Just Another Day as a Muckraker

       I have been off the street and back on the typewriter this past week.  Things have been going slow in the muckraking business and I am experiencing a boredom influenced writer's block!  The good news is that I have had a chance to see other people's work for a change.
        I can't believe how unconnected we are here in Chicago.  Just today I learned that muckraker Ida Tarbell seems to have caused the breaking up of the Standard Oil Company!  I am shocked that a journalist's work seems to have done something so phenomenal.  Score one for the muckrakers!  I must remember to send her a telegraph congratulating her on her spectacular accomplishment.
         Since this seems to be a slow week I will answer some of your most frequently asked questions that I cannot wait to answer.

          Question #1- What is a muckraker?
          A- A muckraker is a journalist who investigates the unknown problems of our society and expose threats that have been brewing right under our feet.


          Question #2- How do you stay undercover while investigating?
          A- I prefer to know a little about the place before I go there.  I like to dress as a worker because they usually don't question that. 


          Question #3- What are some of the hardships experienced while doing your job?
          A- Well, the places we are going to investigate are not always the most pleasant, or most sanitary of places.  I have investigated places that I never care to go to again.  You have to be tough, and bare through whatever unusual conditions come your way.

         Question #4-  What do you gain from being a muckraker?
         A- I gain a sense of pride to know that I've done good things for the world by exposing some of it's problems.  Its good to know that I am doing the right thing.

         Question #5-  What do you need to know to become a muckraker?
         A- You have to be fluent in English, and possibly other foreign languages.  You need to be able to read and write of course, and be as persuasive as possible.

         Those are the top five questions I am usually asked.  Please keep sending me letters I appreciate all of them!  I can't wait to share more muckraking facts and reports with you.
    

Ida Tarbell