During a heated exchange on Tuesday of this week regarding unrepaired levees in New Orleans, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), asked Army Corps of Engineers division leader, Brigadier General Michael Walsh to stop calling her Ma’am, and instead address her as “Senator”. She went to to qualify the request with “It’s just a thing. I worked so hard to get that title. I’d appreciate it.”

First of all, “worked hard”? Puhlease… you were elected Ma’am - you didn’t get to this position of power you’re in through any amount of hard work. You got there through political influence and by spending the millions of dollars you made by investing heavily in the very energy companies you accused of manipulating the market and overcharging consumers during the last California energy crisis.

The person who earned his title, Ma’am, is Brigadier General Walsh. With over 30 years serving this great nation, HE has earned his title. Secondly, if you knew a thing about the military you so revile and castigate on a daily basis, you’d know that as a military officer, his training requires him to address women as “ma’am” and men as “sir”. This isn’t about sexism or a lack of respect, so get over yourself - he was actually treating you with respect by calling you ma’am.

By the way, displaying the professionalism that our armed forces are known for, the general responded with, “Yes, Senator.” I give him credit - I probably wouldn’t have entertained her request.