For the Complete Story, That's "Why"

I was a journalist, at one point in college, back when journalism was an honorable profession; when it was ethical.  Today, "ethics" and "journalism" are words you seldom see together.  But, back in the day, the complete story was determined using a pretty simple formula: Who, what, when, where why, and how.  Print the facts as they are known and DO NOT EDITORIALIZE.  Editorials are the editor's purview, and I wish someone would start teaching that little fact in university, again.  I was the "entertainment" reporter, however.  I went to concerts for free and was given free record albums to review - a tough job, but someone had to do it.  I was given some latitude to editorialize because my opinion was necessary for the report.  But, I digress.

• Who was involved?
• What happened?
• When did it take place?
• Where did it take place?
• Why did that happen?
• How did it happen?

My personal opinion is that the most important question of the journalistic "Five W's" is, "Why did that happen?"  The question of "why" will assist you in answering all the rest.  "What" is the easiest, since we already know "what" happened or we wouldn't be writing a report.  You really need to dig to find the "why" of things, especially if you're an investigative reporter.  You can answer all the other questions, but nothing makes sense until you know the "why" of it.  It is also this way in life.  If we "why" first, and are honest in our answer, we can track it back to some decision, some choice, we made.  Once we understand our problems are of our own making we can stop blaming others for our shortsightedness.  Ownership might not be pleasant, but you learn lessons, and how to move on, faster.  The truth will most certainly set you free, along with all the other people you felt it necessary to blame.

I read a poster on "The Five W's of Life" that I found fairly interesting:

It fell short of the journalistic "Five W's" by not including "how" in the mix.  But, instead of "how did it happen" we will ask, "How do we accomplish the Five W's set before us?"  You will find it hard to do by copping an attitude.  Embrace the fact that whatever the drama, it is what it is until it isn't, and the best way to approach drama is to be happy always.  I found another poster that reflects my own views on being happy:

You are in charge of your happiness.  If you expect someone else to accept responsibility for you being happy you will, in all likelihood, be sorely disappointed.  Happiness is a choice each of us must make for ourselves, and I've found keeping the drama, and those who perpetrate drama, out of life is one of the best ways to accomplish this.  Don't let anyone drag you down into their personal pit of despair - it belongs to them, alone.

I leave you with one final thought:

Once you carry your own water, you will learn the value of every drop.

-- African Proverb

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.