Comments are interesting at link.
Posted on 11/14/2009 8:55:18 PM PST by STARWISE
President Barack Obama has bowed to royalty, with a greeting for the Japanese emperor that erases any doubts about what the president's posture was -- remember that bow to the Saudi king that was not really a bow?
And some people are falling over backwards today.
Our colleague, Andrew Malcolm, at Top of the Ticket, muses on the president's meeting with Japanese Emperor Akihito today, and suffice it to say that the article will light a brush fire of commentary stoked by the hot winds of the Drudge Report's headline.
See the Ticket's report there or read it here:
(And stick around for some comments below.)
The photo above is by Mandel Ngan / AFP / Getty, Reuters All of this brought to mind our snapshots from our trip to Japan with then-Vice President Dick Cheney, and his meeting with the emperor, in February 2007.
Our own photos suffer from a certain lack of light in the ceremonial arrival room at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and distance from subjects, but the closest we recall Cheney coming to a bow was that certain lean of his. These photos by Mark Silva:
(Excerpt) Read more at swamppolitics.com ...
Comments are interesting at link.
He thinks he's showing us all how smart he is for knowing another culture's customs, but he's really just showing his ignorance.
we have to apologize to japan too- it was all our fault-Obuma
Im tired of hearing "Its a cultural thing".... if so... why isnt the Japanese Emperor not bowing?
Bambi probably recalled the scene in the “last Samurai” where Tom Cruise met and deeply bowed before the emperor of Japan. Silly little boy lives in his own dream world.
He’s just doing this to cover his butt over the other bow.
you don’t bow and shake hands at the same time.
also the bow from the waist is different.
He clearly does not know what he’s doing. except making another apology tour.
Related:
Why is he bowing to the Japanese Emperor Akihito?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/bloggers/2386153/posts?q=1&;page=1
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Some comments:
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 us just roll our eyes, and want desperately to gag. We also would like a recall election.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2009/11/obama_bows_to_emperor_world_re.html
“Assuming the position” ~ping~
LOL
If my dad (a WWII vet) was still alive, I’m sure he would be making headlines as I know he would be the first to try and welcome the apologist & chief back to the US with an attempted a$$ kicking.
We have a fool for a President elected by fools.
Thank you ... this wasn’t faked .. it’s real ?
[We have a fool for a President elected by fools.]
Very true, it’s our job to show them.
Awesome GIF!!!... Nice Work!
I want to point out to everyone (in case they bring it up) to notice that importance of the bows. One, Nixon's eyes remain on the Emperors. Please note how important this is. Also, the bow is MUTUAL, the Emperor is bowing WITH Nixon. The looking in the eyes is also important because the TOP OF NIXON'S HEAD IS NOT TOWARD THE EMPEROR.
Might not seem like much, but the idiots saying "It's Japanese culture you wingnuts, don't you know anything?" They are the ones who have watched too damn many Hollywood movies and don't understand how the bow works with Superior figures. It's the same as the salute in our military. The superior officer doesn't routinely salute enlisted men BEFORE they are saluted. The salute is a sign of respect to a superior and also a wordless "I am your servant" and the idiots don't realize this is EXACTLY what Obama showed to the world (even if it was by his moronic ineptitude).
Now notice Obama's bow. Head completely toward the Emperor... IMPORTANT: EYES TO THE FLOOR.
Touching while bowing is worse than not bowing at all from what I understand from a Japanese friend of mine. It's beyond rude.
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