Does an American President bow to a foreign king?

[dos pelos]

A lot of noise on the right is being made of a deep,subservient bow Obama made to King Abdullah at the G 20.Is this a problem?Does a President bow to King? I voted for Obama.I do not want Mr. Obama to express subservience to any foreign royalty.Despite the pretensions of hollywood actors,the rich and members of various american political dynasties,we have no royalty here.So,I respect truth wherever it originates, and find Mr. Obamas' bow objectionable.

Here is the youtube of the meet, NOTE at 54 seconds,the bow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S60U-hl35Gw

[dos pelos]

1. spellcheck error..."bow" not boe...sorry

bow

[Whoa_Nelly]

17. You can edit your post still

:hi:

[scarletwoman]

18. You have plenty of time to edit the subject line in your OP, look at the lower left of your post

and click "edit".

That being said...

In numerous cultures bowing is simply a form of greeting that implies respect. It's no big deal that Obama honored that custom -- it's called international diplomacy. It's really quite ridiculous to try to make some kind of big deal about it.

[phantom power]

2. I think...

that the commander in chief of the world's most powerful country can afford the courtesy of bowing.

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[asjr]

4. Well, why not? Bush held hands with

a Saudi king.

[TahitiNut]

35. ... and kissed, too.

:eyes:

[Buns_of_Fire]

73. No tongue, though. That would be disrespectful, during a first term.

:-)

[Bluebear]

5. Does an oboe show subservience or just protocol and respect???11

[RaleighNCDUer]

21. Either way, it sounds like a duck. nt

[cali]

6. bwahahahaha.

yes, this is a matter of deep concern- to right wing fuckwads. It doesn't concern anyone else.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[T Wolf]

7. What a non-issue! Out of respect for other nations' leaders, ANY president (or king or PM, etc.)

should greet them in the fashion appropriate to their culture.

A bow or a handshake or a backflip - it doesn't matter. What does matter is what they talk about and what effects those talks have.

[Posteritatis]

14. I'm starting to think a lot of DUers believe Obama should shoot any monarchs on sight (nt)

[Name removed]

15. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Bluebear]

8. I'm deeply concerned, should a President hold hands with a King amongst the bluebonnets?

[Bobcat]

13. Holding Hands

This is just foreplay for what was to follow..............

[TahitiNut]

39. Well, since they're both fucking a lot of the same people, it's the least they can do.

:evilgrin:

[HeresyLives]

9. Well Bush smooched him.

There are hugs, bows, kisses, backslaps - a whole variety of things at international meets.

Edited for clarity.

[gcomeau]

10. Oh for cripes sake...

If he starts taking instructions from Abdullah in how to govern that will be "subservience". A polite little bow is just a diplomatic gesture... what the hell is objectionable about it?

[NYCGirl]

11. The real question, is do you hold hands with him on the first date?

[rateyes]

12. Perhaps he understands the culture and is doing what is

the courteous thing to do. Bet the Prince bowed, too. Ever seen Indians (the real Indians) greet one another? Palms together, a slight bow, and the word "namaste."

Get over it. And, learn how to spell.

[hasidic acid]

16. Well, I'm not a president but I don't mind bowing in Japan. It's just common courtesy.

...

[dos pelos]

20. In Japan the person bownig lowest is subservient

The person in greater position of power bows less deeply,clear power relationship expressed.Also,cnsider the kowtow,an expected gesture of subservience when greeting Chineese royalty.It was an expected gesture in their culture. Hands and knees,on the floor.

[YOY]

27. See that button below when you're typing something?

The "Check Spelling" one?

Use it.

and dude...we're not Japanese. Neither was it the Emperor.

On edit: "bowning"??? Jesus...."bowning"....

[hasidic acid]

31. Whatever you say, Madame Two Hairs

:shrug:

[SemiCharmedQuark]

36. You're right. By bowing, Obama just gave the Saudi Prince the entire eastern seaboard.

[uppityperson]

47. they were in Japan? I hadn't read Obama was in Japan. Thanks for the info

:hi: I wonder what he was doing in Japan. No wonder the freepers are upset about this. I mean, really! I'm series!

[Obamanaut]

55. What is "bownig?" Have you been introduced to spell check? nt

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

19. You mean like this?

[FudaFuda]

22. I'm reserving judgment on this

I can't see the video right now, and the pictures are inconclusive. Some suggest there was even a ring kiss? Seems like some people really want this to be big, huh?

But - I will say this. The President of the United States, nor any diplomat of the United States, should bow to a foreign king. Our nation was founded on a rejection of royalty.

Also - defending Obama by showing that Bush did something 'just as bad' is not a defense. It is an equivocation.

[madmom]

44. But they are making a big deal out of Michelle touching the queen.

[FudaFuda]

51. "They" will make a big deal out of anything they can grab onto.

But I do think bowing is different. I'm sure a lot of DU'ers disagree. I wouldn't be surprised if most of them are younger than me. I can't imagine any American President of the past, regardless of party, who would've bowed to a foreign king, particularly when not even in that king's country. And President Obama did not bow to the Queen yesterday, and he is in her country.

For some of us, this was not something the American President should do. For those desensitized by the last 8 years (or some might say 29 years), they don't see this country the same way anymore, so no problem I guess.

[madmom]

58. "so no problem I guess." Actually the REAL problem is the fact

that this country is totally fucked up because of republicans mismanagement and people (like you) are trying to make something out of nothing.If you want something to outrages about, how about the fact that the number of hungry kids in this country rose by 50% last year, that the number of food stamp applications are at an all time high, unemployment is heading toward double digits.These are ligament things to be outraged about. Not touching and bowing for fuck sake get a life.

[FudaFuda]

63. nothing borrowing another trillion from China won't fix. n/t

[FudaFuda]

64. oh and I agree it's much ado about nothing

I finally got to see the video. Nothing to see. The bow wasn't necessary, but it wasn't particularly conscious, either. And considering the informal scene in the room at the time, it was a meaningless but courteous gesture.

Told ya I was reserving judgment. Too bad you didn't.

[madmom]

67. If you were REALLY "reserving judgment" you would not have

made a comment along with more unsubstantiated "facts", thus helping spread rumor.

[FudaFuda]

69. i think my comments were consistent with my original position

I was reserving judgement on whether I thought Obama 'bowed' to the king of Saudi Arabia. Not whether a bow was right or wrong. If I really think our President had 'bowed' in a formal manner representing subservience before a foreign king, I would have been riot-ready. So my comments about the impropriety of an American president 'bowing' to a foregin king were not inconsistent with me reserving judgment on what President Obama had done. I watched the video, and I think it was not a formal bow but more an uncertain-of-just-what-to-do handshake. I've never met the Saudi king face-to-face, and Mr. Obama AFAIK has not either, before yesterday. So, no biggie.

I stand by my position that it would be grossly inappropriate for an American president to formally bow upon official presentation before a foreign monarch.

[YOY]

23. Only if he's saucy...and the king is cute as can be.

Sometimes that president even sucks a little face...if that royal plays his cards right.

[azmouse]

24. Your concern is noted.

[Name removed]

25. Deleted message

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[Solon]

26. Depends on the culture...

Whenever Obama visits Japan, he's going to end up bowing to EVERY single dignitary there, from Emperor to Prime Minister and even those ranked below that, as the saying goes, "When in Rome do as the Romans do." Its a non-issue.

As long as he doesn't puke on any of them, I'll be satisfied that protocol has been followed. :)

[FudaFuda]

30. But they're in England.

Doesn't that mean the Saudi king (and Pres Obama) should be doing as the English do? Why does Saudi culture prevail in London?

[YOY]

32. Wow...you should write books on Protocol.

Not the subject of what to do in diplomatic situations...no...the movie. The one with Goldie Hawn.

[Solon]

54. What part of Saudi Culture is prevailing in London?

Western Customs(including British) concerning greeting dignitaries is actually very similar to Japan's in some respects(bowing) and different in others, such as handshakes. You would do well to actually look up what is expected.

[Johonny]

28. depends how many treasury notes his country is buying from us

[NeedleCast]

29. Do I "boe" to the Chinese food delivery guy?

He bows to me after I pay him. It's all rather awkward. Should I bow back to him? I did once and he bowed again...so I just shut the door.

Normally I just say something like "thanks dude."

[SemiCharmedQuark]

33. Obama should only bow to domestic kings!

[Ikonoklast]

34. You're still here?

Still trying to peddle crap no one wants to buy, I see.

But, I salute you for sticking with it, Skippy!




From your Pal, Dumbya, another no-class twit.

[tekisui]

59. That was my first thought.

The board is overrun with them. I can hardly come on here without getting pissed off at what and who is allowed to still be posted.

[Name removed]

37. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ThomWV]

38. When visiting in their country - yes. When receiving them at hom - no.

The customary greeting of the host country is appropriate.

[dos pelos]

41. How about the Kowtow...meets the criteria

A "customary greeting of the host country";

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kowtow

[YOY]

43. How about "teabagging"?

Is that something acceptable for regular citizens to do when they disapprove with the current regime?

[FudaFuda]

45. See that button below when you're typing something?

The "Check Spelling" one?

[YOY]

46. "Teabagging" works fine! The mods haven't updated the dictionary 'cause it's tha new thang!!!

That's why it's not quite in the dictionary yet. Because we're not up with the times naturally. Not like those totally modern funky phresh folks at FReeRepublic! They're cool like Kid 'N Play yo!



So how about it? Is teabagging acceptable for you crazy hipsters?

Tell me how you want to teabag Obama and the "Democrat Party"! 'Specially that gay old Barney Frank! You just can't wait to teabag that pervert!!!

[SidDithers]

40. The correct answer is...

If he feels it's appropriate.

Sid

[uppityperson]

48. Exactly.

aside from questioning OP, to answer the question, this is right.

[Bluebear]

66. +1

[underseasurveyor]

42. LOL You are kidding right............

Maybe not:evilgrin:
Apparently only the weak minded and insecure would have any concerns about it and only the ignorant would fail to realize that when a dignitary is a guest in someone else's country it is a sign of respect to show courtesy and respect to ones host. Humility is a good thing.


Subservient :rofl:

[Obamanaut]

49. Self delete. Duplication

[LostInAnomie]

50. What a stupid thing to care about.

It's a cultural sign of respect, not subservience.

[rateyes]

52. Just wait until tomorrow to get outraged. Obama is next going to

wash the Prince's feet. :eyes:

[rcrush]

53. We do have Royalty here

They are the super rich banking families.

[tkmorris]

56. WHO FUCKING CARES?

Ferchrissake, can we hire an exterminator or something? This is getting absurd.

[TWiley]

57. Mr. Obama can bow to whomever he wishes don't you think?

[tekisui]

60. OH NOES!!!

WTF ever. This is stupider than a hug.

[LaydeeBug]

61. where was he? He should never bow HERE at all and never deeply at that

In fact, it may be a gaffe, albeit a minor one.

[damntexdem]

62. In the case of Obama, he's likely to wow the foreign king.

But, then, I guess we're not used to a U.S. president being courteous.

[Marr]

65. Right-wingers' complaints on the subject are meaningless.

They had nothing at all to say about GW Bush doing the same thing, and walking around holding the king's hand and kissing him.

[Romulox]

68. I am much more concerned with Obama's kow-towing to American Royalty (bankers and financiers) nt

[Djinn]

70. why the hell not

the entire world is expected to bow to American Presidents.

The entire American people are expected to call him "Mr" President, why shouldn't he engage in diplomatic niceties as well.

Holy bloody Cluthu, I'm an anarchist and one of the original "Obama haters" and even I find this a stupid thread.

[me b zola]

71. Do you realize that your profile is disabled?

How can we ensure that the pizza is delivered to the correct address if you won't show your profile? Jesus, show some courtesy.

[blogslut]

72. What is the next level up from ridiculous?

Absurd doesn't seem strong enough. I need a word...

[TexasObserver]

74. Should I care?

Thanks for bringing this up. I know you really love Obama and don't want to see anyone cast asparagus on him.