From Marginal Revolution University (online economics courses): Sumner/White: Fiat Money vs. the Gold Standard [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbDZ0ObRXfE[/youtube]
I just sat here and watched this with someone who knows nothing more than the average joe about precious metals but with a good head on their shoulders in an attempt to get a fairly unbiased opinion. In his words "the guy debating for gold totally owned the cash guy...he conceded to near every point made with a very weak "but""
It was a very interesting debate and left me wanting more. The comment at the end, "governments like to intervene", is a truism but also concerning when thinking about our monetary system and hopes for anything better.