The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Feb. 24, 2026
In a February 17th speech before the New York City Bar Association, retired 4th Circuit Appeals Court Judge J. Michael Luttig cited several of America’s founders, who anticipated demagogues who might try to dismantle the republic. But he also spoke of the country’s resilience in the face of such attacks.
“Since its very Founding, America has been the envy of the world and the beacon of freedom and liberty because of the shining light of its Democracy and its Rule of Law. But today, as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America’s birth, America is not that same envy to the world and not that same beacon of freedom and liberty to the world that it has been since its beginning. We pray that tomorrow America will once again assume its deserved place as the envy of the world.”
Read the full transcript of Judge Luttig’s speech
He closed his speech with this admonishment:
“If we but find the courage to speak truth to power now, today, as did the Founders and our ancestors when their time of testing came, the United States of America will endure forever as the beacon of freedom and liberty to the world. America will once again be the envy of the world.”
We’ve linked to the video and a transcript of the speech at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
The Founders believed that were such a demagogue ever to come into power in America, he would, having once been elected “and at a second or third election outvoted by one or two votes, pretend false votes, foul play, and hold possession of the reins of government.” – Judge J. Michael Luttig, citing a letter from Thomas Jefferson to James Madison December 20, 1787.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
New York City Bar Association – Video of speech by Judge J. Michael Luttig
New York City Bar Association – Transcript of Remarks of Hon. J. Michael Luttig on Receiving Honorary Membership (Includes footnotes for quotations of America’s founders)
Groups Taking Action:
New York City Bar, American Bar Association, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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