YOUR COMMENTS

The fact that Obama, as President is out there bowing to anyone is disgusting enough but to read the crap here trying to justify his bowing is even worse. The United States bows to no one! We have no reason to. If it wasn't for the brave men and women of this country the world would be speaking German and Japanese. Not to mention that the way this idiot bowed was actually like a slap in the face to the Japanese Emporer and the idiots he have as a staff should have known that. You do not bow that deeply. It is an insult and show of weakness. Well we knew Obama was weak after his first week in office. Someone please impeach this idiot!
- John D., Danbury

I have no problem with the President giving a bow, but this was an over the top kind of bow. Just a slight tilt of the head & shoulders would have been fine. What the heck was he thinking....

So many of you are complaining against Democraps & Republicans. They are all thieves & greedy with our money. It's time we vote them all out & start fresh with people who want to represent "the people".
- Dave, Manchester

I am totally amused with all the Obama-ites still referring to Bush. Come on comrades, please listen to what your emperor says and what he does. Bows to peers, apologizes for America and talks tough , although no one else believes him. Come on he can't make a decision on Afghanistan after what 4 montsh now? If you truly believe his has your best interest in life then you must be a member of ACORN, SEIU or AARP because they are the only ones getting benefits out of his bows, his wife's pat on the back or even the fact that he or his admin/including the NH congress reps will not sign up for his plans that they tell you is the best. HMMMM. Th epiper is playing what else are you going ot say Bush wrote the protocol for addressing foreign dignitatries?
- Paul, Candia

Awww Heck, I'd wish I could get someone to bow to me. Maybe if I hold my plunger high enough ..........
- Jack Alex, Manchester

Be honest all you right wing nuts...... We all know the reason Comrad Obama is such a buffoon, is that it is George Bushs` fault. Jimmy Carter now has reason to smile. His distinction as the worse President in my life, has been past on to Comrad Obama.
- Vic, Derry

"The President of the United States has more resources at his disposal than any other human being on the planet. Yet apparently President Bush has no one who can read the dictionary to him.

The President's constant misuse of the English language is not just beneath an American President; it is improper. Even the illiterate are offended by the undignified mangling of simple words and phrases, and ABC News reported that one American spell check program has refused to edit the President's speeches because they are so offensive to the concept of proper grammar.

President Bush was supposed to be a dignified representative of America after that uncultured fratboy we had before. But his continual social blunders -- inappropriate wars, lame mission accomplished signs, his snubbing of the Kyoto protocol, his refusal to belive in science -- have offended millions among our allies.

Please, Mr. President, hire a speech writer and speech giver, or at least take an occasional gander at dictionary.com, and stop embarrassing the nation.
- The UL editorial page's evil twin brother, circa 2, Manchester

Mike, if you insist on continuing your juvenile rant then so be it.

It's extremely unfortunate that the president will spend countless amounts of his precious time apologizing for the many wrongs perpetrated by Bush and Cheney. It's a shame that they will never be held accountable for their actions.

So unless you're planning on enlisting in the armed services and going to war against all the countries you don't like; I'd suggest that you learn to play nicely with our neighboring countries on this planet. But you're probably just another chickenhawk republican who expects others to carry out his foolish ideas.
- Bob V, Manchester

Bob V,

Don't forget the Supreme Court, which Republicans also controlled (and still control on most issues) throughout Bush's presidency. In fact, if not for the 5-4 majority conservatives held in 2000-2001, Bush may have never even been "elected" to the Presidency.
- Dan, Manchester

Spike, how does one even begin to rebut this: "this vain, amateur President thinks that foreign countries on this pushy planet will instantly become more cooperative if he continually PROJECTS WEAKNESS.".

First, what Obama thinks or does not think is inherently unknowable, unless perhaps you have regular conversations with the president. If you don't, then we can ignore most of your statement, as it is simply conjecture, and doesn't warrant a reasoned rebuttal.

Second, your view of what Obama projects or doesn't project is entirely subjective, as are your perceptions of his vanity or 'amateurishness' - so your expectation of a reasoned counter-argument is once again misplaced. You don't like Obama. We get it. Now can we move on?
- Dave, Sandwich

When President Bush dismissed some US Attorneys and nominated new ones, Democrats called it foul and Republicans called it fair. Now President Obama bows to a foreign head of state, and Republicans called it foul and Democrats called it fair.
- Nicholl, Manchester

Gee whiz Spike, you still going with that Obama is a Marxist line? I can only imagine how livid you would be right now if Obama had bowed to Chairman Mao like Richard Nixon did. I noticed you conveniently neglect to address the fact that numerous other (Republican) Presidents have bowed to foreign leaders. Typical right wing behavior. The leader of the GOP, Rush Limbaugh will put out a talking point. It is quickly picked up by Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, and the rest of the right wing noise machine. Then it trickles down to the rank and file.

The problem is that when Rush comes out with these talking points HE KNOWS that Eisenhower, Nixon, and Reagan (as well as others) have all bowed before foreign leaders. He's counting on the ignorance of the rank and file to pick it up and run with it without a care for whether or not they will end up with egg on their face. They rarely let Rush down.

You won't see right wingers like Spike address the fact that many Republican Presidents have bowed before foreign leaders. Instead they close their eyes and stick their fingers in their ears. They think if they ignore it that will mean it didn't happen and no one will notice the hypocrisy. (Give it a couple days, Rush will come up with a rebuttal and then the wingers here will have their retort). For now they close their eyes and ears and dutifully repeat the Rush/Hannity/Beck propaganda word for word, with no concern for whether or not it's valid. It really is a shame that the right wing is so full of hatred and willful ignorance that we can't even have an intellectually honest debate anymore.
- Bert Gerrish, Manchester

One day it's some epic about gays marrying & the impending end of the world, or how tobacco tax is oppression, or how extending intelligent debate in foreign speeches makes us seem weak, now the War Room at the UL is loading up it's big guns with Emily Post. Lol.

This tabloid is like a personal effort at mind control by McQuack and his cronies. And judging by half the responses it looks like they're partly successful.
- Leo, Manchester

Howard and Kathy,
Keep bowing, that way you'll never see who's coming up behind you.
- ck, manchester

Yet another pointless and irrelevant editorial to drive me ever closer to avoiding this paper altogether. Is there nothing more important to cover than a possible etiquette faux pas ?
Rather than discussing the inane topic of whether Obama bowed 72 degrees or 76 degrees, you might possibly do something with a purpose, such as exposing the revolving doors between our most bloated agencies and largest corporations?
How many Goldman Sachs members are in the treasury or the Federal Reserve might do. How about the number of Monsanto former employees that are in various conflicting positions throughout the government such as the EPA or Dept of Agriculture ?
I won't hold my breath on it though, this paper's ideological stances fall right in line with fascist corporate oligarchy.
- Herb C., Concord

To Bob V,

I stand corrected. However, why do you go back to blame the republicans for the emperor bowing and apologizing and for his wife patting a Queen on her back? Every action the emperor has done around the world to apologize, make ammends etc has been not been recipricated one. Even yesterday after bowing in Japan their leader made a stern comment about what the US is doing, hmmmm. So who is the fool?
- Mike, Manchester

Bush helped damage this country, because he gave angry, small-minded people like this editorial's author a legitimate voice in the national debate.

It's not that there's no right to say it - that's free speech - it's that a two-year-old has the right to a tantrum as well...and that's all this is...all the Union Leader has to offer.

Tantrums. Cowardice. Emptines and hatred. That's the Union Leader and that's the author of this editorial.
- NSR, Epping, NH

PS to LJC, who has just cancelled her subscription--Good move! you do not belong here. But so typical for someone on the extreme left: You can't just do the right thing, you have to make a public show of it. It is not your deeds but the fact that we see you doing them. This is all you need to know about Obama too.

As for two other replies: I am honored that you momentarily turned your personal attack from the editorial writers to me. But you must, some day, try rebuttals.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

@Kathy in Manchester, Bert Gerrish in Manchester and Peter Sorrentino in Manchester you all nailed it and further proved that the UL is truly a rag. Kathy’s description of bowing in Japan is accurate, do the research.

I've known journalism students whose universities subscribe to the UL as an example of how NOT to produce a newspaper. Their dirty tricks and false accusations for the sole purpose of misrepresenting their foes are legendary. I would never pay for this paper, and if the web site became a pay site I'd read it at my library. We need to know what the opposition is thinking, but there are ways of finding out without financially supporting them in their efforts.
- Cheryl, Derry

I see there's still no cure for Bush Derangement Syndrome.

Wonder if that can be addressed in the Health Care bill?
- rh, Manchester

Mike, do a little research on your own so you don't look even more like a fool. The republicans held the presidency, senate majority and house majority from 2002 through 2006. That would be complete control of our government.
- Bob V, Manchester

I am no fan of Obama. But I couldn't care less about this. He bowed to a foreign monarch. Big deal. Move on.

The Union Leader would be better off saving its criticism for issues of actual importance.
- Tom, Keene

The president shouldn't have bowed?

To the uneducated, please search on the net about Eisenhower, Nixon, Bush I and Bush II and how they bowed to foreign leaders and other foreign dignitaries. Nixon even bowed to Japan's leader of the infamous Pearl Harbor sneak attack. Eisenhower, a miltary leader and great example of strength, bowed often while greeting foreign royalty and political leaders.

Why the right wing hypocrisy? Why the disdain for actions that have precedent with Republican presidents?

Research and then comment. This editorialist needs to figure out right form wrong based on history and importance, not based on party affiliation.
- Greg, Manchester

"He tasks me; he heaps me [...] Aye, aye! and I'll chase him round Good Hope, and round the Horn, and round the Norway Maelstrom, and round perdition's flames before I give him up."
- Steve B, Derry

I’m certain that Joe McQuaid or the individual who wrote this are the epitome of worldly sophistication. We can all be assured that is presented with the same social situation they would follow all rules of etiquette to the letter.

This is just another fine example of why the UL is such a joke. I can honestly say I am more embarrassed by this so called newspaper than I am by the president.
- KB, Manchester

Apparently, every once in a while, the UL and it's readers need to be reminded that on 9-11, when we were attacked by terrorists, George Bush and Dick Cheney were busy projecting strength and the invincibility of American power to the world.

That worked out real well if memory serves...

The UL, once proud to be an independent voice, is becoming increasingly irrelevant as it abandons its principles and channels Bill Kristol and Rush at the expense of its own unique viewpoint.
- Dave, Sandwich

Folks, a couple of points, if you believe that the president should have bowed, do you understand that bowing and touching the other person at the same time is an incorrect procedure. So shaking the hand at the same time is something that isn't done. If you also believe that this shows respect to the leader of a country. Why wouldn't he have bowed to Queen Elizabeth, the leader of a country that has been our friend for such a long time. If you also believe that bowing was the correct thing to do, are you saying that the French President and others who didn't bow were showing poor taste?
- John, Litchfield

Yokel? Not compared to the English language murdering yuk yuk yuk-boy we had the last two terms. Have I "misunderestimated" him? Fool me once..., ah.., oh never mind!

If this paper weren't read by so many straight up bigots who have no clue they are bigots, we wouldn't see the joy in such a meaningless and small issue. But, small minds gather together over small issues! Enjoy!
- Jason, Temple

I’m still trying to figure out why we are supposed to care about this. Much like the incessant media coverage of Sarah Palin’s “memoir”, who cares. Whatever happened to talking about real issues? The last time I checked there are things of greater importance happening in the world. What will the media and UL start obsessing about next, the merits of the type of underwear the president prefers? What a waste.
- Hugh, Manchester

LJC of Manchester, if you are so outraged about it, does this mean you will cease reading the online version of the newspaper also?
- Nick, Manchester

Gee whiz Spike, you still going with that Obama is a Marxist line? I can only imagine how livid you would be right now if Obama had bowed to Chairman Mao like Richard Nixon did. I noticed you conveniently neglect to address the fact that numerous other (Republican) Presidents have bowed to foreign leaders. Typical right wing behavior. The leader of the GOP, Rush Limbaugh will put out a talking point. It is quickly picked up by Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, and the rest of the right wing noise machine. Then it trickles down to the rank and file.

The problem is that when Rush comes out with these talking points HE KNOWS that Eisenhower, Nixon, and Reagan (as well as others) have all bowed before foreign leaders. He's counting on the ignorance of the rank and file to pick it up and run with it without a care for whether or not they will end up with egg on their face. They rarely let Rush down.

You won't see right wingers like Spike address the fact that many Republican Presidents have bowed before foreign leaders. Instead they close their eyes and stick their fingers in their ears. They think if they ignore it that will mean it didn't happen and no one will notice the hypocrisy. (Give it a couple days, Rush will come up with a rebuttal and then the wingers here will have their retort). For now they close their eyes and ears and dutifully repeat the Rush/Hannity/Beck propaganda word for word, with no concern for whether or not it's valid. It really is a shame that the right wing is so full of hatred and willful ignorance that we can't even have an intellectually honest debate anymore.
- Bert Gerrish, Manchester

Wow...some of the mi-optic views of the poster here is sad. Simply put Obama shouldn't have bowed and represents an embarrassment to America.

Oh...Kathy in Manchester...you are wrong! Please do your homework before trying to post a completely inaccurate view! I suggest you review http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette_in_Japan and then tell me the president acted appropriately!
- Mike, Epping

Sure, I'm all embarrassed now, lol. Maybe his back was hurting him some.

As for embarrassments, this paper...!
- Tom Labrie, Rochester

If you don't understand how it is inappropriate for the leader of the free world to subordinate himself to the Emperor of Japan arguing with you is pointless as it is self-evident.
- Don Diamant, Milton, NH

Just what did you expect from an inexperienced community organizer?
- DP, Manchester

To Bob V.

Please stay on topic here BOB but as usual Obamaites when faced with reality bring up George. But Bob, the Dems were in control when Bush was President??

The facts are this President/Emperor wanna be, is diminishing our standing in the world with his actions abroad. Look at Germany when he disarmed our defense,nothing in return. When he talked tough at N.Korea they fired missiles, tough talk at Iran, they announced nuclear plans. Now he is bowing to leaders for what? Did the respond in kind, no. When his wife patted the Queen on her back, did you happen to see the glare the Queen gave her. I stand by my earlier post. If this emperor wanna be, is going to continue his apology world tour at least have his cracker jack staff prep him and her according.
- Mike, Manchester

Ah, the transparency of the right wing. See, we independents used to vote for you. Many of us have realized never again. You know it. Now, all you have is to drive independents away from the Democrats and hope we'll return to you. We may leave them, but we won't return to you. Editorials like this only seal your doom.
- Steve B, Derry

Bush bows, he's crucified....it's as simple as that.
Obama bows, no big deal.
Obama pats Queen on the back, no big deal
Obama the narcissist gives Queen MP3 player full of his speeches, no big deal
Obama gives Prime Minister DVD's that don't play in European DVD players, no big deal
Obama bows to the Saudi's, no big deal
(Bush bows to the Saudi's and it's "SEE!!!! He's in bed with the Saudi's!!!")
The people who support his man are so blind, and beyond repair....
Not only is "open hand" his foreign policy, but it's also his domestic policy.
- Bob, Hampstead

Spike, Spike, Spike....I can't tell if you're just playing devil's advocate or have some serious flaws in the realm of reason. The USA is not going to be attacked or fail in some negotiation because some outdated and irrelevant foreign custom.

All of you who have blasted BHO for this greeting and a sign of respect need to do some research. Try an internet search with the phrases "Eisenhower bow" , "Bush bow" and "Nixon bow". You will see images of past presidents bowing, holding hands and even kissing foreign leaders. Good old Ike even bows to wives of foreign leaders. Nixon shakes hands and bows to Japan's emperor, who actually bombed Pearl Harbor with no outcry at all.

What's next, closeups of the knot in Obama's tie that show he doesn't have a proper double windsor and therefore isn't fit to hold office?

Next time, for the sake of truth in so-called journalism, put future editorials like this in the comic section or in the obituaries because this piece is funny and sad at the same time.
- Jules, Manchester

If you don't understand how it is inappropriate for the leader of the free world to subordinate himself to the Emperor of Japan arguing with you is pointless as it is self-evident.
- Don Diamant, Milton, NH

This editorial finally pushed me over the edge. I called and cancelled my subscription so tomorrow, for the first time in my adult life, I will not read a hometown newspaper. I have finally tired of paying for bad writing, irrational layout, unabashedly biased local reporting, and an editorial policy that is an embarrassment to the entire state of New Hampshire. The dribble of local coverage the UL offers is not worth starting out every day angry.
- LJC, Manchester

Talk about grasping at straws!

This paper continually talks about their respect of Christian values, the Bible and the US Constitution. However, their position changes when it comes to any politician from another party.

While spreading hate and fear among the populous, you forget two gems from these historical writings. Firstly, the evident truth that all men are created equal and the advice to treat others as you would want to be treated. Treating those from other countries as equals, instead of bullying them is the right way to handle things. It is not a position of weakness, it is a position of strength. By treating others on the same level, it holds them to the same standard and holds them more accountable.

Instead of being overly concerned with a minor, slip of etiquette, why not concern yourself with real issues? This paper is looking more and more like the tabloids purchased in the check out line at the local food mart. I guess when business is slow, you need something to stir the pot.
- Preston, Hooksett

I got e-mail this morning from a public-health executive at a corporation who was sent to Japan and studied bowing, in theory and practice. "Partners' heads are cocked to view each other's bow and match but not exceed it."

The big problem is not that the American people have swept the adults out of the Executive Branch, nor that no one studies Japanese protocol--nor probably even cares about it. The big problem is that this vain, amateur President thinks that foreign countries on this pushy planet will instantly become more cooperative if he continually PROJECTS WEAKNESS. This is what happens when you study Marx rather than history.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

Is there anything that the right wingnuts and the UL know besides hate and anger? That's no way to make a positive contribution to the governing of this country. You lost the last two elections if you don't like the results, leave.

Elections have consequences; so said that great visionary George W. Bush. If the republicans had done such a great job during their 6 years of complete government control then they never would have been voted out of office.

Their present actions just reinforce to the voters that the last two elections were decided correctly.
- Bob V, Manchester

The mainstream media silence compared to blogworld outrage is deafening. Bottom line: the Obamas are not proud of our country relative to the rest of the world. And Kathy- you need to check your own textbooks (or better yet, just use the 'net, like schools should) to learn to spell Emperor.
- Carla, Concord

It could be worse...he could have puked on him. Bush Sr anyone?
- DM, Hampton

Ah the blind and ignorant. Are you aware that both President's Eisenhower and Nixon bowed to Far Eastern leaders? In Nixon's case that would have been Mao. That's right, your old buddy and comrade Mao; head of the largest communist state in the world. And you know what else? Both of those Presidents were Republican. Isn't that amazing. Check it out. You can find it pictures of it right on the internet. That's if you're brave enough to look at your own insanity. Probably not.
- Tom, Dover-Foxcroft, Me.

Hahaha, I knew the UL would come out with some rediculous editorial about this. Thanks for not disappointing me!
- Dan, Manchester

You know. He does need some lessons on how to treat heads of state from other countries. Maybe he should just give them a kiss on the cheek like W in Germany or better yet do as Bush senior and upchuck on him.

Get over yourselves. He was showing respect to a foreign head of state...that's all.
- Jerry Londonderry, Londonderry

Much of this story is simply wrong. Obama's bow was fine, fox and UL bring stuff like this up as a distraction from real issues. Most Americans know that bowing is a respectful greeting in many cultures and not an act of subservience like some want to portray. It's called being a diplomat. I agree no President should "bow to anyone", but guess what, this isn't "that type" of bow. Kathy and Joe are completely correct. PS, WWII is over and it's 2009, anyone holding grudges against modern Japan for WWII doesn't live in reality.
- J Paige, Manchester

It must be a sad and tormented life to be an editorial writer this full of bile and anger.

When you - like the right-wing, and zealots like this writer - have nothing positive left to offer, that's when nonsense and complaints become the easy road.

The writer of this editorial doesn't have any faith or love for America. He hates an America that isn't just the way he wants it - but he is too silly to have any sort of positive answers. Just more anger. A pitiful person.
- NSR, Epping, NH

:::Yawn:::: Another day, another manufactured outrage from the right wing propaganda machine. We have all the right wing cool aid drinkers here denouncing the outrage of Obama bowing to a foreign leader. Of course you won't here one peep about how Nixon bowed to Emperor Hirohito, the Emperor of the country that attacked Pearl Harbor (they were on America soil when Nixon bowed no less).

We also had Republican President Eisenhower bowing to Charles De Gaulle, the leader of France. France? Yes France, the country wingnuts love to hate.

And of course when George W. Bush held hands and kissed the Saudi Crown Prince that was perfectly acceptable as well. Everyone knows that bowing is way worse than kissing eh? The hypocrisy is staggering here folks. Americans are tired of manufactured outrages, the right wing in this country would be well advised to come up with a real issue for a change.
- Bert Gerrish, Manchester

I'm more worried about Obama's destruction of my sacred liberty (both economic and civil) than I am about a stupid bow. Republicans need to get their priorities straight. Of course, Bush trampled on my liberty too, so I guess this kind of nonsense is all they have left.
- CDR, Lebanon

ck: Indeed, 60-odd years ago we were at war with the Japanese and the Emporer was their leader. Now, they are one of our best allies, and the Emporer holds a mostly ceremonial position. Welcome to the 21st century (and check the copyright dates on the history texts you're using). I have known many WWII vets, and none of them are still at war with the Japanese. It's time for diplomacy.
- Kathy, Manchester

No surprise that most Republicans are enraged by the bow. Polls show most Republicans think Obama was born outside the country. The two "beliefs" are very similar.
- Steve B, Derry

Let me see:
* subservient bows to peers.
* a pat on the back for a Queen.
* apologies for all.
* an emperor that says one thing in the US and a totally different one outside, for example his position on Muslims/terrorist.

Some has to inform him and his wife on the proper etiquette for a US President when he goes abroad!
- Mike, Manchester

Obama messed up, plain and simple.
He should have NEVER bowed that deeply to that Emporer.
Notice the bow was not returned.
He has now told the Japanese people that we are indebted to them.
I wonder what he does for the Chinese since they now "own" America.
No other president has sold us out as much as Obama.
Just remember that the all that steel from the cash 4 clunkers program goes to China too since they can't produce steel like we do. Wonder what they'll use that for?????
- Pauline, Franklin

Hey ck--pretty certain that Hiroshima and Nagasaki were sufficient 'payback' and that 5+ decades of peace and prosperity between our nations should mean something. Or were you thinking of renaming sushi to 'Freedom Fish' and rounding up those pesky sons of Nippon again? Grow up.
- Howard Marks, Concord, NH

To me, when this fool bows to foreign leaders, he shows complete disrespect for the office he holds and the Constitution he hates so much yet swore an oath to defend.
Part of the problem with this bumbling fool is that he gets a free pass from the lapdog wing of the media. Case in point. AP has assigned 11 reporters to scour Palin's book for dirt. They assigned a total of zero reporters to search through Bill Ayers....uhhhh....Obama's book. It's clear that the state-run lapdog media is not interested in reporting with accuracy and seriousness the MANY MANY serious mistakes the Usurper has made in his public career. When they DO report on it, they give it the ol' brush off (i.e. bowing to foreign leaders). Imagine the moonbat outcry if Bush had bowed to the Emperor of Japan, not to mention the accusations that he is a dunce, moron, etc. However, when the liberal messiah does it, no big deal, he must have had an itch. This is the same fool who has spent more of our money in his first year than any President in history (on nothing useful) and now he has the audacity to come out and say that government overspending is bad. He either has some sort of mental disorder or this is liberal-speak for "soon I shall raise the taxes of the little people who serve me." Of course, it could be both. Looks like the next three years are going to be a lot worse than this one. Hopefully we can derail the socialist train come November 2010 and at least put up a brick wall in Congress.
- Mike, Temple

Assuming "the Emporer, at the apex of Japanese protocol, deserves to receive the lowest bows", what does it mean when the Emperor failed to reciprocate with any bow at all? Sounds like BO set himself (and us) for disrespect. Japan has not been worthy of respect since their sneak attack and mistreatment of prisoners of war in WWII. Remember the Bataan Death Match.
- Chris L, Manchester

Its just another example of the deep disdain Obummer has for this country he so poorly leads. By bowing like this to anybody, especially a former enemy is an affront to all those who fought and died preserving the freedom that is slowly being eroded by this dirtbag.
- steve, nashua

If this was GW doing this stuff, it would be the topic for debate on Good Morning America, Oprah and "The View" for a week. They'd be calling GW totally ignorant and be asking who are his advisors. The silence is speak volumes.
- Andy, Milford

Healthcare reform, a recession, wars in Afghanistan & Iraq, social security solvency, new regulation of the finance industry, Financial Resources Mortgageinvestigation, New Hampshire’s budget deficit, an education system failing to prepare students to compete in the global economy, etc, etc, etc, and the Union Leader Editor thinks Obama’s bow is worthy of his writing an editorial.

Pathetic.
- Peter Sorrentino, Manchester

Kathy, a brief history lesson. After a brutal attack at Pearl Harbor, thousands of Americans gave their lives to defeat the perpetrators of this horrific act. Our commander-in-chief, like the U.S. itself, should never bow to anyone.
- ck, manchester

Where I'm from, they don't tolerate silly-nannies like Obama. It's true.
- Brian, Singapore

You will hear the Obamanuts go on that he was simply following protocol but if that were true, why didn't he bow to the Queen of England?
- Jim D, Hillsboro

Check out global news coverage of this bow, especially the Japanese. Though it initially went largely unnoticed by the Japanese, since the American right-wing websites have made a big deal about it, the Japanese media and experts in Japanese etiquette have chimed in to say that the bow was completely appropriate. In Japan, the lower the bow, the more respect you are showing. The Emporer, at the apex of Japanese protocol, deserves to receive the lowest bows, a show of utmost respect. The President was very correct. The right-wing, including the UL editorial staff, needs to read up on Japanese protocol.
- Kathy, Manchester

Our gallant allies and servicemen who lost their lives in WWII must have rolled over in their graves when our President bowed to the son of Emperor Hirohito.
- Harry, Keene, NH

Mr Obama made this same blunder in Saudi Arabia. I' rather see him this apologetic to our troops who are desperately awaiting his decision on strategy in Afghanistan. Its only been a few months since his hand picked general made a request.
- Michael Layon, Derry

In Japan Americans are not allowed in many place locals go because they are not Japanese. They think even less of folk who are black. It is no suprise that some newspaper would find a reason not to run a photo. I doubt you know what protocol should be used, even now, after you wrote your piece. At least he did not barf at the dinner table.
- Joe Zelinski, Menlo Park CA