THE GREAT ISSUES OF OUR TIME - AT 8:19 P.M. ET:  Andrew Malcolm of the L.A. Times's Top of the Ticket informs us of the deep intellectual level of a Senate hearing, presided over by one Barbara Boxer, formerly of Brooklyn, now of someplace in California. You will not believe:

California's Barbara Boxer was chairing a hearing of her Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works, examining what in blazes is taking the Army Corps of Engineers so long to properly protect from the sea a Louisiana city that sits below sea level. Good luck with that still. Again.

Boxer was getting a little exasperated, head dramatically on hand and all. As the proper sign of military respect for a female, Brigadier Gen. Michael Walsh was answering "Yes, ma'am" and "No, ma'am."

And finally the ma'am had had enough. "Could you say 'senator' instead of 'ma'am'? It's just a thing. I worked so hard to get that title." No, really. Watch for yourself. She actually said that. A different attitude than on Memorial Day.

COMMENT:  Boxer is not known as a tower of intellect.  And, sadly, this incident will probably have no effect on her reelection campaign next year.  Some radical feminist groups, silent about the bestial oppression of Muslim women, probably think Boxer has hit upon a major issue.  Oh, mustn't say "hit upon."

This is what passes for a congressional hearing.

June 18, 2009