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[Replaced_Texan]

If any one of you refers to me as "old ranching girl" or "simple cowgirl" when talking about my long and distinguished career, I'll bitchslap the hell out of you.

From today's AP - two stories of reactions to O'Connor's retirement, from the President and from members of Congress. I am struck by two of the public statements:

"For over 23 years, Justice O'Connor has been one of the Supreme Court's finest justices. As the first female justice, this simple cowgirl from Arizona has been a trailblazer for women and rightfully earned her place in history. She has served with distinction and dignity." - Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.

and

The president spoke with O'Connor before he appeared in the Rose Garden to express appreciation for her 24 years of service.

"For an old ranching girl, you turned out pretty good," he told O'Connor, who grew up on an Arizona ranch. But it was an emotional call, McClellan said. He quoted Bush as telling her, "You're one of the great Americans" and "I wish I were there to hug you."

After talking with O'Connor and before going to the Rose Garden, Bush held a meeting with senior advisers to talk about the selection process. The meeting included Cheney, Miers, Lewis "Scotter" Libby, the vice president's chief of staff, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove and Counselor Dan Bartlett. Chief of Staff Andy Card participated by telephone from Maine.

"We have had a plan in place ... just in case there was a vacancy," McClellan said.

Without even touching on what a demon's league that list of advisors is, it strikes me as condescending to refer to her as an "old ranching girl" or a "simple cowgirl." She is a 75 year old woman with a brilliant mind who has had one of the toughest jobs in the nation for decades. They wouldn't call Rehnquist or Scalia an "old country boy" publicly, would they? They seem almost amazed that a woman had the drive to do as much as she did. I think it's insulting to think that a woman couldn't. And regardless of her gender, this is a jurist with incredible capabilities and intellect (even if I don't agree with her conservatism, I respect someone who can do what she did for so long). Doesn't she deserve a better public send-off than comments that peg her as less than she is?

Grrr. Makes me want to throw things.

And the first one to tell me that I'm cute when I'm angry will be the first one to be hit.