In the order in which they were sent via e-mail:
Kaptur Campaign Calls
Iott’s Honoring Nazi SS ‘Indefensible’
TOLEDO — A spokesman for the Kaptur for Congress campaign today termed opponent Rich Iott’s involvement with a Nazi SS re-enactor organization “outrageous and indefensible.”
Kaptur spokesman Steve Fought said that Wiking, the Nazi re-enactment group to which Iott belonged, promotes “a twisted and dangerous view of history.”
“Wiking members say they re-enact ‘to honor’ the Waffen SS soldiers. But honestly, who would honor such butchers? They fail to mention that the entire SS organization was declared a criminal organization by the Nuremberg war crimes tribunal.
“Wiking members say they ‘salute their (Waffen SS) courage and loyalty to put their lives on the line in defense of their native soil…’ It’s time for a fact check: the Waffen SS fought mainly on foreign soil, not native soil, and they committed atrocities against civilians throughout Europe and against American soldiers in Belgium.
“To perpetuate such a twisted and dangerous view of history is outrageous and indefensible.”
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Rich Iott Statement on the Latest Kaptur Campaign Lie:
“Anyone who knows me would tell you that I am a proud American who loves this country and loves Freedom and those who have died fighting to preserve it. The despicable accusations and distortions of the truth that have been leveled at me, sadly exemplify why people have lost faith in the political process and with the media as well.
“Never, in any of my re-enacting of military history, have I meant any disrespect to anyone who served in our military or anyone who has been affected by the tragedy of war. I have immense respect for veterans who served our country valiantly, particularly those who fought to rid the world of tyranny and aggression by relegating Nazism to the trash heap of history. In fact, my respect for the military and our veterans is one of the reasons I have actively studied military history throughout my life.
“Historical re-enacting is a hobby enjoyed by millions of men – and women – around the world. I have been involved in historical re-enacting from many different eras since I was in college. When my son was old enough to participate, it became a hobby that the two of us could do together and I’m grateful for the father-son bonding we shared as we participated in the events.”
“This election needs to be about issues, not false character attacks. Middle class families are struggling and honest people are out of work, which is why I hope my opponent will join me in condemning these blatant distortions and attacks and pledge to focus on the issues that Ohioans so desperately want Washington to address.”
- Rich Iott
