Chief Deputy Whip of the Senate of the United States of America: "Could you say Senator instead of ma'am? It's just a thing, I worked so hard to get that title..."

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) was at a hearing yesterday with a military general who was filling her in on the Louisiana Coastal Protection & Restoration (LACPR) program.

Boxer: "Well, why has it been delayed?"

General: "Uh, ma'am at the LACPR..."

Boxer: "Y'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."

General: "Yes, Senator."

I'd like to know if she calls military personnel by their correct title every time she addresses them -- or if she considers their titles to be nearly as important as hers. Or if she's nearly as concerned with the program she's overseeing as she is with being addressed correctly. Or if she considers the General's service to our country worth overlooking a simple mistake in the middle of a hearing. Or if...

[head hits keyboard]