Oh ya'll, I am steaming. S-T-E-A-M-I-N-G. Now, usually, I do not wax political on this blog, but, I'm sure you've probably guessed that I am a Bible believin', wife to a Marine, Palin lovin', Carrie Prejean supportin', Conservative from way down South. If you haven't guessed that, well, now you know. And nothing gets me in a tizzy more than someone who is rude to, ignorant of, or unsupportive in general to our men and women in uniform. Like Ms. Barbara Boxer, California Senator and current boil on my butt.
If you haven't seen the clip, watch it here. This woman, with her "make me look hip" eye glasses and (if you want my opinion) pretty bad highlights, just says this to a BRIGADIER GENERAL. "Please don't call me ma'am" Boxer was obviously not raised in my neck of the woods when you were whipped with Daddy's belt if you didn't use "sir" or "ma'am" when addressing someone. She is obviously not too familiar with military niceties either. According to my hubby, who ended his 5 year, 3 tours of duty to Iraq USMC career, using "ma'am" or "sir" is the highest form of respect a member of the military can give to another. Chad said that a member of the military would address the President as "sir." He's actually the one who told me about this happening, too. He wasn't too happy about it.
Despite your political leanings, this whole incident was rude and should not have happened. In her yearning to put this man in his place, Ms. Boxer ended up making career women as a whole look like schmucks. This woman should have been more respectful of this man, who has served our country for many years and has worked JUST AS HARD or even more so to achieve such a high rank in the military. He fought for her right to be a smart aleck idiot. If she had a daddy like mine, she would have already received what we down here call a "whoopin."
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3 comments:
I was not raised in the south, so in all honesty, when a young man or woman would use ma'am when addressing me and I was like 19 - it was odd and a smidge annoying. But, I also knew that they were raised like that and that having an extra dose of respect, even if it is a requirement is nicer than some of the rudeness I encounter in California. Also, she is in politics - she should realize that is how he was raised and be proud of who he is and not be so sensitive, like he is trying to make her into less than she is. I think you brought up a valid point, it's a form of respect. I did not know that, when I would be called ma'am - it felt like I was being talked to like I was just a woman or an older woman. And I thought, who is this person calling me ma'am - they don't even know me. But I understand a little more now, because of you.
Thanks!
Siesta OC
Oh I understand where you're coming from! I am having to transition to being referred to as "ma'am" by some of the younger generation myself and, even though I know why the young 'uns are saying it, it still makes me go, "Wait a sec. Do they think I have one foot in the grave or something?"
I think repect in the younger generation is wonderful...even if sometimes we are treated like we're old - well to them we probably are! Wait till they get to be 30!
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