[Heathkit] antenna question

[TChesek at Epix.Net]

This is a general ham question but since I only use Heath equipment I figure this is a good place to ask. I have a Hy-Gain AV-14AVQ vertical trap 40-10 meter antenna. My understanding of this type of antenna is that at DC potential you effectively have a short between shield and ground at the feedline connector of the antenna. If that is the case can anyone see any need for a airgap type discharge unit at or near the radio end? It would seem to me that since the antenna is well grounded any static charge would just pass to ground. I know that all grounding, electrical and rf, should bond together so this question is mainly should I bother to spend the money for a discharge device. I'm not cheap but to even spend $30-50 unnecessarily is wasteful. My analysis of this subject could be off-base and I respect the opinions of the members of this reflector

Thanks in advance & 73,

Tom K3TVC