Libertarianism is a political philosophy that emphasizes personal freedom and individual rights, especially the rights to property and free market capitalism. According to libertarians, the government should have minimal involvement in the lives of individuals, and individuals should be free to do whatever they want, as long as they do not harm others. However, this definition of libertarianism is not entirely accurate. In reality, libertarianism is not about being truly free, but rather about being “free” from having to pay taxes to support poor people, many of whom are Black. It is also about being “free” from accountability for one’s actions.

Libertarians argue that taxes are a form of theft, and that individuals have a right to keep the money they earn. They believe that the government should have minimal involvement in the economy, and that individuals should be free to make their own economic decisions. However, this ignores the fact that taxes are necessary for the government to provide essential services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs. Libertarians may argue that individuals should be responsible for their own healthcare and education, but this ignores the fact that not everyone has the same opportunities and resources to succeed. In a society where access to resources and opportunities is unequal, some people will inevitably be left behind. Without social welfare programs to help those who are struggling, inequality and poverty will only continue to worsen.

Furthermore, libertarianism is not about being truly free, but rather about being “free” from accountability. Libertarians believe that individuals should be free to do whatever they want, as long as they do not harm others. However, this ignores the fact that individuals do not exist in a vacuum. The actions of one individual can have negative effects on others, and without regulation and accountability, these negative effects can be amplified. For example, in a free market economy, corporations may prioritize profits over environmental sustainability or worker safety, leading to pollution and workplace accidents that harm not only individuals but entire communities.

Moreover, libertarianism is often associated with opposition to affirmative action and other policies that aim to address systemic racism and inequality. Libertarians argue that these policies are unfair and violate individual rights. However, this ignores the fact that systemic racism and inequality exist, and that these policies are necessary to address these issues. Without affirmative action and other policies that aim to level the playing field, people of color and other marginalized groups will continue to face barriers to success and opportunity.

In conclusion, libertarianism is not about being truly free, but rather about being “free” from having to pay taxes to support social welfare programs and being “free” from accountability for one’s actions. This narrow definition of freedom ignores the fact that we live in a society where our actions and decisions affect others, and where systemic racism and inequality continue to exist. True freedom cannot be achieved without ensuring that everyone has access to basic necessities and opportunities, and without holding individuals and institutions accountable for their actions.