General Walsh referred to the Male Senators as "Sir"in the hearing.

[trumad]

I get why Boxer wanted to be called Senator--- but listening to the hearing, General Walsh Said "Sir" to the male Senators as well.

Being ex-military--- it's something that's kind of drilled in your head. I do not think that he was disparaging to Senator Boxer.

Here's the video of the hearing--- About 49:12 he says Sir to Vitter....

http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.LiveStream&Hearing_id=c7026be1-802a-23ad-4fa3-4c8ed0b6d074

[DJ13]

1. I agree. I think Boxer is much like my wife

She cant stand being called "Maam" because she equates that as being called "old".

[kirby]

2. So?

She stated her preference and he complied. What is the big deal?

[trumad]

5. Well some here on DU think he was being disrespectful...

I'm simply clearing the record.

[kirby]

10. Ahh, I see...

I think I've skipped all those threads ;)

My opinion is that he was disrespectful to the entire Senate. He should have address them all as Senators. I do not recall anyone referring to him as Mister.

[bertman]

13. You obviously have not watched many Senate hearings. The Senators are frequently

referred to as "ma'am" or "sir" when a speaker is addressing them.

Of course they wouldn't refer to him as "mister", he's a general. There is certainly a precedent for them referring to him as "sir" when speaking to him or questioning him, rather than having to address him as general with each statement.

[bertman]

14. Wouldn't it be nice if the Senators were more worried about getting full and truthful

answers from the witnesses instead of being so hung up on "sir", "ma'am", or "Senator"? Or, in the case, of Bush Administration folks, of just getting them to appear before the Senate or House, period.

I am a big Barbara Boxer fan--uh oh, I mean Senator Boxer fan--so I found this whole mini-snit to be kinda weird.

But I still love her anyway.

[timeforpeace]

17. Agreed. Senator Ma'am and Senator Sir, just to be safe.

[BlooInBloo]

3. GASP! You mean there's an historical asymmetry between how men and women are treated???

[hlthe2b]

4. I think you are right... but in defense of Boxer, it is grating....

I've spent enough time around military that I am accustomed to this, but I HATE being called ma'am. Probably because it historically has not been said in a respectful tone in many instances, but only to promote the "veneer" of respect.

I would not be surprised if this does not make sense to many men, but I'm betting lots of women (at least of a certain age) might view it similarly.

[trumad]

7. oh I get it---

don't get me wrong... But listening to the hearing I don't think he was being condescending....

[hlthe2b]

11. No... I think his use of the term was habit--reflexive...

But, like Boxer, I HATE it....I don't think she was wrong to request he call her by her current title which she prefers.

[DURHAM D]

12. I hate it as well.

I also hate being called a lady.

To me it suggests I am supposed to act in a certain way as dictated by you know who.

[AsahinaKimi]

15. I second it...

Hate it!
on the other hand, I really like and respect Barbara Boxer. I would
love to meet her.

[Ikonoklast]

6. I'm of two minds on this.

I do not think the general meant any disrespect whatever, as 'sir' and 'ma'am' are accepted in the military, but when a sitting senator asks you to refer to her as 'senator', then you politely do so.

Just like a friend of mine, I call him 'judge' (at least in public). That's what he is, and he earned the title.

[trumad]

8. He did when asked...

[Ikonoklast]

16. Yes. He meant no disrespect.

It wasn't like he addressed the male senators as 'senator' and Boxer as 'ma'am'.

Mountains, molehills, etc.

[msongs]

9. she has a professional right to be addressed as she pleases vs m'am/senator IMO nt

[handmade34]

18. yes

Sen Boxer has the right to be addressed as she pleases. I have watched this clip over and over, because it has created such divided opinions. I like Sen. Boxer and after seeing this I am convinced that she was frustrated and for just a moment needed to express that frustration in some way. The interaction was almost 43 minutes into the hearing and the General had been referring to her and Sen. Landieu and Sen. Vitter as Ma'am and Sir the entire time. After the 43 minutes Sen. Boxer did interrupt the General mid sentence and asked to be called Senator. No problem, really, but it was obviously out of some frustration and she unnecessarily added that she had 'worked hard for the title' The only reason this is an issue is that Republicans have picked up on it and used it to their benefit, claiming that the request came from arrogance and not really what it was. Really, a non-issue either way

[ProgressiveProfessor]

19. Actually she does not...there is no requirement under US law to use honorifics

Including titles like Senator or Judge. It gets a bit sticky in a courtroom but elsewhere its fair game. Not polite, but still legitimate.

In this case Madam Senator was being cranky and ended up looking silly.