www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Bowing to a muslim king???

Now I'm distressed.

Regardless of my opinion of the man, I've objected to the calling of the president "Bush" or "Obama," rather than "President Bush," "the president," etc. I even made this the subject of a couple of my addresses to the Knights of Columbus.

After reading the first articles on the "bow," and the press secretary responses, I dismissed it as talk radio making mountains out of molehills (again).

Then I saw the pictures

This can't be explained as leaning over to a shorter man--most of his head is below the king's chin! [Linked Image]

I just can't use "President" in this context.

hawk

Yes, I agree, that was kind of pathetic.

He was raised in a 'Muslim' school as a young child. What else would we expect. How would we be if we met the Pope, we would act according to the teaching we have received. So...

If they would say he did, the story would die. But, I guess if you can put your arm about the Queen of England, you can bow to a Muslim king. Somehow, the protocol seems all messed up.

It really didn't supprise me. Sorry.

The story goes that there was once a sultan who was not satisfied with the profundity of the bows with which the European Ambassadors approached the Sublime Porte. So he gave orders to the department of works to reconstruct the entrance, making it wider and lower.

One rather portly ambassador came along, took stock of the situation, turned around, bowed low, and backed into the Sultan's presence, offering the Sublime Porte an opportunity to admire the amplitude of His Plenteousness the Ambassador.

Fr. Serge

Someone is not doing their job right in the white house. The wife of the President entered the room ahead of the President when being shown into the room where Queen Elizabeth and the Duke were waiting to receive them. Now he does a rather deep bow to the King who did not bow back (Queen Elizabeth is very much shorter, so the king's height story does not wash). Someone should be briefing the Obamas on proper protocol as they go from place to place. None of the monarchs visited would do, or say anything that would embarrass their guests but they and their palace officials must be wondering what the White House and the Embassies are passing off for a briefing to the Obamas.

btw, Queen ELizabeth put her arm around Mrs. Obama first, pulling her closer and inviting the informality.

David is correct...it was quite sweet of the Queen and the First Lady, I think...

I find myself fast liking our new First Lady in her quintessential American/ J.Crew (my favorite too) style, and in her warmth.

Pavel and Pani Rose are also correct...it is imperative that any U.S. President be coached on protocol and the different etiquette of different countries. But, on the other hand, we are Americans, and what Americans like to do is sometimes breach etiquette here and there in favor of genuine warmth and friendliness...

Just some thoughts...Good night, all!

The Queen of England is shorter than him, the leader of China looked to be the same height. He did not stoop to them. The expression of his greeting was naive. Though it was not a proper bow it was still embarrassing.

How do you think the Somali pirates and the members of Al Qaeda will use it? It makes for a nice propaganda piece. They may say, "America is weak and will be overthrown by Islam only if you join the struggle."

I read that the Queen placed her hand around Mrs Obama after not before. But then I was not there.

Media are remarkable at getting the gestures and the timing all wrong. Not so long ago before Queen Elizabeth visited the USA an American lady who is a big name photographer had arranged a photo session with the Palace to photgraph the queen. In the filming of the photo session the media (TV and newspapers) had footage of the queen in 'Garter Robes' storming out of the photo session. It was left to the photographer to clear it all up and tell us all, that the queen was in fact arriving and she was late (her hair had been done special for the day as she was wearing a tiara for the photos)and being late is something she dislikes (unlike her late mother). So the footage was of the queen 'storming' into the room and not out. So be careful of media and what they show us. Over and over again. One thing was for sure if there was any nerves on the part of the Obamas on meeting with the Royal couple, the queen and the duke would have set them at ease very quickly, they are very good at doing this.

That's what I heard so Mrs O didn't do anything wrong.

Why is it wrong for President Obama to bow to a Muslim king? Why, just because the king is Muslim?

Alexis

It has nothing to do with religion. The bow communicates weakness. Such maneuvers encourage our enemies.

It is proper for subjects of a king to bow, but not "equal" heads of states.

Terry

There is a difference between a polite bow - as, say, a gentleman might offer a lady - and a submissive vow, such as one might offer a Christian Sovereign.

Fr. Serge

Fr. Serge,

It was an awkward gesture. The camera didn't catch what I'd expect from either a polite or submissive bow.

Terry