There he goes again...bowing to another Head of State. In this case, on Saturday at the initial meeting with Emperor Akihito of Japan. Of course "some" of the media is making a big deal of this gesture while others are saying nothing.
Here is my problem with the incident. First of all I want to make it very clear that I understand the customs of Japan are almost like a religion to the people. It is without question a sincere show of respect in the life of the Japanese people. I exercised that courtesy during many visits myself.
I do have a bone to pick with the White House on this matter. Back in April when Obama met with the King of Saudi Arabia, the media jumped on the issue. Obama may have intentionally took this bow to show respect for the King. But no...immediately the White House spin was in denial and it was not a bow but the President just lowering his upper body enough so that he could have eye to eye contact. Does anyone want to venture that the denial was countering public scrutiny of his actions?
Lets make it very clear that White House Protocol does not have any policy that suggests that the President of the United States should bow to any King, Queen, Emperor or Head of State of a foreign nation. Not in 233 years! I think on this occasion, President Obama was quite clear in his bow to the Emperor. No more spin Mr. President. Out of respect for the Office of the President, I would hope that his gesture was truly out of respect for the customs of Japan and not because he feels that he must continue on some sort of apology tour of the world and start bowing to every head of state.
If he wants to change the protocol and feels sincerely that this is a mutual sign of respect, then tell the nation. Don't beat around the bush any longer (no pun intended). The people know better!
Here is my problem with the incident. First of all I want to make it very clear that I understand the customs of Japan are almost like a religion to the people. It is without question a sincere show of respect in the life of the Japanese people. I exercised that courtesy during many visits myself.
I do have a bone to pick with the White House on this matter. Back in April when Obama met with the King of Saudi Arabia, the media jumped on the issue. Obama may have intentionally took this bow to show respect for the King. But no...immediately the White House spin was in denial and it was not a bow but the President just lowering his upper body enough so that he could have eye to eye contact. Does anyone want to venture that the denial was countering public scrutiny of his actions?
Lets make it very clear that White House Protocol does not have any policy that suggests that the President of the United States should bow to any King, Queen, Emperor or Head of State of a foreign nation. Not in 233 years! I think on this occasion, President Obama was quite clear in his bow to the Emperor. No more spin Mr. President. Out of respect for the Office of the President, I would hope that his gesture was truly out of respect for the customs of Japan and not because he feels that he must continue on some sort of apology tour of the world and start bowing to every head of state.
If he wants to change the protocol and feels sincerely that this is a mutual sign of respect, then tell the nation. Don't beat around the bush any longer (no pun intended). The people know better!
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