Obama put others’ needs above himself

Among political leaders, no greater compliment can be given to an elected person than to recognize him/her as a statesman.

The word carries with it the meaning that “I am so overwhelmed with the needs of the people who elected me, that I am willing to sacrifice my own selfish political future for the common good.”

I am humbled to have seen President Barack Obama, maybe sacrificing his political future, so that many more of the poor do not have to choose between going to a doctor or having enough money for food.

Truly he stands in the shadow of the great presidents of our country.

I am reminded of the finest man I ever knew, namely my father. He was a good, although poor, dairy farmer living near Decorah. He always insisted that when it came to medical care, the last question a person should ask is, “how much will it cost”?

Gene H. Hermeier

Decorah