During the Progressive Era, Theodore Roosevelt coined the term "muckraker" to characterize journalists who he believed went overboard in their pursuit of a story, likening them to someone kicking up mud at the bottom of a pond. However, while Roosevelt created the nickname, he also used the influence of muckrakers to appeal directly to the American people. Journalists considered muckrakers don't get too far in pursuing their stories because they use their position to expose the evils of government, big business, and society; it is beneficial to the American people. There is nothing wrong with muckraking. Indeed, it is certainly an honor to be considered "Queen of the Muckrakers" as Mitford was titled. Being a muckraker means nothing more than exposing the truth. The Bill of Rights guarantees free speech to all Americans, and muckrakers do not abuse their power if they simply write what they know. Although those who oppose muckraking might argue that journalists do not write the truth, they are wrong because muckraking is not the spreading of lies. Muckraking means revealing hidden truths, using whatever means necessary to do so. Opponents of muckraking might argue that journalists spread false stories, but that's not entirely true. Muckrakers write and expose what they know, because that is journalism. But those who are against muckrakers will read muckraking stories and dismiss them as lies because the story contradicts something they already know. What these adversaries don't understand is that, just as there are two sides to every coin, there are two sides to every story. This idea can be illustrated by a disease called synesthesia. Those affected experience their surroundings… middle of paper… rice for what it truly is. Do the residents of Dallas County want someone to lead them and lose patience and condemn citizens for the slightest mistake? Does the public want to give power to someone who might abuse it and make unwise decisions? Do Americans want to be represented by a man who cares more about his own pride than the people he serves? Muckrakers leave the decision up to readers. Muckrakers simply expose the truth, the evils of society; they inform the public about what they should know about deceitful politicians and big business in society. They don't go too far. It is an honor to be called a muckraker because it is an honor to serve society with truth stories and serve justice for evasive people in power. It is extremely important that the people of this nation are informed, and the “muckrakers” make sure this happens.