To the Reader’s Forum:

It is no surprise that conservatives are starting to question the integrity of Robert Mueller now that he appears to be getting close to revealing some real skullduggery in the Trump Administration.

At a time when all things are interpreted with an Us versus Them mindset it is important to remember that the Special Prosecutor was called to investigate influence of our national election by a hostile nation. Unfortunately, it is politics and what one my personally gain or lose rather than patriotism and national security that is being loudly voiced today.

It is instructive to re-visit the comments made at the time of the Mueller appointment.

“This is a really difficult political environment we’re in. I’m not sure you could find anyone not named Jesus that everyone would be happy with. I actually am satisfied with Robert Muller,” Gowdy said during the Fox News interview.

“Mueller is a great selection. Impeccable credentials. Should be widely accepted.” – House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah

“I commend (Department of Justice) for bringing in an independent voice to help bring clarity to this situation,” said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said, “My priority has been to ensure thorough and independent investigations are allowed to follow the facts wherever they may lead. That is what we’ve been doing here in the House. The addition of Robert Mueller as special counsel is consistent with this goal, and I welcome his role at the Department of Justice.”

Rep Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., called Mueller ” a well respected and trusted veteran of the FBI” and said “this special counsel appointment is a step in the right direction on getting answers on the many questions we have with Russian meddling in our election and our democracy.”

Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio tweeted: “The issue of Russian meddling in our election must be investigated fully and former FBI dir. Mueller is well qualified to oversee this probe.”

Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., and Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., issued a joint statement echoing McConnell’s commitment to the committee’s investigation. Mueller’s selection “will provide some certainty for the American people that the investigation will proceed fairly and free of political influence.”

Sen. John McCain, a Republican from Arizona, called Robert Mueller “a great choice for special counsel.”

Rep. Peter J. Roskam (R-Ill.) called him “a man of the utmost integrity.”

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) called Mueller “somebody we all trust.”

“I think Bob Mueller’s as good as you’re going to find. I don’t see any reason to remove him now,” said Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.)

Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) on Mueller Investigation: “Give The Guy A Chance To Do His Job”

Yes indeed, give the guy, “a man of the utmost integrity”, a chance to do his job. Even if you don’t like the outcome of his efforts we need “to follow the facts wherever they may lead.”

Tom Meara

Jamestown