ANSWERS: 36
  • If it is proper protocol, he could if he wanted to.
  • If it's part of the culture than by all means yes. It would be a slap in the face in some places
  • No, God says you should only bow to Him. +5
  • Never! That's where Obama lost me, when he bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia.
  • Yes I see no reason why he should not unless it is Prince Charles and nobody should bow to him.
  • No, never, nor should anyone bow to our president.
  • No, not if the word "should" is used. The giving of respect has to be EARNED by the one who receives it, and it must be a totally voluntary act, on the part of the person doing the bowing. +5
  • Jesus said to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's. If their culture expects a bow, render it. But make sure to render unto God what is God's.
  • No, the only reason Japan has a emperor was because MacArthur allowed the emperor to remain after WW2. That said the Japanese emperor doesn't expect this from foriegn leaders.
  • Only to the kings of the countries where bowing to one another is the customary form of greeting. Like in Japan for instance. Everywhere else a hand shake would be most appropriate.
  • If that King has a hold on him in some way, then he would have pandered by bowing down.We bow down to our Guru,the others bow down to the religious heads. Maybe that king would be the religious head of the president.Maybe it is a political ploy or just plain respect for the elders. Who can tell except the one who bowed down!+
  • You should not bow down to people except" The God."
  • I don't see anything wrong with it...I would bow to you keithold..but then I would give you a big ((HUGG)):)!!!! Do you remember the question you asked the other night about Hindu's and animals?...Well I just saved two birds with one word:)http://www.meckmin.org/content/view/262/181/
  • There's a "'thou need not bow' commandment from the State Department's protocol office that has maintained a constancy of more than 200 years, Obama has broken that protocol twice.
  • Nope +5
  • When in Rome, keithold. Whatever the customs are in that country, they should be honored. Americans are notorious for not adhering politely to customs abroad, and "haughty" is a common word used to describe us. This is NOT okay! Showing an inordianant amount of pride in something so inconsequential is NOT a positive sign of working toward an amenable conclusion with other heads of state. If a bow, curtsy, salute, a hug, a pirouette in a pink tutu, or putting one's forehead flat to the ground improves relations, then so be it! The greeting isn't an indication of the PERSON, but not doing it is often the kiss of death. Where's the harm?? +5
  • If it is customary to do so in the country Japan for example, they don't shake hands, the give a short bow
  • No; not unless he's had many meetings with the king of another country and it's their custom. And only if the king also offers a handshake; since that is our custom and it would show equal respect for each other. I honestly wait for the Prez to literally kiss some of their asses! I love respect; but not a$$-kissing!
  • NO, he must conduct himself as a dignified equal.
  • Presidents should behave like leaders. When a bow is called for, he should bow. Cultures can clash or mesh.
  • There are situations when bowing is called for. It is not only a common courtesy, it is a sign that the person they bow to is acknowledged and respected.
  • NEVER!!
  • Being polite is important no matter what your position in the world. Anyone who cares that Obama bowed is an elitist jerk.
  • If it's part of the culture there, then sure. We'd expect the leaders of other countries to obey our customs when in our country, so why should it not be the same when the shoe is on the other foot?
  • As opposed to ...vomiting in their laps?
  • According to the book of politically correct, a slight bow from the President is cool. However this entire politicially correct thing and go straight to hell cause I would never bow to another human even if it was their culture. I realize "when in Rome do as the Romans do" idea yet a hand shake is just as honorable and gets the point across. Bowing to someone, IN MY VIEW seems as if they are viewed as higher in status. So as much as I love AB don't look for a bow from me anytime soon :O)
  • Its culture.. Why not?
  • No offense, but Obama's almost 2 feet taller than the Japanese leader. Bowing is the only way he could look the guy in the eye.
  • When it's proper etiquette, then of course. This American kick-your-ass pride thing has to stop if we're ever to be respected again in the world. And can we stop nit-picking everything Obama does? If conservatives have significant policy issues with the president, then by all means state your case, but if they're going to keep picking things like bowing or whether he uses teleprompters, they're hurting their own cause.
  • *NO!!* No other sitting US president ever bowed to any other head of state or White House intern 'cept one and I forgave him for that because he got a good cigar out of the deal. What BO has done is to disgrace the honor, blood and sacrifice of every US President, Senator, Congressman on down to the Citizens and those who fought and served for our country. Disgusting!
  • If that is the culture of the place he is visiting, then yes, if like in Japan it is their version of a handshake.
  • Yes. It shows that the president has respect for other countries and their beliefs. If the emperor of China came here, we would assume he would shake hands.
  • A slight nod and a handshake is a well established greeting in politics. It shows respect and is easy to interpret. A deep bow, as if in deference, is inappropriate for any American, let alone the President, when directed toward a foreign monarch. This goes back to our rebellion from the English monarchy. We don't bow deeply for political leaders in our own country because it differentiates us from subjects and reinforces the idea that those officials are not of a higher station, but they are there for public service. As the President is not a subject to any other country, no, he should not bow if it appears to be in deference.
  • No, I don't believe he should. Leaders of nations should be equals. If the custom is to bow, then both should bow.

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