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Chasstev365

(7,987 posts)
Fri Apr 24, 2026, 06:44 AM Friday

"Patriotism is the last refuge of s scoundrel."

Samuel Johnson's famous 1775 quote, "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel," was not a condemnation of true love of country, but a criticism of false, self-serving patriotism. He was referring to using political zeal to mask hypocritical or scoundrelly behavior. Johnson himself was patriotic but despised the misuse of political sentiment.

I submit that RELIGION is also the last refuge of s scoundrel and it's been played out right now with the Orange Scoundrel and his new found Bible and Jesus Bull Shit act.

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Walleye

(45,165 posts)
3. I don't think Republicans know the difference between faith and patriotism. They want us all to believe in God
Fri Apr 24, 2026, 07:36 AM
Friday

OldBaldy1701E

(11,352 posts)
5. They want us all to believe in their version of a god.
Fri Apr 24, 2026, 07:43 AM
Friday

The rethugs do not care about either patriotism not religion. They care about being in power, and they will appeal to whomever they think can get them there. They are the chameleons of politics, because they will be for whatever gets them into power.

But, we don't seem to find it that upsetting, so they keep on doing it.

Walleye

(45,165 posts)
6. God, I remember how haughty and self-righteous they were when they impeached Bill Clinton
Fri Apr 24, 2026, 07:46 AM
Friday

I especially remember Lindsay Graham talking about how character really counts. I don’t know what he thinks character is now.

OldBaldy1701E

(11,352 posts)
7. He never had any idea what it was.
Fri Apr 24, 2026, 08:31 AM
Friday

Like the others, he does and says whatever will get him elected.

If enough of the nation suddenly decided that removing all left arms on newborns was a thing, he would be right there with a machete and a smile.

Dread Pirate Roberts

(2,021 posts)
4. I submit to you sir, that it is the first!
Fri Apr 24, 2026, 07:42 AM
Friday

Ambrose Bierce, the guy who wrote Incident at Owl Creek came up with the retort--"With all due respect to an enlightened but inferior lexicographer, I beg to submit that it is the first"

littlemissmartypants

(34,146 posts)
10. It's a Holy War.
Fri Apr 24, 2026, 09:03 AM
Friday

The Violent Take it By Force by Matthew D. Taylor with The Freedom From Religion Foundation. Interview ~ 30"




Pamela Brown on her new documentary about Christian Nationalism.

ChicagoTeamster

(1,120 posts)
12. Especially for "Patriots" that never served and those whose religion is a political identity, not a spiritual faith.
Fri Apr 24, 2026, 09:33 AM
Friday

Johnson was implying that individuals—particularly politicians—use religious rhetoric as a final, cynical shield to justify wrongful actions, distract from misconduct, or gain power when all other defenses fail.

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