This comment sums it up nicely:
"Meeting leaders and sharing mutual respect from foreign countries is part of job of being President. The POTUS shows great leadership in a dignified manner when he or she greets the leaders in a customary manner that makes the foreign leaders comfortable and welcomed. I am not ashamed of the President or First Lady for meeting the Queen of England, President of India or Emperor of Japan. Was there shame when President G.W. Bush holds hands with King Saudi Arabia? Sometimes apologies are necessary when America was wrong. We can be a proud nation and still admit our faults."
We, as Americans, are part of the world. Respecting other people's culture is something everyone should do. Throughout history when foreign leaders visit the United States they do their best to follow our customs--why should our leaders not do the same in return? Just because George W. Bush is an arrogant, hick, jackass doesn't mean we all need to be.