Well I have my BA in Policy Studies and minored in Economics and I'd argue that there are economically literate people that don't share this view haha :).

Yeah, the fed can print money, but it doesn't really work that way. They don't just print more to make-up for lack of revenue or spending power. Places like Japan and China may print lots of money, but thats to devalue their currency and maintain their export industries, but it's very public. Quantitative easing is not common. Central banks simply try to maintain inflation at a reasonable level (there's a natural level). Look up the Phillips curve. Central banks are useful in maintaining the balance of inflation and unemployment when properly coordinated with the federal government. it was discredited in the 70s and 80s but thats only because the model couldnt account for exogenous shocks like OPEC cutting oil.

With respect to the economy, the fed will change the overnight lending rate in order to promote or discourage borrowing. A lowering of the interest rate by the fed would encourage borrowing because it's cheaper, and that acts as an injection into the economy. The previous system was gold-backed, but that lacked the economic tools that the fiat system has. Controlling the money supply is incredibly important.

I run into alot of people who share your views towards inflation and fiat currency, but I can assure you, things are not as nefarious as you may hear and inflation can actually be a useful factor. I encourage you to look into the 'Paradox of Thrift.' Also, inflation encourages borrowing which has a stimulative effect.

The beauty of crypto is that you can program control of the money supply. So many options, so much to comprehend! I think governments may adopt it eventually, but the current system is actually quite stable. We just need progressive policies that index wages to inflation until crypto can offer us a stable future!

-Brownz