Powell technically can't. That would cause high default rates and the banks would fail. It's just not the same as when Volker was pulling the levers. Remember that it's a collection of federal reserve member banks. They don't eat themselves.
You're probably right. Does that give you comfort vs. the destruction caused by high inflation?
I guess there's a 3rd choice... have US government admit they can't pay off bonds and interest rates... so "we won't". Then everybody will just have to eat the loss.
Wipe the slate clean and start over? When it comes to debt it ALWAYS gets accounted for, one way or another. It either gets repaid or somebody takes it in the neck. Period!
When it comes to taking it in the neck, it's usually not the one who spent the money.
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