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I've lived there, twice for a total of 40 months as a Marine Corps officer. I've bowed plenty of times to Japanese dignitaries, their wives, JSF Officers and others in more formal, ceremonial settings. And certainly, this is what the military or DOS protocol would demand - nothing wrong or submissive about it.

I never said there was anything submissive about bowing to a Japanese, as they are generally doing the same.

I choose not to. I don't bow to anybody for any reason. Nothing personal, just the way I am and I respect you for your choices.

However, I was there as a civilian and not encumbered with military protocol or a promotions board.

What Obama is doing in this photo is submissive.