General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums"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.
niyad
(133,350 posts)lonely bird
(2,991 posts)Trump employs both patriotism and religion.
BattleRow
(2,620 posts)Patrone TACO.
littlemissmartypants
(34,146 posts)❤️
Walleye
(45,165 posts)OldBaldy1701E
(11,352 posts)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)I especially remember Lindsay Graham talking about how character really counts. I dont know what he thinks character is now.
OldBaldy1701E
(11,352 posts)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)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)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.
PatSeg
(53,279 posts)ChicagoTeamster
(1,120 posts)Johnson was implying that individualsparticularly politiciansuse religious rhetoric as a final, cynical shield to justify wrongful actions, distract from misconduct, or gain power when all other defenses fail.
Chasstev365
(7,987 posts)flashman13
(2,483 posts)Paul-EM
(35 posts)Religion began when the first scoundrel met the first fool. - Voltaire