My phrasing might have been weird there-- I meant that if the President bows, so what? He's showing respect for a culture rather than pledging eternal honor and servitude to an emperor (as it might have signified in the past). I do understand the concept of not lowering oneself too much on the world stage, but don't get why people believe the Pres. should act as though he's a god and above such things as basic cultural respect. Other than possibly looking a little foolish to the people who really understand it, a bow that is a little too low is not the end of the world.