As we approach a decisive election, Judge J. Michael Luttig’s recent opinion piece shines as a beacon, urging Americans to recommit to the values that sustain our republic. Judge Luttig, a respected conservative jurist, offers a rare and crucial perspective: that the true essence of conservatism is rooted not in loyalty to individuals, but in steadfast devotion to the Constitution and the principles of democracy.
Judge Luttig, who served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, is not just warning of a single political figure but of the risks posed by abandoning foundational principles for short-term gain. His plea to Republicans is urgent and unyielding: they must now choose to prioritize the Constitution over narrow partisan loyalties. For conservatives who value limited government and the rule of law, Luttig’s voice is a clarion call to remember that conservatism is about upholding enduring ideals rather than securing power at any cost.
Throughout his career, Judge Luttig has consistently embodied constitutional restraint, supporting a judiciary that interprets rather than creates law. He upholds the Constitution as a timeless document that anticipates both human potential and the perils of unchecked power. His approach to conservatism emphasizes that the Constitution should guide, not bend to, political ambitions. In this recent article, Luttig argues that conservatism is more than a tool for power—it is a commitment to preserving the moral contract with the American people, prioritizing democratic values above all else.
Luttig’s reflection is rooted in decades of service to democracy. He explains that while most citizens do not swear formal oaths to the Constitution, all Americans bear a civic duty to uphold it. This isn’t merely a legal responsibility, he argues, but a moral one. Luttig’s patriotism is substantive, grounded in a reverence for civic institutions that make America unique. In his view, adherence to the Constitution is what differentiates a republic from any other form of government, and respecting its limitations is what guarantees the people’s freedom.
His recent piece is a bold reminder that our choice in this election transcends routine politics. The question, as he sees it, is whether America will remain a constitutional democracy or become beholden to a leader who disregards the rule of law. Luttig’s warning to conservatives is that they face a crucial test of fidelity to the Constitution. It is a test of integrity, one that he argues the party can only pass by renouncing authoritarianism in favor of principles that honor our founding ideals.
Judge Luttig’s contribution to conservatism in the 21st century is therefore profound. He represents a conservatism that goes beyond partisanship, insisting that true conservatism is defined by respect for the rule of law and a commitment to institutions that preserve liberty and democratic governance. For him, conservatism means honoring the moral and constitutional contract with the American people, even when it requires standing against a popular tide.
Judge Luttig’s article is essential reading for Americans of all backgrounds. It is a potent reminder that the Constitution depends on citizens willing to defend it. For conservatives, especially, Luttig’s words should be a sobering reflection on the need to prioritize principles over personalities. At a time when many are willing to overlook serious threats to the republic, his call to action underscores that conservatism must ultimately be a force for preserving America’s democratic values, not for subverting them.
Ignoring Luttig’s counsel would mean forsaking conservatism’s highest ideals and abdicating our responsibility to the future. His message serves as a call for all who value our republic to protect its foundational principles. Judge Luttig is a patriot in the truest sense, and his article is a crucial reminder of what conservatism can—and must—be: a defense of the values that make America great.
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