Yes, it's our job to match our civilian overlords, and not vice-versa.
However, Senator Boxer, ma'am...
Generally, *koff* in my world, if I'm continually using your Rank, vice "Sir," or "Ma'am" - well, let's just say I'm probably skating the line to be charged for using... "contemptuous words."
We don't much use ranks past the introduction in a conversation. If you hear a lot of rank being used between two people, that's usually not a good sign for how things are going.
Of course, the video at that link over at Real Clear Politics is only a snippet, without context.
I choose to see it as a cultural thing, with BG Walsh being perfectly in character for a military briefing, and getting ambushed by Senate culture (to which we will defer!). I'm guessing that not too many minutes after that hearing ended, emails about dealing with Senator Boxer were flowing around the rings of the Puzzle Palace.
I can guess what the bulk reaction around here is going to be...
However, Senator Boxer, ma'am...
Generally, *koff* in my world, if I'm continually using your Rank, vice "Sir," or "Ma'am" - well, let's just say I'm probably skating the line to be charged for using... "contemptuous words."
We don't much use ranks past the introduction in a conversation. If you hear a lot of rank being used between two people, that's usually not a good sign for how things are going.
Of course, the video at that link over at Real Clear Politics is only a snippet, without context.
I choose to see it as a cultural thing, with BG Walsh being perfectly in character for a military briefing, and getting ambushed by Senate culture (to which we will defer!). I'm guessing that not too many minutes after that hearing ended, emails about dealing with Senator Boxer were flowing around the rings of the Puzzle Palace.
I can guess what the bulk reaction around here is going to be...
"Certainly, Senator. And I'd appreciate it if you'd call me "General". I've worked hard the past 30 years, serving in some of the worst rat holes in the world defending my country while sacrificing time away from my family, and I believe I earned my title as much as you did on the campaign trail."
Sure thing, Senator. As long as I can call you by your whole name: "Senator Barbara I-wouldn't-know-respect-if-it-bit-me-in-the-a$$ Boxer." You don't have a problem with that, do you? It's just a ..... THING.
She is unworthy of the sacrifices of uniformed personnel to defend her right to be a "senator."
Your second sentence is true, it is also true of all sides for many years, no exceptions.
Yeah, that's it. Polarizing qualities.
Shouldn't that be "Senatress"?
I would like to "Box" Senator Boxer right in the eye :)