Latest news with #Hippos
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cocaine hippos overrun Kansas political landscape: Imaginary problems enthrall conservatives
Families of Hippos live in the rivers and lakes of Colombia. (iStock/Getty Images Plus) No one asked for hippos to overrun Colombian rivers. But hippos frolic in the South American country anyway, thanks to the extravagant ego of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. He imported four of the beasts for a private menagerie. After his death, they escaped and multiplied, turning into an invasive species bedeviling officials. The government has sought to sterilize and deport the beasts, but cocaine hippos keep on thriving. And so it is with bad ideas in the Kansas Legislature. Each year lawmakers wade through scads of proposals introduced by out-of-state think tanks or touted by conservative influencers, none of them with the slightest connection to actual Kansans' problems or concerns. Such ideas are the cocaine hippos of Kansas politics, taking up residence in the credulous heads of GOP lawmakers and driving out all hope of sensible policymaking. Once you spot these cocaine hippos (I must give credit to classical music critic David Hurwitz for introducing me to the term), you can't ignore them. Their bulky yet slippery bodies have twisted and distorted the state's political landscape. Eradicating the creatures, in whatever ways possible, will only strengthen government. Here are five hippos spotted in the past few months. 'The Legislature adopted a spending plan Thursday that fully funds public schools, provides pay raises for state employees, eliminates DEI initiatives, polices pronouns in emails, and puts the state on a course to blow through billions in reserves and face a budget shortfall within three years.' (March 27) You might support or oppose diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or people sharing their pronouns in email messages. But what do they have to do with any problems in Kansas? Who has been actually, provably harmed by any of this? Kansans have been swept along by a nationwide panic over innocuous attempts to create a more caring and accepting society. House Republicans refused to consider a plea from Democratic Rep. Valdenia Winn to send a message that there is no place for racism in the state of Kansas. Winn, a Kansas City Democrat, proposed an amendment to House Bill 2299, which declares that antisemitism is against the public policy of the state. She wanted to expand the language to condemn all forms of racism and discrimination. (March 26) Racism and antisemitism are both bad. Very bad. Yet why were legislators taking up or debating this bill in the first place? Discrimination on the basis of both is already illegal. Hate crimes are illegal, too. Have we seen any recent examples of such or related public unrest in Kansas? (And no, muted protests against Israel in its war against Hamas don't count.) The House and Senate on Tuesday overrode Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of legislation that could result in thousands of advance ballots being disqualified. (March 25) You know who has administered elections in Kansas for years? Republicans. You know who has repeatedly reassured Kansans that our elections are safe and secure? Republican Secretary of State Scott Schwab. There is no evidence that allowing three days for mail-in ballots to arrive will cause any problems. But Rep. Pat Proctor, R-Leavenworth, has swallowed the propaganda of President Donald Trump hook, line and sinker. U.S. elections are free and fair, and there have been no issues in Kansas. Still, the cocaine hippos overturn boats. Kansas House Republicans have repeatedly met in closed caucus meetings this legislative session, doing state business in secret and upending longstanding tradition. (March 24) Republicans enjoy preposterous supermajorities in the House and Senate. They have no reason to fear sunlight or transparency. Their leaders have more options and flexibility than they have enjoyed in years. And yet, they hide. They have somehow come to believe that letting people see what they do — even if it's as simple as persuading members to vote one way or another — simply can't be shared. But why? What harm have they suffered? The House still approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 1602, a nonbinding statement that urges the governor to help secure the U.S. border with Mexico and work with federal authorities to enforce immigration laws. (March 20) As has been pointed out repeatedly, and as can be seen by merely glancing at a map, Kansas doesn't share a border with Mexico. We have to deal with Oklahoma and Missouri, which are bad enough. Immigration fearmongering has no connection with anything actually witnessed in Kansas. As a matter of fact, whole sectors of our economy would shut down without migrant labor. And I could go on, but cocaine hippos have a way of crowding out all rational thought. While those of us watching from afar can see the way in which these malignant ideas have infiltrated our government, they have found surprisingly receptive hosts in lawmakers. Indeed, the mental landscape of many in Topeka would appear entirely unrecognizable to many of us. They have welcomed the hippos, praised them as saintly creatures and called on them to reproduce even more freely. As far back as 2012, literary critic Harold Bloom raised alarms about this tendency. In a lecture about poet Walt Whitman, he told a crowd: 'We are far along on a route away from democracy into the morass of plutocracy, … oligarchy and theocracy, because many millions among us live a reality completely separate from that of those in this room, for instance. The function of literary criticism at the present time cannot be the struggle with this Moby Dick of the American spirit, yet awareness of it should be part of our common ordeal of consciousness.' Kansas and its residents confront real obstacles. We experience real needs. Schools and special education require investment. The tax system demands rebalancing, making sure those who profit the most help everyone else. Petty hatreds and discrimination deserve to rot in the ash heap of history. Instead, we fight nonexistent problems with phantom weapons. And those cocaine hippos keep breeding. Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
South China Morning Post
02-03-2025
- South China Morning Post
The Lens: Singapore's anti-discrimination law fails to protect LGBTQ workers
If you are interested in being a regular contributor for The Lens, please apply by clicking this link. Thoughts from last week Claudia Loh, 16, Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School Claudia Loh says education is important to help change attitudes around gender identity. Photo: Handout I think gender identity and sexual orientation were not included in Singapore's new law against discrimination in the workplace because the general atmosphere of the world, especially in Asia, is more conservative. The older generation tends to think gender identity and sexual orientation are choices that people make for themselves. For them, any discrimination would be warranted since a person's choices around gender and sexuality were conscious decisions. However, this is not the case. One cannot decide one's sexual orientation, and it is perfectly fine to express yourself however you wish in terms of gender. However, the older generation still makes most of the laws, which leads to a lack of protection for those who face prejudice. Education is paramount if the Singaporean government and companies want to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for the queer community. Thanks to misinformation, being queer is still seen as abnormal and is heavily stigmatised in society. The government could do better to educate the public on the queer community – they simply identify differently from what is considered 'normal'. These people are humans, just like everyone else. This could be done by inclusivity, with more TV shows accurately portraying queer characters to allow more representation and increased understanding. Queer voices should be encouraged in society in order to erase stigma, for example, in the form of literature, to better understand and appreciate equality. Also, the government should create laws and regulations to enforce equal treatment for those in the queer community, making it illegal to discriminate based on gender identity or sexuality. Read and observe Hippos are known to be fiercely territorial animals. Photo: TNS A New Jersey man whose wife was killed in a horrific hippopotamus attack last year during a safari in Africa is suing the US company that arranged the trip, alleging it failed to ensure their safety and did not adequately screen and supervise the tour guides. The couple were on a guided walk in Zambia in June when a hippo charged out of the water, grabbed Lisa Manders by its mouth and crushed her head and body, according to the lawsuit filed against African Portfolio, a safari tour company. The company denies the allegations. The lawsuit alleges that the tour guides – including at least one armed with a rifle – walked away without helping. Lisa Manders, 70, suffered catastrophic injuries and died shortly after, the lawsuit says. Paul Slager, a lawyer representing Craig Manders, said: 'There are basic safety standards that businesses are expected to follow ... And those were not followed.' Slager said the lawsuit seeks damages that have not yet been determined and accountability for the death. The company's lawyer, Rodney Gould, said it was not negligent or reckless in connection with the death. He said African Portfolio only arranged the lodging, adding that the owners of the lodging, Chiawa Safaris in Zambia, provided the tour guides. 'It's a horrible tragedy when somebody goes on one of these trips and is injured or killed,' Gould said. 'I think it's important to understand what African Portfolio's role in this is. It's a tour operator. It arranges trips.' African Portfolio said Chiawa arranged the walking safari and guests were accompanied by an experienced and highly trained guide, a ranger and an armed scout. It said Chiawa told authorities that safety measures were implemented before the attack and 'repeated warnings' were issued to guests to return to the safety of the vehicle 'during the incident'. Associated Press Research and respond Do you think African Portfolio should take responsibility for the incident? If so, how? How can safaris better protect their participants so that incidents like these don't happen?
Associated Press
12-02-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Hippos, LLC's Cultivation and Manufacturing Division OG Yields Introduces Cannabis Brand ‘Hugs'
New Product Line to Provide Relief and Comfort to Missouri's Medical & Recreational Cannabis Communities VIENNA, MO - February 12, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE) - Hippos, LLC, Missouri's premier cannabis company with retail locations statewide and award-winning brands produced by its OG Yields division, is proud to announce the launch of its newest brand, Hugs. With a profound commitment to improving the lives of individuals seeking relief from daily discomfort, Hugs is poised to revolutionize the cannabis landscape in the state of Missouri. Hugs, with its poignant tagline 'Hugs Help,' represents more than just a product line; it embodies compassion, support, and a dedication to wellness. The Hugs line launches with its new line of THC-containing topical products, specifically formulated to provide localized relief without any psychoactive effects. Unlike THC products that are ingested or inhaled, which enter the bloodstream and can produce a psychoactive 'high,' Hugs topicals are applied directly to the skin. When applied this way, THC interacts with receptors in the skin, but does not reach the bloodstream in significant amounts. This means that the topical is able to provide targeted relief without affecting mental clarity or cognition. Whether consumers are looking for relief after a workout, to soothe localized discomfort, or to care for their skin, Hugs topicals product line offers a soothing non-intoxicating option. As part of the brand launch, Hippos is introducing its meticulously crafted Cannabis Salve, a harmonious blend of emu oil, THC, and essential oils designed to support not just relief but a holistic approach to skin health and discomfort. Hugs Cannabis Salve Ingredients and Benefits: 'At Hippos Cannabis, we believe in the transformative power of cannabis to enhance lives and alleviate discomfort,' said Nicholas Rinella, CEO of Hippos Cannabis. 'With Hugs, we're extending our commitment to serving the diverse needs of Missouri's cannabis industry by offering high-quality products designed to provide comfort and relief in their daily lives.' Whether you're dealing with life's everyday challenges or simply seeking balance, Hugs provides a natural, plant-based option that may provide relief. Hugs will continue to expand its product offering throughout 2025, introducing new solutions to address the evolving needs of Missouri's cannabis industry. The dynamic new brand is available for purchase at all Hippos' dispensary locations, marking a significant milestone in Hippos' mission to redefine the standards of quality and care. About Hippos, LLC Hippos, LLC is committed to promoting the powerful benefits of cannabis and related products while also prioritizing sustainability to support current and future generations. Hippos, LLC operates dispensaries in Chesterfield, Columbia and Springfield under the name 'Hippos Marijuana Dispensary;' a cultivation and manufacturing facility under the name 'OG Yields;" and has developed brands such as the award-winning 'Sundro,' 'Atta', 'Bad Pony' and 'Hugs' that are available throughout Missouri for purchase. Hippos is home to the award-winning Brett Hull #16 cannabis strain, and continues to be on the forefront of innovations in concentrate formulations and related technologies. Founded in 2019, Hippos is a recognized champion of patient and adult use access and education initiatives in the state. Stay up-to-date with Hippos at as well as on Instagram, at @hipposcannabis, @attacannabis, @sundrolife, @badponycannabis, and @ogyields. Public Relations Contact
