Admittedly, the bow is a bit low (my back couldn't take it!), but protocol is protocol

President Obama mixed a bow and a handshake in greeting Japanese Emperor Akihito. In doing so, Barack bends his B(ar)ack a bit much, but I disagree with my son as regards its meaning. When President Truman let Emperor Hirohito off the hook after the worst war in American (the world's) history, it was a central part of creating a great democracy of the (once) Great Imperial Japanese Nation. Like Obama, who awkwardly bowed/shook hands with the Emperor of a democracy and dear ally this week, Harry Truman was roundly criticized for his actions back in 1945.

Presidents tend to bow and kiss dictators, popes and even Democratic leaders pretty regularly ... it's part of the job, as I see it and I'm generally glad that our Presidents follow protocol rather than cause a raucous. President Bush went a little far when he kissed the Saudi King, but even then, I would rather he did that than, say, invade Iraq after al-Qaida took down the twin towers and murdered 3000-plus Americans ... after training in locations around the world--except Iraq!

The terrorists in the planes on 9-11 were largely Saudis, ironically enough ... and Saddam Hussein was considered an infidel by Osama bin-Laden.

Interesting world, eh?

Bush bows to Pope, but doesn't break his back in doing so

On the other hand, his kissing the Saudi King might have been ... shall we say, a little less ... uhhh ...