An Opening on the International Scene.

U.S.A. Today had a pretty good column yesterday which essentially said that the way "the U.S. is going to accept or reject the offers of help has the potential to influence the soured global international mood". The illustration in point is of course 9/11, when despite an already negative view of President Bush - immediately after the terrorist attacks, "the world was united with Americans. As a headline in France's Le Monde newspaper trumpeted: 'We Are All Americans.' "

I think that's a good point. The editorial also calls attention to something very essential if one wants to understand the American pysche:

Receiving help can be embarrassing and goes against the American character of self sufficiency. Americans see themselves as aid donors, not recipients, and appropriately so given the nation's wealth. No one should take from others in greater need.

The editorial ends on a somewhat optimistic note,

It's a reminder that, not so long ago, the world saw the United States much as it likes to think of itself: as a generous-spirited, socially-responsible beacon of democracy. Regaining that cleareyed international admiration is an ideal. The international response to Hurricane Katrina provides an opening.

But, personally, I have doubts that this administration will have learned its lesson - that working along with the international community is the only reasonable way to handle crises in today's world.