Differing views on war in Afghanistan

GREEN BAY - The war in Afghanistan has been going on for a decade. During that time, U.S. casualties have reached 1,249.

The deadliest month for American troops occurred in July, when 66 deaths were reported.
And 2010 is on pace to be the deadliest year on record for American troops with 302 deaths to date.

Recently, U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen, D-8th Dist., traveled to Afghanistan and says it's time to pull our troops out.

He compared this military effort to the one in Vietnam.

His Republican opponents in the 8th District primary are also offering their opinion of the war in Afghanistan.

Terri McCormick, Reid Ribble and Roger Roth discussed the issue during a debate put on by WTAQ radio.

"To argue this is like Vietnam is just off-the-charts stupid," said Ribble.

Political newcomer Reid Ribble has issues with President Barack Obama making a public timetable for troops to leave Afghanistan, but he does believe the war is winnable.

"I do believe the United States has the power to win that war if it's properly executed and I don't believe the military has been given the green light to properly execute the war," stated Ribble.

Former state legislator Terri McCormick says she does see the comparison between Afghanistan and Vietnam, primarily because of the terrain. And she supports continued funding for our troops in Afghanistan.

"I would fund the troops. That's where I depart from one of my primary opponents because when our military is on the ground we must fund them we must support them," said McCormick.

State Rep. Roger Roth has served three tours of duty in Iraq with the Wisconsin National Guard. He says he supports the troops, but cannot support funding for a mission that is not winnable.

"We don't have a plan for victory, we don't have clearly definable goals and our men and women are simply dying by twos and threes which is why we must take them home, which is why I could not in good conscience vote to keep funding that war," said Roth.

The winner of the Sept. 14 primary will take on Kagen in the general election in November.