I have been a libertarian since the 1960's when I was a teenager. I was introduced to these concepts by subscribing to "The Freeman" (FEE) and reading it for several years. Many a liberal/progressive/socialist have tried to convert me, but all have failed. Among my thought heroes are Ayn Rand, Ludwig von Mises, and Ron Paul. I believe libertarianism is becoming more mainstream today, as people realize collectivism is a failed concept that will never work, and the more power we give government, the more evil and tyrannical it becomes.