Friday Thoughts...

We were going to travel this weekend but it is going to be just plain HOT out there. So we have decided to just pack it in and try to stay cool. Hopefully the electric bill won’t go out the roof trying to keep the house cool. I think we’ll shut down the upstairs areas and set that thermostat on 90 so everything won’t melt. Then we’ll try to keep cool downstairs or maybe set out in the shade and watch the boys play in the sprinklers. Maybe even wash the cars and the dogs in our bathing suits. I know our two labs will be hot!

So... Did you happen to catch Senator Barbara Boxer yesterday? During a senate committee hearing she was speaking with Brigadier General Michael Walsh. General Walsh was doing what he knows to do and referring to Boxer as, “Ma’am” during the questioning and discussion on some matters related to Hurricane Katrina restoration. “Yes, ma’am.” “No, ma’am.” He was being very polite and responding with respect for the senator as military officers have done for years and years. While giving one answer Boxer interrupted him and said the following:

“You know, do me a favor," an irritated Boxer said. "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," she said.

General Walsh responded with, “Yes, Senator,” just as he should have.

That irritated me a bit. Here is a person who was given her title and position by the will of the people who voted for her telling someone who has truly earned a position through working his way up the chain of command that she has earned the right to be called by her lofty title.

It reminds me of the exchange between Colonel Jessup and Lieutenant Caffee in the movie “A Few Good Men.”

Col. Jessep: Thanks, Danny. I love Washington.
Kaffee: Excuse me. I didn't dismiss you.
Col. Jessep: I beg your pardon?
Kaffee: I'm not finished with my examination. Sit down.
Col. Jessep: Colonel!
Kaffee: What's that?
Col. Jessep: I would appreciate it if he would address me as Colonel or Sir. I believe I've earned it.
Judge Randolph: Defense counsel will address the witness as Colonel or Sir.
Col. Jessep: [to Judge] I don't know what the hell kind of unit you're running here.
Judge Randolph: And the witness will address this court as Judge or Your Honor. I'm quite certain I've earned it. Take your seat, Colonel.

I kind of wish Walsh would have responded like Judge Randolph responded in the movie. But, of course, he is a professional.

Watch the exchange on YouTube.

One last note: Food Lion in Tramway and the one on Hawkins at US 1 both carry Le Bleu bottled water now. Please be sure to pick some up and give it a try. I think you'll like it. Well, that and I get a piece of every bottle sold in the US. But it is truly delicious water. Their system is amazing. We went to grab a case last week and there was only one left, so it looks like some other Sanford area people are pretty excited about it as the shelves were cleared. It's a strange economy out there. If you would like to know how to get in on this action and make some extra cash let me know. I can't really say how much I earn, but I can tell you I make my wife's car payment each month with it and I'm buying the boys a new Wii gaming system and Wii Fit this month, as well. Having the extra cash has been nice. I have two other Sanford people working with me now. There's room for plenty more. But you could live anywhere in the USA or Caribbean and work with me. Shoot me an email!