What has Obama done well?

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Trample the Elderly

We were representatives of the U.S. We weren't two schmucks on a fishing trip. I'm working on finding you that info. Many have alluded to the UCMJ which I did not. That is used to presecute more than to outline behavior from what I can remember. Had I bowed I would've probably been brought up on conduct unbecoming of an NCO. It wouldn't have been a huge offense. I'm looking through the Armed Forces Code of Conduct.

You are coming from a different frame of mind than some of the people who understand what I'm saying. What I am saying is this, there is no such thing as moral / cultural relativism for public officials. These are not expatriates doing as Romans would. This has nothing to do with respecting another's countries traditions.

I'll bet my bottom dollar we don't serve Saudi Princes N.C style BBQ for state functions. We do on the other hand make Muslim women take off their veils for official documents. They cannot have driver's licenses looking like ninjas just because it's part of their culture. I'm unfamiliar with the law, but I'm guessing I'd not be allowed to brew up Christmas Ale in Dubai.

As for that Naval Officer who bowed, well I've no opinion on that. My gut tells me he was probably apologizing for some drunken serviceman, but I don't know? When I was in the big honcho for the Navy blew his brains out because he wore some ribbons that weren't awarded to him. What can I say? Squids are strange.

Conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman is quite a serious offense and if convicted punishable through court martial.

Don't bet your bottom dollar, a BBQ is fine so long as you don't serve them pork and serve halal meat (if they are ostensibly religious). Similarly, I wouldn't expect our public officials to be served bush meat on their foreign visits with the expectations that they would dig in.

With respect to not allowing them to cover their face I agree with it as a matter of public safety and the alternative of wearing a hijab is permissible in all states. Several states actually allow you not to take an ID accompanied with a photo on religious grounds and some will allow you to wear your ninja mask with the expectation that you will show your full face to an officer of the law if requested to do so. Clearly, there is no universal law against the ninja get'up.

I don't know if you can brew your own beer but I do know you can walk into a liquor store in Dubai with alcohol license in hand and buy any sort of beer that catches your fancy. I'm not puzzled by their laws though as I am still unable to freely grow my on cannabis plants.