A major issue now emerging in the Senate race in California is the exchange last summer between Sen. Barbara Boxer and Gen. Michael Walsh during hearings that were seen by millions on television.
Gen. Walsh consistently referred to the senator as “ma’am.” After getting tired of being disrespected, Sen. Boxer corrected him and asked Walsh to refer to her as “senator.”
Some special interest groups interpreted this as being rude to a member of the military. Actually, it is the other way around. Walsh was being rude to Boxer.
I have never been a big fan of Sen. Boxer and never voted for her when I lived and worked in California. But, she came a long way to earn the title of U.S. senator, regardless of her views, and anyone who is at her hearings in the Capitol should show their respect to her.
People earn their titles in life. One does not go to the doctor and call him or her by his or her first name, same with a college professor, and usually with a member of the clergy. And you don’t call a lady “ma’am” who has a distinct title of U.S. senator.
Gen. Walsh should issue a formal apology to Sen. Boxer, as should the special interest groups making this an issue.
David Shipp
Nevada
