Critics of the United States should consider America’s readiness to provide humanitarian aid for an adversary such as Iran.

In the constant rush of people at home and abroad to depict Uncle Sam as a Great Satan trying to gobble up the world and its people, let us put a little focus on the way the United States responded to a “rogue” nation at a critical time.

American and Iranian interests long have been at odds, and there is no doubt the Middle Eastern nation’s leaders continue to do all they can to damage us. Recently, a massive earthquake struck Iran, and as many as 40,000 people may be dead. Destruction and devastation reign and there is not even a reasonable calculation about the injured.

Immediately, the United States was engaging in humanitarian aid, doing whatever it could to help. When has Iran or any other such nation done that for us?

U.S. equipment and personnel were among the first to arrive in Bam, Iran. As soon as possible, at least seven U.S. Air Force C-130 cargo planes were delivering what aid and people they could. The United States quickly became the largest international donor for the relief effort and, before all is said and done, it will probably be No. 1 by a wide margin. What other nation will come even close?

The United Nations and other countries pay lip service about how help must be provided in such instances, but too often there is more hollow talk than strong action. The United States has never been hesitant to get things moving in the right direction without concern for credit or jurisdiction or political-social-religious differences.

It is always fashionable for anyone with the slightest disagreement with the United States, its officials and its policies to leap to criticize. When something like the U.S. effort to help hostile, trouble-prone Iran occurs, it conveniently is brushed aside while critics diligently look for new reasons to complain.

We have had our disgraces both at home and abroad because of bad behavior and flawed policies. But history indicates how considerate, compassionate and benevolent the United States can be — and often is.

It’s been said that those who go through life doing things to get credit die unhappy. The United States policy of lending a helping hand without consideration for praise and adulation gives many great pride and satisfaction.

The record of America for universal humanity is second to none.