The American ideal for a man has been based more on movie characters than reality. Bravery has been defined by cinematic shoot-outs and wisdom quoted from famous films. Politicians have long recognized this weakness in the voters' psyche and their press attaches strive for photo-ops mirroring Hollywood moments.
On May 1, 2003 President GW Bush flew in on a 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.
"Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed and the regime is no more". Although Bush added, "Our mission continues" and "We have difficult work to do in Iraq.". The Eternal War on Terror still reigns over the world withthe Pentagon repeatedly failed to admit that the USA has yet again lost another war.
The foolowing President 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 KKK 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.
