Barbara Boxer Offended When Called ‘Ma’am’ By Brigadier General; UPDATE: DeMint Not Pleased
BY: WC WINDBAG
This is hardly the most important story of the day, considering what is going on in Iran, the health care debate, and of course, fly killing, but it is worth noting. Many people believe that Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Ca.) comes from the shallow end of the intellectual pool, although there is no doubt that she is a politically savvy politician. But now, one can add pretentious to her mix:
Can’t see the video? Here is how it is described at FoxNews.com:
Brig. Gen. Michael Walsh, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, was testifying on the Louisiana coastal restoration process in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He began to answer one of Boxer’s questions with “ma’am” when Boxer immediately cut him off.
“You know, do me a favor,” an irritated Boxer said. “Could say ’senator’ instead of ‘ma’am?’”
“Yes, ma’am,” Walsh interjected.
“It’s just a thing, I worked so hard to get that title, so I’d appreciate it, yes, thank you,” she said.
“Yes, senator,” he responded.
What an idiot! It is basic military protocol to use terms like “sir” and “ma’am” when addressing those respectfully or higher in the chain of command. I guess it is more important for the good Senator to make sure that the military shows her the respect that she believes she deserves as opposed to accepting the proper respect given.
The article goes on to state that the Brigadier General surely meant no disrespect to Boxer:
“We would call them ’sir’ or ‘ma’am’ or ’senator such-and-such’,” Army spokesman Lt. Col. Nathan Banks said. Banks said any of those terms would be “appropriate” when addressing a senator.
According to one guide, the Navy and Coast Guard typically use “mister” or “miss” to address officers below the rank of commander, and “sir” or “ma’am,” or a specific title, to address anyone at that rank or higher.
“You can never go wrong by using ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am,’ but it is a nice touch if you can properly address a senior officer,” says the guide, Military Protocol: Uniformed Services.
Considering Boxer’s reaction, this must be a systemic problem in hearings… especially with other Senators?
The same day at a Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing, two Navy officials repeatedly referred to Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., with the title, “sir.”
“Yes, sir,” Navy Vice Adm. Bernard McCullough said when answering questions.
Wicker raised no objections.
Or perhaps not.
I’m not sure if Boxer was having a bad day, but it would be nice to see her NOT take it out on those in the military who are sacrificing so much to keep us safe.
UPDATE:
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) pulls no punches when asked about Boxer’s reaction:
I think it is amazing that she is so caught up in a title, she has kind have been a loose cannon and speaks before she thinks, and continues to be an embarrassment to her party, I believe.
More audio from this conversation is available at Hot Air (thanks Hot Air!)
- If Socialized Healthcare Is So Great... - February 2nd, 2010
- Brown Victory: Irony and Reason Lost on Some Dems - January 21st, 2010
- Comments Come Alive - January 16th, 2010
- Transparency Illusion; UPDATE: CNN's Cafferty Losses His Obama-Fevah ...; UPDATE2: Dem Congressman "We aren't transparent." - January 7th, 2010
- Global Warming Freezes Planet - January 5th, 2010
Having been in the Navy myself, a very protocol conscious branch of service, I related fully to the explanation given by military representatives. I feel that Madam Boxer was at best, ignorant of such courtesies, and at worst, extremely rude to the general. Even the most senior and decorated military officers are extremely polite in addressing political leaders, even relatively low ranking ones. It seems to me that Madam Boxer was really revealing her antagonism towards those who defend her right to speak freely and even rudely to them.
So, which is more noble – a political leader who temporarily holds office or an experienced and successful career military officer?
those who are insecure are usually more pompous about their titles.
I see it as elitist, which is a common trait of Democrats and Liberals.
For all of those who are willing to listen, I would like to be referred to as Senior Windbag, Esq., especially by Generals.
Her justification for insisting that the General address her as Senator was that she has “worked hard” to get this title. Well, excuse me, but as a retired Air Force officer, I know how hard it is to achieve the rank of General. General Walsh’s Army career has involved years and years to get where he is. In comparison, what did she do? She got enough votes to defeat her challenger and as a Democrat in a ridiculously liberal state, that meant defeating a Republican. How hard was that? She really needs to get over herself.
Maybe she was just taking a cue from the Governor from Blazing Saddles. I guess she was looking for a Harumph!
Us older folks remember how then Gov. Bill Clinton in 1992 intentionally and consistently called Pres. George H.W. Bush “Mr. Bush” and did the MSM say anything about it? Noooo!
Arch… Blazing Saddles is one of the greatest movies of all time, and apparently quite insightful.
Amen John. As BMT said, the insecure cling to their titles. It is amazing that such an insecure individual can be so politically astute.
Dark… good memory. I do remember that, although I don’t recall the President getting his grundies in a bunch at the time.
As a retired, disabled veteran, and, now, as a Veteran’s Advocate, Activist and Columnist “A Veteran’s Voice” who has been very active in politics for nearly a decade since I left our beloved Army – this really grates my goose!
There was absolutely nothing, nada, zilch that was disrespectful by the General calling the almighty, one-and-only, U. S. Senator (wait there’s a 100 of them) by the term “Ma’am” – that is basic etiquette and the standard for decorum – and she should know this!
I hear politicians refer to Generals as “Sir” or “Ma’am” often – and never had I heard a General correct a single politician by saying, “I would appreciate it if you would call me General, because 19 year old 2nd Lieutenants get called sir and ma’am and I’ve worked really hard to earn this rank!”
I generally like Barbara Boxer – but, she sure made a fool out of herself with this faux pax! Somebody, on Boxer’s staff ought to give her a head’s up about calling Generals, “General” and not making such a big deal out of her status as a U. S. Senator – the Congress has no where near the ranking of our military leaders in the popularity polls and the American people are fed up with the elitism in BOTH political parties – GET A FRIGGIN’ CLUE LADY!
Johnathan and BBD… thank you for your service to our country. You two, more than anyone in this feed know the honor and dignity behind the General’s use of the word ma’am. For Boxer to miss that was either plain stupidity or overtly disrespectful. Eithe way, it is not a good reflection on her.
I don’t see what all the brouhaha is about. She asked to be called Senator rather than ma’am, that’s all. I don’t think she showed disrespect to the general. It would be foolish if she didn’t speak up and just got angry every time he called her ma’am. Like, If Mr Windbag objects to being called Windy then he/she should speak up and tell us so.
JSAm, thanks for your comment. I think Sen. Boxer got worked up over a term of respect. If someone was to refer to me as “Sir” and not Mr. Windy, I should not take offense, especialy if the person calling me “sir’ refers to his superiors in such a way. It was a dressing down of the General. If she really wanted to show this hero some respect, she would have asked him that off camera and off microphone.
Trackbacks
Priceless… Sen. Barbara Boxer Meets Dr. Evil « Frugal Café Blog Zone
Leave your response!
Our Growing Debt
Countdown Timer
in 32 months, 3 weeks, 3 days, 19 hours, 7 minutes, 13 seconds
Latest Illuminations
Subscribe to Posts
Categories
Authors
Archives
Center Links
Conservative Links
Great Forums
Liberal Links
The Great Illuminator
Most Commented
Tags