>In the third debate, a man asked GW if he was proud of the fact that Texas is number one in the nation in executions. He said, "No, I'm not proud of that."
>
>http://cbsnews.com/now/story/0,1597,242069-412,00.shtml
>
>Lehrer then asked:
>
>LEHRER: Do both of you believe that the death penalty actually deters crime?
>Governor?
>
>BUSH: I do, that's the only reason to be for it. Let me finish that, I don't think you should support the death penalty to seek revenge. I don't think that's right. I think the reason to support the death penalty is because it saves other people's lives.
>
>LEHRER: Vice President Gore?
>
>GORE: I think it is a deterrence. I know that's a controversial view, but I do believe it's a deterrence.
>
>
>To reiterate, Bush says that deterrence is the only reason to be for the death penalty.
>
>So I would like to ask the thread participants if they agree that the death penalty, over and above a penalty of life without parole, has a deterrent effect on individuals driven to commit murder?
>
>Are you aware of statistics that examine this question?
>
>Peter

Peter,
I don't think it is a deterrent and I've heard the statistics that back me up on this. Personally I don't think punishment of any kind is a deterrent to anyone that commits crimes of this nature. The criminal doesn't sit back and say to themselves if I get caught, I could be executed so I won't kill today. I don't think that happens.

Punishment is not a deterrent. It's the penalty. If you commit a small crime you pay a small penalty. If you commit a big crime (murder), you pay the ultimate penalty. People that commit crimes against other people should live better than their victims.

Some wouild say that life in prison is not a life. That's hogwash. That person is still alive and the victim is not.