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Along Life’s Way
Finding the Whistleblower
By Lois E. Wilson
The young intern at the newspaper was apprehensive as he entered the
editorial staff meeting to receive his first assignment. He was
comforted knowing what he had learned from former interns. They told
him that the editors usually requested stories or tasks that could not
be completed—such as bring us a bucket of steam. It was a prank to them.
He introduced himself, being sure to emphasize that his first name was
“Woodward” after the journalist. “Just call me Woody!” The editors did
not seem impressed. They outlined that they wanted him to do an article
about whistleblowers and bring a whistleblower to the editorial office.
If it all turned out well, they said he would get a byline. “How does
that sound? Do you have any ideas about where to start?”
Of course Woody knew a whistleblower reveals something covert, but he
smiled and played along. “Yes, first I’ll think of all the people and
places where whistles are blown or used regularly and make arrangements
to do interviews, take pictures, etc. I will find the whistleblower, no
doubt!”
The editors tried to stifle their smiles, gave each other a wink or
two, and one said, “Son, you have good investigative instincts. We look
forward to reading your article.”
Woody drew up a list of those who use whistles and planned a schedule
to interview them. On his list were: traffic policemen, umpires,
referees, factory and train whistle operators, and those who used
whistles when in danger. At the editorial office, Woody worked on his
narrative. An editor asked him what he had scheduled that day, Woody
replied, “I know construction workers are known for their
wolf-whistling at passing women. I’ll interview a couple of them.” The
editor swallowed his laugh.
Woody presented his finished article. The editors read it and said
nothing. Woody proudly announced, “The whistleblower TK is here. There
will be a signal when TK is ready. TK is waiting in the break
room.”
All the editors were concerned. “Does he have his lawyer with him? We must be careful!”
Woody replied, “No, TK is alone and won’t involve us in the
matter. It is true that because of this TK, many people are in
hot water. There’s the signal now; follow me.”
On the break room stove, a shiny teakettle was whistling—steam spurting
sounds out its spout. Pointing to the teakettle Woody exclaimed,
“I wasn’t whistling in the dark. Meet TK, the whistleblower! Want a cup
of tea?”
The chief editor smiled and said, “After that, I need to go down to the
corner and wet my whistle. Woody, you are too young—so try your kettle
brew. Oh by the way, you earned a byline!” Woody walked down the hall
back to his desk whistling all the way.
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