Unfortunately, Jim Musselman's notes from the "Songs of Pete Seeger" CD aren't any more enlightening. After explaining why Tim Robbins was asked to perform, he says: "This song is dedicated to those who have spoken out, in an attempt to correct wrongs long before they were recognized by society - the Ralph Naders, Upton Sinclairs, Rachel Carsons, Barry Commoners and Paul Robesons of the world." Nothing about whether real or fictional. (Not that I think it matters all that much for getting the purpose of the song, but I'd like to know, and so do others, it seems.)