It is truly heartwarming to note the number of nations, with previously established levels of enmity for the United States, that are so willing to provide aid of various kinds in the aftermath of the Katrina disaster.

The United Nations, about whom we have had serious doubts on many scores, has stepped forward to assist. Iran seems willing to provide needed oil. Fidel Castro, the Cuban dictator with a long hatred for America, is willing to send doctors to help in stricken regions.

Kuwait is planning on supplying half a billion dollars, perhaps in gratitude for being liberated from Iraqi invasion some 14 years ago.

At last count, some 100 other nations had stepped forward to do what they think they can to assist, and it is hoped the United States allows everyone who wants to help in any way to do so. There have been some who prefer to be stand-offish about all this, to prove that “we don’t need anybody.” But clearly we do, and the more money, equipment and personnel proffered our way should be accepted graciously and warmly.

Consider, if you will, how many times the United State has been quick to step up to aid others, whether the tragedies were earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, volcanos or other disasters. While some are reluctant to admit it, people in many places on this globe are grateful for the way we have moved in to assist them in terrible times. We should be pleased they want in some small way to try to return such favors.

But we should do all this in the proper spirit, with appreciation and not with an attitude that we are owed anything for what we might have done in the past. Germany, France and Asian nations with which we have had serious disagreements in recent times are willing to do a lot. Let them, and thank them.

Considering the magnitude of this disaster, there can be no limits to the amount of help the people without jobs, homes, health care and means of livelihood will need. We can only hope this generous flood of charity is properly channeled and that fraud, waste and misuse will be held to a minimum. If our government was slow to react in the first place, it should go full-speed toward making things right by using every bit of aid, foreign and domestic, in the best possible way.

For decades, American foreign aid has poured out repeatedly to help deal with crises in other lands. Now the tables are turned. Foreign aid is coming our way, and we should be pleased and grateful.

And let us hope that our officials use the improved relationships that this aid inflow could help produce in a positive manner to heal as many old wounds as possible and make amends for things many countries could have done better.