Until he leaves a multi-national summit gleefully declaring, “Goodbye from the world’s biggest polluter.” I will not be too worried about Obama’s gravitas.
Except that you have no idea what the fuck world leaders think, because you’re not remotely close to their situation and never will be. Nobody gives a shit about this except conservatives who wouldn’t have said a goddamn thing if Bush had done it, and didn’t when Bush rubbed Angela Merkel’s shoulders and mispronounced her name.
Right. As the official representative of the United States, it’s inappropriate for him to bow to a fellow foreign head of state, because that’s a sign of subordination.
I didn’t read through the whole thread but where is the protocal staff in all this? They’ve been around for years and are suppose to advise new Presidents. What’s next, is the President going to start kissing the Pope’s ring?
So do I start sending my taxes to the guy, now?
The King of Saudi Arabia? Don’t worry…with oil prices being what they are, you already do.
These kinds of rules are actually for people that don’t command a natural respect. Those folks are given a set of rules to follow, so as to appear as one deserving of respect, and then hopefully to actually become respected.
When one is already respected, based on knowledge, morals, or just plain ol’ swagger, one doesn’t have to follow any set in stone rules of protocal.
Well, I don’t think he ever vomited on anyone.
I must admit, I’m finding the concept of Bush voters telling us that Obama embarrassed the country *very *amusing. There’s some sweet cognitive dissonance, right there.
At least he didn’t give him a terrorist fist bump.
Disagree. It’s a sign of respect and custom and nothing more. Even British subjects who are given an audience with the Queen for whatever reason are told that they may bow or curtsey if they wish, but not to attempt it if they can’t do it gracefully. A simple nod of the head is sufficient. This was covered in a recent series about the British monarchy. Obama should have done the nod, as the bow just looked amateurish. Hey, as long as he’s not flying another country’s flag above ours, it’s all good.
Being equal, it is perfectly appropriate for the guest to show respect for the host, in whatever manner is traditional in the host’s country. Frankly, I’d have been slightly upset if Obama hadn’t bowed, and find the Press Office’s denial that he did doubly disappointing.
Just to reiterate, a bow is not, and never has been, a sign of subordination-- That’s a kneel, and it would therefore have been quite inappropriate for the President to kneel to anyone. A bow is a sign of respect, which is perfectly acceptable and proper from a President.
Well, neither of them are the host in this case, as the meeting was in London.
Except for Zod, of course.
Only two nations at the G20 brought any royalty. By centuries-old protocol, it is proper to bow to kings and queens. President Obama bowed to the Queen of the United Kingdom and the king of Saudi Arabia. So, what’s the problem?
In our peculiar political system, this is known as a manufactured controversy.
I am glad he bowed, it makes the tightiy-righties look foolish to get so worked up about it. The more they try to incite outrage, the more people move away from their pathetic politics.
Americans shouldn’t bow to kings, and Americans shouldn’t respect kings.
Should he have spit on QE2?
Why not? Is our freedom so fragile it cannot survive a meaningless gesture?
Of course not, but the institution of monarchy is evil, and America should do its best to spread republican ideals of equality whenever possible. And you don’t do that by respecting archaic vestiges of class and feudalism.