Opposing Views: VIDEO: Did General Show Disrespect by not Calling Boxer 'Senator'?
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Senator Barbara Boxer has been called a lot of things, but don't call her 'ma'am.' This lesson was learned by Brigadier
General Michael Walsh on Friday, when he testified during a hearing before Boxer's Senate Committee on
Environment and Public Works. Walsh repeatedly referred to Boxer as 'ma'am,' to which she finally responded, "You know, do me a favor. Could you say 'senator' instead of 'ma'am?" Military protocol advises officers to use 'sir' or 'ma'am' when addressing anyone higher than them
on the chain of command, but was General Walsh being disrespectful?
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VIDEO: Did General Show Disrespect by not Calling Boxer 'Senator'?
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Senator Boxer is from what country??? Since when is Ma'am not a sign of respect? Do we not still appreciate manners and teach our kids to say Ma'am and Sir to those in authority or simply to show respect? As a physician, I say Ma'am and Sir to my patients. Why? Because they are human beings and deserve my respect. When Senator Boxer loses her position as Senator will it be okay to call her ma'am then? She does need to remember that she was put into her position by the public. She is a public servant. On the other hand, she did disrespect the General. She has not endured or seen what a military person has these days - officer or enlisted. Shame on her for disrespecting the General. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. She addressed Condoliza Rice as Ma'am. She addressed fellow Senators as Sir. Was she being disrespectful and no one realized it? Sir, Ma'am ... given to others as a sign of respect. Senator Boxer seems to think she's worked harder to get where she is than the rest our citizens work. She needs to step back and get over herself. She should also apologize to the General for her rudeness on National TV.
Term limits. It's the first thought that came to my mind when I saw this indignation.
Disclaimer: I am ex- military , so do with that whatever you want. If she does not see the honor bestowed on her by a Brig. General calling her ma'am, then she is quite the twit. There are 9 ranks of enlisted, and 6 ranks of officer below him that would never hear those words uttered in their direction. The fact that he calls her ma'am is a direct reflection of his discipline as I am quite sure he doesn't believe that she has earned it (opinion based on experience).
When she ordered him to address her as "Senator" the general should have responded "Maam I was merely following military protocol, which requires me to address anyone of higher rank as "Sir or Maam". However, if you consider yourself of lesser rank than me. I will cheerfully call you "Senator" That would have stifled the arrogant hag!.
I agree with the comment on Term Limits.. Senators obviously need more knowledge and credentials, and understanding of protocol..more humility,too. Maybe this is what is wrong in America today; our Senators need some training. Yes, she may have worked for the title Senator, but has she worked harder than the General? Obviously not since she does not understand some of the rules. What a disappointment to fellow women that she had to behave that way!
A clear example of the PC society we have come to live in.
The disrespect boxer showed in her verbal request proves her lack of understanding, she either forgot or did not ever recognize that our military leaders are the basic foundation on which she and all other American are afforded the opportunity to voice our opinions.
Unless of course boxer was actually challenging Brig. Gen. Walsh’s integrity ? Of which I doubt. But rather, just ignorance and lack of understanding that it is individuals such as Brig Gen Walsh that afforded her and all other American’s the opportunity to present her opinion in the first place.
I agree with most of your statement, but in my opinion this wasn't a misunderstanding. She is an arrogant elitist and was looking down on him like he should be an obedient dog.
This country's infrastructure and economy are crumbling under our feet, and Senator Boxer is concerned about how she is addressed by Brigadier General Walsh? It brings to mind three simple words whenever there is a conversation regarding our elected officials: out of touch.
Without knowing if the General addressed male senators as "sir" or "senator", it's impossible to determine if Senator Boxer's response was warranted.
Certainly if he called them "sir", then the military people commenting here are correct that Senator Boxer was wrong. If he called them "senator" however, then he was wrong.
They are told to address superiors as ma'am or sir out of respect. What sense would it make for him to use it out of disrespect, when he has had years of saying it out of respect for other women superiors? That would be outside of his training and what superiors view as respect or disrespect that are familiar with the rule.
to refer to a woman as her title, based on her gender, while referring to other members of the same level as their title, would be disrespecting them. If I was in the room with three generals, and called them each "Sir, Sir, Mr. Whatever." I'd be disrespecting the third.
Of the comments I have read, PhillyChief is most in line with my thinking. Logically, if other (male) senators were addressed as "senator" rather than "sir"; it may be considered more appropriate to address Ms. Boxer as "senator", like her colleagues, rather than "ma'am".
However, that does not affect the fact that she continues to behave pompously; and seems to show very little respect for the men and women who protect her freedom.
You know, I've about had it with Boxer Bashing. This Senator has worked hard to protect the interests of the weakest among us. Unfortunately, most of those who jump on the bashing bandwagon are just those who need this protection the most, but they are too -- dare I say it -- stupid to realize it. They (and you know who you are) have bought into the Republican propaganda machine that pretends to value small government but instead spends foolish amounts on unnecessary warfare including the pretend War on Drugs waged simply to bring more money to private prisons . Good grief! Couldn't we be discussing the fact that large corporations control our government? In other words: a REAL ISSUE!!!
From what I've seen in the posts above most of the judgements have been formed from the behavior she exhibited in the video. Patently disrespectul and very few of sound mind would disagree with that assessment. I think its fair to expose her record - which is filled with and Ultra Partisan past. Not confirming Condeleeza Rice, that is just plain partisan. Boxer deserves every criticism she gets and I think its unfair for you to think that others that post are automatically ideological and side with the Republicans - the assessments were for the most part made on this action alone. But there's plenty of room to attack her record as well.
comment on this because it underlies most of my thinkings towards elections . This might take me a bit to get conveyed, so as always, I ask for your patience.
My primary thought of the candidate is that they are very full of ego. I don't necessarily mean this negatively. Certainly, for one to be great generally requires ego. If you don't believe you can make a difference, you won't try. To believe you can make a difference means you believe in your abilities, hence some ego. Not a bad thing.
This all takes a horrible turn when nurtured in a corrupt environment . You all know the adage "power corrupts....". So, when an ego is nursed along by others who's main objective is to climb in the sights of the nursee, then the ego becomes spoiled quite quickly. Surround yourself with "yes men" and the ego is always answered with "yes".
To get to your point "thinks she is special just because she is a US Senator". You are indeed correct. Sadly, it is quite our fault that she feels that way. Our politicians are celebrated over long periods of time, ego's nursed along for decades. We parade them, fly them around, grovel for their time. Our system in itself has faltered.
Jefferson once spoke of completely re-inventing gov't every 19 years. He very well understood the humility of man, and man's ablitity become far less than humble. If bright eyed and bushy tailed Senators were never allowed to mature in these roles, and only left to their original intentions of aiding humanity government would be quite the different place. Term limits would be my offering to this solution.
boxer bashing need help/protection the most republican propoganda value small government unnecessary warfare pretend war on drugs more money private prisons large corporations control gvmt
I am a Democrat, and I find your multi-layered response to this post's question:
"Did General Show Disrespect by not Calling Boxer", baffling, I guess I am one of the weakest and most in need of YOUR protection. WOW !!!!!
"Couldn't we be discussing the fact that large corporations control our government? In other words: a REAL ISSUE!!!"
Is probably covered in a nother opposing view forum, the topic here is Boxer's arrogant condescending treatment of a man who has dedicated his life to service and the protection of us all.
Is there some reason you cannot keep to the topic here or go elsewhere and discuss the one you prefer?
That happens a lot in life. Somebody is attempting to treat another with respect, but this is misinterpreted by the other person. The terms "madam" and "senator" convey respect, but perhaps for Senator Boxer, the first term is not showing enough respect for her.
In the south, being called "ma'm" is the highest level of respect. When women move in from the north they are, at first, offended with the term because they don't understand the context. They feel that they are being belittled or treated as an old woman. However this disappears when it becomes obvious that the term is used with respect and proper manners.
In this video, the General is using the term out of respect. You can tell that it comes real natural for him. He also graciously says, "Yes, Senator."
The example of really poor manners is when she interrupts him. If she had an issue, then she should have made her request between questions, not in the middle of his response.
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VIDEO: Did General Show Disrespect by not Calling Boxer 'Senator'?
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Shame, shame
Senator Boxer is from what country??? Since when is Ma'am not a sign of respect? Do we not still appreciate manners and teach our kids to say Ma'am and Sir to those in authority or simply to show respect? As a physician, I say Ma'am and Sir to my patients. Why? Because they are human beings and deserve my respect. When Senator Boxer loses her position as Senator will it be okay to call her ma'am then? She does need to remember that she was put into her position by the public. She is a public servant. On the other hand, she did disrespect the General. She has not endured or seen what a military person has these days - officer or enlisted. Shame on her for disrespecting the General. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. She addressed Condoliza Rice as Ma'am. She addressed fellow Senators as Sir. Was she being disrespectful and no one realized it? Sir, Ma'am ... given to others as a sign of respect. Senator Boxer seems to think she's worked harder to get where she is than the rest our citizens work. She needs to step back and get over herself. She should also apologize to the General for her rudeness on National TV.
- femaleMDslidell
June 21, 2009 8:47PM
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cup over-floweth
Term limits. It's the first thought that came to my mind when I saw this indignation.
Disclaimer: I am ex- military , so do with that whatever you want. If she does not see the honor bestowed on her by a Brig. General calling her ma'am, then she is quite the twit. There are 9 ranks of enlisted, and 6 ranks of officer below him that would never hear those words uttered in their direction. The fact that he calls her ma'am is a direct reflection of his discipline as I am quite sure he doesn't believe that she has earned it (opinion based on experience).
- tek June 21, 2009 10:26PM
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oldiver
When she ordered him to address her as "Senator" the general should have responded "Maam I was merely following military protocol, which requires me to address anyone of higher rank as "Sir or Maam". However, if you consider yourself of lesser rank than me. I will cheerfully call you "Senator" That would have stifled the arrogant hag!.
- wrkdiver
June 22, 2009 12:23AM
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She fooled me.
Wow, I thought all this time she was a man. No one should be surprised, rude behavior is the norm with Boxer.
- hr3george
June 22, 2009 9:48AM
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It's odd
Where I served, all female ranking officers were "Sir", if speaking English. Although for preference, we would refer to all officers by their rank.
Was Gen. Walsh referring to other senators as "sir" or "Senator so-and-so"?
- quantummechanik
June 22, 2009 11:53AM
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Know Thyself...Socrates
I agree with the comment on Term Limits..
Senators obviously need more knowledge and credentials, and understanding of protocol..more humility,too. Maybe this is what is wrong in America today; our Senators need some training. Yes, she may have worked for the title Senator, but has she worked harder than the General? Obviously not since she does not understand some of the rules. What a disappointment to fellow women that she had to behave that way!
- Kathies opinion
June 22, 2009 12:27PM
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PC - Politcal correctness
A clear example of the PC society we have come to live in.
The disrespect boxer showed in her verbal request proves her lack of understanding, she either forgot or did not ever recognize that our military leaders are the basic foundation on which she and all other American are afforded the opportunity to voice our opinions.
Unless of course boxer was actually challenging Brig. Gen. Walsh’s integrity ?
Of which I doubt. But rather, just ignorance and lack of understanding that it is individuals such as Brig Gen Walsh that afforded her and all other American’s the opportunity to present her opinion in the first place.
- wade robins
June 22, 2009 12:45PM
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I disagree
I agree with most of your statement, but in my opinion this wasn't a misunderstanding. She is an arrogant elitist and was looking down on him like he should be an obedient dog.
- kong99
June 24, 2009 2:10PM
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agree-vs-disagree
I have always contented that arrogance is ignorance
arrogant ignorance
ignorant arrogance
- wade robins
June 25, 2009 1:30PM
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I must be missing what's really important!
This country's infrastructure and economy are crumbling under our feet, and Senator Boxer is concerned about how she is addressed by Brigadier General Walsh? It brings to mind three simple words whenever there is a conversation regarding our elected officials: out of touch.
- smitherz50
June 22, 2009 9:40PM
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Not enough information
Without knowing if the General addressed male senators as "sir" or "senator", it's impossible to determine if Senator Boxer's response was warranted.
Certainly if he called them "sir", then the military people commenting here are correct that Senator Boxer was wrong. If he called them "senator" however, then he was wrong.
- PhillyChief
June 24, 2009 11:52AM
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Possibly
They are told to address superiors as ma'am or sir out of respect. What sense would it make for him to use it out of disrespect, when he has had years of saying it out of respect for other women superiors? That would be outside of his training and what superiors view as respect or disrespect that are familiar with the rule.
- kong99
June 24, 2009 2:19PM
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Because failing
to refer to a woman as her title, based on her gender, while referring to other members of the same level as their title, would be disrespecting them. If I was in the room with three generals, and called them each "Sir, Sir, Mr. Whatever." I'd be disrespecting the third.
- quantummechanik
June 25, 2009 2:58PM
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Agreement
Of the comments I have read, PhillyChief is most in line with my thinking. Logically, if other (male) senators were addressed as "senator" rather than "sir"; it may be considered more appropriate to address Ms. Boxer as "senator", like her colleagues, rather than "ma'am".
However, that does not affect the fact that she continues to behave pompously; and seems to show very little respect for the men and women who protect her freedom.
- kmcx8
June 24, 2009 5:32PM
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Correct address
perusal of videos of the remainder of the session does indeed show he addressed the Male members as Sir
so he was not wrong in your definition
We should call her Madam Boxer or Madam Senator
if that were not a slur on the characters of honest Madams who give ggod measure and pleasure for the price of admission to their brothels ;-)
- kentuckydan
June 28, 2009 11:45AM
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Could we find anything stupider. . .
You know, I've about had it with Boxer Bashing. This Senator has worked hard to protect the interests of the weakest among us. Unfortunately, most of those who jump on the bashing bandwagon are just those who need this protection the most, but they are too -- dare I say it -- stupid to realize it. They (and you know who you are) have bought into the Republican propaganda machine that pretends to value small government but instead spends foolish amounts on unnecessary warfare including the pretend War on Drugs waged simply to bring more money to private prisons . Good grief! Couldn't we be discussing the fact that large corporations control our government? In other words: a REAL ISSUE!!!
- Brinna Nanda
June 24, 2009 5:57PM
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Boxer Bashing
From what I've seen in the posts above most of the judgements have been formed from the behavior she exhibited in the video. Patently disrespectul and very few of sound mind would disagree with that assessment. I think its fair to expose her record - which is filled with and Ultra Partisan past. Not confirming Condeleeza Rice, that is just plain partisan. Boxer deserves every criticism she gets and I think its unfair for you to think that others that post are automatically ideological and side with the Republicans - the assessments were for the most part made on this action alone. But there's plenty of room to attack her record as well.
- Ericsl44
June 24, 2009 7:24PM
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Boxer
Boxer thinks she is special just because she is a US Senator.
- Stu Strickler
June 24, 2009 7:53PM
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I just have to
comment on this because it underlies most of my thinkings towards elections . This might take me a bit to get conveyed, so as always, I ask for your patience.
My primary thought of the candidate is that they are very full of ego. I don't necessarily mean this negatively. Certainly, for one to be great generally requires ego. If you don't believe you can make a difference, you won't try. To believe you can make a difference means you believe in your abilities, hence some ego. Not a bad thing.
This all takes a horrible turn when nurtured in a corrupt environment . You all know the adage "power corrupts....". So, when an ego is nursed along by others who's main objective is to climb in the sights of the nursee, then the ego becomes spoiled quite quickly. Surround yourself with "yes men" and the ego is always answered with "yes".
To get to your point "thinks she is special just because she is a US Senator". You are indeed correct. Sadly, it is quite our fault that she feels that way. Our politicians are celebrated over long periods of time, ego's nursed along for decades. We parade them, fly them around, grovel for their time. Our system in itself has faltered.
Jefferson once spoke of completely re-inventing gov't every 19 years. He very well understood the humility of man, and man's ablitity become far less than humble. If bright eyed and bushy tailed Senators were never allowed to mature in these roles, and only left to their original intentions of aiding humanity government would be quite the different place. Term limits would be my offering to this solution.
- tek June 25, 2009 7:17AM
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Boxer
You are poobably correct.
Barbara Boxer has never put her life on the line for this country. The General has!
She should have shown him the respect and kept her mouth shut!
- Stu Strickler
June 25, 2009 7:45AM
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Not sure
boxer bashing
need help/protection the most
republican propoganda
value small government
unnecessary warfare
pretend war on drugs
more money private prisons
large corporations control gvmt
I am a Democrat, and I find your multi-layered response to this post's question:
"Did General Show Disrespect by not Calling Boxer", baffling, I guess I am one of the weakest and most in need of YOUR protection.
WOW !!!!!
- wade robins
June 25, 2009 1:49PM
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Valid point
Well Brinna your request
"Couldn't we be discussing the fact that large corporations control our government? In other words: a REAL ISSUE!!!"
Is probably covered in a nother opposing view forum, the topic here is Boxer's arrogant condescending treatment of a man who has dedicated his life to service and the protection of us all.
Is there some reason you cannot keep to the topic here or go elsewhere and discuss the one you prefer?
- kentuckydan
June 28, 2009 11:48AM
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different forms of respect
That happens a lot in life. Somebody is attempting to treat another with respect, but this is misinterpreted by the other person. The terms "madam" and "senator" convey respect, but perhaps for Senator Boxer, the first term is not showing enough respect for her.
- psychonaut
June 25, 2009 5:42AM
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Manners Still Matter
In the south, being called "ma'm" is the highest level of respect. When women move in from the north they are, at first, offended with the term because they don't understand the context. They feel that they are being belittled or treated as an old woman. However this disappears when it becomes obvious that the term is used with respect and proper manners.
In this video, the General is using the term out of respect. You can tell that it comes real natural for him. He also graciously says, "Yes, Senator."
The example of really poor manners is when she interrupts him. If she had an issue, then she should have made her request between questions, not in the middle of his response.
- MemphisBelle
June 25, 2009 9:08AM
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