In some corners of the world – even in our own country – there is disdain for the United States and our people, our resources and our military. Today, and in the coming weeks, we will see the true face of America as relief efforts and supplies pour into Haiti.

In the aftermath of Tuesday’s earthquake that devastated the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, and killed perhaps tens of thousands, the U.S. and the world have mobilized a massive response to pleas for help. And despite the fact that our nation is suffering through its worst economic recession in a generation, Americans in the High Point area and across the nation will respond because it is the right thing – and for many among us, the Christian thing – to do.

The needs are great as U.S. military forces from Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune and other bases around the nation have been moving toward and into the nation constantly since Wednesday. Nearly 10,000 U.S. military personnel are expected to be in the area by Monday to provide a distribution system for medical supplies and food and water that have been arriving.

President Obama has promised at least $100 million in U.S. government aid, but we surely know that many millions more will be given in America through private sources. The president also has promised Haitian President Rene Preval that the U.S. is committed to long-term efforts in helping rebuild the nation.

That U.S. promise will be a key point as Haiti, with the democratic election of Preval in 2006, seemingly was heading along a better path after decades of oppressive government and widespread corruption. Obama must be careful not to give the impression that the U.S. is meddling in the internal affairs of Haiti, but there is much that the U.S. could do to help make Haiti a strong democracy and U.S. ally.

However, the focus now, rightly so, is on alleviating the suffering.