Relationships are part of governing; knowing how to build and express them constructively is basic to a strong, responsive community. That's even truer when disaster strikes, as it did in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005 and in the Philippines when Typhoon Haiyan hit last year. Now New Orleans is relating to the Philippines to help bring tourism and conventions back to the islands. 

 

This is a fascinating form of mutually beneficial outreach. Digital Journal notes how relationships can be formed and fostered over great, watery distances when comradely interests  and misfortunes are involved.