I'm an advocate of the great Dr. Johnson, the English man of

“I’m an advocate of the great Dr. Johnson, the English man of letters who said that patriotism was the last refuge of the scoundrel.” Thus spoke George Galloway, drawing upon the immortal words of Samuel Johnson, whose wit and wisdom cut through the pretenses of his age. In this saying lies a warning to all generations: that patriotism, though noble in its pure form, can be twisted into a mask for corruption, selfish ambition, and deceit. When all other disguises fail, the scoundrel cloaks himself in the flag, pretending love of country while serving only himself.

The meaning of this teaching is sharp and enduring. Johnson did not condemn patriotism itself—for love of country is natural and just. Rather, he condemned its abuse. When men who are corrupt, greedy, or dishonest are found out, they seek refuge in loud declarations of loyalty to the homeland. They imagine that by wrapping themselves in the flag, their crimes will be forgotten, their ambition excused, their treachery overlooked. It is this false and manipulative use of patriotism that Johnson called the “last refuge.”

History overflows with such examples. In Rome, when power-hungry senators plotted to gain wealth or undermine rivals, they often declared themselves defenders of the republic. Their words were lofty, their speeches full of love for Rome, but their deeds were full of betrayal. In modern times, too, leaders who wage unjust wars or silence critics often invoke patriotism to shield themselves from judgment. By equating their will with the nation’s good, they brand dissent as treason, and thus the scoundrel makes a weapon of the very love that should bind a people together.

Yet there is another side to this wisdom. Just as false patriots may cry “loyalty” to disguise their corruption, so too must the people learn to discern the true from the false. A man’s patriotism must be measured not by his words, but by his deeds: does he defend justice, uplift the weak, sacrifice for the good of all? Or does he seek power, profit, and glory under the cover of national loyalty? Johnson and Galloway both remind us that vigilance is required, lest we mistake the cries of the scoundrel for the song of the true patriot.

Consider the Watergate scandal in the United States. When corruption was uncovered, defenders of the guilty often appealed to patriotism, declaring that criticism of the president weakened the nation. But in truth, it was not the critics who harmed the nation, but the crimes themselves. To challenge corruption is not unpatriotic; it is the highest form of loyalty. For the true patriot defends the soul of the nation, even when that means exposing the sins of its leaders.

The lesson to be drawn is clear: love your country, but do not be deceived by those who cry patriotism while serving only themselves. Hold leaders accountable. Question loudly when those in power demand loyalty without justice. Do not let the sacred word of patriotism be twisted into a shield for corruption. For when scoundrels hide beneath the flag, it is the duty of the people to tear away the disguise and reveal the truth.

Practically, this means living with discernment and courage. Celebrate your nation’s virtues, but be honest about its flaws. Honor true patriots not for their speeches, but for their sacrifices and deeds. Stand firm against those who weaponize patriotism for personal gain. And in your own life, let your love of country be shown not in empty slogans, but in service, justice, and integrity.

Thus let the words of Johnson, echoed by Galloway, live on as a timeless reminder: patriotism is sacred, but beware when it becomes the last refuge of the scoundrel. For the flag is not a shield for corruption, nor a cloak for deceit. It is the banner of a people, sanctified by their labor and sacrifice. Guard it well, and let not the false-hearted profane its name.