opinion

Senators, everyday citizens must ensure Mueller can complete investigation: Popejoy

I write in the face of the seemingly endless barrage on our democracy enacted by the Trump administration. It was leaked last week that Trump threatened to fire Robert Mueller in spite of his special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. According to reports, the only thing that prevented Trump from doing so was his lawyer’s threat to quit representing him if he did so.

It is dire that we speak out against the injustices that Trump and his unfit Cabinet appointees perpetuate on a daily basis, instances that have left many of us feeling voiceless, threatened and numb. It is vital that the Mueller investigation sees itself through. The eyes of the world watch this investigation, and we as Americans hold a responsibility for ensuring Mueller and his team are able to conclude their findings.

More: Mueller to question ex-Trump legal team spokesman about possible White House obstruction

More: Putin’s Saturday Night Massacre: He got Trump and the GOP to sell out America

More: Does UNR protect racists? When does complacency become complicit?: McReynolds

We can ensure this by calling the offices of both Dean Heller and Catherine Cortez Masto, and demanding that they support S. 1735 and S. 1741, the bipartisan legislation that would help prevent President Trump from firing Special Counsel Robert Mueller and interfering with his investigation. We can also, in the same manner that I have here, write our local newspapers, sharing our voice and speaking out against injustice and causes that concern us. In this way, we show our communities and our elected representatives that we are aware, that we are concerned, and that we are watching the decisions they make.

Our elected representatives need to remember that they are elected to represent we the people and not their own selfish interests. We the people need to remind this of them, particularly in these politically degraded times. Like myself, you may feel disenfranchised by the current political situation we see in our country, but there are things we can do. Call your local representatives. Write to your local papers. Engage in political discourse with friends, families and coworkers. Engage in local grassroots groups and initiatives.

We witness a president who often thinks he is above the law and above common decency — a president who may be, in the coming months, be shown to have illegitimately gained his post with the helping hand of a foreign enemy. I have a feeling time will tell, and like the Watergate and Clinton special counsels, these things take time. Let us do our part to ensure this special counsel follows its just course to its conclusive end, and prevent Trump from unlawfully stopping the lawful investigation.

Cody Popejoy is a recent college graduate and a Reno native.