The American ideal for a man is based more on movie characters than reality. Bravery is defined by cinematic shoot-outs and wisdom quoted from famous films. Politicians recognize this weakness in the voters’ psyche and their press attaches strive for photo-ops mirroring Hollywood moments.
GW Bush was hailed for his MISSION ACCOMPLISHED appearance on the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln. Uniform, jets, a sea of sailors spoke victory to the masses watching the staged scene on TV. Six years later the word still evades US and coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.
His predecessor Barack Obama also has a perchance for playing to the camera, although his bow the the Japanese emperor during his tour of the Far East was regarded as a sign of defeat by the talking heads of Fox News.
“General MacArthur must be turning in his grave.”
The American Caesar never bowed to any man or god-king.
He had his movie moment before Congress.
“Old soldiers never die, they simply fade away.”
MacArthur was pushed out of his position of Far East Caudillo by a runty president from Missouri for disobeying a direct order. Truman wasn’t abut bowing to the military, however Barack Obama’s bow to the Japanese emperor was not a sing of submission as much as one of respect. It was only a limo dance in reverse because the emperor is almost a midget.
Respect accomplished.
Next stop.
Washington and Obama has no intention of bowing to the GOP over health care.
At least we hope not.