Interesting phrase.

Mr. Obama is the President of the most prosperous and militarily powerful country on earth at the moment. He is not, however, my leader, or Canada’s leader, or Great Britain’s leader, or Germany’s leader, or Japan’s leader – and I imagine the great majority of citizens in the free world would take exception to your anointing him as our “leader”.

My motivation for writing this post was to delve into my own political philosophy. I find that it is often these issues that lie at the margin of political life, and are of marginal importance, that can really help one define one’s political philosophy. This issue may not do that for others, but it does for me.

I love liberal democracy (and I’m not claiming others don’t). I feel that liberty, responsibility and political sovereignty are some of the greatest gifts that we in the west have received. I think freedom and liberty must be vigorously defended, and routinely deferred to. The point of freedom is not merely to lead to a good result, but to give us the opportunity to reach the best result, even if we will, at times, fail.

I believe the leader of the free world should have a similar mindset. I believe that western democracy, often through its leaders, should demonstrate pride and strength in democracy. I think this excessive bowing transgresses this imperative for liberty – though I don’t think Mr. Obama’s bow to the emperor has caused any great harm to liberty.

This issue may be somewhat meaningless. No doubt, it should be out of the news pretty quickly. But, if only for me, the underlying issues and concepts strike at my political philosophy. Perhaps, my expounding on what the matter means to me will lead some to think about what it means to them (though, perhaps it won’t).

Even though others will examine the situation and come to a different conclusion than I will, it does not mean that this exercise has been a waste.

Thanks again for the comments, everyone.

This is just protocol and etiquette.

I don’t believe in aristocracy of any sort. But when I met the Queen (with several zillion other people), I listened to the briefing, and followed the protocol. It’s politeness.

I remove my hat when American friends sing their national anthem at a public event. I refrain from speaking while others pray. It’s politeness.

I find it odd that conservatives, who once upon a time were defined by their respect for tradition, and for (at least according to them) civility, are taking such extraordinary umbrage at a simple act of politeness.

But it fits Obama’s presidency to a tee – Obama’s is about the show, and this “symbolic” gesture fits with Obama’s recent attempts to apologize and kowtow to anyone and everyone in the world. Whether he’s shaking hands with dictators or bowing to royalty, he’s clearly trying to undermine American superiority in exchange for the acceptance of subordinate America.

Nonetheless, I think Mr. Obama could show respect without demonstrating disrespect to the office of the presidency. I’m fine with monarchies as a benign symbol of tradition and history (though I’m on record as arguing that Canada should ditch the monarchy), but such status is a privilege bestowed on them by free people. The leader of a free country should behave accordingly.

Still, I don’t want this to be too much of a distraction. As you imply, there are far more important issues. I felt this was something to make note of, but now I’d prefer to move on.

And for those interested, you can check out balbulican’s post here, and you probably should.

Though, to be clear, I see an implication of subservience (to use your word); I am not arguing that he is subservient to Japan.

@balbulican and @Justin
I don’t know the history of all previous leaders when it comes to bowing (and I’m not going to bother searching), but I will say, without getting too sidetracked, that all of balbulican’s examples are embarrassments (assuming they’re true, and balbulican is usually pretty good with his research). And, as I alluded to in the post, just like Obama, I’ll judge them by their records, not merely one or two embarrassments.

@Bec
“Cringe moment” seems like an apt description. My post may have been a little too purple (sometimes it happens). I stand by what I wrote, but your comment seems a little more measured.

I guess that explains why you were unable to find any evidence, anywhere, to substantiate your claim that the IPCC “…have to throw out every single last IPCC study because a mathematician found a major problem with their calculations that through them all ridiculously off.”

Please provide proof that George Bush bowed to the Saudi King. And don’t show me the video of him lowering himself in order to have a medal put around his neck, because that isn’t bowing. That’s what everyone does when someone goes to put a medal on your neck.

Please provide proof that Nixon bowed to the emperor of Japan. Again, a Google turned up nothing.

The power and prestige of the USA is in no way diminished by a President who respects protocol. Ronald Reagan bowed to Queen Elizabeth; George Bush bowed to the Saudi King; Richard Nixon bowed to the emperor of Japan.

Oh, and Reagan used a teleprompter.