"To announce that there must be no criticism of the president... is morally treasonable to the American public"

This quote by Theodore Roosevelt is a powerful declaration about the significance of criticism in a democracy. He is saying that it is morally incorrect to prevent individuals from criticizing the president, as it is a betrayal of the general public's trust. He is stressing the value of totally free speech and the right to express one's viewpoint, even if it is crucial of the president. He is likewise recommending that criticism is necessary for a healthy democracy, as it enables the general public to hold their leaders liable and make sure that they are acting in the very best interests of individuals. By preventing criticism, the president is essentially silencing the general public and preventing them from having a say in how their government is run. Roosevelt's quote is a suggestion of the importance of totally free speech and the requirement for residents to be able to reveal their viewpoints without fear of retribution.