Barbara Boxer: A Bad Actor
by Chuck DeVoreBarbara Boxer’s snippy confrontation with Brigadier General Michael Walsh on Capitol Hill on June 16, 2009 (Don’t call me “Ma’am,” call me “Senator”) wasn’t a display of a lack of proper military respect for Boxer, it was an open display of contempt from Boxer towards the people who serve in the military. That the Senator’s contempt was open and obvious shows Boxer’s lack of acting skills – most liberals have mastered the art of at least acting like they respect the men and women in the armed services.
–
Liberal contempt towards those who take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States has deep roots in the hard left that Boxer epitomizes. Look at how Boxer manipulates concern for the casualties of war to ram home her political attack against former President Bush in this email from 2007:
U.S. troops stayed in Vietnam, in the middle of a civil war, for more than ten long and painful years. More than 50,000 of our young people died, countless wounded mentally and physically. Suicides and homelessness still follow too many of our Vietnam veterans. How many more would have died if George W. Bush had been President in the 1970’s? How many more of our troops and innocent Iraqis will die if we don’t finally end this war?
One wonders how many of the suicides Boxer mentions were due to the hostile reception the left gave our returning veterans…
Today the left “loves the soldier” but “hates the war” – this is a cop-out. You cannot separate the soldier from his mission. Perhaps that’s why Boxer’s ideological allies “honor” our heroic fallen who return in caskets by using them as political symbols to attack the very thing our heroes were fighting for: our liberty and our safety. Evidence of the left’s scorn for the military is manifold: the widespread effort to ban ROTC from campuses and in San Francisco’s perennial effort to eject any military presence in their city (the City by the Bay approved a “College, Not Combat” measure in 2005 telling military recruiters to stay out of the city’s high schools).
Why are liberals uncomfortable with the military? Why do some liberals apparently despise our military? Is it because the armed services remind them that not every international dispute can be solved with soothing words uttered by a diplomat? Is it because they view military expenditures as taking money away from greater health and welfare spending? Do the heroes who serve show them that the world is not perfect and can never be made so by trillions of dollars of new government handouts?
Boxer dressing down of a U.S. Army general in public unfolded during a hearing on the Army Corps of Engineers’ work in New Orleans. When General Walsh, recently returned from Iraq, addressed California’s junior senator as “Ma’am” – a perfectly acceptable sign of military respect to both a U.S. Senator or a senior female officer, Boxer immediately responded, “I had a… You know… do me a favor, could you say ‘Senator’ instead of ‘Ma’am’ – it’s just a thing, I worked so hard to get that title so I’d appreciate it, yes thank you.”
According to the U.S. Army’s own guide to protocol, Members of the U.S. Senate should be verbally addressed as “Sir,” “Ma’am” or “Senator.” So, General Walsh was simply following longstanding tradition.
When addressing senior officers, with the exception of generals whom most junior officers and enlisted personnel usually call “General” more than “Sir” the most respectful form of address is “Sir” or “Ma’am.” Ironically, use of the actual rank in address is oftentimes used in situations when the senior officer has not yet earned respect from an enlisted person, as in “Yes, Lieutenant!” as opposed to “Yes, Ma’am!”
Of course, this wasn’t Barbara Boxer’s first confrontation with the U.S. military – not by a long shot. Boxer cut her political teeth on the anti-Vietnam war protests back in the day and never really changed her outlook on the uniformed defenders of the Constitution of the United States. Who can forget her confrontation with American hero Gen. David Petraeus back in 2007? Boxer called Gen. Petraeus a liar and then wrote a blog for the Huffington Post on September 14, 2007 which she headlined, “General Petraeus, Take Off the Rose-Colored Glasses.” Seen through the lens of time Boxer’s blog rant can almost be laughable were its implications not so injurious to our national security in calling for an immediate end (read: “defeat”) to the war in Iraq.
Perhaps it’s time for the Barbara Boxer to have a new title: “Ex-Senator.”
Mr. DeVore (R.-Irvine) represents about 500,000 people in Orange County California. He retired as a lieutenant colonel after 24-years of service in the Army National Guard and is a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2010 against Barbara Boxer.
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
| 
Follow Us on Twitter
Subscribe via RSS
Got a Tip?
195 Comments
I saw the clip and my jaw dropped.
What a pathetic display
The general was being far too generous in calling her ma'am. That foul creature is the furthest I can fathom from being feminine. I have a name for Boxer but it would get my comment censored.
Lol! Only the insecure are wrapped up in making sure their titles are acknowledged.
Awww, she was just letting her inner bitch out..It's the new feng shui or whatever the nutz are calling it now.
I'm sure she's been called it before and it probably fits perfectly..Starts with a C and ends with a T. I hate that word for women but in this case even I would call her that.
I was dissapointed first with her for being a c_nt and then him for saying "Yes Senator"… Dear General Walsh, you are hereby granted permission to address her as "ya sure lady"..
Signed,
The American public.
I think anyone who visits DC and encounters one of the Senators ought to start addressing them with the title "B*tch* or *Bastard* – and if they protest remind the pukes THEY work for US. My tax money goes to pay the salaries of the military just as easily as my taxes goes to pay the salaries of the congressmen…the difference is the military are worthy of their titles. Boxer and her fellow Senators deserve as much scorn as we their constituents can hurl at them. Id be happy to do it to her face too.
Sorry. That pisses me off.
General Walsh's service to this country far outweighs Boxer's (yeah I didn't use her title and never will) feigned service as a pampered governement official anyday.
very few people who have ever served in Congress have ever been as far left, hyper partisan (ok, Nancy Pelosi comes to mind) dishonest, nasty and shrill as Boxer. Only in California could someone like her not only be elected but keep her seat, Diane Feinstein- who, like Pelosi has a husband making millions off of the taxpayers
isn't even as bad.
No, Boxer is a stand alone. She was just showing her true (Red) stripes in this exchange…
Having lived in Calfornia, I would have opted for Moonbat.
This is so strange to me– bear with me for a minute. My father-in-law is a General in the Air Guard and he has had to deal with Boxer personally and she was actually helpful in person. One of the only California politicians who granted funding when he asked for it. I was surprised when he told me that– he has no more love of Democrats than I do. So to see her here, I wonder how much of this is pandering to her constituency or to her party? I mean, why else behave one way in private and a different way in public? And the whole "call me Senator" thing? Bizarre.
Maybe she was high the day my FIL met with her…
Frankly, I was appalled at her utter lack of education in military protocol. Of course, this woman is a first rate narcissist. Her website claims she was voted in with the highest amount of votes for a Senator, EVAH, at 6.9 million. She fails to mention the tiny fact that 5 million voted against her, the highest amount voting against a Senator, EVAH.
Ms. Boxer probably earned the title the hard way…..her jaw must be very sore. (Hat tip to Crusty
Heard about this on Gallagher today- he had his callers light up Boxer's switchboard. Some folks called in later to say they'd been hung up on abruptly.
Anyone else notice that she didn't address the General as "General Walsh?" He just came back from a tour in Iraq (working a helluva lot harder than her)- putting his life on the line for this country, only to come back and be sniped by this witch??? She is an embarrasment to our country.
What is it with these Politicians and their need to be addressed by Title. Even after they leave office they desperatetly hold onto their beloved title. Sounds like something right out of the middle ages.
“I had a… You know… do me a favor, could you say ‘Senator’ instead of ‘Ma’am’ – it’s just a thing, I worked so hard to get that title so I’d appreciate it, yes thank you.”
I find it hard to believe that my Senator understands the meaning of the term "hard work".
P.S. General sir, I believe it was Socrates who said "There are those with titles and those who deserve them".. Just thought I'd add that in case you need it for a rainy day..
A hooker's service far outweighs any Senator's, in my opinion.
How come the left isn't screaming for his right to FREE speech? I mean I'm sure they were for Letterman. What about that hack Maher, he's always abusing free speech with his hateful comments, so if he can get away with that how come the general can't get away with calling this bitchful woman by a respectful title.
Barbara Boxer was first elected, then re-elected when California was still fairly center. Admittedly, she came up against some strange Republican opponents, but she was no diva either. Yet she won. California today is very left, and the odds of knocking her off are pretty bad. That isn't to say we shouldn't try. But she's the incumbent's incumbent, a lefty know-nothing in a lefty know-nothing state. The only hope for California right now is that even the dummies should be able to figure out that California is, for all intents and purposes, bankrupt. And it was done on the watch of two Democratic Senators, a heavily-Democratic House delegation, one RINO governor, a leftist state legislature, and a whole lot of leftist big city mayors. One sharp conservative, with good credentials and a bit of charisma, and who knows? There is some hope, but I'm not holding my breath.
I wasn't aware we had titles of nobility in this country. In fact, I'm pretty sure the founding fathers were dead-set against them.
I remind all of you just who the General works for. He was not elected, She was.
The General serves at the Pleasure of the President of the United States.
Period.
All you have to do is listen to her yak about how she wants to vote for the war supplemental. She is one of the worst Senators in Congress. California should be ashamed.
I was gonna ask. (videos off at work). how many times did she address the General as "General"…
Besides, when I grew up, my dad always told me that "Ma'am" was a sign of respect… I'm guessing the illustrious Ms. Boxer must never have been taught that one?
granting funding is a personal power thing- something she revels in. Sometimes it happens to be a good cause with a good person. We wouldn't make too much of it…
Bingo! You read my mind.
Barbie Boxer is a prime example of a hard-core Marxo-Bolshevo-Stalinist. Rules, laws, and etiquette are for the "unwashed" masses; she is too important, in her own mind, to be restricted by such nonsense. Sometimes, I'm convinced we've become too genteel as we let these very rude people out in public.
and your point is what?
Postulated in article that liberals (leftists) are uncomfortable with military. Postulates are all true, but corollaries to basic truth. Leftists in all their subspecies: Marxist, Leninist, Stalinist, Maoist, etc., fear military as realistic defenders of the people. U.S. military personnel in particular see the world as it exists, won't swallow leftist kool-aid and generally take seriously their oath to defend Constitution, not necessarily government.
Look at USSR historically; CCCP (Communist Party) was always fearful that miliitary officers would lead a counter-revolution, especially once officer corps saw how CCCP degenerate ideology and practices were destroying Russia. So once CCCP claimed political leadership, they fed upon traditional mistrust of enlisted men versus officers in Russian army to initiate purges of officer corps as most likely "enemy" of CCCP. Stalin very nearly lost Great Patriotic War as a result of his military purges.
It would have been classic if another Senator had addressed the General and asked him "as a favor, General, please call me Jim" or by whatever first name. But that would take some stones, and the majority in the Senate have none.
How this check bouncing, semi literate, completely corrupt buffoon (buffette?) is so few heartbeats away from the Presidency is disturbing nearly beyond rational thought.
She is icky to infinity.
I think that sometimes it is important to use proper titles. Plus, if the General was calling Boxer "ma'am" while referring to the male senators as "Senator," then Boxer would have something to complain about. That said, although the clip doesn't show how the general was addressing the other senators, Boxer makes pretty clear that it's all about the title for her. How sad.
Any truth to the rumor that she's trying to make the new state flower a soiled brown condom?
He should start calling her "Toots".
You know, you may have a good point here. I know that my FIL had been turned down by Feinstein, among others. Boxer may have granted the funds for no other reason than to flex her political muscle or make a point to another politician. Or maybe she likes having the power to play God– in a sense. I don't know. The whole thing is perplexing.
that begs the question, Hawk- is Cahl-ee-fohrn-ya ready to make the break and embrace fiscal responsibilty?
There certainly is a tipping point coming and with no new tax revenue can the state's powerful unions be defeated? Any Congressional races looking promising?
Or, is everyone waiting for the inevitable Obama bailout with the requisite printing of useless script to pay their bills, so they can come back in two years?
Just asking…
doesn't mean you have to be nasty to those who bail out your bacon on a daily basis…
I feel the same way about Barbara Boxer as I do when I find a hair in my food.
Senator Ma'am Boxer's Father would have to stand on the shoulders of her husband and she would have to stand on his shoulders just so she could reach and Kiss General Walsh and Petraeus Honorably Military A$$E$. I remember this Loud-Mouthed Brooklyn born Virago when I came back from the War. She hasn't changed one iota, except she's a lot richer . I'm sure she earned it the same way she earned her title. The Left hate's and fear's the Military for all the reasons your saying plus for the reason no one says Out Loud. Their the only Force along with The People, that can take the Gov't back if the Hard -Left makes their Big Move. I hope to God I, my children, my grand-children and their children never live to see it but I Do hope to see this Liberal Sow go down in Flames Politically or any other way. I'm Fed Up with these Sacred Cow American Hating Ingrates. That's All.
correct on all the above. They like it when you come to them, hat in hand, for funds. Most likely she wanted a favor from someone who needed the project your daddy in law was involved in. Sound cynical?
you bet…
A). He addressed her properly as ma'am.
B). When did Boxer become POTUS? Your point makes no sense.
at least one get's something for their money there.
It's too bad Dan Lundgren's attempt at the governor's seat came when it did. He's as solid a candidate as I ever witnessed in California but he got sucked into the abortion debate, on Grey Davis' terms, and thereby lost because of the hysterical female fear vote. Even now, knowing what Grey Davis was for California, I don't think the electorate would be wise enough to make a different decision if they could replay that election. That was a big missed opportunity for the state. It's unfortunate that Ahnuld is the face of California politics because it implies that a Republican is responsible for their mess rather than the completely Democrat dominated legislature.
very nice and correct recitation of history. His purges did nearly cost him the war, and if Doenitz had his 300 subs in 1940 the UK would have sued for peace and the USSR would be fascist now instead of communist-oops! they ARE fascist now…
silly us.
Boxer was, is now, and always will be a piece of sh.t. Liberals are eloi.
there is an undeniable yuck! factor with both…
What really strikes me, though, is that the address of "ma'am" is considered by most soldiers as a greater respect than the use of some title. It's a sign the person is being respected, not only the position. And it's that respect, the one an individual can earn, that I think is truly grand. If Ms. Boxer wants to go along with the piddling respect of her mere position as a member of Congress, so be it. That's precisely what she'll get, and no more.
Dear Darrell,
you are a retard.
Signed,
Barbara "Town Bike" Boxer, U. S. Senator
PS. I was elected, you know. So shut up or sue me.
Yes, she was elected. By people who have elected a long string of losers that put California in some of the hottest financial water in the country.
So we should all bow to their wisdom?
I'd have responded:
"Is that what your constituency calls you, ma'am?"
(Hell – lots of actresses in her state 'worked hard' to get plum roles, too…)
I was gonna go with "Chiquita"
I notice that she did not refer to him as General or sir. I think he probably worked very hard and long to attain his position as well.
Speaking as a conservative 'morlock'… I wouldn't eat 'em…
Let's do a side by side comparison to see who more deserves their title:
Gen. Walsh: Defended this country from enemies foreign and domestic
Babs: Won a "Who's the Biggest Dingbat?" contest in a constituency of dingbats.
I haven't seen the full interrogation (that's what it was, btw). But you can bet she never once addressed him properly. I'll have to see if I can find a transcript. If I'm wrong, I'll post a correction.
dcase: It's still a pretty bleak landscape. We always have a few good candidates in the wings, but somehow they never get the support they need. Chuck DeVore is one. Tom McClintock is my personal favorite. Tom Campbell is another. There are also a few successful business figures getting involved. I'm not sure Californians understand something as sophisticated as "fiscal responsibility," but even they know when they're broke, so they may be willing to listen to someone who does understand it. And if there's one thing I've learned in years of California politics, and that is that just when you think you've got it figured out, something totally unexpected happens.
That's pretty observant. Perhaps the Senator no longer wishes to be referred to as "Ma'am".. She is afterall in California and may have just recently discovered that she is trapped in a "Ma'am's" body and is seeking medical treatment to cure it. Perhaps next year we'll call her Mr. Boxer.
"why else behave one way in private and a different way in public?"
Two-faced maybe? Californians who keep losers like Pelosi & Boxer in office are now getting exactly what they deserve. Looks like they are never going to learn…
For this putrid little skank to demand such respect from an honorable soldier is beneath contempt, and that is totally besides the fact that he was already addressing her respectfully. Hey Boxer, this General has put his ass on the line to protect America, he went through boot camp, he has dedicated his life to America. He doesn't sit in a big leather chair in Washington and spend other people's money. But that's the Democrats for you. I guess we should be happy she didn't spit on him and call him a baby killer.
It kind of made me gulp and *cry* a tear.
We are enduring so much loss…
SteveM: Lundgren is an excellent official. His problem has been his stern demeanor in public. On qualifications alone, he is top-notch, but as a statewide candidate, he's problematic. He had the right demeanor for his last statewide election victory–Attorney General. My hope (and I think that there's some validity to it) is that nobody actually thinks of Ahnuld as a Republican. They think he's from the Actor's Party, and I don't think his party affiliation will mean much in the next election. He will mostly be the former [unsuccessful] Governator. I think former Vulcan ambassador, former San Francisco Alien Squad Cop and current blogger Gary Graham would make a great candidate.
[...] most liberals have mastered the art of at least acting like they respect the men and women in the a click for more var gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : [...]
Trust me, we are. At least some of us. But look at the state of our budget and spending. California's biggest export is idiot politicians.
yeah, it's what we figured… the denial in the state is palpable; one can almost feel it. However, the vote on the taxes was encouraging and so was the 'tea party' turnout. Our guess is that many leftist Dem congresspeople are going to lose their jobs next year, particularly in marginal races.
How that plays in CA is anyone's guess…
Yeah, pray that you don't elect the kind of government California has. Pray hard.
When you elect a classless parvenu to the Senate, this is what you get. Why is anyone surprised that a jerk behaves like a jerk?
The US Senate is full of crooks, clowns, and nincompoops. Referring to Boxer as a Senator is hardly a compliment.
Since when did "ma'am" become a pejorative term?
Boxer is a real piece of work. I have a whole lot more respect for a Brigadier General than a senator.
Barbara Boxer is a very small, tiny person who thinks she is greater than she is. She is nothing. Boxer is a naked, rabid ideologue with nothing to say or do. The garbage is her kingdom.
BTW here is her # if anyone else wants to let her know how rude she is (202) 224-3553
Do you mean CaT, Kit? (tongue firmly in cheek)
Yes, we are ashamed. The problem is idealogues. Most of California will never vote for a Republican, even if the Democratic candidate was caught eating a baby.
I hope this doesn't get edited, but Barbara Boxer is a C*nt.
It sucks to live in California sometimes. I grew up here so didn't have much say in the matter. I suppose I could have moved after college, but when you have roots in one place it's hard to leave. Now I'm married and hubby's job and family keeps us here. We didn't vote for the liberals in office but we're pretty regularly outvoted so we're stuck with the results. I'd move if I could.
You would think that the dismal condition the state of California is in the voters of CA would clean house? Gary Graham for Governor, a great idea indeed
You're more than likely right. The whole thing sticks out in my mind because my FIL rarely talks about his job. The thing with Boxer must have really struck him as odd for him to bring it up.
Ummm surrre, that's what I meant.
Yea, I always say eeeeew to that also.
I can just hear her next rant now when a cop stops her for drunk driving.."DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM!!!!!!!!!!!"
Really it’s a good thing because the left is unmasked much easier to defeat in 2010. Barbara Boxer is exactly what I expect out of California, a snotty ill informed leftist. No offense to our CA friends at BH.
And he would reply, "Why, yes, MA'AM, I do!"
Too right…with Congress, we don't even get a reach-around….
Ummm…. I didn't… but I think I got it anyway…
Chuck – Senator Boxer has a purpose in the Senate. She makes Patty Murray look smart.
This is what I have come to expect from that coven of west coast witches to which Madame Boxer belongs. They all stink of meaness and pettiness and stupidity. They all stink. My advice to witnesses in the future is to just answer the question only and use no title in addressing them.
As far as I'm concerned, being called a "Senator" is a vile 4-letter word, so her shoe fits.
Can you say non sequitur?
ROTFLMFAO!!!! Thanks I needed that.
Another great student of liberal government. Like Obama, he doesn't know that there are two other independent branches of government. The military is under the jurisdiction of the executive branch. Boxer got all the respect she was entitled to, and a lot more than she deserves.
So if not Gary Graham, then why not Senator LawHawk??
Very good point! That falls in the catagory of "You have to give respect to get it".
This continues the long, illustrious history of Democrat women attempting to intimidate military officers. Hillary called General Petraeus a liar by saying what he said would require a "willing suspension of belief". I guess it worked for her though. Hillary's wisdom in protocol led her to the office of Secretary of State.
Bev, you're my pal. But the last time I ran in an election I came in sixth in a field of five. I'm a lot better behind the scenes. As John Adams said to Thomas Jefferson when Jefferson asked why he should be the sponsor of the Declaration of Independence rather than Adams: "People tend to find me unpleasant."
Maybe she thought she was Ethel Merman, and wanted him to "Call Me Madam." Surely she doesn't think she's a real Senator. Perhaps he should have called her "Your Royal Senatress."
A military person is trained to refer to a senior ranking person by either sir or ma'am or by their rank. They are titles of respect. I guess Boxer doesn't know or understand that. Her loss because her petty outburst shows her for the person she truly is. Of course, if I had to guess, in her opinion the military needs her a lot more than she needs it.
Counselor, forgive me sir, but I find that "unpleasantness" at this point in time to be a virtue as opposed to a flaw.
Senator DeMint responds to Boxer's tantrum:
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/06/18/its-on-demi...
Oldsoldier1: I think you may have a point.
Crunt?
An old curmudgeon attorney that knows how to say “NO” would be good for CA. “Hawk for Honcho.”
Damn that's an ugly woman.
My email to the "senator":
I am writing to you to express my extreme displeasure with your interaction with Brigadier General Michael Walsh on 6/16/2009. Your insistence that he address you as "Senator" was petty and childish. "Ma'am" is a perfectly respectable way for a person in the military to address a female member of the Senate. At the time, you stated that you worked hard to obtain the title "Senator". I can appreciate that. I, too, have worked hard to achieve my "rank and title", but I don't expect people to address me as "Sales and Markerting Director Metcalf". Do you see how ridiculous that is? For the record, I am the major breadwinner in my household; I'm strong-willed and fiercly independent. I say this lest you think I'm some kind of "barefoot and pregnant" submissive wifey. I am, most certainly, not. In conclusion, may I suggest that an apology to Brigadier General Walsh is in order? Otherwise, you will continue to be seen as a shrill, petulant, insecure female – and, really, is that what you want?
Hopefully in a short period of time we'll all be calling her the "ex-senator Boxer"!
You must be logged in to post a comment.