There are a number of interesting stories covering the witch hunt the government is pursuing against Martha Stewart. A number of papers are running stories such as "Official Poll: Is Martha Stewart guilty?" and Poll: Majority of New Yorkers think Martha Stewart is guilty. How the hell is Joe Shmoe supposed to know the details of the legal code or what Martha did or did not do? Fortunately, most of the editorials I've seen recognize the case for what is is: "U.S. government makes her the subject of a criminal test case designed to further expand the already unrecognizable boundaries of the U.S. federal securities laws." A number of sites in support of Martha have popped up, including Martha's own MarthaTalks.com and the SaveMartha.com, which features several hilarious clips from her "enemies."
Martha's own defense has been to say that she is only being prosecuted because she is a successful woman -- but I think this take is misguided. Many successful men have gone to jail for insider trading, and Martha's defense is doomed unless she acknowledges the real motivations of her prosecutors: to inspire fear, uncertainty and doubt into successful businessmen everywhere, and gain political prominence in the process. As the must-read article "Martha Stewart: Political Prisoner" points out,
It is politics, not the pursuit of justice, which is driving this case. Stewart is well-connected politically, but it is to Democrats, who control none of the branches of government at the present time. Her wealth and public persona make her a convenient target of a very political U.S. Department of Justice and of U.S. attorneys who see the example of the Guiliani path to fame and fortune.
I can't say whether Martha broke the law or not: I'm not lawyer, I don't know the facts of the case, and even if I were a lawyer, the SEC regulations are vague enough to mean whatever the government wants them to mean in any particular case. What I do know, is that the insider trading laws are a mockery of justice, and that the witchhunt against Martha Steward is only happening because she and Sam Waksal are successful individuals, and in today's world, success can be a very dangerous thing.
From the very beginning of the Martha Stewart scandal, it was evident that she would be found guilty...the Press and others needed a scapegoat so why not choose a highly successful self-starter who just happens to be a woman? Although never a big fan of hers, I defend her right to do no more or less than the Enron-ites!
Posted by: Sam, the Woman at March 5, 2004 10:19 PMWhere in the world can I sound off to show support for Martha. She is not guilty of anything except being a brilliant woman, and making lots of money, which apparently is against the law in America now. What a tragedy for all of us, we could all be put away if someone wants revenge or jelous of our creativity. If K-Mart stops selling her wares, I will never go into the store again. Also if the magazine drops her name I'll drop my subscription. We are not all narrow minded people, we will support Martha and pray for her and wait for her return into our lives. How do I get the word to the people who need to hear? There are plenty that feel like I do, and someone needs to know that, Lou Robertson
Posted by: at March 9, 2004 01:19 AMWhere in the world can I sound off to show support for Martha. She is not guilty of anything except being a brilliant woman, and making lots of money, which apparently is against the law in America now. What a tragedy for all of us, we could all be put away if someone wants revenge or jelous of our creativity. If K-Mart stops selling her wares, I will never go into the store again. Also if the magazine drops her name I'll drop my subscription. We are not all narrow minded people, we will support Martha and pray for her and wait for her return into our lives. How do I get the word to the people who need to hear? There are plenty that feel like I do, and someone needs to know that, Lou Robertson
Posted by: Lou Robertson at March 9, 2004 01:21 AMI have been quiet on this whole issue so far, silently watching what is being done to Martha Stewart! I think that the government may be overstepping their bounds just a bit!! Tell me what person, after their friend tells them their stock has fallen harshly, would not immediately sell? I do believe that the government is being very unjust with her! When did this turn into a puritanical society? You can go to jail for a lie? Someone once said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!" So far, I don't see anyone who would be able to pick up the first one! People love to put people on a pedestal, just so that they can knock them off of it. I just feel that if the government would put Martha Stewart in jail, no one is safe! And you know, I heard that Betty Crocker stole some of her recipes!! Wouldn't she be the perfect person to go after next!! I am so amazed that in this society today, that people actually hate a person when they think that they are a little hard on the hired help. Just like Leona Helmsly!! I tell you that all of those people who judged her on that count, treat their waitresses like s--t, and then don't even tip them. I know that if I am paying someone a huge salary to be my assistant, I expect them to earn it!! I guess that that is all that I have to say! Tootie1L
Posted by: Tootie1L at July 16, 2004 12:24 PMOh, I wanted to add one thing, just as an afterthought!!
I don't know who it is that keeps voting that the jails have no tv's, and that our inmates eat just barely enough to produce a bowel movement, but I would really like to meet them!! I have never met even ONE person who EVER voted in this way! I think that the county government make the rules up as they go!! I would like to remind these people who DID vote in this way, that it will be their grandchildren in those jails!! It will be Their children who are taking the abuse from the co's and "black shirts"! Do you want "them" to treat your child in that way? Think about it!! They run almost unchecked!! And after seeing what they did to Martha Stewart, it may be YOU, or YOUR MOTHER!! People need to wake up!! You are surrounded and don't even know it!! They just haven't closed the dragnet around you yet!! But with all of the laws, and divisions of laws, they will get you in the end, just like Martha! No one is perfect!! You look at the people "in charge", and think to yourself, "Man, is he a jerk"! Well, I tell you that the "jerk's" are in charge, and we are just sitting back, letting them do what ever they will, because we don't play the political game!! Speak out, and be investigated!! The government just has their hands in too many pots!! And, Did they take "we the people" out of the constitution? Just wondering out loud. Probably incoherantly, so I'll stop now. Just wish they would! Tootie1L
Posted by: Tootie1L at July 16, 2004 12:39 PM