Standard libertarian disclaimer

From A Wiki Called Reason

Standard Libertarian Disclaimers are statements of libertarian principle often said for the benefit of non-libertarians.

Below is an incomplete list of Standard Libertarian Disclaimers. These may also be found in the Libertarian Handbook that should have come with your Libertarian Decoder Ring.

They generally fall into the following categories:

[edit] "Making lemonade"

These statements are generally necessary in discussions where neither side of a particular issue is in line with libertarian beliefs, and that a "lesser of two evils" is often the only choice.

1. I don't think the government should be involved in the first place, but...
2. Not that we should be taking orders from the UN, but...
3. I'm not saying it should be illegal but I don't care for...
4. Don't get me wrong, some of my best friends are liberal/conservative, but...
5. I'll defend your right to free speech, but...
6. I'm not saying taking drugs is a good idea, I never touch them and think those who do are fools. However...
7. Not that I don't think that Dictator X isn't begging for an ass-whooping, but...
8. This is only a problem with government-run schools/roads/gambling/airwaves/airports, but if they are going to do it anyway...
9. Yeah that's a real ugly building/painting/sculpture, but it's on his/her property, and the government shouldn't ...
10. People should be judged on their own merits, but private racial/religious discrimination is freedom of speech and/or association...
11. People can do whatever they like, but that really creeps me out.

[edit] Yes, but...

These statements are used to try to prevent people from gaining a false impression of why a libertarian supports or opposes something. They don't actually work, but hey...

1. Libertarian does not equal libertine, but do any slutty thing you like...
2. No, I don't support neo-Nazis/Truthers/whoever, but they have a right to free speech...
3. I support freedom of religion, but that's just stupid/insane/downright weird...
4. There's nothing wrong with making a buck, but Jeez, Louise...

[edit] "Tip o' the tinfoil hat"

These statements are used with those who hold false stereotypes of libertarians.

1. Using free/subsidized government services is not hypocritical since I am already forced to pay the fee for them with my taxes.
2. Giving money to a charity is not hypocritical since it is a matter of choice, not coercion. Even if I feel social pressure to do so, no one is threatening my person, property, or loved ones if I don't do it.