Either this author does not understand basic economics or they are intentionally misrepresenting what Volcker did. Volcker raised interest rates because of 1)

Either this author does not understand basic economics or they are intentionally misrepresenting what Volcker did. Volcker raised interest rates because of 1) high inflation, 2) tight access to capital, and 3) weak US dollar. By any measurement, the US was already in a recession before he even came to office. What this author implies is exactly the opposite of what happened -- that rather than responding to a recession, he created one. And although high interest rates definitely had negative consequences, continuing with the previous mometary policies would have been worse.