I spent last week in the US. It was work but I always enjoy these visits anyway. This time was no different. I’ve been working with many of these folk for years now & I consider many of them my friends. We don’t get to see each other on a weekly basis or anything but we’re still friends. I look forward to getting together with them.

We have a small Canadian contingent at these events. There’s a slightly larger cohort from Mexico. We also have some other nations, outside of North America, that are well represented, but most attendees are Americans. And most of the Americans at these gatherings are probably republicans. There are a few democrats among the crew too though. It doesn’t matter the nationality, nor the political affiliations, I look forward to seeing them all.

Fortunately, that seems to be a universal feeling within the group. Over dinner, we laugh & joke about the politics of the day. We can even discuss some current events more seriously. And all without things devolving into bitter argument & chaos. When we’re not slinging mud, & when we listen to each other, you might sometimes even see other sides of the argument. Of course ours is a problem solving industry. We’re used to getting together to find solutions. We always leave that parting dinner celebration looking forward to the next encounter. Sometimes, you have to cross the aisle & sit down together.

It would be nice if the politicians in all our countries did a little more of that. There’s nothing wrong with adding a little more face to face time, a little more kindness & civility, to everything we do.