Video: 46 handshakes, one bow
posted at 1:00 pm on November 15, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
It didn’t take too long for the Left to defend Barack Obama’s bow to Emperor Akihito yesterday by claiming that the President was merely showing cultural sensitivity to the Japanese emperor by deeply bowing. There’s a couple of problems with that argument. First, American Presidents do not bow to monarchs, or at least they didn’t through the first 43 Presidents and the 220 years they served as the US head of state. Perhaps a few of them might have done so out of cultural sensitivity when traveling to foreign nations as private citizens, either before or after their terms in office, but not when they represented the United States of America. Even the New York Times knew better than that in 1994.
For those arguing that such a policy merely propagates American arrogance and that Obama wants to “change perceptions,” this video by the UConn College Republicans points out the second problem. Heads of state do not bow and show obeisance to one another, regardless of whether either one is an American President. The UConn group reviews 47 different greetings to Emperor Akihito and various heads of state, including a few from fellow Pacific Rim countries with similar cultural sensitivities, and doesn’t find a bow among them:
I can’t wait to see the Left chastising these world leaders for their cultural insensitivity. They’d better include Akihito in that condemnation, too. As yesterday’s video clearly showed, Akihito knew better than to return Obama’s bow.
Maybe some of those rushing to offer apologias for bows should have taken their cue from the White House last April, when they attempted to deny that Obama had bowed to Saudi King Abdullah at all.
Blowback
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I would caution anyone to think this was a matter of ignorance of protocol.
No way.
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 3:56 PM
this is so pathetic
jp on November 15, 2009 at 3:56 PM
I don’t see this as a reason to discuss, even, protocol. The fact is that it is a clear break from over 200 years and 43 presidents in terms of protocol.
That is what he must answer. Why?
He should be asked. And we should listen carefully to his response.
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 3:57 PM
I’m betting Jake Tapper tackles this. Any takers? *hehe
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Uhh. Well. Uh. Uh. Let me be clear. Uhm. Well, I. Uhm. Uhh. Uhh.
There you go! From your friend,
Barack Obama.
Key West Reader on November 15, 2009 at 3:59 PM
nagee76 nailed it. The man is an amateur, totally out of his depth, with the egoistic blindness of the student to the surrounding world and how he appears to it. You would say that he has humiliated his nation, except his lack of understanding is so complete he just comes across as deluded and bewildered. It’s like a senile old man has wandered on to the stage and no one has the heart to tell him. He’s America’s Gordon Brown.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgG8nX58gnA
thedarknight on November 15, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Then we’ll get to see how much Obie learned about Asian culture. I bet he lets them get flat to the floor before he deigns to allow them to hear his words.
Fighton03 on November 15, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Dumbass, my reply was to YOUR comment about ordinary citizens, not Obama. What an utter fool you are nagee76!
Norman Blizter on November 15, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Emperor to wife
where was this guy in 41?
Sonosam on November 15, 2009 at 4:05 PM
You’re right, but wrong, too.
This is a pivotal story. Everyone is backing away from it, but why?
Because it really is just that pivotal.
He is shifting radically our values on foreign policy. Now, I’m a lot more liberal than some of you. I don’t react to make nicey-nice more than Bush. I think it’s really smarter, in fact.
But he wasn’t satisfied with that. He has moved it into a new symbolic and dangerous stage.
Why?
Ask the question, Jake.
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 4:06 PM
It’s all part of an elaborate (though misguided) plan to distract from the meme introduced by his earlier bow to the Saudi king, by introducing a new one: namely that he bows to all monarchs.
Umm, except the one in Buckingham Palace. Because … because England was once our ruler. Or maybe, umm…
RD on November 15, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Ah, Politico tackled it.
The official stand is that this IS protocol.
unbelievable
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Maybe Obama wasn’t bowing, and it’s just that his vagina fell out.
lorien1973 on November 15, 2009 at 4:08 PM
He’s a sick cookie. Really. I’m not sure all presidents are sick cookies in a fundamental way, to be honest.
It’s a matter for all of us to figure out how they are twisted and live around them.
But he is exposing his “sick” part, for sure.
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 4:10 PM
I took Okinawan Karate for about 8 years before I joined the Army. I still go to the dojo when I go home on leave, where I bow to people who outrank me and get bowed to by guys I outrank (I hold the rank of ni-dan, or second degree black belt). Like I said, bowing isn’t inherently respectful or disrespectful, but it comes from the context involved; who bows to who, for how long, etc.
Spc Steve on November 15, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Obama is the President for gawd’s sake. Did any other leaders bow?
CWforFreedom on November 15, 2009 at 4:15 PM
How about a photo of President Ben Dover bowing to KSM? Got one of those yet?
Josiah on November 15, 2009 at 4:17 PM
The emperor is not even the real leader of Japan. It is like greeting the Queen of England. I thought we were done with bowing to kings and queens. If he wants to do that bow to Barney .
CWforFreedom on November 15, 2009 at 4:18 PM
This story will sort itself out. Over 200 years and 43 presidents means….protocol.
His action was, indeed, radical.
And Sarah’s accusations will ring true with a lot of moderates.
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Man, thanks for the video–brought back memories. Then I thought of our present president–ruined it for me! Sigh..
lovingmyUSA on November 15, 2009 at 4:18 PM
I looked at Huffpo and their response is “but Bush bowed to the Pope”. Is that we have gotten that anything stupid that is done is forgiven if someone else did it too? Seems childish.
CWforFreedom on November 15, 2009 at 4:20 PM
There is no wiggle room on this story. He abandoned over 200 years of protocol and historical precedent.
Obama knew this before he made this choice. He has made a choice. He can’t pretend to be bi-partisan. That’s over. He can’t really pretend to even be centrist. That’s over.
As this blog likes to say: “It’s ON!”
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 4:21 PM
My sensei is a 7th degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate, a 5th degree black belt in Shorinji-ryu, and a black belt in Judo. I can count on one hand the number of people in my home commonwealth who he would bow to.
So what the heck made the President of the United States think bowing was a good idea? Like I said, his protocol guys are total morons.
Spc Steve on November 15, 2009 at 4:21 PM
He has no respect for protocol
CWforFreedom on November 15, 2009 at 4:22 PM
+1
See my last post
CWforFreedom on November 15, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Yeah, Bush also sent messages with his various greetings. But, he never went this far. This is beyond debate. Obama is tossing out over 200 years of protocal.
I say this is the definitive moment of his presidency. He’s decided he chooses being the radical president.
Frankly, why not?
He can’t bring the two sides together. I predict more and more highly inflammatory and radical decisions are coming.
He’s determined to not be Jimmy. He’ll go down in flames, but he’s fed up with walking the ledge.
BTW, this is just so my 2 cents.
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 4:25 PM
Well, then, the protocol for the U.S. president is not to sniff the nuts of Hirohito’s son.
On the ‘enhanced position’, how low did we stoop, you morons, Obama and all his stupid advisers? They s/b fired.
Schadenfreude on November 15, 2009 at 4:25 PM
Libs are huge on the ‘yeah, but…’ defense. When we condemn Islamists for 9/11, they point to the Crusades. The whole tactic is to try ending debate on terms favorable to their own narrow collective vision. That’s why it’s impossible to accomplish anything with them.
Liam on November 15, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Anyone see Liz Cheney on fox? She is someone we could all agree on – smart, good looking, not afraid to say what she feels, supported Sarah, much to the surprise/dismay/disgust of Walter Williams.
Bambi on November 15, 2009 at 4:27 PM
All right UConn Republicans! Go Huskies!
Little Boomer on November 15, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Obama really threw in the towel with this simple action. He’s admitted, he’s not the president that really will draw people together.
That’s the sad part of his action. He’s given up.
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 4:28 PM
GFY Idiot.
Norman Blizter on November 15, 2009 at 4:28 PM
When I was checking out the progressive blog, there were many “liberals” who agreed. This was a complete protocol violation.
He’s starting to even lose his base. It does sort of remind me of Bill’s loss over the sex scandal.
I will always be a big Bill fan, but his behavior was, of course, inexcusable.
Ditto for this act.
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 4:31 PM
The Emperor at best tilted his head back. Guess he showed what he thinks of Obama.
CWforFreedom on November 15, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Had he been a GOPer he would have been forced out.
CWforFreedom on November 15, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Dr Evil on November 15, 2009 at 4:34 PM
They have been painted into a corner of being apologists. That’s uncomfortable.
Right now, it may sound like they don’t recognize the spot they are in.
But I trust people’s basic instincts. The Obama fan bus is veering off the tracks.
The more he acts, the more they are wincing.
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 4:34 PM
Hopefully, you’re a kind person. What is an Omega?
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 4:35 PM
I believe the Reverend Wright is coaching the precedent on the finer aspects of debasing our great country.He CAN’T be stupid enough on his own
flyoverboy on November 15, 2009 at 4:37 PM
Did anyone notice the absolute fear in Jaun’s eyes and voice as he railed against taking Sarah Palin seriously. It was comical-they are so fearful of her.
texanpride on November 15, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Emperor Akihito is the son of Hirohito who provided the final authoriziation for the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor.
Would Obama bow or otherwise show deference to the son of Osama bin Laden who’s sneak attack killed a similar number of people?
…yeah, probably.
Gormm on November 15, 2009 at 4:38 PM
As long as Dems Repubs Indies etc keep that up…we will never improve . You can always find someone to “justify” your mistakes or misdeeds.
CWforFreedom on November 15, 2009 at 4:38 PM
This story reminds me alot of the blockbuster revelation that Obama characterized people outside of the beltway as “bitter and clinging to God and guns.”
It was so shocking that real people went into a kind of bubble.
I suspect that because his remark turned out to be very much a glimpse into the real administration’s attitude, the time lapse between the shock factor and reality will be shorter.
And it will continue to be shorter and shorter.
AnninCA on November 15, 2009 at 4:39 PM
There are two separate dominance orders within each pack: a male order and a female order. The highest ranking member of each order occupies the “alpha” position. “Alpha” is followed by the “beta” individual and so forth until the last position which is called “omega” (as in the Greek alphabet). Very few individuals are considered “equal”.
Omega is the last position in the pack order, they are used for the pack to take frustrations out on it has to eat last after the rest have finished last for everything.
Dr Evil on November 15, 2009 at 4:41 PM
The US does not bow to anyone. Our flag is the only flag that doesn’t dip during Olympic opening and closing ceremonies to anyone. We DO NOT bow to anyone . . . ever.
Obama is such an embarrassment.
Voter from WA State on November 15, 2009 at 4:41 PM
WHAT IS THE SENATE DOING ON HEALTH CARE while we are all distracted by Obama’s despicable behavior he has “accidentally” engaged in since the house passed their health care debacle???!!!
csdeven on November 15, 2009 at 4:42 PM
“Dumbass, my reply was to YOUR comment about ordinary citizens, not Obama. What an utter fool you are nagee76!”
Cool down Norm.. i know what my question was.. and i know what your response was.
The “fool” is you – you just answered a question about how ordinary civilians should behave with the Japanese with the protocol for… wait for it.. “martial arts” !
What if i am meeting with a Japanese co worker for a beer? What if iam meeting with him/her for business? We arent exactly playing “karate kid” here, are we ?
Even if you watched “martial art”, you would notice that BOTH of the combatants bow.. in other words there is reciprocity. A concept that is prevalent every where let alone in the diplomatic world.
Such being the case, lets get back to Obama’s bow, you DUMBASS.. tell me, now where was the “Emperor”‘s reciprocity by bowing back to Obama ?
there was none – because The Emperor of Japan bows to no one.. The POTUS would do well to learn that.. given that he seems to be a bigger dumbass than the likes of you.
nagee76 on November 15, 2009 at 4:44 PM
kinda like dogs and their sniffing habit
bluegrass on November 15, 2009 at 4:44 PM
They have been painted into a corner of being apologists.
The libs know the spot they’re in and, like any time, they’ve been out of power, they’ll become more shrill about things like this. They won’t modify their views in the least, but become more insane to defend their position and their guy in the White House.
Remember the things over the summer: Dem policies couldn’t possibly be wrong. Those protesting them could be only extremist, gun-toting, Bible-thumping bigots and morons.
The ideas libs have never change. Only their rhetoric and tactics do.
Liam on November 15, 2009 at 4:46 PM
At least he didn’t rollover onto his back and show him his stomach.
Dr Evil on November 15, 2009 at 4:47 PM
I was always under the impression that an honorable person owns up to their mistakes and grows from them. Course maybe that is just ol fahioned now.Somethin only us dumb old boys do.And my kids.And my grandkids.If we didn’t who would the socialists debase?
flyoverboy on November 15, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Except I am hearing a lot more complementary things about Hillary Clinton not like during the campaign there is a faction that are still wishing she had won. My own husband thinks she should run as an Independent in 2012 anything but 4 more years of this lame excuse called hope and change.
Dr Evil on November 15, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Speaking of Alphas.
http://chickaboomer.blogspot.com/2009/11/palinclinton-2012.html
Dr Evil on November 15, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Hillary would have been a better choice for the country than Obowma, and for the Enemy Party as a whole.
Liam on November 15, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Maybe you should just blame your whoever had your position prior.
————————-
At least Sam Donaldson got on Reagan’s case for blaming Congress etc.
Though Reagan’s response was funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRUbwnkEPqc&feature=player_embedded
CWforFreedom on November 15, 2009 at 4:57 PM
Please tell me this will be Norm’s final post on HA!
Goody2Shoes on November 15, 2009 at 4:57 PM
To those here that voted for this One Bad Ass Mistake America.
How’s that Hope and Change working for yah?
Kini on November 15, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Well duh?!?, it’s not like samurai soldiers are the only ones training in American dojos.
You’re the one who veered off topic. You are an utter FOOL, nagee76.
You are the strawman who has no hope of finding a brain.
Norman Blizter on November 15, 2009 at 4:59 PM
This man is an embarrassment.
capitalist piglet on November 15, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Wow you are one angry beeatch. Take a breath.
CWforFreedom on November 15, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Ahhh, Frick!
Goody2Shoes on November 15, 2009 at 5:01 PM
I voted for Sarah Palin and Cindy (I Have Always Been Proud Of My Country) McCain’s husband.
Dr Evil on November 15, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Funny thought: I wonder what the emperor and his wife said later in the evening, when they were alone, quietly sipping tea.
“That Obama. He so stupid. Like a Baby Man Child. Tee hee hee hee hee. Any minute I think he gonna roll over and show me his nut or something! He he he he he he he. I almost slap him for get so close to my ballz! Want to smack him in head. He he he he he he he.” (All said in the accent of Ms. Swan from MadTV)
/Good Lord, get rid of this man. Make him the UN King or something.
Key West Reader on November 15, 2009 at 5:05 PM
LOL, I wasn’t aware that O’bama and the Emperor of Japan were about to engage in Oriental fisticuffs. Thanks for clearing that up for us, Wolfman!
Just curious, have you ever dated Suzanne Malveaux? She’s a rarity for a Leftist talking head, hot.
Del Dolemonte on November 15, 2009 at 5:08 PM
These instances are just the slow incremental lessons of subservience to rid us of any feelings of American exceptionalism. We are the World.
Cindy Munford on November 15, 2009 at 5:09 PM
You are the strawman who has no hope of finding a brain.
This, coming from the guy who should know a lot about strawmen arguments and not having a brain. Talk about irony.
I also noticed how you entirely evaded the question of reciprocity in Obama’s bow.. but then again, what am i expecting from a tantrum kid like you ?
Norm, you did’nt miss your medications for today, did you? I am feeling worried here..
Folks, we may actually be dealing with a retard when it comes to Norm. Go easy on him.
nagee76 on November 15, 2009 at 5:09 PM
Poor baby.
baldilocks on November 15, 2009 at 5:11 PM
LOL, I wasn’t aware that O’bama and the Emperor of Japan were about to engage in Oriental fisticuffs. Thanks for clearing that up for us, Wolfman!
Heh. Talk about strawmen defense ! I have heard of strawmen attacks… but hey, lets give Norm a pass on this.. he thought really hard before coming up with that line of argument.
nagee76 on November 15, 2009 at 5:11 PM
is there general agreement that Hill would have been a better prez?
at this point, i would say yes
r keller on November 15, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Translation: “I’m melting!!!”
How about a little fire, scarecrow? Oh, that’s right, a scarecrow is a man made out of straw.
Del Dolemonte on November 15, 2009 at 5:14 PM
I’d give Norm’s right nut if she were President. At least she respects America.
Key West Reader on November 15, 2009 at 5:14 PM
You are just too funny!!! LMAO!
Key West Reader on November 15, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Too funny, I would love to know what they thought about that bow. Does anyone else think Akihito is laughing at Obama in the picture?
mbs on November 15, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Naw, think I will just carry on
flyoverboy on November 15, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Show me my strawmen arguments or STFU!
Dumbass, I wasn’t talking about Obama, I was replying to nagee76 about ordinary citizens. I really like how you guys are willing to help each other at the cost of looking like idiots. It’s really touching.
Norman Blizter on November 15, 2009 at 5:19 PM
You’ve set the bar pretty low. Jimmy Carter was a better president. Seriously. As Paul Mirengoff noted, at least Carter had a basic belief that America had some positive values to promote:
Cicero43 on November 15, 2009 at 5:20 PM
NORMAN! DINNER!!!!
Dude, you need to go upstairs for dinner. Besides, she’s coming down to do your laundry in about 30 minutes.
/
Key West Reader on November 15, 2009 at 5:22 PM
That’s one more nut than you have. ROFL!
Norman Blizter on November 15, 2009 at 5:23 PM
Del Dolemonte on November 15, 2009 at 5:23 PM
I know someone already put this in the thread somewhere, but I thought it deserved another look. Especially for our lefty trolls who insist that Obowmao is improving the way the world views America. Obowmao is an international laughingstock.
canditaylor68 on November 15, 2009 at 5:23 PM
That’s right, sweet cheeks. I’m a woman. Like you :o0
Key West Reader on November 15, 2009 at 5:25 PM
FIFY
CWforFreedom on November 15, 2009 at 5:27 PM
I have nuts, you don’t, remember?
Norman Blizter on November 15, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Norman, your strawman would be the time you asked us all if we had ever taken a martial art. I guess in your twisted mind the protocol of bowing in martial art somehow related to the protocol of leaders bowing to one another.
The problem is that none of us questioned martial art etiquette. Our argument was never about marital arts. It was always about Presidential protocol. Thus, your attempt to refute our argument by turning it into a debate on martial arts etiquette refuted only the strawman version of our argument that you built.
Vera on November 15, 2009 at 5:27 PM
mixed….
Fighton03 on November 15, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Akihito knows protocol. Obama, and his minions/handlers are just fools.
Heh, and they think to be the eclectic ones. It’s schadenfreudig to see how parochial they really are. Such peasants the WH has never seen, ever.
Oh, to the true peasants of the world, my sincere apologies.
Schadenfreude on November 15, 2009 at 5:28 PM
I should have written “such rubes the WH has never seen”.
Our land is run by spoiled puerile imbeciles.
Schadenfreude on November 15, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Nah, you have ping pong balls.
Schadenfreude on November 15, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Good point, it was a relatively short 68 years ago that Japan became our enemy for 4 years. And then not only did we defeat the Japanese empire, but we rebuilt that country into the relatively free society it is today. If anything they ought to bow to us. Obama just can’t do anything right, God help this country.
SG1_Conservative on November 15, 2009 at 5:31 PM
of fury
Fighton03 on November 15, 2009 at 5:32 PM
OBAMA- Have Back, Will Grovel.
profitsbeard on November 15, 2009 at 5:33 PM
“I always wanted to check out Hirohito’s balls. Since he’s dead, his son’s were as near as I could get” — Obama
Schadenfreude on November 15, 2009 at 5:35 PM
Ping Pong Fury Balls of Potpurri
Key West Reader on November 15, 2009 at 5:35 PM
Are we sure who reported this didn’t misspell bow by leaving an L out
flyoverboy on November 15, 2009 at 5:35 PM
Obama’s a teabagger?
Fighton03 on November 15, 2009 at 5:36 PM
lol, with Milhouse anything is possible. ;)
SG1_Conservative on November 15, 2009 at 5:37 PM
351 days till the November 2010 election.
http://www.electioncountdown.us/
I wonder how the fund raisers are going for the Democrat Candidates, can you imagine the campaign commercials that Obama is creating for the Republicans from his last 11 months of work.
I heard the 23rd District up in New York, may not turn out to be that BIG victory Nancy Pelosi thought it was…hmmm. Landslide victories for the Republicans in 2010?
Dr Evil on November 15, 2009 at 5:38 PM
hmmmm….smells like?
Fighton03 on November 15, 2009 at 5:39 PM
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