George,

Just call me a good old Southern boy and a Virginian, but I disagree with Ms. Martin. One learns respect of others at a young age and using the local custom of sir/ma'am shows respect to elders and teaches courtesy that is all but a lost art. My grandmother blames it on the Yankees, that is until she met my wife ( nee Queens ), now she is all confused. However, the rule of the family is still yes sir - no ma'am despite ones ability to earn respect.

Blake Caravati (electronic mail, March 20, 2000)