I agree with Larry. I don't think it's a deterrent, but a penalty. I would support the death penalty if I could be certain the convicted was really guilty.

>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?
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>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