Promotion of Women's Rights and Hirono's Publicity

          Mazie Hirono is a fervent protector of civil rights, specifically when pertaining to achieving equality between the sexes.  Hirono co-sponsored the re-introduction of the Equal Rights Act, which was initially brought into effect in the 1960's, to help with issues such as discriminatory wages (Mazie Hirono on Civil Rights). The re-introduction of this legislation would equip congress with greater power to address and combat infractions on existing regulation regarding discrimination based on sex or race (Mazie Hirono on Civil Rights).
          But is discrimination based on sex still an important issue in America? Though certain among us may contend that it is not, women currently only earn on average 77% of what their male counterparts earn in the same occupation (Cheeseman and Downs). This significant gap of 33% percent illustrates a clear lack of equality in the current socioeconomic system, not congruent with the founding notions of freedom, order and equality for which America strives (Berry, et al.).  As such, Hirono became a combattant of such shortcomings, using her influence in the political sphere as well as her personal experience as woman in politics as political weapons in her arsenal.
          The state of Hawaii itself is represented by a legislature comprised only 33% of women (Enloe and Seager.  It is of little surprise that Congresswoman Hirono has been such a strong supporter of equality when her State legislature is dominated by a 2/3 majority of men. This inequality of representation can be addressed by breaking down barriers, such as sexual discrimination and wage gaps, that would discourage women from seeking public office.  Though never explicitly stated by Hirono, it is likely that gender parody in politics is a long-term goal.
          The discussion of gender discrimination in politics does raise questions about how Hirono is portrayed by the media.  Many articles regarding the Congresswoman go on in length on the subject of the ongoing struggles of two women vying for control of Hawaii's second district (Gaddis).  The articles heavily broadcast the significance of the sex of both candidate and its importance for the state of  Hawaii.  Though multiple female candidates is an excellent indicator for the progression of equality in politics, it may cast a shadow over the issues the candidates themselves are advocating.  Although some news outlets, such as Honolulu's Civil Beat, are maintaining an objective perspective, it becomes easy for to lose sight of candidate's issues and in favor of what might be considered a more appealing topic of sex in politics (Blair).
          I do not mean to say that broadcasting the success of two prominent female candidates should be frowned upon, rather that such information should be released in a responsible manner in tandem with other relevant electoral information.





Berry, Jeffrey, Kenneth M. Janda, Jerry Goldman, and Kevin W. Hula. The Challenge of Democracy.

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2004. Print.

Blair, Chad. "Lingle and Hirono, On The Attack." Honolulu Civil Beat. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2012.

<http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2012/10/31/17488-civil-beat-poll-hironos-double-digit- 

lead-over-lingle-holding/>.

Cheeseman, Jennifer, and Barbara Downs. "Examining the Gender Earnings Gap: Occupational

Differences and the Life Course." US Census. N.p., 29 Mar. 2012. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. 

<http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/ioindex/GenderEarningsGap.pdf>.

Enloe, Cynthia H., and Joni Seager. The Real State of America Atlas: Mapping the Myths and Truths

of the United States. New York, NY: Penguin, 2011. Print.

Gaddis, Nate. "Lingle vs Hirono: An Historically Rare, Important Election." Maui Now RSS. N.p., 22

Aug. 2012. Web. 17 Oct. 2012. <http://mauinow.com/2012/08/22/lingle-vs-hirono-an- 

historically-rare-important-election/>.

 "Mazie Hirono on Civil Rights." Mazie Hirono on Civil Rights. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2012.

<http://www.ontheissues.org/house/Mazie_Hirono_Civil_Rights.htm>.

Hirono's Stance on Education

Congresswoman Hirono is a staunch advocate of improving child and youth education.  During her term in office she has supported several legislative propositions put forth to ameliorate and renovate outdated schools and also to support teacher development.  Her stances on education are liberal, as she places more value on positive interaction between teachers and students than complex and rigid structures of standardized testing.
           Congresswoman Hirono stands behind her ideas when it comes time to vote. She was notably opposed to the No Child Left Behind policies proposed under the Bush administration (Mazie Hirono on the Issues). The principals of NCLB were an increased focus on the standardization of testing of students across America (Rotherham). Hirono felt these measures undermined the purpose of teaching and warped notions of education by enforcing stricter guidelines.  She would instead have funds relocated to teacher development programs, ensuring teachers can reach their maximum potential in terms of quality so that they might better instruct and nurture their students. (Mazie Hirono on the Issues).
          In order for a proper and efficient education system to be maintained, more funds are needed from the federal government.  Hirono voted in favor of an omnibus bill, the HSS Labor Education appropriations bill, which would have given 10.2 billion dollars of federal support to schools (H.R. 3043 (110th)). Though the bill had a majority of the support and passed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it was vetoed by president Bush because of its extensive costs (H.R. 3043 (110th)).
          In contrast, both Mazie Hirono and challenger Linda Lingles are in favor of increased federal expenditures on education, though their views on the implementation of these funds differ.  Former governor Lingles believes that higher pay should be available to teachers, and should be awarded depending on personal performance and merit, which would be determined by the state (Linda Lingle on the Issues).  This more regimented approach of Lingle's is counterintuitive to the style espoused by Hirono, as it encourages professors to focus on academic results and ignore individual student needs.
          Hirono's strong commitment to improve education is unorthodox from a state such as Hawaii,  as it boasts excellent standards of education (Enloe and Seager 108).  Hawaii is already leading the nation in regards to students completing high school, with over 90% successfully graduating (Enloe and Seager 108).  In addition, Hawaii also spends in excess of 10 thousand dolars per pupil every year; again setting an example for the rest of the country (Enloe and Seager 76).  With such a high standard of education, perhaps making education related legislation a priority is over zealous.  On the other hand, perhaps she policies and experience from her home state as an example with which to improve other states lacking in educational expertise.
          It is no secret that Congresswoman Hirono is a powerful supporter of education, with an emphasis on the necessity of early childhood education (Mazie Hirono on the Issues).  She believes that by beginning learning at  a young age, and being taught by capable and well-developed instructors, that the youth will develop into a strong generation capable of steering America in the right direction.
         Hirono will likely continue to her fervent support of education policy as a member of Senate if re-elected.






Enloe, Cynthia H., and Joni Seager. The Real State of America Atlas: Mapping the Myths and Truths

of the United States. New York, NY: Penguin, 2011. Print.

"H.R. 3043 (110th):"  Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related

Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 (2007; 110th Congress H.R. 3043). N.p., n.d. Web. 

15 Oct. 2012. <http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/110/hr3043>.

"Linda Lingle on the Issues." Linda Lingle on the Issues. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. \

<http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Linda_Lingle.htm>.

"Mazie Hirono on the Issues." Mazie Hirono on the Issues. On the Issues, n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. \

<http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Mazie_Hirono.htm>.

     
Rotherham, Andrew J. 'Lets Not Weaken It' An Exclusive Interview with George W Bush on NCLB.

Times, 12 Jan. 2012. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://ideas.time.com/2012/01/12/lets-not- 

weaken-it-an-exclusive-interview-with-george-w-bush-on-nclb/>.