I Don't know if you saw the TV news clip last week about Senator Barbara Boxer admonishing a Brigadier General because he addressed her as "Ma'am" and not "Senator" before a Senate hearing.Anyway, this is a letter from a National Guard Aviator and Captain for Alaska Air Lines on that subject. I know that some of you don't like this kind of politician bashing but you must be aware of how comments such as Senator Boxer's insults the entire military community.
Here is my final draft to Barbara Boxer. I want the world to know at least one powerful politician who masquerades as a wise solon and a congress in whose hand $trillions are spent without even reading the bills.
Senator Boxer,
I view Congress as a collection of corrupted politicians who will do almost anything, once elected, to enhance their lives, fortunes and power, in order to be continually re-elected. How many of you could honestly say, "We pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor" as the originators of the Declaration of Independence did? None? One? Two?
Your reaction to the general shows several things. First is your abysmal ignorance of all things military. Your treatment of the general shows you to be an elitist of the worst kind. When the general entered the military (as most of us who served) he wrote the government a blank check, offering his life to protect your life and your right to liberty and happiness.
You repaid him for this by humiliating him in front of millions. Second is your puerile character, lack of sophistication, and arrogance which borders on the hubristic. This display of brutish behavior shows you to be unfit for your position representing the state of California. What I am writing, Senator, are the same thoughts countless millions of Americans have toward Congress, but who lack the energy, ability or time to convey them.
Lord Acton (1834 - 1902) so aptly charged, "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Unbeknownst to you and your colleagues, Mr. Power has had his way with all of you, and we are all the worse for it.
Finally Senator, I, too, have a title. It is "Right Wing Extremist - Potential Terrorist Threat." It is not of my choosing, but was given to me by your Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. And you were offended by "ma'am"? Have a day.
Cheers!
Jim Hill, State of Washington, U.S.A.
