The Federal Reserve System (the Fed) has the authority given to it in 1913 to print and maintain the US dollar, monitor and regulate commercial banks, and act as the bank for the United States government. Should the Fed be independent of the executive branch of the government? Or should it be like other departments of the government like the Department of State with its secretary appointed by the president? Please post your point of view in a coherent way summarizing the pros and cons and your personal view on the subject.