Respect. Something to be given accordingly, by custom or by the toils weathered.
Titles allude a degree of respect. So do the common terms sir and m’am. When a person wraps themselves up in a title, and forgets the most basic form of respect expressed by the terms sir or m’am, as the equivalent of any title achieved, the depth of their ego surfaces faster than the speed of light. None to favorably.
‘Airplane!’ director cuts ad poking fun at Boxer for ‘ma’am’ exchange with general. The Hill. Moments captured for eternity can serve both as valuable lessons as well as points to remember. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) had a little request for Brigadier General Michael Walsh. She felt being addressed as “Senator” was more to her liking given her position. The exchange during the Committee on Environment and Public Works meeting in June 2009 is priceless. Worse for her, it came off as arrogant admonishment of a military official in a professional meeting of individuals of equivalent stature.
“You know, do me a favor,” Boxer told the officer, who was using military protocol to address those higher on the chain of command by “sir” or “ma’am.” “Could say ‘senator’ instead of ‘ma’am?'”
“Yes, ma’am,” Walsh responded. “It’s just a thing, I worked so hard to get that title, so I’d appreciate it, yes, thank you,” Boxer continued. “Yes, senator,” he responded.
David Zucker, director of such hits as the 1980’s “Airplane” and 2000’s Scary Movie” hits, comes up with a satirical video lampooning Boxer on her arrogance and sense of entitlement. Right Change.
Call Me Senator – From David Zucker
October 22, 2010
Senator Barbara Boxer: “Don’t Call Me Ma’am” – General Michael Walsh
June 18, 2009
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