What does a 500 year old art form which was made popular by courtesans and known for its uniformity possibly have to teach us about freedom? Freedom is not merely about the absence of constraints but is also about how disciplined we are with that independence. For instance, in order to be a good pointe dancer you have to learn how to prosper within the structure that is the pointe shoe. Although ballet and libertarian ideas are both hundreds of years old, thankfully neither one is stagnant - both are gracefully holding true to the words of Thomas Jefferson that “institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times.”
In Reason Magazine’s August/September 2026 Issue there is an article called “Samurai vs Squatters” by Christian Britschgi. The article follows James Jacobs, founder of ASAP Squatter Removal as he works on and discusses a few jobs he was recently hired to complete. Jacobs is known for a “near-perfect success rate of removing squatters” as well as his unique weapon of choice: a katana. How did the need for a katana-wielding squatter removal expert arise?
The Declaration of Independence is a beacon of freedom that calls to over a million immigrants to the U.S. every year. Unfortunately a sinking reality facing the immigrant community in today’s political landscape is that the very institutions meant to help them are hunting them down. What would the Founding Fathers think of this actuality? What would they tell us about the direction of our immigration policy and enforcement over the past several years?
In our 16th episode of ICTea - where ICT = Wichita and Tea = Transparency, Equity, Accountability - cohosts Faith and Olivia interview their fellow LOLA, Addison Liberty Patrick. Addison was awarded the “Rising Star” award at the LOLA Leadership Retreat in D.C. this past Fall and is currently running for city council in Jacksonville, FL. In this episode we talk women in politics and LOLAs place in it all. We also compare and contrast Jacksonville top issues with Wichita’s top issues. Addison will be back soon to talk consolidated services with us. Check out her campaign and please make a contribution here: https://addisonlibertypatrick.com/.
Co-hosts Faith Martin and Olivia Hayse interview Sedgwick County CFO Lindsay Poe Rousseau. We ask her to help us define terms like “mill levy” and “revenue neutral rate” as well as tell us about the county’s budget approval process. Spoiler - the process has already started! At the end, we also briefly mention the budget process for the City of Wichita.
First up, former Kansas state legislator and former Mayor of Wichita, Brandon Whipple. Brandon joins as they discuss the recent failed sales tax in Wichita, the Cedric Lofton settlement, data centers, and what the Kansas Legislature has been up to this session. Brandon brings a unique perspective to all topics. Next, they chat with Spike Cohen all about his organization, You Are The Power, which helps protect citizens from abusive local governments. Hear about the type of work they take on, the process, and how you can get involved.
