He DID NOT bow before the Saudi King last April.  Got it?

So what’s the excuse today in Japan, where Obama bowed deeply before the Emperor?  Was he down there looking for change? 

Remember, in Japanese culture, a deep bow like this is a display of deference to a superior – the lower the bow, the deeper the subservience.  It’s especially strange since Emperor Akihito holds only a figurehead position in Japan, much like Queen Elizabeth. 

Isn’t it nice to see a U.S. President who understands America’s proper role on the world stage?

Here’s how he treats other world leaders:

The United Kingdom 

Obama insulted much of the U.K. when he gave Gordon Brown a set of DVD’s that won’t play on UK DVD players as a symbol of the “special relationship” our two countries share.  Later, in September, Brown wanted to meet with Obama at the White House to discuss policy.  Obama was busy, but offered to meet Brown in the kitchen of the United Nations.  Classy!

Queen Elizabeth faired slightly better when she met the first family.  She got an Ipod full of Barack’s instructional speeches and a pat on the back from Michelle.  An Ipod?  Score!

FRANCE:

In the early days of his presidency, Obama sent a letter to the French President saying:

“I am certain that we will be able to work together, in the coming four years, in a spirit of peace and friendship to build a safer world.”

That’s all very nice but unfortunately he sent it to the previous President of France, the generally anti-American Jacques Chirac, instead of current President Nicholas Sarkozy. 

Later Sarkozy and his wife invited Barry and Michelle to dine with them at the Eiffel Tower.  The Obamas refused, and then proceeded to dine at the very same establishment free of France’s bothersome first family.

GERMANY

Before his election, Obama wanted to hold a campaign speech at the Brandenburg Gate, but was denied by the German government.   Since then he’s repeatedly snubbed Chancellor Merkel, with whom the previous administration had built a strong relationship, by skipping meetings and refusing to attend diplomatic functions.  

Most recently, the constantly globe-trotting President decided to skip ceremonies celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s demolition.  He sent a video tape instead.  Perhaps he just hates to see a communist landmark destroyed.

SAUDI ARABIA:

Here’s the infamous moment when Obama DID NOT bow to that Saudi King.

VENEZUELA

Obama met Chavez at the U.N., and while the meetings were admittedly not of his making, he did accept a gift from the murderous South American dictator.  Later, the two looked quite chummy as they shook hands while laughing and smiling.  I’m sure Obama admires the way Chavez handles difficult questions from the media - he simply takes their stations off the air.  Human rights?  What a chore.

LIBYA

At a G-8 Summit dinner, Obama made a point of shaking hands and posing for pictures with Moammar Gadafi.  Later, during a U.N. speech, Gadafi endorsed Barack, saying that ”We Africans are happy and proud that a son of Africa” is President, and repeatedly called Obama “My son.”

This could go on all day, but the pictures, words, and deeds tell a story.  Obama knows his nation’s place in the world, and he knows who his friends are.

“Judge me by the people with whom I surround myself.” – Barack Obama 2008

Words to live by, Mr. President, at home and abroad.

- Robert Laurie