"Virginia has executed 75 inmates since it reinstated the death penalty in 1977" (Frank Green, The Richmond Times-Dispatch, February 2, 2000).

"With the death of Andre L. Graham on Dec. 9, 1999, Virginia set a record for the number of executions since the death penalty was reinstated" (Pilot Online News, 1999).

"Graham's death marks the 36th time in the past three years the state has administed the ultimate penalty. Whether Virginians applaud or denounce the trend, executions have become on average, a monthly occurance" (Paul Clancy, The Virginian-Pilot, December 10, 1999).

Opponents "say Virginia's is a record of shame, built by politicians and a legal system more bent on speedy executions than fair trials and proving guilt beyond all doubt" (Paul Clancy, The Virginian-Pilot, December 10, 1999).

"Supporters say the death penalty is a punishment that fits the crime, although they stress that safeguards should be in place to protect defendants from hasty justice" (Paul Clancy, The Virginian-Pilot, December 10, 1999).

"Public opinion surveys conducted this year by Virginia Tech show that 74 percent of Virginians support the death penalty. That's down from 80 percent two years ago. But when people are asked if they'd support a mandatory penalty of life without parole for 25 years, combined with a requirement that the prisoner provide restitution to the families of murder victims. 55 percent of those surveyed agree" (Paul Clancy, The Virginian-Pilot, December 10, 1999).

In the last year, the Charlottesville-Albemarle Bar Association, the Virginia College of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the City Council of Charlottesville, and the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia have passed resolutions calling for a moratorium on capital punishment. Governor George Ryan has imposed a moratorium on executions in Illinois and Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty have asked Governor James Gilmore to impose a moratorium on executions here.

In the meantime, Benetton, an Italian clothing manufacturer, has launched a controversial nation-wide "We, On Death Row" advertising campaign and Presidential wantabe George W. Bush hangs tough as several capital important capital punishment bills wind their way through our own Virginia legislature.

With all of this in mind, I am calling for comment on Benetton's Death Row Campaign, Local Moratoria on Capital Punishment, and Capital Punishment Bills currently before the Virginia State Legislature.