[Big_Monkey]

"I’ve spent a lot of time in Japan and never bowed to anyone.

I've lived there, twice for a total of 40 months as a Marine Corps officer. I've bowed plenty of times to Japanese dignitaries, their wives, JSF Officers and others in more formal, ceremonial settings. And certainly, this is what the military or DOS protocol would demand - nothing wrong or submissive about it.

[Repeat Offender]

And certainly, this is what the military or DOS protocol would demand - nothing wrong or submissive about it.

See... Marine officers DON'T know everything...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowing_(social)

"Bowing originated as a gesture of subordination, as lowering the head leaves the bower vulnerable. This was particularly the case in Asian cultures such as that of samurai Japan."

"Bowing to other human beings is frowned upon in Muslim cultures as all human beings are considered equal and bowing is only supposed to be done to God in Islam. Similarly, in Judaism the second of the Ten Commandments is generally interpreted to forbid bowing before anyone but God."

So, not only was obie out of protocol..... but to a muslim obie would be seen bowing as if the Saudi was allah (their "god").

[Beckwith]

I've lived there, twice for a total of 40 months as a Marine Corps officer. I've bowed plenty of times to Japanese dignitaries, their wives, JSF Officers and others in more formal, ceremonial settings. And certainly, this is what the military or DOS protocol would demand - nothing wrong or submissive about it.

I never said there was anything submissive about bowing to a Japanese, as they are generally doing the same.

I choose not to. I don't bow to anybody for any reason. Nothing personal, just the way I am and I respect you for your choices.

However, I was there as a civilian and not encumbered with military protocol or a promotions board.

What Obama is doing in this photo is submissive.