OMG He has done it AGAIN!
@whiteheather39 (24403)
United States
November 16, 2009 1:11pm CST
President Obama created a new presidential precedent when he bowed to the Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko Saturday.
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. In April, President Obama bowed to the Saudi king during the G-20 meeting. At the time, Obama’s deferential bow was somewhat obscured, and the White House insisted that the president simply had leaned forward to shake the king’s hand. (Yeah right!)
But the president's recent demonstration of royal deference to the Japanese emperor and empress suggests his earlier action was no aberration. America was founded on republican virtues — small “r,” that is. Like the French Republic, our nation does not recognize royalty or social rank, especially from officials of the republic.
The conduct of our president when he deals with foreign leaders is a serious matter. After all, he represents the American people and our Constitution.
Indeed, when President Obama bows before a foreign leader, the whole country bows with him.
It is difficult to grasp what President Obama’s motives are for bowing to foreign royalty (it would be nice if a reporter asked his press secretary Robert Gibbs why he does it).
But Obama’s motives do not really matter when we consider his behavior.
What matters is how the rest of the world will interpret his actions. When it comes to bowing before foreign leaders, there is a fine line between showing politeness and servility, between respect and weakness. The United States leads the free world, and it goes without saying that our president as commander in chief is duty bound to protect the nation, and our allies by treaty. He should act in such a way that strengthens, not weakens, his position.
Has the man no pride! I think that this along with the hidden birth cerificate only substantiates the fact he does not consider himself an American who is proud of his country!!!
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/obama_emperor_bow/2009/11/15/286508.html?s=al&promo_code=9133-1
Your comments???
2 people like this
18 responses
@Netsbridge (3253)
• United States
16 Nov 09
I think that the president is simply doing in Saudi as the Saudis do; in France as the French do; in Japan as the Japanese do; etc. I am multi-lingual and have lived in other nations: I sometimes find myself greeting some people of certain nations in their traditional greeting fashions.
4 people like this
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
16 Nov 09
There is nothing wrong with diplomatic custom keeping...not a thing. But as Obama has many at his disposal to investigate WHAT the custom means and what exactly to do...maybe they should have warned him of what Wikipedia says about the custom of bowing. He should have presented himself as a peer of the Emperor...and not the inferior of the Emperor.
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Nov 09
Netsbridge I too am multilingual and have lived in many countries. However I am not president of a country. Bowing to the leader of a communist country that was considered an enemy of the USA just a few years back is not just a simple gesture!
1 person likes this
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
16 Nov 09
...the fact that he bowed low and held that bow...was telling the people of Japan that the leader of America considers America to be inferior to Japan.
2 people like this
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
16 Nov 09
Like I said in those many (1) other discussions...when he bows, we all bow.
Someone said int those many other discussions (1) that Bush bowed...can someone show us a link to that?
Our country's leader is a PEER to the leader of Japan...and bowing in Japanese culture is more than a sign of respect. The lower you bow, the more subserviant you proclaim yourself to be.
This is from wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette_in_Japan#Bowing
Bows can be generally divided into three main types: informal, formal, and very formal. Informal bows are made at about a fifteen degree angle or just tilt over one's head to the front, and more formal bows at about thirty degrees. Very formal bows are deeper.
The etiquette surrounding bowing, including the length and depth of bow, and the appropriate response, is exceedingly complex. For example, if the other person maintains his or her bow for longer than expected (generally about two or three seconds), it is polite to bow again, upon which one may receive another bow in return. This often leads to a long exchange of progressively lighter bows.
Generally speaking, an inferior bows longer, more deeply and more frequently than a superior. A superior addressing an inferior will generally only nod the head slightly, while some superiors may not bow at all and an inferior will bend forward slightly from the waist.
3 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Nov 09
Debra your response and various comment are superb! Your factual statements are always something I admire when reading your posts.
1 person likes this
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
16 Nov 09
Like I explained about the blessing he gave before his speech in Cairo, Egypt. He gave a blessing that only MUSLIMS give to one another and the Muslims listening to this speech would have known that. The research I did on a MUSLIM site said if a non Muslim speaks this blessing....it is a grave disrespect. Now, if he spoke it and they were not disrespected, perhaps they know something we don't?
Obama not only apologizes for America...he is telling the entire world that we are inferior and that he is a Muslim and that America is a Muslim nation has come out of his mouth, it's on video. Couple that with his birth certificate issues...due to come to court in January....and all the contempt he's shown for mainstream American values....allowing the speaker of the house to call us Nazis and keeping email lists of dissenters...what more do you have to see and hear?
2 people like this
@lilwonders456 (8214)
• United States
16 Nov 09
This is a serious issue. The President represents this country and he is representing us as being inferior to other nations.
4 people like this
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
16 Nov 09
"Yes, yes, well," said in my best Jeff Goldblum impression.
It's the President of the United States of America representing a country that does not do much on the "royalty" thing in terms of them being better than us. Simplistic way to put it, maybe, but I feel no president should bow.
Big deal? Depends on how you look at it, I guess. Some believe it's no big deal to submit to that sort of "custom" and, hey, if it makes people like us, he may as well do some other stuff while down there. Yeah, yeah, we all get that. It's evident.
But others think that, if our President bows, we all bow. I personally think it's worthy of discussion. I mean, this is myLot, after all -- the place where MSNBC utters the word "Palin" and we have a dozen discussions up in an hour.3 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Nov 09
OMG Annie how could you imply their were many discussions on this particular event. I checked all through the political topics and there is only ONE other discussion from KennyRose. I really did not think you would stoop so low. I guess even with you one has to accept that I should not have accepted your integrity as being any different from other Obamaloonies I truly thought you were of a different caliber. How disappointing!
BTW I do think it is of extreme importance how Obummer is making us look in the eyes of the world.....WIMPS!
BTW I do think it is of extreme importance how Obummer is making us look in the eyes of the world.....WIMPS!2 people like this
@playwright82 (167)
• United States
17 Nov 09
No President should ever bow. At least not as low as Obama bowed. A shallow bow or a head nod is all that is needed since he is on the same level as the Emperor. How could he do that to us as a nation. We are not subservient to these other nations. Some of them actually owe us for getting them out of messes in the past and he's going around making us beneath these countries. I'm sorry to say it doesn't surprise me though. I'm just glad that I can honestly say that I did not vote for the man.
3 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
17 Nov 09
I am so glad to read that you pointed out the depth of the bow which in the eyes of the rest of the world show to what degree of subservience is being displayed. It has been pointed out that Nixon and Eisenhower also bowed but in Nixon's case it was a simple slight bowing of the neck as a polite gesture. No president except for Obama has given the full body bow of complete servility.1 person likes this
@itsmychoice (382)
• United States
17 Nov 09
Only the people who are bowing to another, shows full submission to that person. Since there have been many reports of Obama not being an American in the first place, and refusing the Americans any respect to prove to us that he is an American, has in itself proven that he bows to other country's while, when everyone was paying respect to our veterans by saluting or putting their hands on there heart, while our so-called President holds his hands down clasped together, only shows his life is to our enemy's before our fallen hero's. He is the Obamanation of the United States of America, and should be impeached immediately. He will only turn this country into an Islam nation. He is almost finished with phase one of his treasonous plan, and we have to stop him now if we are to get our country back.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
17 Nov 09
What a perfect word to describe what is happening to our country...Obamanation Thank you that pretty much says it all.
1 person likes this
@itsmychoice (382)
• United States
18 Nov 09
Thank you, but the phrase was used way before I used it, and I liked the ring of it also.
2 people like this
@itsmychoice (382)
• United States
17 Nov 09
Oh and did you know that he is starting to demand that Israel to give up the land to terrorists so they can shoot more missiles into Jerusalem and kill more Jews and Christians? He is Hell bent on giving them a state. Israel is just a small little piece of land with no oil, so what else would they want with it besides killing all the Jews and moving on to the Christians in the USA with the help of the Keynion Obama. Hail to Obama King of Egypt.
2 people like this
@zamrud8767 (8)
• Malaysia
17 Nov 09
reading this discussion made me think how some people could be so self-centered. maybe u all should see 2012 and think of the world as a nation, not nations separated by customs or bows or greetings or blessings or whatever u name it.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
17 Nov 09
May I say, with respect....that that is just what they wanted you to think when they made that movie.
Fact is, the Japanese have entered the modern world with a BANG...and they still hold to their customs. I for one value the customs that each nation has....it is what makes us unique and human. Why should we think of ourselves as one big nation? Sounds wonderful in theory, doesn't it? But stop for a moment and contemplate HOW we could all give up our rights to the big world state...and how that state would enforce THEIR rules. Are you ready for that?
We do need to learn about the others in this world and learn to value each nation as an entity made up of individuals that matter. That would be great! But it takes an individual...to understand an individual. No super state can force anyone to do that, without some pretty stiff laws and a big stick.
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
16 Nov 09
Ireally do go along with you there.
I see no reason for him to bow to any one.
More and more poeple are going to read into this a weakling that might just let anyone come in and slander us.
And i was just reading about him goin gto China an d how one blog about the meeting only lated on line 27 min.
They arent going to let the Chinese people speak at wha t they see as they arent allowed too.
even meeting with young adults it wasnt on but one tv channel of thier choise and I think also it didnt really let them see or hear all Obama really had to say.
Also I dont see how our dollor can shrink when other maney takes lots and lots to make up to our dollar can you
?
2 people like this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
16 Nov 09
The only people he won't show deference to are the ones who employ him.
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Nov 09
You are SO right!
I forgot to add the photo of this latest disgrace.
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Nov 09
Shar19 did you read the topic? Your question was answered in THE FIRST FEW LINES:
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.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
17 Nov 09
What strikes me the most about all this bowing business is how our POTUS bows to nations that are either hostile to us or hold our economic fate in their hands--but he won't follow protocol and bow the the Queen of England, our closest ally and good friend. First he insulted her by returning the bust of Churchill (I think, I forget who it was), gave her a gift of a dvd that wouldn't play in her country, and served her mediocre cuisine. Then not bowing. Now he bows to the oil magnates and our competition (and great ones they are!) and makes us subservient to them.
I'm so totally disgusted. I've nearly given up trying to figure out what the hell he is doing other than intentionally trying to destroy the country so he can build it back up as he wishes.
I try to see the opposite point of view but this man's actions are just so hostile to his own country that I can't draw any other conclusion but that he is bent on our destruction.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
17 Nov 09
I draw the same conclusions as you. In less than one year he has taken 3 giant steps in this attempt by - Bankrupting our country, pushing a Health Care bill that will weaken current care available to seniors and the disabled, being subservient to countries which would like nothing more than to topple the USA and in my opinion if we the people do not stop this man it will soon be to late to save our country.
1 person likes this
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
17 Nov 09
I'd forgotten about all that dragon...thanks for reminding me. That does make one wonder, doesn't it. Some would say he's just following protocol....why NOT follow protocol with the Queen of England? hhhmmmmm....?? Anyone have any opinions?
@dragonlady9947 (122)
• United States
18 Nov 09
This is supposed to be a discussion. Why is it when I give my ideas, I am blasted, maligned, and generally crapped on. This is not a discussion at all. You are closed to anyone else's ideas or thoughts. I can say what I want and my ideas are just as good as yours. I don't have to go to Wikipedia for anything. Wikipedia isn't even considered credible. (My sister in law is Japanese. She likes Obama)
So, Maggiepie - when were you tested? You claim to know your IQ score and given that one has to be tested (usually for special education) to determine IQ, what were you tested for? Interesting. IQ's don't usually 'take people out'-. My comment was actually one of fact. You see, you have no idea what I do for a living.
I love Empress Michiko - I named my shih tzu after her. I love the kings and queens - in particular Liz and Noor. And guess what - I can like those people if I want. I don't have to follow or believe in anything you follow or believe in...
Does this go with your discussion? No? Who cares.
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
18 Nov 09
as I previously said...I would be wasting my time to take any of your responses seriously.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
18 Nov 09
BTW the fact that you have been a member of myLot for a year and have not earned a reputation star speaks volumes about you!
@dragonlady9947 (122)
• United States
18 Nov 09
Wow...No reputation star against my name. This makes a huge difference in my life? I have nothing else to live for... oh what to do? No reputation star. Do you think my husband will divorce me? My children desert me? My dogs will run and check themselves into a shelter? Will the University take away my PhD? Oh woe. Gee whiz.
1 person likes this
@dragonlady9947 (122)
• United States
17 Nov 09
Om my gosh! He bowed and showed respect to another country's leader. OH No!! He should have nuked them! The US did it before. Never show respect, never defer to custom. Nuking them again would have shown the power of the US. It is very important to show power and nuking the Japanese would have shown the the US is not weak or subservient to anyone. We also need to stop the president from saying hello and shaking hands. These are customs which cause people to believe the US might be friendly. This is wrong. And how about Esienhower? Nixon? They both bowed to foreign leaders. Bush kisses and holds hands with foreign leaders. But that's okay. It's okay for anyone but Obama.
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
18 Nov 09
Debra what else could you expect from a Bamaloony. They go off half cocked without even trying to educate themselves before they make utters fools of themselves in their slavish devotion to Obummer.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
18 Nov 09
dragonlady anyone who can make the following response to an other discussion such as you did...quote "Obama does walk on water. No one with an IQ above 80 watches FOX. Someone who graduated from Harvard is beyond them." This tells me that I would be wasting my time to take any of your responses seriously.
1 person likes this
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
18 Nov 09
[b]Whiteheart, while I have agreed with Dragonlady on occasion on some things, I'm with you on disagreeing on this one, It is sooo not our tradition to bow to other world leaders, & they've always respected our reasons! Only Obama & his anti-American ilk don't get it.
Or maybe they do, & just want to show their disrespect for our traditions in yet another arrogant, snotty way. Either way, it's shameful. 
Maggiepie
"WHERE'S THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE?"[/b]
Maggiepie
"WHERE'S THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE?"[/b]1 person likes this
@lilwonders456 (8214)
• United States
16 Nov 09
What is up with this man. HE IS NOT A SUBJECT or even a citizen of those nations. THerefore he should not bow to them. Be respectful and polite...yes. Bow..definately not. HE is making us look subservant to other countries. We are subservant to no one and no other country. We are a free country. We stand on our own and proudly...except for Obama. This is bad. It sets the wrong tone and put Obama and our nation in a weaker position.
This man is a nightmare.
2 people like this
@itsmychoice (382)
• United States
18 Nov 09
Well if you think we are not subject to other nations, think again. Obama is doing all he can to disallow any condemnation of any other country on grounds of Islam bashing being put on the courts to put us in prison for saying anything against them. As far as I knew we were supposed to be protected by our constitution, but this is not the case. If Obama can make the courts shut his files so we Americans can't see the birth certificate to prove his American loyalty as a citizen. And also did you see the picture on the veterans day tribute, as everyone saluted or placed his hand on their heart, while he stood with his hands in his lap folded? He would not even honor the fallen hero's. When he was sworn in to the Presidency he swore on the Koran. How quaint.....He is a Muslim first and second to Japan.
We can't even report any suspicious actions about any person who looks like a foreigner, like a Muslim or Egyptian in any headdress that does not fit in to the crowd. Woeooooooo hey that really fat woman looking around acting skiddish and hiding a package under her garb, doesn't look right, but hey I would not want to insult their bombing mission would I???? Just look at the people who were sued for turning in four Imams on an airliner hoping seats and acting like they are up to hyjacking or something. When are we allowed to report anything that is threatning anymore? Never more because of our government that has abandoned us Americans.
1 person likes this
@lazerm (478)
• United States
17 Nov 09
what do you expect? 'the kenyan' wasn't even born in the united states! he is simply a front man for the global elite! trained since college to be a good marxist puppet, who can only look good reading off a teleprompter.he and speaker of the house nancy pelosi are complete jokes. china,russia are laughing at this in over his head fool.if the people don't clean house in 2010 and 2012, the usa is finished.
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
17 Nov 09
Sadly I have to agree with your response.
1 person likes this
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
18 Nov 09
[b]Frankly, it puzzles me how a black person--from this nation, given the history of slavery--could ever want to bow to anyone!
But then, he's such a hater of all things American, I guess he doesn't get that nuance; he's too busy badmouthing us to think it through! 
Maggiepie
"WHERE'S THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE?"[/b]
Maggiepie
"WHERE'S THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE?"[/b]1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
18 Nov 09
I think his arrogance and greed outweigh any rational thoughts.
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
16 Nov 09
Shar19 In response to your question/comment at response #1 about has any other president ever bowed! Did you read the topic? Your question was answered in THE FIRST FEW LINES:
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 am posting this again here under your response just to make sure your get it!
2 people like this
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
17 Nov 09
Others have bowed...and like I said above, all that shows is both parties have betrayed the American citizen.
I will add here...Obama is the one in power NOW...thankfully America is waking up to just what is going on...and Obama happens to be the one who woke us up.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
16 Nov 09
Wikipedia explains the FULL custom and meanings of bowing in Japan...with many diplomatic advisors at hand...I'm sure he knew that the lower he bowed and the longer he held that bow...meant he and America were inferior to the Emperor and the people of Japan. Just another way he goes about disrespecting the very people and country he represents.
2 people like this
@ronnyb (6113)
• Jamaica
17 Nov 09
Wow I understand where you are coming from.On the surface I would have said that he was only being polite but you have made some interesting pointS.I also admit that I really wasnt following the issue but you have now sparked my interest and I shall have a closer look at this matter before I comment .I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt so far and write it down to being polite but I will have a look at the tapes and see how it actually looks.Thank you as always for such incredible insight when it comes to matter of politics.You are a true champion in such area
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
17 Nov 09
Thank you such a great compliment. I have been told in no uncertain terms by Obama supporters I need to get a life. However in their blind adoration of the man they are blind to the facts that Obama's politics does affect my life and theirs if they would just waken up and see where he is leading us.
1 person likes this
