What happens when we share experiences? We bond with others.
That’s a good reason to offer a guest, one you like and one you want to return (or to invite you back), a cuppa.
When people are going through tragedy, those who rush in with comfort usually create a special bond with the traumatized, or suffering. That’s not their purpose, but that happens.
Our new premier, Wab Kinew, started off his campaign in a savvy manner, although I’ve no reason to think he was not genuine. He came to our town and spoke about the thing that had been on everyone’s mind throughout the traumatizing period of the pandemic. Health care.
His continued refrain upon greeting the public: “How do you do? I’m Wab Kinew.”
He’s been to the pow wow at Canupawakpa multiple times now. And recently attended Dauphin to speak to the community there, as you will read in this edition.
A premier before him, Brian Pallister, visited Virden on several occasions. Having met him and his wife, Esther, I found him warm and caring. And I would like to add that on at least one occasion, his words spoken in person in Virden were taken out of context by another of the press. It became a phenomenon that wouldn’t go away.
Most of the time, when you can deal with people in person, you are more likely to … like them.
But, back to the idea of actual bonding. Workmates can bond if they see themselves on the same team. There may be differences, but a good leader will help people see themselves as colleagues. The job is more fun; you get more done.
Cowboys like to work together. Artists, writers, and history buffs all enjoy each other’s company. Synergy results from getting our heads together!
Bonding happens when we share and no better place than over lunch, or a meal. That works for family too.
That’s what I’m doing when I flip Vinny a cashew or a shelled pistachio. Yes, my little dog eats nuts when I do. And I grab one end of his toy (with my hand!), offered to me with a growl. I growl back and we tug. We’re bonding. It's fun.
I don’t think that’s exactly what politicians are doing when they growl at each other. Not exactly. (Each tugging on their end of the bone?) But there are similarities. It's not supposed to be personal, it's the game, it's politics. Probably fun? And we hope the bond is about care for our country, the struggle to do the right thing for our present and our future.
