Quotes from the National Canine Research Council:

"Over the past 43 years (1965 - 2007) there have been 58 fatal dog attacks in Texas, or an average of one to two fatal attacks per year."

"At least 17 DIFFERENT BREEDS/types of dogs have been identified as particpating in a fatal attack in Texas."

"ALL the fatal attacks in Texas involved INTACT dogs (NOT spayed or neutered). Besides being intact, a significant number of dogs involved in fatal attacks in Texas were irresponsibly and actively being used for breeding."

"In a SINGLE YEAR, 2005, nearly FIVE TIMES as many Texas children died from maltreatment (abuse or neglect) than the TOTAL from ALL dog attacks in Texas over the past 43 years. So, are dogs a danger? Fact is, people in Texas routinely accept far greater dangers from ATVs, swimming pools and bicycles than any that are associated with companion animals."

Hmmm. Seems to me it's the owners who are the problem, not the breed. My American Staffordshire Terrier (aka pit bull) was rescued, spayed, and is now a member of my family, along with my two children. I can take a ribeye out of her mouth, simply by saying "drop it" and taking it. She is loving, sweet, happy, obedient, loyal and smart. Saying all "pit bulls" are bad is like comparing a Rhodes Scholar to a 5th grade drop-out. Banning is not the answer! Spaying, neutering, and estricting ownership is. A home visit was required before we were allowed to bring our dog home.