Obama bows to emperor, world reels?

Did Emperor Akihito return the bow? If so, it's a positive display of mutual respect. If not, it's a disturbing show of one-sided deference inappropriate for our President in the face of a foreign leader.

Please, please, PLEASE tell us that this time the foreign official our nation's leader bowed to returned the courtesy and respect. Bowing is a common gesture in the Japanese culture, and one the Emperor should have initiated or returned without hesitation.

So.... can someone please larify: did Emperor Akihito also bow? I sincerely hope he did.

The hell with courtesy, a good slap in the face will let them know who they are dealing with. I know Bush only bowed once....I believe it was to avoid a shoe.

American protocol -- of 233 years or so -- is pretty clear. We don't bow to foreign heads of state. That's kind of what 1776 was all about. A different site noted that the NYTimes eviscerated Clinton for NEARLY sort of almost bowing to the Japanese emperor in the '90s.

Wonder if they'll do the same now.

And Mark, you of the snarky headlines that ALWAYS seem to find fault with ANYONE who may find fault with Obama -- it's not necessarily the bow. It's what the bow represents: American obsesqueienss (spelling is so far from right, but I'm not looking it up) and Obama's continued emphasis on being small, as though shaking hands is going to ruin the US' place in the world. He's an amateur, a clueless one, and it shows more each and every day. Add this to the hugely egotistic remark of yesterday -- "I'm the first Pacific president," and lots of use just roll our eyes, and want desperately to gag. We also would like a recall election.

The Obama Buffoon strikes again. Obama -- The constant lying. The childish whining. The staggering arrogance. The dangerous narcissism. The astounding incompetence. Obama Buffoon wants to put as much of the private economy under government control as possible to create his nanny state utopia where he is the boy king. Let's continue to stand strong against Obama in every way and get Congress out of the hands of the insane Pelosi and Reid in 2010. Obama is a smug, smirking con man. Nothing more.

Who cares?!

I'm not quite sure why this article was even written

It's (the bow) called being polite to a host. Something the Obama haters won't understand and will try to expand into some phoney "issue". Give it a rest.

Maybe Obama the Unqualified should just bow out of the presidency. The U.S. does not bow to any country!

Yup, show the whole world what a candy as* you are Obambi,.

Excuse me but who does Obama represent anyway? Not the United States that's for sure. Let's see will Obama bow to the Chinese next because of all the money Obama borrowed from them? Obama is bowing to world leaders, but can't make up his mind as to how many troops are needed in Afghan.

Who gives a @#$. I love too how Obama is so unqualified, and he has such a strong predecessor to follow. Look at all the good Bush did.........oh

I don't recall any other U.S. President bowing and scraping to world leaders like this before. I'm beginning to wonder if Obama's obsequiousness is an indication of his subconscious belief, as an African-American, he's somehow not as "equal" as past Presidents. Considering the vehement White House denials after the incident with the Saudi monarch, this whole bowing thing might just be a reflexive act he's unable to control.

President's don't bow.

This is why.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed

It's common manner in Japan to bow like that it's no big deal, except to the rubes.

Most incompetent president, EVER!

Thanks Obamatrons, Dopes!

President Obama is showing customary respect to the traditions of the land that he is visiting. Not bowing will show only the arrogance and obnoxious disrespect that have been associated with Americans for so long. It's time to bury the ugly American image and show the world that we Americans see ourselves as part of global community and a respected and respecting member of that community.

Oh for heaven's sake, bowing is a gesture of respect in Japanese culture and Japan is one of our close allies and economic partners. If you Obama haters would learn a little about international protocol, it would go a long way to you becoming more intelligent, if possible.

most people here have probably never been to asia, or japan for that matter. one thing you will never realise is how much respect obama garners from these people when he shows knowledge & respect of their culture. bowing is a sign of respect & not a sign of weakness. in doing so, obama has done a lot more to gain trust & respect in asia than anything else. people here are uniformed & just plain stupid. turn off the fox "news" and get a life.

It's amazing in this day and age in the modern world there still is such an arrogance and total disregard to others cultures. It’s a sign of respect to a person of status. In China and Japan a bow to the emperor in ancient times the person would get on his Knees and put his face on the ground.

President Obama’s bow is one of respect to Japanese Emperor Akihito and to the culture of Japan. In the Japanese culture Emperor Akihito would not bow any lower then what he did in the picture. A head nod is all he is required to do in the Japanese culture. That is a sign of respect to President Obama in lines with the Japanese ways. The Hand Shake would have never happened 100’s of years ago and that is a sign of the modernization of the Japanese culture and how different cultures get to mix.

I am a conservative Republican who did not vote for Obama and disagrees with almost all of his policies, and I have no problem with him bowing to the Emperor; it is Japanese custom. I am an instructor and student of the martial arts and I would have been offended if he did not bow. However, his bow technique leaves a lot to be desired. First, he bowed too far over. You should keep your back relatively straight and only bow maybe 10 to 15 degrees from vertical. Second, never lose eye contact; that is as disrespectful as to not bow at all. Finally, his hands should have been placed at his sides during the bow. The handshake should have come after the bow, not during it.
As to whether the Emperor bowed back, I am not sure if it would be proper for royalty to return a bow to a non-royal, elected official or not.
You people that are upset that Obama bowed, would you be upset if the Emperor came here and refused to shake Obama's hand; after all, it is not the Emperors custom?
You people have a lot to learn about honor and respect; that's why there is so much distrust in the world.

beth: (snip)
it's not necessarily the bow. It's what the bow represents: American obsesqueienss (spelling is so far from right, but I'm not looking it up) and Obama's continued emphasis on being small, as though shaking hands is going to ruin the US' place in the world. He's an amateur, a clueless one, and it shows more each and every day. Add this to the hugely egotistic remark of yesterday -- "I'm the first Pacific president," and lots of use just roll our eyes, and want desperately to gag. We also would like a recall election.
(end snip)

"..we would also like a recall election..." and who is being egotistical ? why it's ..Beth !

Message to Beth: America held an election and guess what? Obama won. Also, have you ever heard the saying " when in Rome, do as the Romans do.." Obama has demonstrated proper etiquette and manners in the presence of another head of state as a guest in their country and still you rightwing nutcases find fault. With all your nationalism and testosterone, you should all be volunteering to serve your country in one of the wars started by Bu$h but you won't because your folks are ignorant blowhards and bigots who want others to suffer and die while you cheer on another conflict.

Pathetic responses. Unworthy of a world power for its citizens to hold attitudes like the postings I"ve read here. If we want respect, show some respect. And to be blunt, it must be a racist reaction, for every other president respected the customs. Didn't George W. BOW, KISS, AND HOLD HANDS with the Saudi Arabia King?

I would measure the angle of the bow on the basis of the sales job that the US needs to do with Japan. That's pretty extensive, in view of the fact that a large chunk of the Japanese population wants our military out of there altogether what with nuclear issues and all the Marine sex scandals. The lease on Okinawa, our conversion of the forward carrier base in Japan into a nuclear-capable facility, trade talks -- that adds up to a need for a pretty deep bow. Remember, this kind of respect does not usually go unrewarded.

OMG does this guy continue to look like a complete,"mor**". I hate to say that about our President but he really is. It is one thing to show respect, but bowing is completely unnecessary as the President of the U.S. His bow is very subservient not respectful at all. He should bow out of the presidency because all he does is make us look weak and above all himself ignorant. Hey, I didn't vote for the guy.

That's the leader of the "Once Free World" Obowdown.

More than eager to appease: would you like some taxpayer money $$$$? Or, favorable trade status? Can we export more American jobs to you?

Now on to China to make them a manufacturing superpower, while I choke off American Industry through mandated healthcare costs, higher energy costs (we will not build a nuclear generator, but I support Iran's), constantly keeping business guessing about my next arrow aimed at their destruction and the final nail in the coffin of American jobs and prosperity: Cap and Trade.

Obowdown, good for every other country but America.

Of course it didn't take long before the anti-Obama nationalists criticized him for (gasp) showing respect for another culture! The arrogance displayed in many of these posts is one of the reasons why the citizens of other nations despise Americans. And quite frankly, as an American myself, I agree with them; we are a self-centered, disrespectful lot.

This is what ya get when you put an incompetent dope in the white house, remember people 150 days of experience - know one would let anyone run their hot-dog stand with 150 days of experience. This guys' a joke and continues to embare-ass this country - he goes around apologizing for us being a Super-Power (or used to be) and then wants to beg for the olympics so his chicago goons can pocket more of our money - get him out of office as soon as possible.

I think we all need to agree Obama does not really understand protocal, the fact is he has no experience at any of this. In many ways he is a smart guy but I agree he is nothing more then a really good Chicago con man

I have no problem with Obama bowing, just as I had no problem with Bush when he did this.... http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I3Q1kT0tz2A/Sf_GIk0b6jI/AAAAAAAAC50/DGchXQwPHPc/s400/Bush_Prince_Abdullah_kiss_hold_hands.jpg

Since when did Americans become so upset because of body language? Quit whining people and get over it.

We could blow them up with one phone call, or any other nation for that matter. So exactly what is the issue with showing respect to a kind old man who is our economic and political ally?

Only the wingnuts here that oppose how Obama breathes in and out have a problem with this, He showed respect for someone else's culture. Come to think of it, now I understand why some people here are upset, since most Americans are as dumb as rocks when it comes to the cultures and customs of others.

Obama's an idiot. One term and done. See ya.

How many world leaders come to America and bow down? Iran's ArmedinaJihad? I don't think so. Putin? Nope. Anybody? Nope.

What a bunch of xenophobic gits. Bowing is the Japanese equivalent of a handshake, not a display of deference or subservience. If you Fox News fueled reactionaries would bother to develop your intelligence instead of flying off the handle at smallest perceived indignation, you might have a broader perspective of international events and protocol. Frankly, it’s this type of arrogance that’s caused our country’s standing in the world to deteriorate to its woeful state.

I’ve witnessed this attitude and behavior while living abroad to promote American commercial interests, and can say without fear of contradiction that they are an embarrassment to our country and the ideals upon which it was founded.

I don't have a problem with this bow, per se. At least, I don't find this one as objectionable as his bow before the Saudis. I do have a problem with Obama the narcissist grandly proclaiming himself the first Pacific President.

To the morons that think the bow was a sign of weakness, how about this for a sign of disrespect, I would love to wipe the ignorance you carry off the face of the earth, one of you at a time. Your ARROGANCE is overwhelming! So how about this, you move from this great country and see how the rest of the world actually respects our President. Perhaps then you will understand our President respecting other nations cultures.

MORONS!!!!! Oh and to the people that think this is news, you are morons too.

To toomuch, why do you see yourself as an intellectual when you can barely produce a post with proper grammar? You actually spelled "know one" in your post, that is an embar- ass- ment.

I have yet to find anyone that liked the job the Bush did, that wasn't a complete dullard.

GO BACK TO SCHOOL dufus.

Bowing is what all orientals do upon greeting one another, like a western handshake. Obama was simply trying to respect their culture.

When oriental college students come to America, they instinctly bow to everyone they meet (until they learn our customs), and Americans reflexively bow back just a little--a little nod of the head and shoulders. It's called empathy and being friendly.

I recommend that you haters get a life.

One last thing for you Bush lovers out there, he didn't win the last election he was in, Gore did. If Jeb didn't destroy the whole process, all of you would be crying about something different entirely.

When you treat someone with respect you get respect. When you don't, you get nothing but hatred. That is what I am giving you, my hatred of your idiocy.

I am a conservative Republican who did not vote for Obama and disagrees with almost all of his policies, and I have no problem with him bowing to the Emperor; it is Japanese custom. I am an instructor and student of the martial arts and I would have been offended if he did not bow. However, his bow technique leaves a lot to be desired. First, he bowed too far over. You should keep your back relatively straight and only bow maybe 10 to 15 degrees from vertical. Second, never lose eye contact; that is as disrespectful as to not bow at all. Finally, his hands should have been placed at his sides during the bow. The handshake should have come after the bow, not during it.
As to whether the Emperor bowed back, I am not sure if it would be proper for royalty to return a bow to a non-royal, elected official or not.
You people that are upset that Obama bowed, would you be upset if the Emperor came here and refused to shake Obama's hand; after all, it is not the Emperors custom?
You people have a lot to learn about honor and respect; that's why there is so much distrust in the world.

Posted by: Seth | November 14, 2009 2:43 PM

You are looking at it in a fighting sense. This is not the situation for that.

A weak president and leader! Our C.I.C. G.J. Caesar would have never bowed to any potentate. When Caesar traveled in public he always had a lackey whispering in his ear, "You are mortal. You are mortal." That is leadership!

American arrogance is still in running unchecked, if this forum is a sampling. Congrats -- maybe now you can explain how the GOPers are such heroes by bowing less and running the country into ruin, both here and abroad over the previous 8 years??

Wow...many of you have missed the mark completely. Show respect to another culture? No problem. Don't try to play off a bow like it's "just showing respect to a culture." When did we start paying attention to body language? For a long time now. The deeper the bow, the deeper the subservience--don't ignore that fact. It's why the Emperor never does more than a head nod. Not bowing down to the Emperor is NOTHING like someone refusing to shake Obama's hand. If anything, Obama should've greeted him as an equal--a head nod--not with a bow showing subservience.

And for those of you who keep bringing up Bush's bow to the Saudis: Go back and fact check. That upset the same people who are complaining now, and they voiced their opinion at the time. Stop trying to justify Obama's mistakes by saying, "Oh yeah, well just look what Bush did!" At some point you're going to have to stop using the "He's not as bad as the other guy" excuse. The bottom line of that excuse is that he's still bad.

This isn't very hard folks. Leaders of countries do not do things the way normal people do. Who cares if normal Japanese people bow to each other all the time. The royalty of Japan doesn't bow to other Japanese and a leader visiting Japan also should not bow to anyone since they are at the same rank. Bowing is what one does to a superior. Especially bowing that low. The most someone of high rank would ever do (outside of deep shame) is a head nod. Two leaders are supposed to be equal. Obama should have just shook his hand.

According to other articles, although bowing is a sign of respect in Japan, touching someone while bowing is completely inappropriate. Shaking hands while bowing would embarrass any Japanese. Most importantly, Americans don't bow to royalty or anyone else for that matter. We greet everyone equally...look them in the eye and shake their hand. I wish we had a President that would either learn correct protocol or defer to American traditions of democratic equality.

Unbelievable, what ignorant thoughts some of you people are posting. If you have ever done business with the Japanese, you would know that a bow is a sign of courtesy and respect--just as a handshake would be if you were doing business with an American. Those of you who take this opp to yet again criticize the President: if his administration is so repugnant to you, go live somewhere else. We certainly don't need you.

Just one more stupid thing to get the Republicans whipped into a frenzy. Bush bowed all the time. When people were throwing rotten fruit and shoes at him.

Note, the emperor does not bow to anyone in Japan and would not bow to Obama. Obama should not have bowed because he has more power and status than the emperor, an important factor in Japanese culture. Therefore, the emperor would not have expected him to bow. No doubt Obama bowed because he thought it would be a friendly gesture. However, what it says to people, particularly in Japan, is that Obama thinks he's lower in status than the emperor.

Republicans are only happy if the President starts wars with other countries. Why should we expect them to be happy about or President being polite to people in other countries.

Obama is a head of state. Regardless of whether it is appropriate for a non-royal to bow, the President should only engage in a "mutual" bow in accordance with Japanese custom (two heads of state greeting each other), as it is the Japanese equivalent of shaking hands. As others have pointed out, the NY Times criticized Clinton for an "almost bow" back in the 1990s.

Notably, Obama did NOT bow to Queen Elizabeth, so the whole "royal" argument is debunked there.

Its Obama what more can I say. I just posted yesterday the he can not fall to much lower I guess I was wrong.

Let's leave aside for a moment his disastrous domestic undertakings and study him on the world stage. Unable to decide on Afghanistan, shrugging off the commemoration of the fall of the Berlin wall but able to fly to Copenhagen to lobby for the Olympics to come to Chicago and coming back empty-handed, receiving the Nobel peace prize after just 12 days in office, being pressured to become more savvy about Iran by the French no less, offering to sit down with Ahmedinejad without preconditions but unable to do so with Fox, Obama is a bad joke, and the laugh is on us. If only perfectly executed self-deprecating low bows such as this could save us from the ideology that spawns a Malik Hasan. He thinks it will. What a starry- eyed, hopeful, lame kinda guy. When will he get real. We need some real solutions, not this inanity. On the world stage he is such a preening freshman, and other savvy world leaders know it. He's got "sucker" tattoed on his forehead. Well, unfortunately we elected him so I guess we deserve him.

Considering how much money we owe to just about every nation in the world the president will be doing a lot of bowing
Seriously it's nice to finally see a president meeting and greeting other world leaders with dignity and respect . The same way we would like to be treated . We can no longer afford to be the arrogant super power we once were .

Darkwater wrote: "Maybe Obama the Unqualified should just bow out of the presidency. The U.S. does not bow to any country! "

This is what is supremely wrong with the USA. People like you who are SO arrogant. If someone looks at you wrong, you probably pull out your hunting rifle.

Several months ago the Obama team denied that he bowed to the Saudi king. Reviewing some (funny) youtube videos, he clearly did. If it's no big deal and he's just following local custom, why didn't he give that as his reason instead of lying about it and denying that he bowed? Looks like Obama bin lyin again. A man, even a president, should at least be consistent and at least feign an attempt at honesty.

Now, if he absolutely must bow, he should bow consistently. That is, either bow before all for whom it is customary, including the Queen of England, or bow to no one. Don't pick and choose, that's extremely poor form.

The ironic thing with his most recent show is that his bowing won't actually gain him any tactical advantage or win over any extra concessions. The Japanese are too smart to fall for such kindergarten- style approaches. Obama should be more statesman like, not pedestrian or common. There are local traditions, and there are American traditions. Obama is dismantling the American traditions and way of life one piece at a time. Americans don't bow because we believe all people are created equal. Anyone who's been around the world knows that this world needs that message.

Several months ago the Obama team denied that he bowed to the Saudi king. Reviewing some (funny) youtube videos, he clearly did. If it's no big deal and he's just following local custom, why didn't he give that as his reason instead of lying about it and denying that he bowed? Looks like Obama bin lyin again. A man, even a president, should at least be consistent and at least feign an attempt at honesty.

If he absolutely must bow, he should bow consistently. That is, either bow before all for whom it is customary, including the Queen of England, or bow to no one. Don't pick and choose, that's extremely poor form.

There are local traditions, and there are also American traditions. Obama is dismantling American philosophy and tradition one piece at a time. To reiterate what a previous poster put it, Americans don't bow because we believe ALL PEOPLE ARE CREATED EQUAL. Anyone who's been around the world and knows that it's full of inequities knows that the world needs that vital, uniquely American message.

To all those who believe he's just showing respect, I've got two questions:

1. Why didn't he bow to the Queen of England, which is local custom in that country? Isn't that poor form for him to be bowing to some leaders and not to others?

2. Why did he deny that he bowed before the Saudi king? Isn't taking back his bow a slap in the face of the Saudi king?

At the very least, Obama should get his story straight and stick to it.

And this is news, How?

My uncle and thousands of Americans died because of the royal house in Japan.

(Think labor camps and prison ships.) Protocol did not require a bow and Obama who also bowed to some Arab prince needs to get better advice.

Bowing in Japanese culture is a traditional greeting and a sign of respect. The people who are complaining about this are proving themselves woefully ignorant, which might be excusable for the average teabagger who knows little of anything outside of NASCAR and the WWE but hardly acceptable for journalists, who should know better.

Come on, people, Obama did not bow.

Can't you see him shaking the emporer's hand?

Obama is simply leaning over because he's so tall. He was also admiring the floor inlay patterns.

Obama is so observant.

If you think Obama is bowing then you're a racist - you hate blacks and Asians.

Shame on all of you. You people disgust me.

obami is a disgrace. He needs to go now, before he totally destroys America.

O-Bow-Now needs to go now. When the Republican congress of 2010 gets sworn in, I look forward to the worst president ever being impeached. This empty suit's incompetence is staggering -- from driving the country into a depression, compromising national security, or sputtering like an idiot when he doesn't have a teleprompter handy. I am ashamed that he represents this country and enjoys abasing himself before foreign royalty. OBowNow must be stopped before he destroys this country.

I love how people say that bowing is a sign of respect in Japan. Well, you are absolutely correct. However, you fail to mention that bowing is also a sign of submission in Japan...such as in THIS instance...it shows how big of a b**** Obama is and wants America to be. The respect wasn't returned. Obama is on a campaign to bow to everyone...not just Japan...which is why real Americans are up in arms. (We can still use that phrase right? Wouldn't want people to think I meant guns and get another lecture...)

How else will he persuade them to do what he wants to or to get them on our side???

I say, nice because in order to get what you want, you have to at least, pretend to be on the other guys side until you get want you need & want.

I would dare go into a doctor's office, yell & scream at the nurses. Instead, I'd talk to them, listen to them and find out what's going on. This way when there's a last minute opening & I need to squeeze in, they'll call & let me know.

It doesn't hurt to be friends and show mutual respect. And who holds the most money??? The Older Generation in Japan has more wealth than Americans and they *still* control the purse strings, their children, grandchildren & great grandchildren's spending.

If American would save more & stop being such hogs on consuming, we wouldn't have to bend, bow or scrape to get what we needed from the other countries. We could simply do it the American way . . . with arrogance!!!

A bow is not a show of respect. A bow is a gesture acknowledging superiority to the one who is on the receiving end of the bow.

I've lived in Japan. When you bow to someone you show your respect... in lowering your head so that if he chooses, he can strike you, you also show trust. Obama grew up in Hawaii, where many Japanese live. His gesture is correct. You bubbas and baboons back off.

This is truly a shameful moment for our country. Obama is a disgrace.

President Obama should have practiced the customary way to greet another in Japanese culture; you silly wing-nut are just ignorant.

Can see Axelrod, Ram and Hillary, Nancr Harry and a few more, bowing to Obama. which could be soon at the rate he is pushing Obamism.

I am not an O fan, however one should always show resepct to the elders.

i must have hit a nerve with some Libs here.

What makes Obama unqualified? Do you need to ask? Answer this, what makes him qualified outside of what the Constitution states? He is a do nothing, can't decide, micromanager that is not equipmented to handle the job.

Another stated that I show arrogence in my statement and that is what is wrong with America. You are so wrong. When equals bow in Japan, they bow at the same time, and the same degree. Only subservants bow lower than the other, as Obama did. A nod of the head would have shown enough respect.

As one person posted "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." If you do not believe in this, then get the hell out of the US.

Those of you who continually criticize an American President in times like these are UN-AMERICAN. Period. You can be racist, ignorant, selfish, etc. in your own home. You should not be undermining our leader whether you voted for him or not. You are traitors.

I'm so sick of these whiney crybabies bawling about a sign of respect when bush screwed up the world in eight years. How much better this world would be if bush hadn't lied us into a trillion dollar war in Iraq, killing more Americans than Bin Laden, and hundreds of thousands of innocent women and children, and giving his wall street buddies carte blanch to bankrupt the country, all for his foolish pride.

Worst President in US History,Absolutely No Patriotism to this Country what so ever! He can't make a Decision about Afghanistan and its a known fact the suicide rate of the Soldiers has gone sky high because of lack of moral.Everything he does is Pathetic! DISGRACE!

He should not even let himself get into these positions in the first place. His protocol person should have worked it out in advance that there would be no bowing and come up with a solution especially for all the flack he took from bowing earlier in the year. Geez..it's not rocket science.

He and his admin. are amateurish.

Eric - You said that I am looking at this in a fighting sense - how so? You are correct that the bow I described in my original post would be how two opponents in a sparring match would bow to each other. However, the very same bow is used as I enter or leave the dojo (martial arts school), start or finish a Kata or when acknowledging someone I am going to work on techniques or drills with.
And the point I want to stress to everyone that thinks bowing shows subservience is that it does not matter if I am bowing to a White Belt Beginner student or another Blackbelt or my Sensei (Teacher), the bow is a mutual show of honor and respect. We both bow to eachother to communicate that it is an honor to learn together and show respect for that which has gone before us and shows us the path to travel (which is the basic definition of what a Sensei is, one who travels the path before you).
So Obamas bow was poorly executed, from what I saw in the photo, but does communicate that America is honored to be global partners and has respect for its partners, which is good. The downfall here is, I doubt I will like what he negotiates.
So Eric - give me some feedback on on my response to your comment about my viewing this in a "fighting sense", did I understand your comment correctly?
And I apologize to all you "Politicos" out there for taking such a tangent on to the Martial Arts thing; I'll go find a Karate blog somewhere.

Obowdown, you got some explaining to do. Why did you bow to the King of the Sauds? And then Gibbs lied and said you didn't. Now we have you being subservient to the Japanese Emperor. Do you have an inferiority complex?

Stand up and act like a world leader, or better yet bow out.

If you don't have a spine you just kind of flop over. So I think he was standing up as best he could.

The Bushites apparently think it's proper for a U.S. President or Vice President to be rude.

I agree with DBX...I am not a big Obama supporter, but a bow can and will go along way.

Even in WWII we chose not to bomb targets with historic, and religious implications.

To all those who believe he's just showing respect, I've got two questions:

1. Why didn't he bow to the Queen of England, which is local custom in that country? Isn't that poor form for him to be bowing to some leaders and not to others?

2. Why did he deny that he bowed before the Saudi king? Isn't taking back his bow a slap in the face of the Saudi king?

At the very least, Obama should get his story straight and stick to it.

In Japanese society when a foreigner is involved, it is the Japanese person who initiates the bow. The deeper bow denotes the superiority of the one being bowed to. The president of the United States is NOT inferior to the emperor of Japan. Obama's ignorance of international protocol is astounding.

Obama's an idiot. One term and done. See ya.

Posted by: Dave | November 14, 2009 3:37 PM

Chances are, you didn't vote for him in the first place, so who cares.
His supporters understand that he was handed a pile of smoldering doggydoo, compliments of Bu$h. I am not totally happy, though. America needs to get out of Iraq and Afghanistan. America needs jobs and health care accessibility for everyone and the Wall Street bankers and thieves and their enablers need to be held accountable for their pillage. Meisner needs to go. All in all, Obama is still better than anything the republicons had to offer.

It amazes me how so many so called American's are so disrespectful to Our President. I did not like President Bush, however, I did not disrespect him. I simply changed the channel or kept my negative opinion to myself...And you nay sayers call yourself an American...Look in the mirro and point that finger at yourself.

President Obama in my opnion is a "Class Act".

An excerpt from a Japanese etiquette book: "When bowing to someone of higher social status, a deeper, longer bow indicates respect. Conversely, a small head nod is casual and informal. However, most Japanese do not expect foreigners to know proper bowing rules and so a nod of the head is usually sufficient."
So, apparently Obama feels the Japanese Emporer is superior to him.
As an aside, I wonder if he gave the Emporer DVDs of his campaign speeches as a gift.
Stay classy, there, "0".

Correct protocol for the US President and for any US citizen for that matter is NOT to bow before the head of a foreign country. We are not their subjects. Obama knows this. He didn't bow nor did Michelle curtsey before the Queen of England. even though that is correct behaviour in that society. In Japanese culture the person of lower status bows lower. The Emporer only bowed his head slightly. What is this President doing? Is he trying to bring all Americans to their knees before the world? By reading some of these posts, most of the Obama followers are more than eager to do this. Like bleating sheep.

To the person who monitors this forum: I have a request. I'm sure I'm not the only reader who, regardless of political affiliation, finds it pretty tiresome to see posts that insult the President and mutilate his name, calling him things like "Obami" and "O-bow-bow," etc. I'd like to suggest that you bar posts like that. It's not a freedom-of-speech issue: it's a matter of adults behaving like rude children in a forum that's intended to be a place where adults can exchange ideas. Reading that kind of stuff is inflammatory and polarizing; it does nothing to bring us closer as a nation.

What the heck is wrong with this author. It is perfectly APPROPRIATE to respect the traditions of the country you are visiting. For years people in the U.S. expected everyone to know our traditions. Well guess what? It is a two way street. Furthermore, we owe Japan billions. Americans can no longer get away with our previous arrogance , we better start understanding we are no better than anyone else. Grow up!

Oh, brother. When I saw this story, I knew it would be stupid bait. Not disappointed.
Not a story.
And the idea that OBAMA is a disgrace and an embarrassment? Really? Did you sleep from 2001-2009?

Stan D. I'm afraid the Emperor did NOT return the bow. Video is at link on Drudge.

Bowing is considerd polite in Asia. It is a sign of respect. Americns should be more worried that Japan has no respect for us. They have impeded trade. Xenophobically call our toops Aids infected rapist. Basically they consider us barbarians. The best thing we can do is remove ourself completely from their society.

Sunday, December 7, 1941...that is all I have to say. BO...take your bow and shove it.

I prefer a President bowing to a foreign royal (the Emperor bowed as deeply, by the way) to a President who lies to the world in order to make Daddy and his oil buddies happy.

End of story.

Well, all you that think Obama bowing to yet another foreign head of state is no big deal, get used to it. In the future, not only will the president bow to other leaders (can't wait until he gets the next chance to bow to Chavez, he missed one chance), but American citizens will be required to bow to politicians and foreign dignitaries, literally and figuratively. Welcome to serfdom.

i sure hope Emperor Akihito washed his hands after

What a contrast between Cheney and General Douglas McArthur and this useless waste of electoral votes in the WH now. How sad. How pathetic. As a head of state it is inappropriate to bow to another head of state. It has nothing to do with humility. One can be gracious without being obsequious. The Chinese used to call such an action kowtowing. The Arabs refer to such status as Dhimma. Whatever the intent it displays sheer naivete, subtle stupidity and total disregard for the sensibilities of 98% of the American people. This man is not presidential material. George Bush is beginning to look better and better every day, and this coming from a gay Democrat.

BTW the New York Times itself over ten years ago eviscerated Bill Clinton for ALMOST bowing to Akihito as a severe misstep in protocol. Clinton had the presence of mind to catch himself before doing so. This clod has no such mental manouverability. Talk about a 3AM phone call. Hillary was right, and obviously the better pick.

This was a brilliant political move by Obama! While he's tackling the big important issues of our time over the next seven years, the GOP, who have no ideas of their own, will be stuck on the sidelines trying to make issues out of inconsequential nonsense like this bow to the Japanese royal family.

thats a lot of bull an american president bowing to the japs would he give the nazi salute to hitler if he was around

Hey, let me know when he kisses and holds hands with the Saudi king.

http://media.photobucket.com/image/bush%20kissing/patrickzamudio/theyremakinout.jpg?o=3

Oh, and CLS, when you look at the picture of your hero, Bush, playing kissy-face with the Saudi King, remember this:

Tuesday, September 11, 2001. That's all I have to say.

At least he wasn't holding hands, as Bush did with the Saudi royal thugs.

As a Japanese in a younger generation, I saw President Obama's bow as his understanding and respect to a different culture, and I respect him for that. It never looked subsurvience or weakenss, rather it showed his intelligence and politeness.
I hope this "bow" matter won't raise controversy any more.

As a Japanese in a younger generation, I saw President Obama's bow as his understanding and respect to a different culture, and I respect him for that. It never looked subsurvience or weakenss, rather it showed his intelligence and politeness.
I hope this "bow" matter won't raise controversy any more.

Posted by: jkinosaka | November 15, 2009 10:19 AM

Fat chance these ignoramouses will let this go. Obviously they have nothing better to do than foam at the mouth about this stupid issue.

Mountains out of molehills, here. Eisenhower bowed to foreign leaders, and nobody called him a candy@$$.

Look up the word "protocol" sometime. You might learn something about countries other than your own.

Yeah, I much rather see the pope addressed as sir.

The only ignoramouses are those on the left who do not know what diplomacy is all about, nor anything else of value!

It's (the bow) called being polite to a host. Something the Obama haters won't understand and will try to expand into some phoney "issue". Give it a rest.

Posted by: Reality | November 14, 2009 1:24 PM

Spin, baby, spin! The article above did a pretty good job explaining what it means. He was the only world leader who bowed. Don't tell me you're so arrogant as to assume only american Prez knows how to be polite.

Don't tell me you're so arrogant as to assume only american Prez knows how to be polite.

Posted by: AlexD | November 15, 2009 1:43 PM

Talk about arrogant! Ankle biter!

I always find it amazing that leftists who are so adamant that we be sensitive to the feelings and traditions of other cultures in the US are so ignorant of how others in the world view actions here.

In Japan, politeness is an art, and is taken VERY seriously. Such a bow offered by the President will be viewed as laughable, since this is the bow of a servant, not a near social and political equal. The Emperor did not offer an equal bow, so Obama is now the inferior. Even the Japanese Prime Minster does not offer that level of a bow.

I doubt any other nations' Prime Minister or President would have done the same. You think Merkel or Brown or Harper or Singh would have done the same? Not a chance.

I don’t mind if the President bows down, or begs, or even profusely apologizes for all our faults, imagined or real. I’m not bowing down with him, so why should I care? The only thing the President needs to know is that there is a difference between bowing down and bending over. I will object when he does the latter and harms our interests - but not until then.

Beth wrote "We don't bow to foreign heads of state. That's kind of what 1776 was all about."

Sorry, but that's utter BS. So declaring one's independence and fighting a war to secure it is somehow connected to being rude or being ignorant of international protocol? Do you also advocate a US president spitting on the floor of palaces where he is a guest, or dispensing with saying "please" or "thank you"?

How would you feel if a visiting head of state refused to shake our president's hand or to greet our first lady? Is that fine with you, if they happen to be from a culture where they don't shake hands or respect women?

For all of you Obama-bashers -- I suggest you google image search "Bush King Saudi" and enjoy seeing all the photos of Presidents Bush (junior and senior) kissing and holding the hands of various Saudi kings. Did the Bushes do so because they like holding hands with, or kissing dudes? I hardly think so. But to do so is proper protocol in Saudi Arabia.

Partisan numbskulls!

You all have it wrong. Obama was not bowing, but was sick , and getting rid of it.

Oh yeah, boys, do not let the President of the US show any respect. Better he swagger in there, like bush used to with that smirk on his face, thinking they should be bowing to HIM. Bully boy tactics, tough guy attitudes did not work! Or didn't you notice the disrespect we were shown for 8 years??? It is good to finally have some respect earned for my country!

Yes, when in doubt, show deference, just like Barbara Boxer (D) always does:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsGR83Imoto

Thank goodness there are at least some intelligent people out there... Sometimes I can't believe the arrogance of Americans...it is shameful and embarrassing. The image of the US, outside of the US is disgraceful. Obama is doing a wonderful job trying to restore something positive to America's reputation and image. He is respectful, intelligent and inspiring. He is a good man and the US needs him, he has the hardest job in the world right now. Do you even know what the world thinks of the US these days? Do you even care is the bigger question. Wake up, you are not the center of the world anymore.

I always find it amazing that leftists who are so adamant that we be sensitive to the feelings and traditions of other cultures in the US are so ignorant of how others in the world view actions here.

In Japan, politeness is an art, and is taken VERY seriously. Such a bow offered by the President will be viewed as laughable, since this is the bow of a servant, not a near social and political equal. The Emperor did not offer an equal bow, so Obama is now the inferior. Even the Japanese Prime Minster does not offer that level of a bow.

I doubt any other nations' Prime Minister or President would have done the same. You think Merkel or Brown or Harper or Singh would have done the same? Not a chance.

Andrew :
I agree with DBX...I am not a big Obama supporter, but a bow can and will go along way.

Even in WWII we chose not to bomb targets with historic, and religious implications.

..but chose to drop 2 atomic bombs on civilian populations, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dead and many more injured...

Thank goodness there are at least some intelligent people out there... Sometimes I can't believe the arrogance of Americans...it is shameful and embarrassing. The image of the US, outside of the US is disgraceful. Obama is doing a wonderful job trying to restore something positive to America's reputation and image. He is respectful, intelligent and inspiring. He is a good man and the US needs him, he has the hardest job in the world right now. Do you even know what the world thinks of the US these days? Do you even care is the bigger question. Wake up, you are not the center of the world anymore.

Posted by: Airlegs | November 15, 2009 7:59 PM

Unfortunately we do know what the "world" is thinking about us these days. They are thinking, that American president is a dunce and a pushover, let's start pushing and see how far he will go to appease us. Maybe we can get more from him than we got from Jimmy Carter. His "leadership" skills are in the same class. It's great to have an American president that would rather kiss our ass, than protect his own people. Give him a Noble Prize.

That's what they are thinking.

Bowing is a cultural thing among Asians... educated and worldly Americans know that tradition. Image it this way: Japanese bow to each other and seldom shake hands, shaking hands to them is a Western greeting... nowadays, we should accept both... this is a silly argument... the bow to a Saudi King - a totally different matter --

Obama and his protocol office are a bunch of imbeciles.

Spin lefties spin away this moron's gaffes.

Now, a true journalist, one who really works for a living, would give us a list of world leaders who have met with the emperor of Japan and given similarly low bows.

For those too lazy to look it up, here it is:

OK, now a list of the countries whose leaders have not offered such a bow:

Afghanistan
Canada
England
Germany
Russia
Thailand
France
Poland
Lithuania
Latvia
Indonesia
China
India
Australia
Mexico
Peru
Sweden
Norway
South Africa
South Korea
and The United States, BEFORE Obama

No president of the United States in the more than 230 years since the country was founded in 1776 had ever bowed to a member of royalty. That was until Barack Obama’s presidency.

I would like to add a little about the angle of bowing, if that's still an issue to some people...

First, while we basically give a deeper (and longer, sometimes) bow to a person who is older or in higher status as mentioned in a Japanese etiquette handbook, it all depends. For example, I would bow deeper to someone who is younger than I in a formal situation (like a wedding, I mean, to the newlyweds to give congratulations). In contrast, I would just nod to a person who is older or in higher status in a casual situation. I also nod to others instead of saying "hello" or "thank you." It's just a customary thing and depends on individuals as well (like the strength of handshake). Hard to explain.

As to the President Obama's bow, the angle or the length is not an issue. We know he is the President of the United States and not versed in the Japanese manners. I have no doubt that no one in Japan thought his bow was a sign of subservience to the Emperor. And, it's not stupid at all if he shook hands while bowing. If some Japanese made that an issue, I would feel ashamed of such a narrow-mindedness.

My daughter-in-law is Okinawan (Japanese to the less educated). She bows to everyone when she meets them. The best part? People she meets bow back without even knowing they're doing it. It's a social act and one of respect. If our President had gotten down on his knees and kissed the Emperor's shoes, I would be concerned. Pres. Obama showing mutual respect for another world leader? Awesome. The looks on the Emperor's and his wife's faces show the gratitude and warmth for his actions.

Spin lefties spin away this moron's gaffes.

Posted by: Chris | November 16, 2009 9:47 AM

Typical of the rightwing baffoons. Upset that white folk aren't the only qualified or that they aren't the only one on this planet that matter.

For crying out loud people, its just a bow. For the idiots who don't know this, a bow is used daily in practically every aspect of japanese daily life and it can mean a hundred different things. I think bowing to the emperor is respectful. Would you say that it was wrong of the emperor to shake the president's hand then because that isn't a greeting which is used in Japan. In any case its at best a greeting, stop over-complicating things for what they really are!!!

Posted by: Dan C | November 16, 2009 11:39 AM

Now, a true journalist, one who really works for a living, would give us a list of world leaders who have met with the emperor of Japan and given similarly low bows.

For those too lazy to look it up, here it is:

OK, now a list of the countries whose leaders have not offered such a bow:

Afghanistan
Canada
England
Germany
Russia
Thailand
France
Poland
Lithuania
Latvia
Indonesia
China
India
Australia
Mexico
Peru
Sweden
Norway
South Africa
South Korea
and The United States, BEFORE Obama
____________________________

Who before Obama? Come on put up a name. Did you forget why we are the USA. Here it is in a nut shell, we threw off Kings and Queens in 1976.

for those who rise to the defense of the indefensible, be advised that one doesn't bow to the Japanese Emperor AND shake his hand.

Obama couldn't even do this silly exercise correctly. He's incompetent.

Besides, the Japanese Emperor is NOT the leader of their government. Since WWII the Emperor is nothing more than a figurehead maintaining his position at the pleasure of the people.

.

Posted by: hazmat77 | November 16, 2009 4:46 PM

At last...the final word on etiquette. Tells us..... What is the proper way to correctly fix that wedgie of yours.

I'd rather my President bow to a figurehead of an ally, than hold the hand of a despot from a country that birthed 75% of the 9/11 attackers.

This is a non issue and quite pathetic that it's even being raised as one.

SORRY I put 1976 it should be 1776.

No one but no one from America needs to bow to any foreigner. Period....., But Nobams is the number 1 boot licker, apologist!!!. Wimpy Wimpy. Get some backbone.

Obama is the only leader that bowed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U6fL7Y4BZA

Posted by: Dan C | November 16, 2009 11:39 AM

I mis-read your post sorry.

Obama is doing great job for America as well as for world.In this way they gone to meet the president of japan to make discussion of technology and also to other countries presidents.

“I'd rather my President bow to a figurehead of an ally, than hold the hand of a despot from a country that birthed 75% of the 9/11 attackers.”
* * * * *
Posted by: Man Coulter | November 16, 2009 7:13 PM
.
Were you referring to the king of Saudi Arabia when you wrote about a despot? If so, then you must have conveniently forgotten that Obama bowed to him too. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WlqW6UCeaY He just bows down to everyone, huh?
.
Have a Nice Day.

I am an American and have been living and teaching in Japan for about 20 years. Two days ago, when Obama's deep bow to the emperor was headline news in the Japanese papers, a 60- year-old friend came rushing to my front door in a rage.
He was speaking a mile a minute in the local dialect.

"Quick! Contact someone in America--someone high up in the news media. Tell them Obama shouldn't have bowed to the emperor! Leaders don't bow that low to each other!"

He explained that the bow was far too low and that it represented his status as being below that of the emperor.

"That means Obama thinks America is inferior to Japan!" he said. "We need America to be strong and confident," he continued. "We respect America. Without their intervention in WWII and the way they helped to reform our country into a democracy, we wouldn't be where we are today." he said.

These are statements from a man in his 60s who is well-versed in politics and wants good relations with America and the rest of the world.

I think President Obama bowed out of respect, and I don't criticize him for that. But I do question the fact that he didn't consult experts and research Japanese culture before making such an important gesture.

I asked someone whose family has been in contact with the Emperor many times, both in Japan and at the White House. Her mother is in Japan now, and says no one is even talking about it, it's a non-issue. The Japanese don't expect Americans to follow tradition perfectly, just to make the attempt. They considered Cheney very disrespectful when he didn't bow at all.

The Japanese know from personal experience they are talking to the man with his finger on the button, he doesn't need to grimace and pound his chest.

Japan is one of the few countries left that still LIKES us. Now that we are the debtor nation, we can't afford to tick off one of our chief debt holders like China. Soon they will be coming over here and telling us how to run our country, like we've been doing for years to others.

Bowing is a traditional greeting among the Japanese and being a guest of the Japanese people, Pres. Obama was just being polite, respectful and diplomatic. That's how you win friends and allies. I worked in Japan for 6 months and bowing is a normal thing. During the first day of the week, there is an assembly of all employees/workers and the company president bows to his employees with a greeting and delivers his pep talk. Remember the movie " The Ugly American"? I presume, Pres. Obama wants that perception change.

We need Japan more than ever as an ally against North Korea whose psychotic leader Kim Jong Il has been displaying nuclear belligerence and open threats against United States. Although, we have bases in Okinawa and Yokosuka, we need to put a patriot missile defense system in Hokkaido as our first line of defense from missiles with nuclear warheads to be launched by North Korea.

Think USA and not on party lines (Republican or Democrat)

Did Emperor Akihito return the bow? If so, it's a positive display of mutual respect. If not, it's a disturbing show of one-sided deference inappropriate for our President in the face of a foreign leader.

Please, please, PLEASE tell us that this time the foreign official our nation's leader bowed to returned the courtesy and respect. Bowing is a common gesture in the Japanese culture, and one the Emperor should have initiated or returned without hesitation.

So.... can someone please larify: did Emperor Akihito also bow? I sincerely hope he did.

Posted by: Stan D | November 14, 2009 12:28 PM

No, he did NOT bow. I live in Japan, and it is a well known fact that the emperor bows to no one. Obama's bow is not a big deal in Japan, and most of my coworkers and friends were surprised about the news. Their first response (remember, Akihito is *their* emperor) was that it is Japanese custom. However, when I showed them the picture, they were shocked at the bow because it is the bow that an inferior gives his superior. To quote, it was "too low" Even after the Japanese people I spoke to acknowledged that the bow was not appropriate, they still shrugged it off as Obama not knowing how to bow correctly and wondered at how Americans could get upset about such a small thing. Then I asked them what would they think if they saw their emperor come to America and bow like this in front of our President, and most of them almost immediately shot back: "Our emperor doesn't bow." only a few recognized the severity of Obama's actions afterwards, but everyone (even those who didn't believe that it was a big deal for an American who is not *born* an emperor to do this) acknowledged that had the roles been reversed they would too be very upset.

My friend Tomoko who speaks English fluently said: "I hope Americans know that Obama did this on his own. We didn't force him to."

Obama made an obsequious jackass out of himself and poorly represented our country as its Chief of State in what I can only assume was an attempt to show how worldly and open-minded he is. I have to agree with whoever said this in America: it IS an ugly bow. It's embarrassing, and it has NOTHING to do with protocol.

Posted by: Mary | November 17, 2009 7:57 PM

I asked someone whose family has been in contact with the Emperor many times, both in Japan and at the White House. Her mother is in Japan now, and says no one is even talking about it, it's a non-issue. The Japanese don't expect Americans to follow tradition perfectly, just to make the attempt. They considered Cheney very disrespectful when he didn't bow at all.

The Japanese know from personal experience they are talking to the man with his finger on the button, he doesn't need to grimace and pound his chest.
*******************************************

So do they feel the same about all the other world leaders that did not bow to him. Came stop the lying Team Obama has that covered.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U6fL7Y4BZA

It was a nice gesture, but I still think presidents shouldn't bow to no one...

Who cares if he bowed.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower bowed to Charles de Gaulle (France) and President Richard Milhous Nixon bowed to Emperor Hirohito (Japan).

I know that the haters don’t let the facts get in the way and believe the lies they want but the reality is that the facts always stay constant.