The 18th century opened space to what was going to be today´s philosophical movement but through the time, the term "liberal" will mutate, will be borrowed by other different political movements, and will be split into different branches of liberalism. All these misconceptions led to a misunderstanding of what a libertarian is, thus, this post we will try to mend the concept for you.

What Does It Mean To Be A Libertarian?

A libertarian, in the pure 20th-century core, is the one who believes in liberty and equality.
Now, since this might have different interpretations; the precept of being a libertarian takes as a no-no any intervention of the state in the economy or social activity. I.E., a real liberal will be against the state in the regulation or prohibition of any commercial trade (taxes, trade duties, alcohol banning, etc.) and will be in favor of any civil freedom (homosexual marriage, the practice of desired religions, freedom of speech). Individuals shall be as free to do what they want and the only limit will be another´s individual freedom. Or that is at least what libertarians think.

The One Running Between Trenches Receive Bullets From Both Sides.

The main challenge of a libertarian is the eternal exchange of freedom at the time of going to vote. In the western world, the bipartisanship trend forces libertarians to be in the middle of the battle. The commonly known as "right-wing parties" or "conservatives" normally promote a social system reduction and a stimulation of the industrial engine as part of the progress - something that a libertarian will happily approve-, however, these parties normally reject social freedom enrichment by fighting against non-traditional families, abortion, immigration, etc.
In the other hand, the self-defined as "liberals" (not to be mistaken with libertarianism) and "left-wing" parties support civil rights enrichment - normally policies that a libertarian will definitely support - but stubbornly reject capitalist economical measures, thus, disagreeing completely with the libertarian movement.
Due to this common scenario, libertarians not only face a constant discrepancy in whom to support while performing politically, but also they receive political ostracization and attacks by both sides since they are commonly running in no man´s land.

Why Are Libertarians Mistaken For "Leftists"?

Because "liberals" and "libertarians" are actually synonyms, the original term for this political approach is liberalism. However, since the US left partisans define themselves as "liberals"; libertarians have to pay the confusion. Also, the support for social rights as the left normally do, also play a part for the prey to be confused. Terrible mistake.

Why Are Libertarians Mistaken for "Right-Wingers"?

In the matter of making decisions, we libertarians understand economical freedom as the link to achieve the rest. Sadly, in the society we live, more money you have, freer you are. That being said, at the time of performing politically, it is more probable that a libertarian supports a "right-wing" or "conservative" party since they enforce a market economy the same way we do. Besides, as you know, the enemy of your enemy is your friend and communists are a libertarian´s biggest adversary.

What Are Libertarian Main Goals?

Well, that is a topic for the next chapter. As Ayn Rand used to say, you cannot say I love you without "I", and I, right now, have to get some food.