"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism"

This quote by George Washington is a warning to be cautious of those who declare to be patriotic. He is cautioning us to be knowledgeable about those who utilize patriotism as a guise to manipulate and deceive. He is reminding us to be alert and to not be taken in by those who use patriotism as a tool to advance their own program. He is prompting us to be mindful of those who utilize patriotism as a method to control popular opinion and to be aware of those who use patriotism to acquire power and influence. He is cautioning us to be careful of those who use patriotism to acquire political or monetary gain. He is advising us to be critical and to not be taken in by those who use patriotism as a way to control and deceive. He is advising us to be conscious of those who utilize patriotism as a method to gain power and impact and to be knowledgeable about those who utilize patriotism to advance their own agenda.