Obama's bow to the Saudi King

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by PhiGam

Why didn't he bow to the Emperor of Japan or the Queen then? They are royalty.

Has Obama met the Emperor of Japan and I missed it? That said, perhaps its because our diplomatic relations with Japan and the UK are much more stable than our relationship with Saudi Arabia. Perhaps its because, unlike Elizabeth II and Akihito, who are heads of state but not of government, Abdullah actually has power, along with influence throughout a large chunk of the world where we need friends with influence. I don't know.

I'll agree it was inappropriate and unfortunate. But I'm with dekeguy and others on this -- in the grand scheme of things it's just not that big a deal to me.

With this logic its not okay for anyone who doesn't like Obama to criticize him.

Not what I said at all, nor would I say it. I simply observed that your comments on the subject, and the tenor of your comments on the subject, suggest that your real beef is with Obama himself. If that's not the case, that's not the case, but that is how it looks to me. 'Course, I'll admit my perception may be faulty because I really can't see much other reason to get too upset over this. Other things, sure; this, not so much.

If Bush bowed before the King and then lied about it I would be just as outraged, I assure you. I was upset over the hand holding, and that's nowhere near as bad as this (nor did he lie about it/ deny it.)

So you were bothered by Bush's bow to Pope John Paul II, then?

And serious request: Can you point me to "the lie from the White House"? All I have been able to find is a response (that Obama was stooping to shake the king's hand) attributed to an anonymous aide. I don't think I'd consider that a White House statement, much less a lie from Obama. Is there an actual statement or response from the White House?