Sen. Boxer to Brigadier General: 'Could you say 'senator' instead of 'ma'am?'

[SoftLion]

Overheard at a Senate hearing yesterday:

"Could you say 'senator' instead of 'ma'am?' It's just a thing. I worked so hard to get that title. I'd appreciate it."

--Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) to Brigadier General Michael Walsh during Senate hearing Tuesday, when he the general repeatedly said, "Yes, ma'am," and "No, ma'am," when answering Boxer's questions at hearing she chaired on (http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/06/16/katrina-postscript-red-tape-and-sniping-leave-new-orleans-in-da/) New Orleans' levee system.

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/06/17/please-call-me-senator/

Video: http://www.breitbart.tv/html/362923.html

I thought Generals and others in the Military commonly referred to male Senators as "sir", without the Senator resorting to Grandstanding. And she just comes across as a **** in the video, right or wrong.

[Bruisercruiser]

She's such a silly tw@t.

[Johnny_H02]

A miscommunication I'm sure. She doesn't know or isnt familiar with the title of Sir or Ma'am in a Military context which relates respect for a higher rank. However I can see where shes coming from she's worked hard to achieve her title of Senator.

That being said, the reality of the situtation is she should mind her P's&Q's and educate herself on why she'd by called Ma'am by a serving member of the military and accept the fact that is common language in a military setting and accept it.

If I ever in my entire life achieved anything which had a Brig.General call me "Sir" I'd be both shocked and honoured (and probably a bit uncomfertable). I'd certainly not b*tch and complain and ask to be called something else. It screams of "loook at me whoooo ... I'm special" far as I know she's not the only senator in the house.

[SoftLion]

A miscommunication I'm sure.

I don't know, she seems like she is enjoying herself


I'd certainly not b*tch and complain and ask to be called something else. It screams of "loook at me whoooo ... I'm special" far as I know she's not the only senator in the house.

That would be par for the course for this "specimen" of a Senator.

[Bruisercruiser]

She's been in the U.S. Senate since 92'. She knows Ma'am is used in the same context as Sir. She's just being difficult because she feels Ma'am is old fashioned and an insult to her and her position.

"California dreaming....."

[3rdMillhouse]

An unneducated feminist.

[Albatross]

She is an idiot.

[click]

She is an idiot.

True statement.

[Kit]

Words cannot amount to how much a bitch she sounded like. I think the General is totally aware that she's s Senator. Should he also kiss her pinky ring as well?

[KoTeMoRe]

She's a member of the Congress of the US of A...just sayin'.p-)

[Merfeller]

A miscommunication I'm sure. She doesn't know or isnt familiar with the title of Sir or Ma'am in a Military context which relates respect for a higher rank. However I can see where shes coming from she's worked hard to achieve her title of Senator.

That being said, the reality of the situtation is she should mind her P's&Q's and educate herself on why she'd by called Ma'am by a serving member of the military and accept the fact that is common language in a military setting and accept it.

If I ever in my entire life achieved anything which had a Brig.General call me "Sir" I'd be both shocked and honoured (and probably a bit uncomfertable). I'd certainly not b*tch and complain and ask to be called something else. It screams of "loook at me whoooo ... I'm special" far as I know she's not the only senator in the house.

She was a Representative before she was a Senator and spent ten years on the House Armed Services Committee. I think she's pretty much familiar with military rank. I think this is just a petty display of ego, that's all. Like many others in Congress, she's reached the point where she believes the **** she's shoveling.

[SkyUS]

Did anybody see that "pirate" guy with an eye patch in the back.

**Pirate voice**
Aye agrrrh

[Breerman]

Very disrespectful of that woman (that's all she gets from me).

[Ordie]

That's interesting, in the UK, Ma'am is reserved for the Queen. (I think)

[Marshall_Nord]

What a dumb box(er)!:bash:

[California Joe]

Frankly, I think it was just her douchebag way of being self important. "Ma'am" is perfectly respectful and befitting her position, but Gawd forbid it draw attention to her ***. Much like stupid c*nts like Cameron Diaz and her ilk call themselves "actors". In fact, they are by definition ,and the fact they have ******s, "actresses".

Notice I said her "***" not her "gender". Gender actually applies to language not to whether people are male or female. I often see that used incorrectly.

[Fargin]

You want the truth? I think everybody is entitled to atleast one Col. Jessep moment.

[muck]

She simply could have asked for the address she preferred instead of making such a silly comment.

That being said, if a female Major General had asked that Brigadier to call her "General" instead of "Ma'am", he would have to behave correspondingly just alike.

[Power_serj]

Brigidier General > Senator

I would have like to see him say, "I am a Brigidier General and I earned that rank. Could you just stand at the position of attention when addressing me, Ma'am?"


That was very disrespectful of her cut him off and say that in such a fashion that she is above him. If she wanted to be called "Senator" instead, she could have asked him to do so privately and respectfully.

On another note, she did not even address him as "General" during the question, or when she cut him off. Does that mean that he did not work hard to attain the position of Brigidier General?

[Breerman]

Brings back when our squad were visited by the Defence Minister on an exercise. He was jovial and he just waved away our "Mr. Defence Minister" and told us to address him not by his first name but by his nickname. Very cool guy.

[wildcat]

She is an idiot.
true she has always been a clown, and she not getting better with years either.

[B_706K]

That's interesting, in the UK, Ma'am is reserved for the Queen. (I think)
Nah, officers of the female persuasion are also called Ma'am.

[demotivater]

Golden opportunity for the General to respond by saying, "Yes, Ma'am".

[Cstafford]

Golden opportunity for the General to respond by saying, "Yes, Ma'am".
Ahh man I was hoping he would do that.

[XShipRider]

Senator Boxer is an idiot.

I've stooped to name calling. Maybe I can justify this under the header of 'labeling.'

[muck]

Brigidier General > SenatorDoesn't the Senate appoint officers...?

[click]

Ugh, every time I watch the video, it makes me wish she would just punch herself in the face.

[SoSo]

The hubris of some of these people is just amazing. The Senator should show more courtesy and respect. Even liberals are going to have to admit she made herself look bad here.

[Murray]

see id get in too much trouble because id reply yes ma'am to her with a massive grin. in all fairness though the title of brigadier general reqires far more work to attain than the title of senator

[Johnny_H02]

Brigidier General > Senator

I would have like to see him say, "I am a Brigidier General and I earned that rank. Could you just stand at the position of attention when addressing me, Ma'am?"


That was very disrespectful of her cut him off and say that in such a fashion that she is above him. If she wanted to be called "Senator" instead, she could have asked him to do so privately and respectfully.

On another note, she did not even address him as "General" during the question, or when she cut him off. Does that mean that he did not work hard to attain the position of Brigidier General?
^^ None of that **** matters if she's a self righteous **** who will never be called on such behavior. Perhaps they should make Sean Connery a Brevet-Brig.Gen. (I know its not even possible) but he'd of handled that Senator a little differently....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo0d1zTAFKA

[I can't think of a name]

Her "I worked so hard to get here" statement is B.S.

She is a wealthy wife who wanted something to do and pad her ego.

[2Sheds_Jackson]

Well I dunno - I believe in court, you're not even supposed to call a female judge "ma'am" - it's "judge", or else. She just sounded like a massive bitch because that's how she sounds.

[Hot Lips]

I've heard professional men do the same thing. I earned the title Doctor... I worked hard for those three letters (esq.).

It always sounds pompous to me, but they are right.

Must have been a slow news day for this to make headlines.

[deagle]

wtf is wrong with her ? "ma'am" is still considered a respectful salutation. you can't be a Dr. w/o being a Mr. In military, they trained you to yes/no "ma'am" and "sir" all the time.

[SkyUS]

It would be awesome if the General would cut her short too and say ,please Ma'am address me by my rank. Would serve that bitch good.

[Hot Lips]

She didn't accuss him of disrespecting her, she stated her preference and thanked him for doing so, he complied. Story over.

[Johnny_H02]

I've heard professional men do the same thing. I earned the title Doctor... I worked hard for those three letters (esq.).

It always sounds pompous to me, but they are right.

Must have been a slow news day for this to make headlines.
I agree entirely, though I leave it at the fact that people who interrupt and say "excuse me its Dr.So&so.. I just write them off as douche-bags and try to avoid such folks.


She didn't accuss him of disrespecting her, she stated her preference and thanked him for doing so, he complied. Story over.
It didn't quite sound that way, her tone was resentful and snarky. Furthermore she was sitting on that male panel and needed to pad her ego a bit. I haven't seen the whole clip, if the General had addressed any male senators he spoke with as "Senator (insert name here)" and made an exception for her then we are having a discussion. IF however as I suspect he calls Senators Sir or Ma'am out of courtesy and military habit and she decided she needed to look down on someone fill her quota as it were then she was totally out of line.

[GrimReaper]

Brigidier General > Senator

Yes, in a banana republic or a totalitarian state.
In democratic states: civilians/elected official > every single member of the armed forces.

she's still an idiot though...

[LazerLordz]

I don't see the big deal about calling her ma'am. It's what uniformed personnel use to address any civilian in whatever capacity.

She's making the Democrats look really bad, and I'm just appalled at her pickyness.

[PeterRJG]

Well I dunno - I believe in court, you're not even supposed to call a female judge "ma'am" - it's "judge", or else. She just sounded like a massive bitch because that's how she sounds.

Really? Both *** of judge cop "your Honour" over here. That's on a good day anyway.

[2Sheds_Jackson]

Really? Both *** of judge cop "your Honour" over here. That's on a good day anyway.

Normally, I'll go ahead and refer to all women, regardless of position, as "sugar ****" - but I think "judge" or "your honor" are acceptable in court. I just cut to the chase because all women, regardless of position, eventually wind up calling me "asshole" anyway.

[Jobu]

Yes, in a banana republic or a totalitarian state.
In democratic states: civilians/elected official > every single member of the armed forces.


In terms of actual authority? Yes.
In terms of actual respect? No.

Boxer showed what a classless, pretentious, pathetic woman she is by clinging to her "title" so she might not feel so inferior to the Brig. General in front of her.

[engfisix]

Normally, I'll go ahead and refer to all women, regardless of position, as "sugar ****" - but I think "judge" or "your honor" are acceptable in court. I just cut to the chase because all women, regardless of position, eventually wind up calling me "asshole" anyway.

thanks for that great laugh, luckily i just finished taking a sip of my coffee....

[XShipRider]

Doesn't the Senate appoint officers...?

Still looking up your answer.... to a degree yes...


(a)
(1) Original appointments in the grades of second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and captain in the Regular Army, Regular Air Force, and Regular Marine Corps and in the grades of ensign, lieutenant (junior grade), and lieutenant in the Regular Navy shall be made by the President alone.
(2) Original appointments in the grades of major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel in the Regular Army, Regular Air Force, and Regular Marine Corps and in the grades of lieutenant commander, commander, and captain in the Regular Navy shall be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

[Laconian]

It is a way of asserting authority. Trial lawyers do it all the time. "Ma'am" is an acceptable way of showing respect/courtesy in the same way "Sir" is. It can be done out of deferrence to rank of just being polite. To ask, or demand, to be addressed by your title is just bad form, especially in this type of forum.

[Umbro2914]

Senators think their goddam Gods up there in DC... holy sh*t... and she wouldnt know what hard work was if it came up and slaped her across the face.

[Breerman]

Well I dunno - I believe in court, you're not even supposed to call a female judge "ma'am" - it's "judge", or else. She just sounded like a massive bitch because that's how she sounds.
Isn't it "your honor" to a judge?

I think it's nice and a sign of democratic spirit that military people are respectful toward toward civil authority/society but it's just symbolic. This woman isn't a judge or anywhere near that general's military or civilian chain of command. She's just another politician and should be appreciative of the respect that she was shown.

Just random events around the world but this one bothered me for some reason. Maybe Freud has some explanation :roll:

[martinexsquaddie]

Brings back when our squad were visited by the Defence Minister on an exercise. He was jovial and he just waved away our "Mr. Defence Minister" and told us to address him not by his first name but by his nickname. Very cool guy.

well that wouldn't have happened in the British military
but then again TCH does'nt appreciate his nickname
that **** hoon
ok he's not defence minister anymore

[BearInBunnySuit]

I saw the clip. The message was OK but the delivery rubbed me the wrong way.

[c62]

If she was really bent about this, it could've been handled quietly behind closed doors. That's how things are supposed to be done in the Beltway. Which given that she's a (fairly)senior Senator, she should know that, which implies she's grandstanding or making some kind of scene.

[Umbro2914]

WASHINGTON – The widely played video clip of U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer reprimanding a general for calling her "ma'am" is the gift that keeps on giving for the two Republicans hoping to challenge her next year.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_calif_senate_race_ma_am


Once in 17 years that I've been a senator, I asked a witness to call me senator, because we were having a back and forth and I kept saying 'general' and he kept saying 'ma'am', and it went general, ma'am, general, ma'am. And I thought, you know what, this is one of those times we ought to call each other by our titles," she said in an interview.

Boxer's strategy for dealing with the fallout is simple: Let her opponents talk about the exchange while she focuses on talking about jobs and other priorities. It's her way of conveying to voters that she is focused on the issues they care about while her opponents are focused on petty issues.

[Clockwinder]

If she was really bent about this, it could've been handled quietly behind closed doors. That's how things are supposed to be done in the Beltway. Which given that she's a (fairly)senior Senator, she should know that, which implies she's grandstanding or making some kind of scene.
Ya think??!! She's way out of line. The military is trained and conditioned to refer to women with respect as "ma'am". It's not demeaning or derogatory - except in the Senator's tiny mind.

[budgie]

This thread started in June. Dead Horse alert.

[Ordie]

This thread started in June. Dead Horse alert.

Not really,

It's election season again.

They are going to throw whatever mud they can find.

[Zarak]

Ordie's posted. The thread about Senator Ma'am is officially dead. Again.

[3rdMillhouse]

Ordie's posted. The thread about Senator Ma'am is officially dead. Again.

And it stinks of decomposing flesh.

[California Joe]

There really was no need for dragging this thread back from the dead.