"Yes, MA'AM."
So Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) got a bit snooty with Brigadier General Michael Walsh after he referred to her as "Ma'am." Her words exactly:
"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."
He was at least respectful to the request and replied, "Yes, Senator."
(The article can be found here.)
My first thought was whether or not she watches her own Senate hearings on C-SPAN because I could swear that I hear every man, Senator or not, being referred to "Sir" at least once, so why she's so taken aback by this is a little odd. Also, considering that in the military, it's quite respectful to address your superior officers as "Sir" or "Ma'am."
Another little quip I have with her comment... she deserves the title "Senator"? No. She was elected. It's not based off of her own merits, not really. So I'm sure the Brigadier General (who actually earned his title) would appreciate her stepping off her self sense of entitlement.
"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."
He was at least respectful to the request and replied, "Yes, Senator."
(The article can be found here.)
My first thought was whether or not she watches her own Senate hearings on C-SPAN because I could swear that I hear every man, Senator or not, being referred to "Sir" at least once, so why she's so taken aback by this is a little odd. Also, considering that in the military, it's quite respectful to address your superior officers as "Sir" or "Ma'am."
Another little quip I have with her comment... she deserves the title "Senator"? No. She was elected. It's not based off of her own merits, not really. So I'm sure the Brigadier General (who actually earned his title) would appreciate her stepping off her self sense of entitlement.