This essay is an original work. Please comment only on the talk page.
I often hear mainstream conservatives and even populists making excuses for RINOs by referring to them as "libertarian." Examples include pro-impeachment ex-Republican Justin Amash and Never Trump Fox News host Shepherd Smith. Mainstream conservative Steven Crowder referred to Shep as "libertarian Shep Smith," in a video criticizing Vox's Carlos Maza for attacking Fox News, which is not, as Elizabeth Warren put it, "hate-for-profit," but is globalism-for-profit. Justin Amash was referred to as a "libertarian" several times on Fox News after leaving the Republican Party.
I am not a libertarian, but calling RINOS libertarian cheapens libertarianism. For example, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are libertarians, and have been for years. Recently, they came out as "Republicans." They have condemned liberals and stated that they are worse than conservatives several times, "I hate conservatives, but I really...hate the liberals." Criticizing both the left and the right obviously does not make you a RINO, since populists (especially Trump) do it all the time!
A large section of the population identifies as libertarian. Almost all of them are not RINOs or LINOs [Libertarians In Name Only]. It is incredibly insulting to that part of the population to be associated with people who regularly cave to the establishment.
In fact, that is what they should be called. "Establishment conservatives." Call them establishment cons, neocons, Never Trumpers, RINOs, just don't call them libertarians!