Noonan put this in yesterday’s Fire for Effect but I felt it worthy of a deeper dive, as it were, especially considering it’s Friday (and this has been a LONG week). So what do you guys (and girls) think? Was the Senator correct to attempt this bitch slapping of General Walsh or was she out of line?
Naturally the “who earned his or her title more” arguments might ensue, so let us offer the official bios of both parties:
Read Senator Boxer’s official bio here.
Read Brigadier General Walsh’s bio here.
So, to sum up, Boxer - career politician who loves nothing so much as a good hearing in a comfortable caucus room; Walsh - lifelong patriot who has traveled the planet rebuilding regions devastated by disasters both natural and man-made.
It’s not even close, is it? We salute you, m’am … er, Senator …
– Ward
Although I am no Fan of Senator Boxer, I will make a leap of faith that she was justified in her remarks. If the General was addressing the other male senators as
“You know when you argue with an idiot you look like an idiot too?“
Ah, so I won’t argue with you, then.
Mz Boxer needs to understand that respect is earned — not voted on. She needs to understand she is nothing more than a public “SERVANT” and NOT a very good one at that.….….….….…
I do so pity MR Boxer.…
What upsets me about this is the complete lack of tact used by the senator. She knows that he has been trained to address superiors and civilians as ma’m and sir. All she had to do is say “call me senator please” and he would have done it.
Now personally I don’t believe that any member of congress or the president deserves a title. They may hold the office, but they don’t hold a title. Having a title sets them apart from the people they represent. The constitution starts with We the People… The people outrank the all of government. If any senator asks me to refer to them as Senator I would politely decline and ask them to point out the section of the constitution that grants them the title.
In my opinion no senator has the right to be called senator…but thats just me.
She worked hard and earned the right to be called senator?
Last i checked , most career polititions,only work hard at raising millions of dollers to in effect be able to outspend and hence most of the time, basically buy the election. hmm, polititions work hard? Absolutely not, not in my eyes. Whine and complain as children? yes. Sale us down the river for their own good? yes!
Those in the military in my opinion, have earned the most respect in the is country. Boxer , ma’am, you are an egomaniac who does not deserve anything.
Being from California and being a Combat Veteran I truly Respect the fact that B.G. Walsh upheld the tradition that was tought to all military personel to show Respect to congresional and senitorial personel. Having seen and heard what MS. Boxer said, I believe that she herself was out of line in trying to exsert what she belives is her so called polictical power. I have never seen any High ranking Officer show any type of disepect to any political cadre of any kind.
OooooRaww General Walsh in for being what many of us Veterans call a Trus Gentelman and Officer.
“What upsets me about this is the complete lack of tact used by the senator.“
Oh Good Lord, we’re back to this? I swear, this is the most sensitive, weepy comment thread I’ve seen in quite a while. “She was *mean* to him! Sob!” My toddler handles (supposed) impoliteness better than you folks.
He earned his by service to his Country. Boxer earned hers by service to her wallett.
Seems to me California needs to rethink some of their political choices!!!!
A Military protocol member of her staff could have alleviated this whole incident.
For those “ignorant” in military protocol, a Military member presents themselves in Military bearing and conduct 24–7 more so in civilian “situation”. Ooooorah, Gen Walsh!!!
Total why don’t you look up the meaning of tact. I don’t think it means what you think it means.
I believe that I have given you more attention than you deserve.
The late-term abortion queen.
The most odious loathsome Lefty in the US Senate.
What do expect from a Politacian in the first place. Name the last one who put there life on the line took a job that pays less then it should syffer moving having your child go to 17 different schools. Ms Boxer is like a lot of babyboomers take take take never give back it’s all about me. The other side to that is the babyboomers who did serve. I’m sure she’ll be relected by those people who think the serice is for those other people
I admire the good General for keeping his cool when most of us would have rather flipped her “the bird”! But in reflection I should not have been surprised that the bozos we have for a legislative body would actually demand the royalty approach as if it really means anything today.
The chip on her shoulder outweighed her common courtsey. When someone makes a breach of ediquite you don’t rub it in, in public. She lacks compassion.
Poor Barbi got her wittle feelings hurt, this bed wetting Liberal and her buddy/lover Palosi have not earned squat as far as respect, much less a political title for serious Americans concerned for Americans.… She is a travisty, a scar on politics and a sham, and needs to show respect for a man that has earned everything he has to include his rank and the option to call Barbi ma’am or B*tch…
Senator;
You need to remember you ar ea public servent. Therefore you work for me and the rest of the citizens of the US. If you do not respect us, we will not respect you and you will lose your job.
Why did she not address him as General at the begining of her question? He has worked a lot harder and went thru a lot more than her to get his title!!! I think she should be voted out at the next election.
I wrote to Sen. Boxer regarding her blathering to Gen. Walsh. Here is her response to me:
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Dear Mr. Kelley:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the recent Senate hearing with Brigadier General Michael Walsh. I appreciate hearing from you on this matter.
Shortly after the hearing, I called General Walsh, and we had a friendly and productive conversation. We expressed our respect for one another and our determination to work together to protect our nation and communities from natural disasters.
Thank you again for writing to me. Please feel free to contact me in the future about this or any other issue of concern to you.
Barbara Boxer
United States Senator
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I was surprised to even get a response, as she is not my Senator And she does not represent me as I am from Missouri.
That form letter response can be filed under “spin-control”.
I’m sure it was directed for some congressional page to write that response to you.
(D) California. Big surprise there, eh comrades?