'surely you don't mean to say that all patriots are scoundrels '

no, but after Thatcher - they're all a bit suspect. The scoundrelhood was rather blatant.

Its precisely because so many of us love our country - that you should suspect a politician, who comes up with that line. Its a bit like someone who accidentally deals himself four aces - after the third consecutive time, you walk away from the game.

Cos thats what the patriotic card is essentially. Its a blank cheque to look out for the interests of the country.