This last week, our President bowed before the King of Saudi Arabia. This further stirred up the conservative hornet nest. Frankly, it doesn't sit quite right with me either because our President is not merely a man, but a repersentative of these sovereign United States.
Two hundred and some odd years ago, then Ambassador, John Adams, performed the same humble motion before the King of England, against whom he had recently taken up arms. History's verdict is that Adams' conduct enabled (maybe too strong a word) the young nation to survive by doing much to repair the wide rift between the nations. At the least, Adams contributed to postponing the next conflict with England.
My question to you: Is there a difference between a President and an Ambassador bowing before a foreign king?
UPDATE: Apparently the current administration is reading (but curiously not posting on) my blog! Now, no bow ever occurred - regardless of what you think you saw: http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0409/White_House_No_bow_to_Saudi.html
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