Call me Senator Boxer if you're nasty!

As a student of history and politics, I have always held extreme reverence for titles, oaths of office, the formalities and history behind our political system. In writing about our leaders, I have tried (probably not perfectly) to use their titles, President, Vice President, Secretary, etc. It is a sign of respect. There are other terms to show respect, and living on the edge of the south, "ma'am" has become a term I absolutely enjoy. Apparently, Californian women don't appreciate being called ma'am.

While questioning Brig. General Michael Walsh about the New Orleans levees, an interesting exchange happened. He responded to her as "ma'am", where she interrupted him by saying, "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." You can view the clip here. (Don't worry, the clip doesn't involve any "right wing" commentary or introduction.) When I heard the exchange, it sounded vaguely familiar....where had I heard the line "I think I've earned it" before....???

That's right! The overly inflated, egotistic Colonel in "A Few Good Men" played by Jack Nicholson insists that Tom Cruise "addresses me as Colonel or Sir. I believe I've earned it". I wish I could see a full clip of the questioning of Brig. General Walsh, to see if Senator Boxer ever referred to him as General or Brigadier or even Sir. Possibly her history of having a relatively hostile attitude with honorable men in the military has elevated a simple exchange to something newsworthy. My only wish was that instead of saying, "Yes, Senator."; Brig. General would have responded the way Judge Randolph did in "A Few Good Men" to Jack Nicholson's arrogant behavior saying, "And the Senator will address me as Brigadier General or Sir. I'm quite certain I've earned it. You may continue." It appears he is much more of a gentleman, or one of our own few good men.