VETPAC: It's "disgusting" that Robert Hurt Remains Silent as his Shock Jock Ally Smears 35-Year Vet

by: lowkell

Thu Aug 09, 2012 at 10:23:13 AM EDT

UPDATE: 5th CD Democratic Chair Fred Hudson issues a statement.

Congressman Hurt's failure to speak up since learning about his radio host's incendiary attacks adds insult to injury to veterans across the country who deserve to be honored for their service instead of bashed over the public airwaves. Tolerating this type of nastiness has a chilling effect on our returning heroes who are ready to continue their public service in elected office. I urge WINA radio to suspend Rob Schilling from their line up until he publicly apologies and for Congressman Hurt to publicly pledge to no longer appear on the show.

VOTEVETS.ORG REPUDIATES ANTI-VETERAN COMMENTS FROM ROB SCHILLING; CALLS ON REP. HURT TO DO THE SAME

Charlottesville, VA - The largest group of progressive veterans in America, with over 220,000 supporters - VoteVets.org - is repudiating an anti-servicemember, anti-veteran rant from conservative radio host Rob Schilling.  On a recent broadcast, Schilling smeared the service of Congressional candidate John Douglass, a retired Air Force Brigadier General, calling him an "empty uniform" and "chickenhawk."

Speaking for VoteVets.org, former Congressional candidate Peyton Williams, himself a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel said the following:

Rob Schilling hasn't just insulted John Douglass, who served this nation honorably, with his shameful rant - he's dishonored every one of us who have served in the military and are still serving.  That includes my daughter, who is currently serving in Afghanistan , and has previously  served in Iraq, as well as my son-in-law who has done the same. Further, this screed seems to come from a very small mind, who probably has never served in the military a day in his life. In my opinion, this is a sad attempt for Schilling to increase his ratings, and also an attempt to draw attention from where it belongs -  on the issues facing the 5th District. The fact is, John Douglass volunteered for service, and served honorably for decades. Electing him isn't just about those of us who served, but it's also about leaving a better world to our children and our grandchildren, with a more polite society -- hopefully one where we respect those who served our nation, and don't verbally spit on them, as Rob Schilling has done.  Rob Schilling's rants and venom may get him ratings but is not in keeping with civil discourse and our democratic principles, to include respect for others. I would hope that, despite being John Douglass' opponent in this race, Congressman Hurt would agree about the need for that more respectful society, and I'd hope that he would join me in condemning Rob Schilling's shameful remarks.

Founded in 2006, the mission of VoteVets.org Political Action Committee is to elect Veterans to public office, with a focus on Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and hold public officials accountable for their words and actions that impact America's 21st century troops and veterans. Though VoteVets.org PAC is non-partisan, candidates it backs must support VoteVets.org's core mission and beliefs.