World

Obama and the Saudi King

by René | April 3, 2009 at 11:01 pm

1969 views | 14 Recommendations | 12 comments

Well it's all over the blogosphere, but the MSM is not running this. MSMs seem to think he was picking up a quarter. Do check out my source before you label this racist, rightwing.

(I'd mark this OPINION, but the button is not here)

Not to beat a dead horse but the other blogs are running wild with the pictures and video of Obama bowing down to the King of Saudi Arabia — who did not reciprocate the gesture in kind.

It should be obvious from this photo which master Barack Obama serves. His deference to the King (which is against customary protocol) is an embarrassment to Americans everywhere. Obama didn’t simply bow down to the King, he damn near broke his back, while the Queen got only a handshake.

In case you’ve forgotten, Obama himself wrote in his book, “Audacity of Hope”:

“I will stand with [the Muslims] should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.”

Since being elected he has bent over backwards (and now forwards) to show deference to the Muslims. He has not done the same for the American people who are still losing their homes and jobs at an alarming rate.

A Tale of Two Bows, youtube (might not be available) Long list of articles on this subject.

3 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

Barry Artiste

at 05:11 on April 4th, 2009

Certainly many will feel this is inappropriate given light in the Saudis law towards women, though of course the Saudis do own a large number of US treasury bills in the multi billions, but on the other hand, perhaps Obama as a world leader is showing respect on one hand to tradition, with the other hand of "When shit hits the fan in your country, who do you call? America! In recent memory and scanning photos in the media, I could not find on of Bush bowing to the Saudi Kings, so perhaps it is Obamas youth or someone in his staff misinformed of protocol. Regardless I think Obama should have stood tall and shook his (Saudi Kings) hand.

nukegingrich

at 10:01 on April 4th, 2009

I'm glad you posted this Rene. It is surprising that not a single US major media outlet has even mentioned it.

Other than a couple of Aussie papers, it is almost exclusively getting buzz in the right blogosphere.

jazzyzazzy

at 10:43 on April 4th, 2009

In this day and age bowing seems to be a bit sycophantic.Why bow to anyone is it not true that we are all equal.Bow your head in prayer,yes all for that !

René

at 15:11 on April 4th, 2009

thanks for the comments. Personally, I'm offended.
He wanted to be President of the USA, now he needs to start acting like one. He's got protocol advisors.
The President of The USA bows to no one but US.

Karen Hatter

at 16:10 on April 5th, 2009

Well, I think President Bush walking and holding hands with the Saudi King was much worse.

Roger1 (not verified)

at 14:52 on April 6th, 2009

Bowing is a subserviant gesture. Those in lowest pecking (ie servants) order bow to their master.

René

at 19:03 on April 6th, 2009

I bet he's shocked that we noticed.

steffanileman

at 14:28 on April 12th, 2009

For the U.S. Government there are two kinds of Arab countries, those they kick and those they lick, the L-type, such as Saudi Arabia. I agree that Obama should have followed in the presidential tradition of upright diplomacy.:) On a more serious note, however, diplomatic protocol requires a special gesture of reverence to kings and queens, and I'm sure he was only trying to observe protocol.

Schoolboy15 (not verified)

at 09:42 on April 14th, 2009

The Leader of the free world bowed to a slave keeping king in a country were terrerists operate! and our geatest ally's queen got a hand shake this guy need to quite brown noseing other countries and take care of his own!

aurealeus

at 10:31 on April 14th, 2009

I can understand why people agree and disagree on this issue and for all the obvious reasons I don't have time to go into here or desire to debate.

It is also worthwhile noting that during the funeral procession for Princess Diana, the Queen of England bowed to the Princess as the Princess' coffin passed by.

So in this light I would say that a bow can be a gesture of respect, as opposed to a gesture or declaraton of outright subserviency.

That being said, I also agree that the President should not bow to any world leader.

Schoolboy15 (not verified)

at 08:51 on April 15th, 2009

I just can't get over this! The leader of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA bows to nobody! i w2ould understrand if something bad happend to the king and he was showing respect b ut this is unacceptable!

Stupidrightwingers (not verified)

at 06:58 on April 17th, 2009

You people are idiots.

It's a sign of respect. Would you have felt better if he'd punched the king in the face? I'm sorry he didn't go in there with his chest puffed out and establish himself as alpha male right off the bat.