THE news from the United States on March 22 was a milestone in political terms and felt like a breath of fresh spring air blowing through the political corridors of all the western democracies.

After all we have seen in the media about the behaviour of many people in public office in our own country and abroad, but most of all in this country, it was a moment to celebrate and applaud.

Yes, I am talking about the US President laying his job on the line to help very many people who are without proper health care, even in 2010.

We in this country have not seen the like of it, certainly not in recent years.

President Obama has set a standard of statesmanship and commitment to his office which should make America the envy of the western world.

A previous president said: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

President Obama has just shown us how to do it with style and grace.

What a joy to see a man doing what he knows is right and fair for the people who need it most, and being ready to pay with his job if it come to that.

That was honesty, conviction and courage.

MICHAEL SHEA Hadland Road Abingdon