He recognized the importance of investigative journalists in bringing attention to social problems and evils but cautioned against focusing solely on the negative aspects of society. Roosevelt believed that while it was necessary to expose and address societal issues, overemphasizing these problems without offering solutions could lead to a harmful obsession that ultimately hinders progress.
The Man with the Muck Rake
"Now, it is very necessary that we should not flinch from seeing what is vile and debasing. There is filth on the floor, and it must be scraped up with the muck rake; and there are times and places where this service is the most needed of all the services that can be performed. But the man who never does anything else, who never thinks or speaks or writes, save of his feats with the muck rake, speedily becomes, not a help but one of the most potent forces for evil. There are in the body politic, economic and social, many and grave evils, and there is urgent necessity for the sternest war upon them."
Part A:
What was President Roosevelt's opinion of investigative journalists, who wrote articles exposing many of the social problems of his era?
(1 point)
Responses
He supported the enactment of federal laws to protect the independence of investigative journalists.
He supported the enactment of federal laws to protect the independence of investigative journali…
1 answer