It is a mistake, nay, a [fallacy,](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argument_to_moderation) to say the middle ground between two extremes is the correct position. Compromise has a place, but in politics it almost always means liberty suffers. Nonetheless, "centrism" remains a popular position. This flawed thinking leads to flawed conclusions, and the result is perpetuation of partisan bickering that leads to more centralized power for politicians to abuse.

Libertarianism is sometimes even lazily described as "socially liberal but fiscally conservative."  This is a deeply flawed understanding. Liberty is inherently anti-government, at least as we conceive of governments today. Let's take a quick look at a few issues.

**Left:** Legalize gay marriage!
**Right:** Outlaw gay marriage!
**Liberty:** Government has no business licensing and legislating marriage in the first place.

**Left:** Tax and regulate big business, because they're all corrupt!
**Right:** Subsidize and protect  big business, because they fuel the economy!
**Liberty:** The corrupt starve without the State, and the productive will thrive. *Laissez Faire!*

**Left:** War is bad, unless we declare it humanitarian intervention!
**Right:** War is bad, unless we say it protects us from foreigners!
**Liberty:** War is mass murder. It cannot be justified.

**Left:** Taxes are how we equalize society to promote social justice! We need roads, schools, police, and welfare!
**Right:** Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society! We need roads, the military, police, and business bailouts!
**Liberty:** Taxation is extortion. Government monopoly services are a detriment to society.

**Left:** Drugs need to be legalized and taxed!
**Right:** Drug users and dealers need to be punished!
**Liberty:** Taxation is still extortion, and drug use isn't a fundamentally a crime. Decriminalize and don't tax.

This pattern is consistent throughout all issues. The consistent libertarian will inevitably find himself an anarchist. That scares people, but it shouldn't. Politics as usual is responsible for wars, police states, economic chaos, cronyism, genocides,and the majority of other ills that have beset humanity. Decentralized, voluntary cooperation is how problems get solved, and technological progress is developed. You live in a world of anarchy now with interruptions from the State disrupting our progress, not the other way around.