Boxer gets snotty with general: Address me as “senator,” not “ma’am”
posted at 7:21 pm on June 17, 2009 by Allahpundit
I don’t know how else to read this except as a gratuitous slur that he’s refusing to acknowledge her title because she’s a woman, as though he’s Col. Jessep in “A Few Good Men” or something. What are the odds that a guy who’s spent decades addressing his superiors as “sir” would address a woman senator as “ma’am”? I actually went back and skipped around in the video of the rest of the hearing to see how he interacted with male senators and caught him answering Vitter’s questions with “yes, sir” a number of times. Is Boxer’s ego so fragile and her method so imperious that she’d publicly humiliate a guy whom she has no reason to believe is being anything less than respectful?
Answer: Given the power trip she once pulled on Inhofe at a hearing with Al Gore, yeah. She’s that imperious. Click the image to watch.
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TTheoLogan on June 17, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Yes but Jesus was Israeli, not Lebanese.. and he certainly wasn’t Hamas lol.
saus on June 17, 2009 at 9:09 PM
Military custom is that we may salute senators and congressmen. It’s always to be respected.
TTheoLogan on June 17, 2009 at 9:09 PM
My point is you can’t make the case that you have to be ridiculously zionist to be a Christian. That’s silly, considering 99.9% of israelis are not christian and a lot of them are hostile to evangelicals.
TTheoLogan on June 17, 2009 at 9:10 PM
I’m out! Have fun.
TTheoLogan on June 17, 2009 at 9:10 PM
asshat best be addressing ALL military Generals as
“General” —– from now on as well.
THEY DID EARN IT.
shooter on June 17, 2009 at 9:10 PM
I see what it is now. You’re mad because I made you look stupid. Well, that wasn’t difficult. Poor baby!
And you’re still a fake GI, dime-store Marine. No real military member would belittle the honorable service of another.
baldilocks on June 17, 2009 at 9:10 PM
I am always kind of amused by folks who insist on being addressed by a title, no matter what it is. For 2 decades folks called me sergeant,in and out of uniform, because it was required when I was in uniform and because it was comfortable for people to use when I was not, not because I demanded it. Well most of the time I didn’t unless it was to make sure the person on the other end of the conversation needed reminding. To me it quit being a title and instead became my first name, something that caused me quite a bit of adjusting to once I got out. To this day sometimes when my wife wants to make sure she has my attention she will let slip with a sarge. It is not meant to be used as some sort of demand of respect rather it just became a part of who I am.
In Ms Boxers case I don’t think, or I certainly hope people don’t go around all day, in all situations, referring to her as Senator. If they do I hope it is out of respect not because she demands it, and a word of warning to the good senator, once your first name is subjugated by a title, it is hard to feel comfortable by your real name once you no longer have that title. Maybe she ought to settle for Ma’am since when the trappings of power are gone it may be the only form of respect she gets.
Just A Grunt on June 17, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Boxer’s remark shows her pettiness. Not what you want in a Senator.
As to the 2 pages I had to read to get to the comment box,
Get a room.
poteen on June 17, 2009 at 9:11 PM
You mean like, G.I. Bill?
Signed,
Fake USN Veteran
The Ugly American on June 17, 2009 at 9:11 PM
No…. You quit your busyness, I’m full of foolishness. And what could be more important than ejecting a cancerous troglodyte like Boxer from the Senate and replacing her with a genuine conservative???
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 9:12 PM
Maybe Senator Doberman would be more appropriate!
diogenes on June 17, 2009 at 9:12 PM
I just noticed, you are working entirely too hard to make a point, and also taking on all comers. If you’re not a troll, at this pace you will be one by tomorrow.
If baldilocks was anti military, I would have challenged her myself over the past 18 months or so I’ve been a poster. But I haven’t because I’ve seen nothing I consider anti military out of her.
Hog Wild on June 17, 2009 at 9:12 PM
Well then, “sir” and “ma’am” would be appropriate, wouldn’t they?
But I was referring to Boxer’s implication that she had earned her Senate seat.
Count to 10 on June 17, 2009 at 9:13 PM
Doh………………….. Now that’s going to leave a bruise that his mommies make-up wont be able to hide… ;O
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 9:14 PM
The good general should have replied:
“My apologies for showing you undue respect, your Senatorial Grotesqueness.”
Either that or “Beeyach.”
hillbillyjim on June 17, 2009 at 9:14 PM
Is “Senator Corrupt Jackass Incompetent” qualify as “respectful”.
This idiot Boxer can go to hell in on a cracker, she’s not even remotely American. If there were justice in this country, Boxer would be locked up in Leavenworth and on trial for her life.
NoDonkey on June 17, 2009 at 9:15 PM
They aren’t earned. She’s an asshat.
The General earned more on his first day of basic training than she has earned in her miserable, sorry life.
ladyingray on June 17, 2009 at 9:15 PM
She worked hard for that title, unlike the general who was given the title and a chest full of medals, strictly as a gift. Riiiiiiight.
Star20 on June 17, 2009 at 9:15 PM
I was joking around because you were looking for someone to endorse you and then you insulted someone and it was just silly…
Branch Rickey on June 17, 2009 at 9:16 PM
TTheoLogan on June 17, 2009 at 9:10 PM
I’m wasn’t arguing with you, btw most Israelis love Evangelicals in Israel. Thousands of them visit here all the time, you can’t tour around here without running into large tour groups. It’s actually the American liberal Jews who have many more issues with Evangelicals on the whole.
If anything hard left secular Israelis feel the same way about Evangelicals as they do religious Jews because they don’t like religion, less to do with what religion..
saus on June 17, 2009 at 9:16 PM
You did no such thing. TTheoLogan makes itself look stupid without any help from others, in thread after thread. It’s targeting you because you put in print what’s bleeding obvious to everyone who reads its posts.
Thanks for your service to our country, and in the troll wars here at Hot Air.
Loxodonta on June 17, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Thanks for the help, folks. I think we have an Alinskite on our hands and he picked a target–there was never any proof, only smears.
BTW I was born in the Illinois, ironically enough.
baldilocks on June 17, 2009 at 9:17 PM
Oh, does not being a lying moron constitute being a girl?
Case in point:
TTheoLogan on June 17, 2009 at 8:52 PM
NathanG on June 17, 2009 at 9:17 PM
Geeezussss…..what an assh*le.
*hides AG2 patch
The Ugly American on June 17, 2009 at 9:18 PM
You’re a dear.
baldilocks on June 17, 2009 at 9:19 PM
I thank you for your service too.
ladyingray on June 17, 2009 at 9:20 PM
I’m pretty certain women can’t be PJ’s…does TTHeo know that?
ladyingray on June 17, 2009 at 9:22 PM
…says the Napoleon-complexed, weeny-pr*cked GI Joe. Put down the liquid courage and turn off your Internet voice.
Dark-Star on June 17, 2009 at 9:22 PM
It was an honor, ma’am.
hillbillyjim on June 17, 2009 at 9:22 PM
You know what is not silly, what just plain criminal? People complaining about the likes of Barbra Boxer, but not actually doing a damned thing about the likes of Barbra Boxer. This is a serious as a heart attack put up or forever shut the he11 up moment.
Like I said before… So how do ya like me now…
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 9:22 PM
No because he’s fake! Haha.
baldilocks on June 17, 2009 at 9:22 PM
Thank you for staying on topic and your gift of humor.
Yes. It would be good to replace that empty pair of Boxer with a genuine ____ like you.
Loxodonta on June 17, 2009 at 9:23 PM
She is such a pretentious twit. Like the General did not work hard to become Flag Rank.
What an idiot.
Gothguy on June 17, 2009 at 9:24 PM
That’s what I thought too!
ladyingray on June 17, 2009 at 9:26 PM
Coming from the person who is pissed b/c baldi defended AP over his call on scareforce 1.
Branch Rickey on June 17, 2009 at 9:27 PM
Go on, Lox, say it!
ladyingray on June 17, 2009 at 9:27 PM
Wow. TTheoLogan…
Does Move on.org pay you by the number of responses you invoke?
There’s nothing like a little friction to bring out the BUTT UGLY in someone and today is your lucky day!
Miserable and small little thingy you have proven to be here.
There’s no gettin’ your cred back after this crap sandwich you’ve thrown our way.
Go away, stay away.
Baldi nor anyone else deserves your ROT!
katy on June 17, 2009 at 9:29 PM
Her title matters so much more than his military protocol, her question, or his answer.
maverick muse on June 17, 2009 at 9:29 PM
Hey…. I am not a ____, at least I dont think I am, er well I sure think I hope that I’m not… ;O
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 9:29 PM
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always called adults, especially those in authority, “sir” or “ma’am.” Try as hard as they could in boot camp to break me of that automatic title, I still call 99% of the people I come across “sir” or “ma’am.” It’s a respect thing – and I highly doubt the general was trying to insult Senator Boxer. When it’s habit, it’s habit, and no harm was meant.
And what’s up with the hate towards Baldilocks? I find most people, including myself, respect her greatly – and not just for her military service (being a fellow linguist helps a nudge).
Anna on June 17, 2009 at 9:29 PM
ladyingray on June 17, 2009 at 9:27 PM
Nope!
You are an incredible asset to Hot Air!
Loxodonta on June 17, 2009 at 9:29 PM
Don’t hide it. Nothing wrong with that rating at all.
Anna on June 17, 2009 at 9:31 PM
Hog Wild on June 17, 2009 at 9:33 PM
I have always considered Boxer a despicable, deceitful far-left politician. I started to say, California, how could you elect this b**** (may I call you b**** instead of ma’am, Barbara dear?) as your senator?
But then I said, of course they elected her senator. A population which was gifted with infinite natural resources, a state with one of the richest, most scenic, most temperate coastlines in the world, a fabulous system of higher education, one of the world’s greatest cities, rich agricultural lands. This population has voted for politicians who have managed to take all of these riches bequeathed to them and destroy their economy and bankrupt the state. Barbara Boxer is a very fitting senator for this population.
Senator, you are not worthy to clean this good man’s boots. F*** you, lady and the horse you rode in on!
chris999 on June 17, 2009 at 9:37 PM
Not sure….but I can spot an altocumulus standing lenticular while simultaneously checking the rain gauge.
Besides, I was much too busy getting special privileges and taking time off for my menses.
The Ugly American on June 17, 2009 at 9:37 PM
General: Excuse me Ma’am, but you’ve done nothing to earn respect since you were elected…
(goes for 99% of people in DC)
phreshone on June 17, 2009 at 9:39 PM
In Senator “short fuse” Boxer’s Full Metal Jacket inspired dream sequence…..
“Call me senator dammit or I’ll come over there and field strip your entire assembly! You read me soldier? I’ve worked too GD hard at this for far too long and compromised too much of myself, my integrity and basic common sense. So I’ll be damned if I’ll be disrespected by a soldier calling me ma’am. Next time I’ll pull your guts out through your eye sockets”
I bet Babs gives the 120 to everyone and anyone who disrespects her in that manner…..Planned Parenthood, an underling from HHS, Sisters of Perpetual Mercy ….doesn’t matter. “short fuse” Boxer is just hard. That’s the way she rolls and the way they make’m in Cali.
R Square on June 17, 2009 at 9:40 PM
YO BARBIE!
Get off your “prom queen” high horse.
You didn’t “earn” anything. You were “elected” on your gender, on your looks, and on the undeliverable promises you made to all the suckers who voted for the likes of you.
So Barbie, take a minute and have a look at the medals on the General’s chest. THESE were EARNED …. in toe to toe combat with America’s armed enemies in a fight to the death. They don’t come easily or cheaply. They were awarded based upon the recommendation by his comrades in arms who witnessed first hand his bravery in combat. Not by a bunch of mush brained nitwit constituents who were easy suckers for your idiot re-election campaign ads.
And YOU???? You won a frickin’ popularity contest!
“Senator” my ass!
“Ma’am” my ass!
Ditz! …… Yeah, that’s you! ……….. DITZ!!!!
StimulateTHIS on June 17, 2009 at 9:43 PM
Might want to start by not being rude to people on your side; otherwise you seem to have the better than thou attitude Boxer is displaying in this clip.
Branch Rickey on June 17, 2009 at 9:44 PM
Only those in the chain of command, right.
TTL ought to take the mental abilities test that Mr. Walpin took on the Beck show and passed with flying colors. Grampa Logan needs his meds.
Squid!
baldilocks on June 17, 2009 at 9:45 PM
“Please refer to me as Senator.”
“Yes ma’am, I’ll do that.”
Didn’t I just say refer to me as Senator?”
“Yes ma’am, you did.”
Bishop on June 17, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Sorry AP, but this comment highlights your lack of military understanding. (If it’s been said already, forgive me.)
For a general to call another person “Ma’am” implies that the person being addressed outranks the General. NO GENERAL WOULD EVER CALL ANOTHER PERSON OF LOWER RANK “Ma’am”!!! Quite the contrary–he’s indicating that his rank is below hers, not above nor equal, thus it is a sign of respect and deference. To insinuate that a career military person, a General at that, doesn’t know what’s he’s doing shows your ignorance on military protocol.
My husband is an officer and I am a Civilian contractor; I work with military people all the time. Heck, we’ve lived on military bases for the past 7 years. You are only called “Ma’am” if you’re an officer, a Civilian worker/contractor, or being polite to a woman older than yourself. NEVER would an enlisted person call another enlisted “Ma’am” and NEVER would an officer call someone equal or lower in rank “Ma’am,” but only someone who outranks them. They’d be addressed by their rate or rank, if not “Sir” or “Ma’am.” It’s protocol.
Boxer’s response to the General underscores her ignorance of the military and shallowness.
conservative pilgrim on June 17, 2009 at 9:46 PM
Boxer is just following The One’s lead: ME FIRST, COUNTRY LAST.
Imagine the possibilities with this clip for ads by her future opponent.
NebCon on June 17, 2009 at 9:46 PM
LOL!!!
The Ugly American on June 17, 2009 at 9:47 PM
That’s gonna leave a mark.
The Monster on June 17, 2009 at 9:51 PM
I’d spit on that B given the chance.
Oink on June 17, 2009 at 9:51 PM
Who is being rude to “people on your side”??? You aren’t on my side and neither was College Prof. What you are doing is playing James Carvile styled games.
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 9:52 PM
“on your side” by your description. I was teasing you b/c you came off very abrasive and was trying to lighten the posting….
chill. don’t get all “ma’am babs” on us.
Branch Rickey on June 17, 2009 at 9:54 PM
Just sent the following e-mail to Boxer’s office. I’m sure the IRS will be contacting me shortly.
In case you are not aware…and obviously you are not, any military officer who addresses you as ma’am is doing so out of respect and deference to your rank and/or office. Your attitude was a gross insult and you owe this officer an apology, both for your condescending attitude and ignorance of military protocol. I suspect this general officer worked harder and performed deeds you could only wish you had done to gain his position. Unlike you, I am not impressed by your title or position because ultimately, you are nothing more than a politician. And that does not hold a candle to any person who wears the uniform of the United States.
sdd on June 17, 2009 at 9:56 PM
You know, she’s not gonna care what we say or write.
Tomorrow morning she’ll be staring out over the Pacific looking for the sunrise, just as she’s done the last 40 years.
fulldroolcup on June 17, 2009 at 9:58 PM
Good grief – did I already miss all the shouting???
Ms. Boxer is demonstrating the same mindset that many “senior managers” in Federal government have – that anyone who possesses a lower pay rate than themselves is totally unnecessary, inferior, and therefore not entitled to any respect. At times, it is all I can do to keep from blurting out, “Look, a##hole, if it weren’t for us “rivet-knocking panel installers”, there would be no place here for your “superior” intellect”.
uncivilized on June 17, 2009 at 9:58 PM
Boxer needs Glenn Beck’s senility test.
Speakup on June 17, 2009 at 9:59 PM
Somehow I doubt the veracity of your assertion, seriously, I am incapable of such a massive willing suspension of disbelief.
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Barb the Boob needs someone that will put her back into the private life……Go Home Now. you are worthless as a Senator of the USA!.
hawkman on June 17, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Darned if that little exchange didn’t remind me of the AOL chat room days, when busting fake military was a cottage industry.
To be serious, I absolutely believe that ANYONE who serves or served in ANY capacity deserves to be honored for that service.
So with that said THANK YOU toall military here, active or retired.
You make this vet SO damn proud.
irongrampa on June 17, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Yes and you have the opportunity to give her a final sundown. But you cant do it if all you ever do is talk $hit.
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Why hello IG………………. How the heck are you SIR… ;)
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 10:04 PM
I personally reserve full and complete ‘military gratitude’ for those who spent any length of time where they were at risk of being shot/blown up/etc., and/or exposed to severe physical discomfort while on duty. (like deployment to Alaska)
In public, however, I simply thank them all the same since I can’t tell who did what. :p
Dark-Star on June 17, 2009 at 10:06 PM
I am sure the General knows his chain of command and by saying ma’am was not a breach of protocol. I’ll just breakout my old army manual and get back with you later.
Americannodash on June 17, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Please don’t pick on doriangrey. That’s my job. We have a nice routine going. Please don’t take it seriously.
Loxodonta on June 17, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Some information from Wikipedia: Born Barbara Levy in 1940, in Brooklyn, NY. Degree in Economics from Brooklyn College, married Stewart Boxer(an attorney)in 1962, moved to Marin County, CA. She has held several jobs including;
stockbroker,journalist and congressional aide. Very active in Marin County politics.
She was first elected to the US House in 1982, subsequently ran for Alan Cranston’s open Senate seat in 1992 and won over her conservative opponent by 3 percentage points, “after a last-minute revelation that Herschensohn had attended a strip club.” She was involved in the House overdraft scandal, (87 overdrafts)
Boxer is “a vocal advocate for environmental issues, abortion rights, gun control, and medical research.” At 4’11″ she is described as being “diminutive” and uses a box to stand on, known as the Boxer Box. Hmmmm, maybe this information about her small stature could shed some insight into her personal shortcomings.
Constance on June 17, 2009 at 10:09 PM
dorian grey on June 17, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Heya Dorian-good seein ya! Doin just fine, how about you?
irongrampa on June 17, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Be careful not to crack the parchment. Those historic documents are irreplaceable, you know.
Loxodonta on June 17, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Really Barbara? You consider “ma’am” an insult? Well then how about senator Boxer, you pathetic little chihuahua?
RMR on June 17, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Ttheologan
Why so much hate for baldi?
It was originally for me I remember
But you were mistaken etween our names
blatantblue on June 17, 2009 at 10:13 PM
I’m doing very well Sir, and actually trying to see if I can get some of our California HotAir heads to consider taking me seriously as a replacement for Senator Boxer.
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Well, you can actually do something about that
Kjeil on June 17, 2009 at 10:16 PM
blatantblue on June 17, 2009 at 10:33 PM
If you don’t mind the curiosity, what did Ttheologan jump you for?
irongrampa on June 17, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Num, notice she didn’t say “Don’t call me “ma’am”,
I work for a living!
DSchoen on June 17, 2009 at 10:18 PM
So, Boxer won an election. She deserves less respect than the dead earthworms that couldn’t make it across my neighborhood sidewalk by midday.
BottomLine5 on June 17, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Whatevs. Not going to get into a pissing match about conservatism. Three legged stool. I stick by it.
Good luck with that senate run. Since you believe you are the only true conservative on the planet and the rest of us suck; then I am sure you will do a bang-up job impressing upon Californians that you are not nearly as condescending as Babs.
Oh wait. Too late.
BTW, whatever you say Hillary ->
Branch Rickey on June 17, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Wasn’t picking on him. Started out as just silly; then he went all too superior for the rest of us….
Branch Rickey on June 17, 2009 at 10:25 PM
I honor generals and I am sickened by Dem Senators.
Hening on June 17, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Can you imagine any of the Republican senators ever acting like this, even given that so many are so clueless? I don’t think any of them are arrogant enough to do what Asshat Boxer did.
juliesa on June 17, 2009 at 10:29 PM
::curtsies::
baldilocks on June 17, 2009 at 10:29 PM
You aren’t fooling anyone, this is exactly where you started, with ridicule and mockery.
No, I just spotted your deceitful BS right from your first post and called you on it.
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Whatever happened to the Democratic Politicians that actually loved their country?
kingsjester on June 17, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Yes.
Jaibones on June 17, 2009 at 10:32 PM
There never were any.
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 10:32 PM
By the way, Baldilocks, great job with that undercover Troll.
kingsjester on June 17, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Ms. Boxer,
as a US citizen I demand you address your superiors which would include all the members of the US military, who protect your sorry ass, by their rank or in the case of non military civilians, who are your employers, as Sir or Ma’am as the Military does.
You are a low life scumbag Senator employed by taxpaying American citizens to do a job you are obviously not qualified for as you and your ilk are makin a Royal clusterf.. of it.
You are not royalty and not entitled to any more respect than anyone else. You do not even qualify as a public servant rather are a public maggot as you contribute little to this country and merely leech off of its productive citizens whilst enabling the non-productive.
PISS OFF!
dhunter on June 17, 2009 at 10:33 PM
I think I’d be one general calling her “Senator Boxer, honey,” for the rest of the day. But then maybe that’s why I’m not really military material.
Blacklake on June 17, 2009 at 10:34 PM
She worked hard to earn the senatorial title. Remind me again what exactly she’s done?
This is why senators rarely become president, and why they almost always suck in the executive branch. The trappings of the office trap them into pomp and circumspection. Remind you of anyone?
EMD on June 17, 2009 at 10:34 PM
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 10:32 PM
I think a bunch of the old guard actually did. But nowdays, it isn’t considered “intellectual” or “socially conscious”.
kingsjester on June 17, 2009 at 10:34 PM
LOL…the Dems never change.
ddrintn on June 17, 2009 at 10:34 PM
Damn… If only we had a few more like you out here in California… ;)
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Dear Senator Boxer,
Does FO mean anything to you? I’d be happy to educate you in the most expeditious manner possible.
Sincerely,
Subsunk
Subsunk on June 17, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Dear Subsunk, did you by any chance forget the “AD” in that acronym??
doriangrey on June 17, 2009 at 10:38 PM
It’s not really my area of expertise, but I think you may have misread the intention of AP’s comment. I think his point was that someone who had spent a lifetime addressing a “superior” male as Sir would quite naturally address a “superior” female as Ma’am. One follows the other naturally. So for Boxer to take exception to being called “ma’am” because it implied disrespect is actually illogical on her part, and reflective of her complete misunderstanding of the culture. I don’t think in any way AP was backing up Boxer’s contention.
JiangxiDad on June 17, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Be careful not to crack the parchment. Those historic documents are irreplaceable, you know.
Loxodonta on June 17, 2009 at 10:11 PM
.
Yes sir.
Americannodash on June 17, 2009 at 10:42 PM
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