In November 1986 Reason’s Melvyn Krauss wrote “The United States probably has spent too much time and too many resources containing communism, and too little time and resources spreading capitalism.” He goes on to say “Once capitalism spreads, communism will contain itself.” If you replace Krauss’s references to capitalism with socialism then you have transported yourself from 1986 smack dab into the middle of one of the biggest and most concerning disputes facing America today.
I’ve often wondered why America has such a cult problem. That’s not to say that cults don’t exist in other countries but America specifically has no shortage of religious or non-secular controlling sects. I’ve read several cult survivor books, listened to podcasts, and watched documentaries on this phenomenon. One thing that often sticks out to me about the type of people who fall into the trap of cults: they are often simply looking for belonging, community, and understanding.
The 4th Amendment was written by James Madison in the 1700s. Frederic Bastiat wrote “The Law” and “That Which Is Seen and That Which is Not Seen” in the 1800s. Reason Magazine wrote a story about Mason Grimmet suing the city of Wichita for constitutional violations just last month. As much as we’d like to think that we’ve honored the principles our country was founded on and have heeded warnings that threaten our individual liberties, it’s clear that the words of Madison and Bastiat are just as crucial now as ever.
Sept 3rd 2026 - In their 67th episode, co-hosts Faith Martin and Olivia Hayse sit down with Drew Cranmer, who founded the Sunflower Privacy Alliance and is running for congress and Erika Lewis, who is running for Kansas House. The four discuss what brought them together: a deep concern for Flock technology and the surveillance state.
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.
