Our country’s currency is based on nothing but belief. Originally, the money we earned, spent, saved, and invested was all backed by gold reserves – but today, it is no longer backed by gold. In fact, it really isn’t backed by anything more than the belief we the people have in it. We continue to break our backs to earn it, are frugal yet willing to spend it, save it as if our lives depend on it, and invest it in hopes of a better future. The question that rises, in my mind, is: What would happen if the people stopped believing?
This isn’t an issue of Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny – this is a nationwide, better yet – world wide, belief that we have all become accustomed to. It has never been a belief that we challenge. It has never been a matter of real or imaginary – it has simply been accepted as a truth. Why haven’t we challenged it yet? Out of all the people that spend their days protesting the common belief systems of our country, why hasn’t one of them stepped up to dispute this one? They’ll happily take on our religions, our National Anthem, and our political ethos’s – yet they stand clear of our monetary system. Why?
Again I raise the question: What would happen if the people stopped believing? What would happen if we all refused to transfer this green paper to merchants. What if we decided that the old days of trading goods and services back and forth would be better for our people? First, there would be the mass revolt of the people – the strike against the monetary system. Then what? Would our lazy and unemployed leap to their feet – suddenly able to participate in the market as they can trade even the simplest tasks for food and water? Would the national deficit and debt just disappear? Would credit companies be no longer – would everyone be back at square one (as if a real life Fight Club “Project Mayhem” had taken place)?
What would happen? There would be many repercussions, but of what caliber? Would things get better for our economy, or worse? Would there even be an economy? There are so many questions yet so few answers – maybe that’s why it hasn’t been tackled yet. Maybe the people are afraid to challenge something so unique – so different. They fear the unknown and refuse to be the one to cause the mayhem that may occur. I don’t blame them, I’m just curious. I’d like some insight on the matter – if you have any to offer…
