By host Tom Ashbrook:

Stanley “Tookie” Williams sits on death row in San Quentin prison, scheduled for execution on December 13th, 2005. Williams is a four-time convicted murderer and a founder of the Crips, one of the country’s most lethal gangs. He has also, in his 24 years on death row, become a famous crusader against the gangster life, writing children’s books and urging urban youth to avoid the life of crime.

Now, a tremendous campaign is swelling to persuade California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to grant clemency to Tookie Williams. The argument is that he has earned redemption. Nobel Prize winners are lining up with him. Cops and victims say no and execution day draws near.

Hear about Stanley “Tookie” Williams, death row, and the redemption debate.

Guests:

Henry Weinstein, reporter, The Los Angeles Times

Rev. James Lawson, Jr., Civil Rights leader who worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a supporter of Stanley “Tookie” Williams. He is president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater L.A.

Debra Saunders, columnist, The San Francisco Chronicle

Diane Winston, Knight Chair of religon and media, University of Southern California

Dan Kobil, law professor, Capital University. He has testified before Congressional committee on clemency and briefed the Supreme Court on clemency.

Rebecca Owens, oldest daughter of Albert Owens who was killed by Stanley “Tookie” Williams in a California 7-Eleven store robbery.