Jacob's Question

While I don't agree with our President politically on most things, This is the sort of thing that I do like about him. A very touching, human moment.

Here is the article:

For decades at the White House, photographs of the president have hung throughout the West Wing, and each print soon gives way to a more recent shot. But one picture of President Obama remains after three years.

In the photo, Obama looks to be bowing to a 5-year-old boy, who stands beside the Oval Office desk, his arm raised to touch the president's hair -- to see if it feels like his. The image has struck so many aides and visitors that, by popular demand, it stays while others come and go.

Obama has avoided discussing race except in rare instances. Yet the photo is tangible evidence of what polls also show: Obama remains a potent symbol for blacks.

The boy is Jacob Philadelphia of Columbia, Md. Three years ago, his father, Carlton, was leaving the White House staff and, as departing staff members often do, he asked for a family photograph with Obama.

Philadelphia told Obama that his sons -- Jacob and Isaac, now 11 -- each had a question. Jacob spoke first. "I want to know if my hair is just like yours," he said so quietly that Obama asked him to ask again.

Jacob did, and Obama replied, "Why don't you touch it and see for yourself?" He brought his head level with Jacob, who hesitated. "Touch it, dude!" Obama said.

"So, what do you think?" Obama asked.

"Yes, it does feel the same," Jacob said.

Carlton Philadelphia, now with the State Department, said: "It's important for black children to see a black man as president. You can believe that any position is possible to achieve if you see a black person in it."

Jacob, now 8, said he indeed does want to be president. "Or a test pilot."

NEW YORK TIMES

Nice!