"There are those who wrap themselves in flags and blow the tinny trumpet of patriotism as a means of fooling the people"

George Galloway highlights the way symbols and rhetoric are sometimes used to manipulate public sentiment. The image of people "wrapping themselves in flags" evokes a display of overt nationalism, where patriotism is worn almost as a costume, intended for public display rather than earnest belief. The flag, as a powerful emblem of national identity, can inspire unity and pride, but it may also be exploited to serve personal or political agendas. By showcasing their patriotism, individuals or groups can position themselves as the true representatives or defenders of the nation.

The phrase "blow the tinny trumpet of patriotism" carries a dismissive tone. "Tinny" suggests something insubstantial, noisy, and lacking depth. The trumpet, often associated with ceremonies and calls to action, here produces a cheap, hollow sound. It suggests that the expressions of patriotism being described are superficial, calculated to catch attention without carrying meaningful substance. The performance is loud and insistent, but lacking in sincere conviction or genuine value.

Galloway warns that such displays serve "as a means of fooling the people". When patriotism becomes performative, it can distract from real issues or obscure motives rooted in self-interest, power, or deception. Through grand gestures and stirring language, audiences may be swayed not by rational argument or policy, but by emotional appeals and the illusion of loyalty to the nation. The use of flag-waving and patriotic rhetoric can silence dissent, stigmatize alternative viewpoints, and rally support for policies or actions that may not ultimately serve the public good.

Ultimately, the quote cautions readers to look beyond surface displays of national pride. It urges citizens to question whether the loudest champions of patriotism are acting out of genuine love for their country, or whether, under the guise of patriotic fervor, they seek self-advantage by manipulating the emotions and perceptions of the people.