CONVENTION EMPHASIZES ROLE OF WOMEN IN POLITICS

Convention Emphasizes Role Of Women In Politics

DENVER -- The Democratic National Convention continues to emphasize
the role of women, even though it's not sending one in search of the
White House this year.

Rep. Mazie Hirono, whose district includes the Big Island, was one of
74 women from the U.S. House to appear onstage at the convention
Wednesday evening. Hirono didn't have a speaking part, but in an
interview she said she was excited about the diversity of the convention.

Not only were the Democrats nominating their first black candidate
for president, but the party assembled its most diverse delegations
- -- and for the first time, 5 percent are Asian Americans. The
delegates seem younger as well, Hirono said.

In fact, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, for the first time women
outnumbered men at the convention. One for the history books, indeed.

WHAT'S THAT SMELL?

Like any large city, there are plenty of ... um ... interesting
people around downtown Denver. Doubtless the convention doubled or
tripled their numbers.

But some things you just don't do. I was walking downtown early in
the week, and suddenly I was struck by a smell that brought me back
to downtown Honolulu during lunch hour.

"I smell marijuana," the policeman walking next to me said suddenly.

Well, it IS called the Mile-High City.

Yes, there are a few Secret Service, Homeland Security officers, city
police and even rent-a-cops around, in case you hadn't heard. It's
interesting to me they're supposed to keep us safe but so many are
imported they can't (or won't!) give directions to the next cross street.

"They can do that here?" I turned and asked, being well aware that
medical marijuana users in Hawaii have every right to smoke it on the street.

"Well, they can, but they're gonna get arrested for it," the
policeman said, making an abrupt U-turn to sniff out the source.

Anyone hoping the Democratic platform includes decriminalization of
marijuana will be disappointed.

This is what the platform says about drugs:

"We must help state, local, and tribal law enforcement work together
to combat and prevent drug crime and drug and alcohol abuse, which
are a blight on our communities. We will restore funding for the
Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program, and expand the use of drug
courts and rehabilitation programs for first-time, non-violent drug offenders."