12-23-2017, 12:56 PM
For many of us that were raised in particularly respectful society (the South?), or have served in the military, the use of the term "Sir" or "Ma'am" is customary, and is both polite, and a show of respect.
There was one somewhat famous person, a Senator from a western state, who derided a General giving testimony at a senate hearing, who self-righteously took umbrage at being addressed as "Ma'am" and dressed down the General.
He was so respectful, that rather than educate the then-Senator about how military members are taught to be respectful, went on to address the senator as "Senator", as she imperiously demanded. He demonstrated class. She demonstrated ignorance, pompousity and an out-of-control ego. WAB she was.
There was one somewhat famous person, a Senator from a western state, who derided a General giving testimony at a senate hearing, who self-righteously took umbrage at being addressed as "Ma'am" and dressed down the General.
He was so respectful, that rather than educate the then-Senator about how military members are taught to be respectful, went on to address the senator as "Senator", as she imperiously demanded. He demonstrated class. She demonstrated ignorance, pompousity and an out-of-control ego. WAB she was.
Jim Waltz, West Sacramento, CA