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Saturday, November 14. 2009

Life imitates satire


If you were dismayed by those photos of the O not responding to the flag on Veteran's Day, (but had no problem with bowing - which is neither proper protocol nor American, to the Saudi Prince or, yesterday, to the Emperor of Japan - see Why is this man bowing?), then figure out these photos of the O in a Mao jacket from today or yesterday.


Good grief. Never thought I'd see the day that an American Pres would put on a Mao jacket. It sends a peculiar message. I would wear a tutu before I'd put on one of those - except maybe for Halloween.


(Re the bows, there was a time when gentlemen's bowing to eachother in America was a sign of respect, but it was replaced more than 100 years ago by the more dignified handshake. A bow is basically a symbol of submission.) 


If somebody wants to run against the O, it would not be hard to put together a disturbing photo montage of a person who seems to respect any nation more highly than his own.

Posted by Bird Dog in Hot News & Misc. Short Subjects at 11:50 | Comments (12) | Trackbacks (0)
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Obama's enough to sicken a goat.
#1 ahem on 2009-11-14 12:16 (Reply)
That Obummer is an embarrassment or that he is uncomfortable with true American ideals is not in question, however, this appears to be an event where everybody wore a matching costume so for that, I don't fault him (bowing, though is another matter).
#2 Jim on 2009-11-14 12:44 (Reply)
I'm a Canadian and therefore a happy subject of HM The Queen. But I confess to being confused by the mixed message of your President's bow to the Emperor of Japan.

I always presumed that, in terms of diplomatic protocol, Heads of State were considered equals.

Now, I'm vaguely aware bowing can be to the Japanese what a handshake is to folks like you and me.

So, since the President of the United States and the Emperor of Japan are equals, can we assume that, should the Emperor visit the White House, he would bow to the President on his arrival?
#3 JJM on 2009-11-14 13:04 (Reply)
JJM - It is perfectly permissible for heads of state to acquiesce to the local custom when greeting another head of state. Whether or not our own president does depends upon him, his advisers, and our current relations with the host country.

In the Saudi case, Arabs greet each other with a 'Hollywood kiss', like Greeks and Russians do, not a bow. Obama bowing to the Saudi prince basically said, "Hi, I'm an ignorant doofus, please kick me."

In the Japanese case, it was perfectly proper to give a short, brief bow out of respect for the local custom. Where Obama screwed up was with the depth of his bow. He basically told his host, "Hi, I'm a peasant, please kick me."

One year down, three to go.
#4 Dr. Mercury (Link) on 2009-11-14 14:03 (Reply)
What I can't understand is why Mr. Obama didn't simply incline his head toward the Emperor and Mrs. Emperor, which is a courteous, but not submissive acknowledgment of a meeting. When my husband and I were sent to the Far East by his company, we were given protocol advice as part of the package, along with a little package of antibiotics as protection against any aggressive Far eastern diseases. As it happens, we were grateful for both gifts, before we were through and back home a month later.

What Mr. Obama seems to forget is that he is not there as a private citizen. If he were, he could do any silly and inappropriate thing he wanted. Instead, he is representing us, the citizens of a sovereign country which is often described as the most powerful country in the world. For better or worse, he should never forget it. And he should, for the period of his tenure as President, try to represent us as a grown-up, not a narcissist college boy. We don't bow low to enemies, either former enemies or present 'hostiles' who privately would love to kill us. I'm not implying that the Japanese would currently like to kill us. But they are a homogeneous protocol-ridden, ancestor-loving civilization, and gestures mean a lot to them.

Barack needs a history tutor. And quickly. Not knowing what courses he took during his schooling, I would make a substantial side bet that neither American history nor world history were included in them.

My advice is to cowboy up, Mr. President, and try to find a White House advisor to help you bone up. Quickly.

Marianne
#5 Marianne Matthews on 2009-11-14 14:04 (Reply)
He kowtows or bows because he is still an uncultured dufus.
#6 opie109 on 2009-11-14 16:14 (Reply)
American Power tracked back with (the best video evah!), 'Bowing Before Monarchs and Tyrants: Obama 'Restores' America's World Standing With His Head Down - UPDATE: REAGAN DIDN'T BOW!!'.
#7 Americaneocon (Link) on 2009-11-14 18:00 (Reply)
As his poll numbers slip, his scorn for the country will become more apparent in action and word.

The slouching "short arm salute" to the flag on Veterans day is symbolic. He should have stood at attention. Since he's not in uniform, he doesn't salute.
#8 Vermont Woodchuck (Link) on 2009-11-14 18:08 (Reply)
What part of "I will stand with [the Arabs]" are you guys having trouble figuring out?
#9 Gene on 2009-11-14 18:44 (Reply)
Obama is daring the stupid American public to figure out who he is and what he stands for...It is just like the cryptic finger to Hillary...He's daring you to figure him out...This guy is truly a piece of work. He hates the country that put him in power. He prefers to be a citizen of the world rather than an American, the Presidency be damned...More to follow in the years to come.
#10 Scott on 2009-11-14 21:58 (Reply)
May I remind you that shortly after Bill Clinton left office he journeyed to VietNam. There are pictures out there of him in a white Mao jacket smiling and bowing. Herself was alongside--waiting "her turn".
#11 another one on 2009-11-14 22:30 (Reply)
In Florida National Cemetery my father is turning in his grave. This makes me absolutely sick. I am ashamed of having anything to do with people who accept the President of the United States of America bowing to any emperor or king, let along the Emperor of Japan. Looking now at the picture of this event, I am thoroughly and completely disgusted.
#12 KRW on 2009-11-15 17:28 (Reply)

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