Well, as Doug pointed out, when it comes to some world disaster, the US - on a local level - does seem to respond regardless of political rantings. The tsunamis near India are a good example. Most of that support was from middle-class mucks who, beside having to pay for the house, the car, the government, still was able to give some for someone they would never meet. Not saying other countries also sent support, but a good portion of US citizens - not the government - responded.
And you know we'll take the hits (not 9/11), the bad-mouthing, the evil looks but we'll still be there with a hand to help them up, whoever needs it.