Fort Knox: the Gold standard ... makes sense to return to it? Which is better? One for one $dollar bullion equivalency? Or a U.S. government promise?

[sear]

Cap',

I've got no dog in the "Gold standard" fight. Seems to me [my own ignorant opinion] backing $fiat money with bullion would be the best bulwark against runaway $inflation.

In the 1950's U.S. paper currency was explicitly backed by Silver (like British £Pounds Sterling), U.S. greenbacks even labeled (printed) "Silver Certificate". BUT !

Dr. Kelton claims the U.S. economy is more stable without Gold backing:

There were 8 economic depressions while the U.S. was on the gold standard, and none after the U.S. went off the gold standard. economist Dr. Stephanie Kelton

I have NOT corroborated this (ratio of depressions with, vs depressions without). It seems to me to be flagrantly counterintuitive. My $checking $account wouldn't be worth much if instead of dollars deposited in the account it was just a checkbook. But ... ?