sing children as election props is often exploitative, since your average 11-year-old usually does not ask, ''Sir, why did you slash funds in your second term for school construction?''
In that spirit, it will be a great day when George W. Bush meets a child he cannot exploit.
Recently Bush campaigned at a social service agency in Michigan. He promoted his proposals for adoption in front of banners that said ''Strong Families, Safe Children.'' The top child in the photo op was 11-year-old David Claire.
In one photograph, Claire smiled confidently, folding his arms and gazing out toward the crowd as if he, not Bush, were the candidate. The only thing missing was a look of shock on the face of Bush. It would have been a wonderful moment in presidential politics if the confident smile and satisfied gaze came after Claire had asked Bush the following questions:
''Governor Bush, it is nice that you came to be with children today in Michigan. It is nice that you support adoption. But I have several reports here in my hand I want to ask you about.
''Why is it, sir, that, according to the Children's Rights Council, a nonprofit organization that is trying to reform child custody laws, your state, Texas:
''Is the fourth worst ranked state out of the 50 and the District of Columbia to raise a child?
''Has higher percentages of children not immunized than Alabama or Mississippi, or nearly twice the percentage of nonimmunized children as liberal/commie Massachusetts?
''Is tied for the nation's third worst dropout rate?
''Is tied for the third worst percentage of children in poverty?
''Is sixth worst in delivering prenatal care?
''Has fallen from 29th place as a best state to raise a child under softheaded liberal Ann Richards to 48th under your `compassionate conservatism'?''
(Bush mutters that you can always use stats to support your position.)
''OK, Mr. Governor, I also have here a report from the Food Research and Action Center, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that tracks hunger in the United States. Their report shows that Texas ranks 44th in the nation for the ratio of school lunches served in summer programs. Mr. Governor, how can children pass your standardized tests if they do not eat?''
(Bush mutters something about liberal conspiracies.)
''But, Mr. Governor, according Kids Count 2000 by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which is very highly respected. Your state does not do much better. Can you explain why this report has your state ranked:
''Forty-fourth in child poverty;
''Forty-fifth in teen dropout rates;
''Fortieth in teenage employment?
(Bush scribbles a note to have the FBI wiretap the kid.)
''But, Mr. Governor, according to the Children's Defense Fund, another respected organization, your state looks just as bad. Can you explain why this report has your state ranked:
''Forty-sixth in child poverty;
''Forty-seventh in child immunization;
''Forty-fifth in early prenatal care;
''Dead last, 51st, in children lacking health insurance?''
(Bush aides plan photo op at a Dallas pediatrics unit.)
''Mr. Governor, the Urban Institute did a study of income inequality in 13 states, Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Wisconsin, and your state. Why is it in this study that Texas finishes second only to Mississippi in both inequality among all children, including two-parent families?
(Bush whispers to an aide to arrange a photo op with the Dallas Cowboys.)
''But, Mr. Governor, according to the Urban Institute, New York, California, and Florida all have plenty of poverty and plenty of new, foreign-speaking immigrants. They all have about the same percentage of children below poverty as Texas.
''But why is it, sir, that California and Florida have rates of uninsured children that are a third less than your state?
''Why is it that New York's percentage of uninsured children is only half that of your state?
''Why is it that the Urban Institute ranks your state 49th in children with health insurance?''
(Bush whispers to another aide to set up a photo op with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.)
''Thank you, Mr. Governor, for listening to my questions. I know the American people are waiting to hear how you will do for America's children what you have done for Texas's children. I have just one last question. I have here a June story from the Houston Chronicle. It says your state has `nearly gutted' its school-based health clinics. If you are for `Strong Families and Safe Children,' why would you do that, sir?''
(Bush scribbles note: ''Another reason to appoint more good Supreme Court justices like Antonin Scalia.'')
Derrick Z. Jackson is a Globe columnist.
