How Modern Villains Use the Law Against You

I’ve been thinking lately about power. 

Specifically, about how power is maintained—not through elections or by consent, but by twisting the law into a weapon. 

The strategy is simple: create so many rules, regulations, and technicalities that everyone becomes a criminal without even knowing it. That way, when someone steps out of line (when they become a threat to those in power), the mechanisms are already in place to throw the book at them.  

This is how lawfare works. 

There are more examples of this than I can even begin to list. And I bet if I did write out a list, you’d be able to add to it. 

Trump’s seemingly endless legal battles, and the constant threats of legal action against Elon Musk since he bought Twitter are what come to mind first. They’re examples of what happens when people in positions of power feel threatened by someone saying or doing (or allowing others to say or do) things that they don’t want said or done. Things they can’t control through normal channels like debate or public discourse. 

But this goes way beyond Musk and Trump. It’s bigger than any single person. 

The truth is, all of us live under a system where the laws are so complex and vast that we’re breaking them every day—often without even knowing it. 

Whether it’s a small business owner buried in compliance rules or a parent navigating ever-changing education mandates, the stage is always set.

The moment you challenge the system, the law is ready to be turned against you.  

This pattern isn’t new—it’s exactly how dictators throughout history have controlled and manipulated the very people they are supposed to serve. But the danger isn’t just in what they do once they have control; it’s in the way they manipulate systems to seize power in the first place. 

They create so many hoops for people to jump through that compliance becomes impossible. Then, when they need to silence someone, all they have to do is pull the right string.  

This is why I’m so proud of The Tuttle Twins Guide to Modern Villains. It doesn’t just tell kids what dictators did after gaining power—it shows them how these figures came to power in the first place. It teaches kids to recognize the warning signs: the gradual loss of freedom, the laws that sound “helpful” but really create traps, and the slow creep of control disguised as progress and security.  

When kids understand these patterns, they’re equipped to stand against them. 

They learn that freedom isn’t just something we enjoy—it’s something we have to protect, especially when it feels inconvenient, unpopular, or even kind of scary.  

We’re all going to face moments when it seems easier to stay quiet, follow the rules, and hope everything will work out. But history shows us that is rarely the case. 

Historically, the people who just want to be left alone are not the people who come out on top.  

The only way to fight back is to recognize what’s happening early—before it’s too late—and to have the courage to act.

That’s the mission behind the Tuttle Twins books. We want to raise a generation of kids who think critically, ask hard questions, and refuse to fall for the traps set by those who crave control.  

Teaching kids these lessons today ensures they’ll grow up prepared to defend their freedom tomorrow.  

With parents like you, and resources like ours, we’re giving them more than just a fighting chance!

Thanks for letting us help in the important work you do. 

— Connor