, or an understanding of history.
In Defense of Economic Liberty
In a world where government has unrestricted control of the money, and hiding in physical cash is no longer an option (because cash has been abolished), there’s no end to what a monetary sovereign could force you to do.
Control of money is a massive political power. What would happen next?
Outlawing cryptos?
Forcing negative interest rates (effectively a tax on your savings)?
Banning the purchase of items that the government deems undesirable, like weapons, alcohol, or cigarettes?
These may seem far-fetched scenarios. But they are well within the realm of possibility for a government in complete control of the money in your account.
This was the plan in 1933. It almost happened. I believe it is the plan today. And I believe it WILL happen. Much sooner than you think. Which is why you must plan for it NOW.
This is not a theoretical debate. What, exactly, is at stake for you right now?
This idea of sovereign money appeals to central planners because with it, they have absolute authority and permission to try and solve any “problem” they deem a threat.
You are that threat, because you won’t do what you’re told. You won’t spend when you’re supposed to spend, borrow when you’re supposed to borrow. And you’re likely to hoard cash and real money (precious metals) in the face of low (or negative) interest rates. That makes you an uncompliant problem for the State to solve.
When you pair it with banning cash and going all-digital, you have nothing less than the complete loss of economic liberty and freedom of action in America. THAT’s what’s at stake here. Right now.
If you’re in a situation where you can only spend money when you’re allowed to spend money, or you can only spend money that they say is money, and you can only spend money when they think it’s okay, then you’re not free.
And to some people, freedom still matters in America.
***
Dan Denning is the coauthor of The Bill Bonner Letter, a monthly investment newsletter to help readers protect and grow their wealth over time. Before joining Bonner & Partners, Dan was a founder of Southbank Investment Research, the leading independent financial publisher in the UK. Dan is also the author of the 2005 book, The Bull Hunter. Dan Denning’s belief in free markets, sound money, personal liberty, and small government have underpinned everything he’s done during his 18 years in the financial publishing industry. Dan is also an Official Wealth Preservation Expert to Townhall Media.
P.S. This was just a brief preview of what I believe could be coming to America. There’s more to the Chicago Plan than I’m able to cover here.
But to discover the catalyst for the plan… why the government would be forced to “assassinate” bitcoin… and what you can do to protect your wealth… go right here to get the full story.
As long as there are lobbyist with suitcases of cash, it will always be available.
[The End of Fractional Reserve]
I’ve been expecting this part of it, too.
Final assault in the car wash?
Come back when I have a free week.
It will just bring back barter.
And gold and silver as money.
Texas has now recaptured its gold bullion inside Texas. And have a plan where payments can be made by gold. (Your gold you store at the repository.)
Remember that FDR actually made it a crime to possess gold.
But is not a crime to possess a chain saw, ammo, guns (yet), cows, pigs, a few cured hams, a pickup full of potatoes, a few chickens, some eggs, etc.
An awkward way to pay for things, but it would last long enough probably to wreck the “master plan.”
The best barter is your labor. Want your plumbing fixed or your roof fixed....Be ready to part with something that can be eaten, worn, driven or whatever.
It would take us back to the 1600’s in living standard, but that is what they have been trying to do with the stupid ideas that wind power, solar panels, bears are more valuable than your life.
Sounds nutty, but that is what it is.
save for later
I grew up on a farm. We still own them.
I married and moved away for 25 years. I did other things but it was still here when we came back in 1995.
My family has owned some of it since 1889.
Sure it can be done, lets hope it is not necessary.
The sky is not falling yet. If it does, we will adapt.
We are remodeling the house at the farm (4 mi. away), intend to move back there, where all the equipment, shops and barns are.
“You are that threat, because you won’t do what you’re told. You won’t spend when you’re supposed to spend, borrow when you’re supposed to borrow. And you’re likely to hoard cash and real money (precious metals) in the face of low (or negative) interest rates. That makes you an uncompliant problem for the State to solve.”
Well, I’ve been a ‘problem’ then, since I started working for people other than my parents at age 15.
I’ve got QUITE the jump on Mother Government!
Just TRY to find my ‘assets.’ I double-dog dare ya! ;)
Bfl
FDR, another failed phony tin dim demigod.
And Obama’s and Iran’s needing to get it on....
There will always be a need for a medium of exchange, whether currency or something else.
Fractional reserves allows for the acceleration of money. That being said, an increase in reserve requirements would be a good idea.
I watched Euro Countries during the financial meltdown. Some banned all large “dollar” amounts to combat black market activity.
Savings accounts took a “haircut” - ie negative interest rates-and those rates weren’t cheap. Some limited the amount of your own cash you could withdraw.
In Venezuela right now, the government continues to direct deposit pensions, but the bank won’t let you have the money. You have to stand in line for hours, to get a portion of what has been credited.
So far in the US, the preferred method is to use inflation to reduce the value of their debt, making your savings worth less in terms of purchasing power.
During the great inflation of Ford/Carter, the purchasing power was drastically reduced. A five year period of 50% inflation caused a lot of problems for most of us.
This is in reality a form of taxation, and one that people would rebel against if it came directly out of your pay check, or your savings account.
During last meltdown, there were some in Congress with eyes on your 401k’s. The Roth IRA was created to incentivize people to convert traditional IRAs, pay a capital gains tax, and thereby secure additional tax revenue.
The US dollar is loosing it’s status as reserve currency for several reasons, but one is because it gives us too much economic power over other countries. The G20 is coming up at the end of November.
They are in the process of redoing the international system. Under the plans they discussed and began implementing, the US dominance will be reduced, and China is to be included in the IMF SDRs.
At present, the US Fed has acted sort of like the Central Bank for the World. They want that function to move to the IMF. It will be interesting to see what comes next.
Past history has been that a monetary system lasts around 40 years, before it needs to be overhauled. Last overhaul happened around Nixon’s time after he closed the gold window, and the Petro Dollar was born.
Keep an eye out for the results of the G20. Keep you cash stash at lower denominations of less than or equal to $20 bills. Covert those $100 bills you have in your prepper supplies.
Better figure out where to stash your food and other preps too. They will come and get it if they need to, and you will be accused of hoarding.
“During the great inflation of Ford/Carter, the purchasing power was drastically reduced. A five year period of 50% inflation caused a lot of problems for most of us.”
It was the main reason for me enlisting in the Army. My folk couldn’t afford to send me to college; they had problems of their own with a 22% mortgage on our house!
Doesn’t seem real, does it? 22%? Yikes.
Good advice, as always, Greeneyes!
Yes, it was getting a bit unreal and scary. I had just finished college, and took a part-time job in order to have a baby and spend time with her. That lasted 2 years, and then I changed to full time teaching math.
Then I switched from teaching to banking which increased my salary and benefits by 50%, after adjusting for additional costs of travel and parking etc.
Not sure how it would have turned out if things had continued. Thank you to President Reagan and Paul Volcker.
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