Why do we accept war and sickness as constants?

Have you noticed how sick Americans are?

It’s shocking when you compare our health statistics to other countries—chronic illnesses, childhood allergies, and autoimmune conditions plague us at rates that are quite literally off the charts. 

We’re one of the wealthiest nations, yet somehow one of the unhealthiest. And it’s not because we don’t spend a ton of money on healthcare.

I really like the work that RFK Jr.’s Children’s Health Defense has done in taking on some of the biggest players who, it turns out, profit from illness rather than wellness.

Of course, health isn’t the only place profit and perpetual cycles go hand in hand.

The post-9/11 world has seen an entire generation grow up with the United States in near-perpetual war. Troops and resources are scattered across the globe, and for the most part, young people don’t even know it’s happening. Those that are aware just think it’s normal—after all, they’ve never known it any other way.

I’d like to see a better future for my kids. 

I’m not naive to the fact that sometimes terrible forces can be stopped only by conflict, but I also don’t think we try very hard to avoid it anymore. 

And why would we? War is big business.

It seems that the rhetoric is constantly ratcheting up the likelihood of armed conflict, rather than making an effort to avoid blowback by trying to cool things down. 

It’s literally a tale as old as time.

Country A aggresses upon Country B. Country B retaliates. Country A then retaliates against the retaliation, and on and on and on, until no one even can agree on who was the initial aggressor.

In the meantime, the people whose governments are angry with each other just want to raise their children in peace and security.  

In The Tuttle Twins and the Golden Rule, which is inspired by Ron Paul’s A Foreign Policy of Freedom, Ethan and Emily learn firsthand about how quickly rivalry and revenge can spiral out of control, and how aggression leads to more aggression in a never-ending cycle. 

We introduce kids to the idea of peaceful conflict resolution, blowback, and the truth that the Golden Rule is represented in some form in nearly every religion and belief system. 

I have to admit, I’m a little nervous about where things are headed. 

Right now, the Harris campaign is proudly touting endorsements from Barbara Bush and Liz Cheney. I can’t think of two families who are more deeply tied to policies of war and foreign intervention. 

To me, that’s not the kind of leadership that prioritizes peace, and it’s a reminder of how critical it is for us to talk with our kids about what’s going on, how we got here, and the alternatives to never-ending conflict.

The Tuttle Twins and the Golden Rule helps you bring these conversations home. We even include discussion questions to help your kids really understand the principles they’ve learned. 

Ethan and Emily’s experience at camp shows kids how friendship, respect, and peaceful conflict resolution aren’t just ideas—they’re powerful actions with real outcomes. 

When kids learn these lessons early, they’re better equipped to be the leaders who will choose peace over profit in the future.

Let’s raise a generation that sees a different path and has the courage to take it.

— Connor