Letters to the Editor
Obama’s bow in Japan isn’t controversial
Posted on Nov 27, 2009 by Jennifer Hemmingsen.
Fox News Channel tried to drum up another phony controversy over President Obama’s bowing to Japan’s Emperor Akihito. Most Americans know it is appropriate to show respect for other countries’ customs. In Japan, a bow is a greeting, like a handshake, and not to do so is an insult.
The story shows how deep Fox will reach to criticize the president.
Obama’s bow is better than the first President Bush’s vomiting on Japanese dignitaries in 1992, or kissing Saudi King Abdullah, or the second President Bush giving German Chancellor Angela Merkel a public shoulder rub in 2006.
Adrian Whitman
West Branch
He also bowed to the Chinese Prime Minister, bowing means you are a servant and I guess since China owns the US debt. Obama is making this country a servant to the Red Chinese.
Try learning something about other cultures. In Japan and some other nations, bowing is how everyone greets each other.
It would be like the Japanese saying it's a sign of servitude for their Prime Minister to shake Obama's hand.
Wonder how long it will be before Japan & China will be culturally advanced to the point that they have an African American Leader to bow to one of our leaders, Only a far distant prayer I fear.
But if you watch the video, you find Obama is the only head of state who bows. It is not a custom for the President of the United States, or any other head of state, to bow to foreign leaders. You'd think after the Saudi incident, he'd have learned.
It was a political faux pas. Don't know why some people can't simply admit that.
I guess we've had Republicans in office for so long, people forgot what good manners are.
This goes back to the very first president. Its called diplomatic protocol. The "rules" are there for a reason. Obama broke protocol on several occasions. The fact he doesn't understand the reason behind those protocols makes it even worse.
Like I said, some people are simply incapable of admitting Obama made a mistake of any kind. Its really sad.
If you watched any news network besides FAUX , you'll see Nixon bowing to the Japanese Emperor who attack us at Pearl Harbor. President Eisenhower bow to French President DeGualle, President "W" holding hands with the Saudia King plus sweet little kisses.FAUX news is for the dimwitted.
No companies like walmart are the ones making us servants to the Red Chinese.
Bowing doesn't mean your servant it is a sign of mutual respect. Stupid Fox viewers.
They can longer truly call themselves a "news" organization…
worse than the old tired "houswives gossipin over the fence" …
And ignorant ones at that.
Why are you obsessed with FOX, you don't watch it?
It's the FAUX followers that fascinates me,
like a study in abnormal psychology
Why are you obsessed with FOX, you don't watch it?
Along with MSNBC Ann….
I mean, since you admitted you don't watch….
Right?
As soon as MSNBC ends up with constant letters to the editor because of their idiocy, and their main audience is weak minded self righteous fools who have no problem spouting off at the mouth, then we'll talk…
Sorry Ann, if I don't put a lot of credibility in your post since you have admitted you don't watch Fox or MSNBC.
It is great to see someone pontificate like you are doing, instead of showing some even-handedness regarding this issue.
MSNBC is no different then Fox…just opposite ends of the spectrum. Oh, and that Fox kills MSNBC in the ratings.
That you don't admit that is what is the real issue here.
You don't have to step in a cow pie more than once to know you don't want to do it again.I used to watch ALL msm. FAUX CNN MSNBC etc. USED to. And I am showing the same evenhandedness that I see coming from the rabid foaming at the mouth viewers of FAUX. What is the "real" issue here, other than once again FAUX has taken something and made it seem like something else?
I will comment on whatever I like Mr Board Moniter.
Send THAT to admin.
The Japanese Prime Minister didn't bow to Obama. He just stood there and smiled. Should we interpret that as a sign of disrespect?
Don't you have more important things to worry about, than who bowed to whom?
In particular, maybe you should worry about why the Republicans are being so petty, spiteful and nit picking over nothing. It shows them to be backwards, mean spirited and out of touch.
I was just asking a question. I want to know if another world leader disrespects my President?
You must not read the reports then. Polls show that Obama is the most respected leader in the world and has made us number one in their eyes again.
That doesn't change the fact that the Japanese Prime Minister openly insulted Obama by not bowing when they met. Adrian Whitman, the author of this letter says most Americans know it is an insult not to do so.
Which reports? And why do you care what Sweden thinks of us?
We all thought you were into culture education from your first post – answer the question and stop changing the subject when you can't answer it!
I'm not changing the subject, but am refusing to get into an asinine debate about a non-issue.
I was hoping you would stick around longer and educate us on other cultures. And how we're suppose to follow their customs, while they crap all over ours
Everyone please rewind 8 years ago:
"maybe you should worry about why the Democrats are being so petty, spiteful and nit picking over nothing. It shows them to be backwards, mean spirited and out of touch."
There…for perspective.
No, we should not.
No.
"I want to know if another world leader disrespects my President? "
This is bul l- you al l disrespect the President every chance you get, and now you think you have a case against another world leader?
Get out a town…
Yep, a non is sue for you to bleat on about.
Direct Quote: "In Japan, a bow is a greeting, like a handshake, and not to do so is an insult."
WTF!?! This is the first I've heard this 'controversial bow'. I guess that's what I get for following legitimate news outlets.
You really are obtuse, aren't you?
As soon as MSNBC, and CNN start getting letters to the editor, I will comment.
THIS letter happens to be about FOX, do you understand?
Do you get dizzy, the way your brain circles around like that…?
My letter regarding MSM and other cable outlets is on its way! Thanks for the tip!
I know it's about Fox. I'm simply pointing out that you yourself have said you don't watch it. You don't want to step in cowpies. Fine.
…but you only criticize Fox.
Don't be vacuous…most can see right through that.
You really are fixated on this, aren't you?
So, to try to show me out as a hypocrit, you are sending out a letter to the editor.
Hmmm. I geuss, we will all know the true identity of Brazen Hawk, if they publish it.
That is a big IF.
Now, THAT is
vacuous,
Not only that, he's fallen in love with his new word, vacuous. Mommy must be so proud.
Your mom?
Only to the point that others don't see that MSM has been in bed with Obama, and leaned to the left for years now.
And if they do know, don't have the guts to admit it.
He had a personal insight that he now keeps projecting. He has the right word, but wants to be in denial.
THIS letter is about FAUX- Please do stay on topic…
THIS letter is about FAUX, please do stay on topic…
You mean Fox News.
I understand that. I'm simply pointing out that the MSM is no different.
Thanks for the tip!
No, I mean FAUX,
You are welcome.
You mean Fox News.
I understand that. I'm simply pointing out that the MSM is no different.
Thanks for the tip!
No, I mean FAUX,
Have you considered that the Japanese Prime Minister might know that bowing is not customary in the US and was trying to "Americanize" his greeting for Obama?
The letter states that it would be an insult for the president not to do so.
Reading comprehension,
it's a good thing..
WELL DONE – cat got here tongue AGAIN!
Wow, now you're grasping for straws. If I understand you correctly, you're admitting that the Japanese PM did NOT bow to Obama, which is customary in Japan. But you're defending the Japanese PM instead of defending your own President. I just want to make sure I know where you stand
I think this shows that each of these world leaders was trying to greet the other in the other's normal way. Thus, Obama bowed to Akihito (NOT the PM, by the way) because bowing is the normal greeting in Japan and Akihito did not bow to Obama because bowing is not the normal greeting in the US.
We had a retarded president for 8 years just before President Obama took office so, odd things happens so get over it already.
Absolutely correct: There is no enforced protocol that REQUIRES the President of the United States (POTUS) to bow to anyone. The showing of respect by POTUS is not required, as the behavior of George W. Bush shows.
On the other hand, showing of respect is not a bad thing where respect is warranted. It's certainly better than vomiting on the Japanese PM as did George H. W. Bush.
Wonder how Harry Truman, the last Democrat President with any guts , would have represented us.
Should I keep waiting for an example of a president bowing to a foreign leader, or have you admitted Obama is the first to do this?
One bit of advice would be for Republicans to look at their own arrogance and ignorance, before making judgments about other cultures.
Back on the attack, huh?
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii186/DutchPhi...
It's up to you if you should keep waiting. In the mean-time, how about explaining why you're so obsessed over it when the United States and the world have much bigger problems?
OK, I did the Googling for you maddmatt. Had to go all the way back to George W Bush, bowing to the Saudi leader. (They also held hands once). I'm sure there are more, but I'm getting bored with this silly argument.
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/33289_Bus...
Funny how bowing is now alright since W did it…
Did he puke on the Pope as well?.
Good one.
I stand corrected, but that's more of a nod than BO's 90 degree bow.
Here's another.
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/pictures/Z...
Yup.
That's funny, I was just wondering how Abraham Lincoln, the last Republican President with any brains would have represented us.
Maybe he would just drop another nuclear bomb on 'em. Then you could be proud of your president once again.
Is it a bow or is it not a bow?
I think you would have done better to click the "Submit Comment" button immediately after typing "I stand corrected".
More of a nod? Look at W's deep bow to the Saudi… The holding hands, the kissing.
It was hard for Bush to bow, while on his knees in front of the Pope.
Now who is grasping for straws?
It bothers me because our President represents the entire US when he travels overseas. I want a strong president who stands up for American ideals and values. Someone who bows down to no one.
Oops last comment under review. There is no excuse for that
I watched the video, that wasn't a bow to the Saudi King. He was receiving some sort of medal. Nice try. However, I have no explanation for the Pope.
When ever I see a picture of gw bush, I all of a sudden remember the old Howdy Doody tv shows in the mornings. I remember that show and him having a monkey named Zip on it.
watch the video. He didn't bow, but was receiving a medal.
Is that the one he was holding hands with?.
I must say I'm going to miss his…interesting speeches. How about the one where he wants OBGYNs to practice their love on women.
Now you are trying to introduce Homo stuff into the discussion, have you no moral qualms about such an ugly untidy implication thing to do. Perhaps they were considering engagement , or getting married here in Iowa for pity sakes. Lets be a little modernly open minded.
Please explain
W didn't bow to the Saudi. He was receiving a medal. Now you libs are taking video out of context by focusing on a single frame.
Let me get this straight. It's ok for Obama to bow, but not W?
How about this. I'll agree W was wrong for bowing to the pope and the saudi king if you will agree Obama was wrong for bowing to the saudi king and the japanese emporor. Sound like a deal?
I'm lost. Is it Bush's fault that Obama is bowing? Bush is to blame for all BOs other mistakes
I'm sorry, Obama was insulted by the EMPEROR of Japan.
Can you show me where Clinton, Carter, or any other President has bowed the the Japanese Emperor (or any world leader)?
The truth is, there is no protocol for such a thing, and the President of the United States is not required to bow to anyone, nor should he.
If that's sarcasm, consider this a "thumb's up".
If that's not sarcasm, consider this a "thumb's down" and I hope you get help.
I really hate to offend your macho ideas, but little humility and respect goes a long way.
It is Bush's arrogance and unilateral diplomacy that did so much damage to the United States' standing in the world. It's good that we have a President who recognizes that we are not alone in the world and respects the traditions and ideas of our friends.
kissing and holding hands. That says more than a bow does matt
It's really not that important to me that either one of them would follow the customs of other countries when visiting. It's polite and displays mutual respect.
Bushism's. They're still entertaining.
http://www.slate.com/id/76886/
I see. So you admit to just flat out being a hypocrite. Point taken.
It would be one thing if you said "all media". You don't. You specifically denigrate Fox, hence the reason I call you out for it.
Who said you shouldn't comment?
The MSM has been repeatedly caught bending the truth to fit their agenda and cannot be trusted.
Isn't this fun, Owen!?