Richard Bach, the American author of “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” once wrote that “There is no disaster that can’t become a blessing, and no blessing that can’t become a disaster.”

It’s probably true, although as we continue to be bombarded with the images of the disaster in Haiti, it’s pretty difficult to think there may be a blessing in there somewhere.

Perhaps in time, if the international community continues to care enough, that country, long a complete basket case, may emerge with a sustainable economy and a workable government.

But that’s down the road.

But that’s down the road.

The problem now, of course, is to do everything possible to feed and clothe and house the people who have been disposed, not only to help them get back on their feet, but to help them remain upright once that happens.

It’s a tough task, but one that Canada, much to our credit, seems to have taken to with extraordinary vigor.

One of the more heartening headlines amid the doom and gloom stories of pain and suffering just days after the earthquake told us that Canadians were so anxious to help, to donate money, that the various charities couldn’t keep up with the demand.

And, it has to be said - and perhaps this is what Bach meant by saying a “blessing” can flow from disaster - both Governor-General Michaelle Jean, a refugee from Haiti, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, have risen to the occasion and made us proud to be Canadians.

There’s nothing partisan here. After all, it was Liberal Paul Martin who appointed Jean (an appointment, admittedly, not greeted enthusiastically by this writer) - and, as you know, Harper’s background flows from the old Reform Party (a history not upsetting to this writer.)

Somebody even wrote to the Globe and Mail criticizing Jean for shedding tears on national television, an act, he argued, that is beneath the dignity of the Queen’s representative to Canada. In fact, it showed her human side more than anything she has done - with the possible exception of sharing raw seal meat in residents of the far north - since there was no doubt, none whatsoever, that her tears were real, that she cried for the fate of her fellow Haitians. Yes, there is that old English thing about keeping a stiff upper lip nomatter what, but in this case, criticism of Jean’s genuine heartache are really, really misplaced.

As for Harper, why even his most active media critics - the Toronto Star, for example - have praised him for his quick, decisive and far-reaching response to this crisis.

He first heard of the earthquake while aboard the government plane and by the time he had landed in Ottawa, had already put in motion an enormous rescue effort by both the Canadian professional rescue class and the Canadian people (promising to match their donations dollar-for-dollar), and clearly outstripping the efforts of the oft-sainted president of the republic to our south.

Here again, there can be no doubt that Harper’s efforts - while sure to enhance his political fortunes - are based, not upon partisan concerns, but upon real, genuine feelings for the human tragedy which has befallen this beleaguered Caribbean nation.

One constant criticism of Harper’s style is that he often waits too long to react to things and when he does react he lacks that elusive human touch. Not this time. Not with his immediate and effective response to Haiti.

And because Haiti, quite properly, has for the moment put everything else onto the back burners of the news pages, Harper’s actions will no doubt mean political rewards down the line. It says here that the next round of public opinion polls will show a significant bump in public support, a turnaround from the media-created frenzy about proroguing the Commons, an “issue” wrought insignificant next to the challenges of dealing with the Haitian disaster.

It’s an issue which has focused the minds of all Canadians - and their generous reaction can not be overstated - and there is no doubt here that most are proud not only of their own reaction, but of the response from both Jean and Harper to this tragedy.

And while there may be short-term political benefits to Harper - again, stressing, that that’s not why he acted the way he did - there is also a long-term issue at play.

Too often in the past when disaster strikes, everybody gets all excited at the moment, but interest quickly fades as we move onto other things.

Harper shouldn’t let this happen in Haiti. Given Canada’s impressive work in that country - under both Liberal and Tory governments, by the way - Haiti is one part of the world where our mid-power country can actually continue to make a huge difference.

We’re off to a great start. Let’s make sure it continues.