Martha Stewart and her company have had one of the most unbelievably painful weeks imaginable. Now you can help repair the damage. Saturday March 13th is your chance to show the world that Martha Stewart still has our support. Gather your friends and family and go to Kmart. Walk around the store in your Save Martha gear and tell other shoppers why they should buy an item from the Martha Stewart Everyday line. Print out a poster and put it up in your neighborhood or office and help spread the word. Support her media business. Subscribe to Martha's magazines. Help keep her TV show on the air. Write to CBS. Sign the petition to pardon Martha Stewart. Turn lemons into lemonade. Make National Save Martha day a day to remember...Sign up Now! | Kmart Store Locator | Shop Online

Jurors Discuss the Verdict Against Stewart --NY Times Martha Stewart might have benefited from taking the witness stand in her federal criminal trial, one of the 12 jurors who convicted her on Friday of conspiracy, obstruction of justice and false statements said in an interview televised on NBC yesterday. "I would have liked to hear her side of the story," said the juror, Jon Laskin, who was among six interviewed by the network for a segment of "Dateline NBC," which is to be broadcast tonight. Part of the program was shown on the evening news yesterday. Guilty!--NY Daily News Before leaving Manhattan Federal Court, Stewart was asked by the Daily News to comment on the fairness of the trial. "The fairness of the trial?" Stewart replied, her voice cracking and her eyes red. "The unfairness of the trial, that's the right comment." Outside, supporters shouted, "We love you, Martha!" DIVA'S DEFENSE WAS OFFENSIVE --NY Post A juror who helped deliver the verdict that destroyed Martha Stewart's world yesterday branded her heavyweight lawyer "insulting" - and revealed the three words that triggered Martha's spectacular demise. Dana D'Alessandro, a Westchester homemaker who once followed the domestic diva's recipes, said it was Stewart's stunned reply when slipped a secret stock tip that pickled her high-flying career. MAKING PLANS TO REMODEL FREEDOM PLAN --NY Post Back at Turkey Hill, Martha Stewart yesterday surrounded herself with family as she licked her wounds from her shock courtroom mauling - and tried to plan her next move. Stewart's 89-year-old mom, Martha "Big Martha" Kostyra, huddled with her daughter, along with sister Kathy Evans, Martha's daughter, Alexis, and friends Susan Chesnoff and Susan Warburg. The Silence of the CEOs--Reason Stick up for Martha, for your own sakes Michael McMenamin If only Attorney General John Ashcroft could cow Al Qaeda as successfully as he has CEOs of publicly traded companies, the U.S. might be making more progress in the war against terror. How else to explain the silence with which corporate chiefs around the country greeted the chilling criminal indictment of the Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.'s CEO on the charge of professing her innocence of insider trading allegations leaked to the media by anonymous government sources? Is it because Martha Stewart is a woman and most CEOs are not? Not really. There are plenty of high-powered female CEOs of public companies, and nary a peep has been heard from them either. News, etc Closing arguments transcript--MarthaTalks Guilty!--NY Daily News Before leaving Manhattan Federal Court, Stewart was asked by the Daily News to comment on the fairness of the trial. "The fairness of the trial?" Stewart replied, her voice cracking and her eyes red. "The unfairness of the trial, that's the right comment." Outside, supporters shouted, "We love you, Martha!" Guilty--NY Post As her only daughter, Alexis, buckled over in tears, the woman who elbowed her way to the top of the corporate heap from poor beginnings in Nutley, N.J., nonchalantly flicked her hair over her shoulder and stared straight ahead. In Westport, shock greets Martha Stewart verdict --The Advocate In this town where Martha Stewart built an empire out of tasteful living, word on the street about her guilty verdict ranged from shock to uneasy resignation. Upon hearing Stewart had been pronounced guilty an hour earlier on four counts of lying to the government and obstruction of justice after an inside tip led her to dump $228,000 of ImClone stock in 2001, Westport resident Geri Zatcoft looked momentarily stunned. Martha Stewart Keeps Cool Amid Conviction --AP Martha Stewart, known as a perfectionist on etiquette and style, maintained a stoic demeanor throughout her six-week trial - even when she learned she was a convicted felon. But the federal courthouse turned chaotic after the verdict was announced. Scores of journalists - from veteran court reporters to wide-eyed television production assistants - stampeded through a revolving front door and down the stately set of stairs to spread news of the verdict. Martha Stewart Guilty, Faces Prison, Fine--- Reuters Domestic trendsetter Martha Stewart, who built a media empire on tips for gracious living, was found guilty on Friday of lying to investigators over a suspicious stock sale and could face years in jail. Wearing a black pants suit, Stewart stood in the courtroom but showed no emotion as she heard the verdict, which ended a seven week trial. She later said she would appeal. Martha Stewart Guilty of All Counts--MyWay The woman who built a reputation as a steely perfectionist and a ruthless executive walked out of the courthouse stone-faced before being driven away in a sport utility vehicle as supporters shouted, "We love Martha!" She will remain free while she awaits sentencing June 17. Martha Inc.: Beginning of the end? CNN Analysts say Stewart's guilty verdict puts into serious doubt the future of the company she founded. Debatable: Does Martha Stewart deserve a prison term? The Journal Times People in favor of a harsh sentence for Stewart argue, and a jury agreed, that she broke laws that are the foundation of trust in our capitalist system. The average investor can trust in the stock market because all investors - rich or poor - are held to the same standards. Any sense of favoritism based on wealth could undermine the public's faith in the market and shutoff investments needed to help companies prosper. However, Stewart is a special case. Because she is so famous and successful, it's clear some people were simply looking forward to seeing a celebrity fall. A word of sympathy for Martha Stewart--Mercury News Martha avoided losing about $51,000 by dumping her stock before it crashed. From the looks of the allegations, the real corporate bad boys would steal that much before they got out of bed in the morning. And they're not in jail. But Martha is on her way, locked up as a high-profile example to others contemplating corporate crime. For that, I can find a spot of sympathy. Even for Martha.

Its a sad day for Martha Stewart, her family, her company and her fans. We are shocked and saddened by the verdict, guilty on all counts. But this fight is not over. Martha will appeal, and we hope her fans will stand up to the tempest in a cuisinart which has now exploded, causing enormous collateral damage to her company and it's shareholders. Hundreds of jobs are at stake, and Martha's life is on the line for a crime that is rarely prosecuted in this manner.

Martha Stewart was convicted for being Martha Stewart. This trial was death by a thousand paper cuts as her entire lifestyle was put on trial with thousands of phone records, e-mails, expense reports and press clippings. While we respect the jury's verdict, we do not agree with the outcome. How is it that OJ Simpson was found innocent of murder, and Martha Stewart was found guilty of lying about a crime she was not even charged with?

As Martha's attorney Robert Morvillo said today, this is not the end, it's just the first step. We will announce a new five step program that we hope you will use to help us Save Martha. We a have opened a chat room to help people vent their frustrations and come up with constructive ideas to help Martha and her company thorugh this very difficult time. So stay tuned, because it ain't over yet...

Let's all say a prayer for Martha....

John Small

Editor

My Dear Martha:
 
Please forgive the familiarity, but I feel that we are acquainted since I subscribe to your magazine, watch your television programs and admire you very much.  I firmly believe that you are being persecuted because you had the audacity to be a successful, strong, intelligent business woman.  I support you, respect and admire you, and will continue to do so.  I emailed attorney Cuti asking for an address to which I may send a regular letter of support (snail mail, with full formality).  If and when I receive a response, will compose and send it to you.  In the meantime, k eep your chin up. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Mary Hamilton

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My husband and I are very upset and irate about today's guilty verdict for Martha.  Why is she being treated this way when male executives have been doing far worse manipulations (than Martha is being accused of ) for many years without being prosecuted or serving time.
 
How can you think of sending Martha Stewart to jail when others (like OJ) are free?
 
Tell Martha that she is much admired and respected by many fans.
 
Thank you.

Sandra Hannigan

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3/6/2004

To: Dan Abrams
Abrams Report
MSNBC
 
Dear Dan:
 
Blah, blah, blah.
 
You and three attorneys and a law professor can't even agree on what the law is!
 
What the hell chance does the average citizen have in this injustice system.
 
Susan SuMcDougal of Clinton fame said Friday that she was in Federal prison with a mother who answered the phone in her home and her husband told her to say, "He says he will meet you on the corner in ten minutes."
 
The woman was in her own home, with her own children and did not know that her husband was dealing drugs.
 
Sentence: TWENTY YEARS, NO PAROLE in a Federal prison and God knows what happened to her three underage children.
 
Justice?
 
For whom?
 
Federal persecutors with a political mission from the guys that vote on the office budget to "get" some more War on Drugs convictions?
 
Sorry Dan, the only lie in the Martha Stewart case is, "Justice for all."
 
Therefore, the lesson is, don't cooperate with the local, state, or Federal authorities.
 
A sad day for American Justice.
 
Dale Patterson
Orlando FL

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Dear Martha,   My family wants to voice our support for you and hope that your appeal is successful.  We were so saddened & shocked to hear the verdict yesterday.  I am retired and watch your show everyday.  It is a pleasure to watch and is a bright spot in my day.  Many of your tips I have used.  There will be an empty space in the morning for me if they take your show off the air.  Many prayers to you, your family & the savemartha supporters.   
                      Sincerely,
                       Betty Gabriel & family members
                        Ohio.

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Dear Jay Leno,
I don't find you  making jokes about Martha Stewart at all funny. I think you're a sick and twisted individual who has nothing better to do than to joke about other people and downsize them so that you can feel better about yourself! Why don't you try this: make fat and rude jokes about yourself? I'd find that quite funny since you've never had the guts to do this and always picking on other people for the same reasons as you have.
And better yet try this:  Put Martha Stewart on your show and downsize her in front of her face so that she may defend herself. I'd love to see her reaction as many viewers might as well. That'd be late night entertainment right there! Compared to what you're already doing anyway! I respect  you and understand you're doing you're job, but please enough with the ever so sickening Martha Jokes already!
Thank you,
Melissa Nau
Sidney Kentuck y

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A note from Martha Dear Friends: I am obviously distressed by the jury's verdict but I continue to take comfort in knowing that I have the confidence and enduring support of my family and friends. I will appeal the verdict and continue to fight to clear my name. I believe in the fairness of the judicial system and remain confident that I will ultimately prevail. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the words of encouragement I have received from thousands of supporters. It is your continued support that will keep me going until I am completely exonerated. Sincerely, Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart is no Ken Lay or the head of WorldCom, Adelphia, Tyco or any of the other companies who stole people's lives?  The government stole my money yesterday when they did this God awful thing to Martha Stewart.  Yesterday I was a stock holder Today I have nothing.  She did not take that away they did.

If a Juror said that he and the other Jurors felt that she was mocking them by not getting on the stand to me that spells MISTRIAL.. They are told NOT to take that into consideration one way or the other.  Whether she took the stand or not is of no importance according to the law.  If they discussed it then that trial is over. It is a miscarriage of justice. 

Look at the Juror who spoke about it...  You will see that they did form an opinion regarding her NOT taking the stand. That is ILLEGAL.  O.J. is a killer he goes free She does nothing but present beautiful ideas to make a more beautiful life for women and their families.

If someone told me that they knew stock was going to tank and I had a fistful of that stock I would bail.  She did not go to the stockbroker. he told her about it.  She did not want to ruin this young man's life and career. Is that her crime if this is true?  Lies? That is her crime?  Give me a break. That is a new one and to stand there and say that is her crime is a travesty.....

This country is so screwed up it is pathetic.  She is not the problem at all.  Go after the good old boys who sell us out every single day with their back door politics and pork.  She is a criminal?  I don't think so.

Thank you
Carla Sweeney

GOD BLESS YOU MARTHA. You're In my prayers. Stay strong.        

Kathleen

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I do not recall ever purchasing or using any Martha Stewart products, but Iwill try to do so now.  May God strengthen her until this travesty is set right.  

Chan Casey

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Dear Martha
I wish there was so way I could contact you and tell you how sorry I am for your misfortune.
I wish there was a way that I could bear your punishment for you, after all I had surgery recently and I am not doing a thing during my recovery.

Martha you will rise up again better than before with new wisdom painfully bought , imposed humility, by the country you have loved and have done much for.

Do not harden your heart with bitterness, you will overcome, and like me many will pray for you and shed a tear for you.

Sincerely
Tony Iannuzzi

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Today, my friend Lucielle and I are deeply saddened by the unfairly way our Martha Stewart has been treated.We are sick to our stomachs,we have been upset all night.

What do they want from this woman ,how about nailing her to a cross and dragging herthrough the streets of NYC.Would that make everyone happy?

Please, Leave Her Alone.

Maybe, if all the people who dislike her so much, would for once watch her show with an open mind you might just learn something.Maybe, you will learn a new craft, a great dish to make or how about planting a flower.That is what my friend Lucille and I haverecieved from this great woman,we have both developed a great style of color,d esigning, and creating fantastic dishes in the kitchen. We thank you Martha,for your inspiration.

Our prayers are with you and your family.You are the greatest,and don't you forget it.

Sincerely,

Lori A.Shaffer and Lucille A.Chester

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Martha--I just want to say I am just sick about the outcome of your trial.  I will continue reading your magazine and buying your fabulous products. 

I believe you will continue to be strong throughout the rest of this ordeal no matter what the future brings, and that you will make the best of this situation, perhaps even write a book about it.
Thinking of you and wishing you the very best possible in this situation.
Vicki Mercer
Paris, Illinois

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Why has so much been made of a small stock selling by Martha?  People
like Ken Lay and associates have caused untold harm and little has been
done to them.  In fact, I think the Vice President and Haliburton are
much more deserving of judicial investigation.  There are many more
really corrupt individuals that need criminal investigation than Martha
Stewart.

Being successful should not be targeted.


                                        THINK SPRING

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This is about the most unbelievable travesty of justice I have seen in my life. Martha’s trade did not alter the course of this stock in question. It only saved her some money. If one was told to get off a railroad track because a train was coming, would they be guilty of receiving inside information? Or should they stay on the tracks and get hit to avoid prosecution? This I am sure is not a laughing mater to Martha, but I just shake my head every time I see the reports on the news.

 
At the most, I feel Ms. Stuart should receive just community service. I believe she has performed such though, by marketing high quality household items available to the general public at very reasonable prices, thus bettering their life style, this is community service. Case in point: her 7 piece S.S. cookware set @ $49.99 that I bought at Kmart that breaks the $300.00 window at a specialty store.
Now a woman is not allowed to be smart again!

 This type of activity goes on everyday and in a way that it hurts people. I see no harm in selling a bad stock on a tip! Has anybody ever been charged for making money on a tip? Tips fly all day long on the floor of the NYSE AND NASDAQ!

Ms. Stuart teaches both men and women how to cook, sew, and decorate; now she is public enemy #1? This makes me sick!

 Russell N. Kresge,Esq.

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Dear Mr. Small:
    

First, I want to thank you for giving supporters of Martha, like myself, the savemartha website.  Any kind, honest, and even somewhat intelligent individual can understand why the Martha Stewart trial and verdict are a travesty of justice.  Please keep your website going.  It is more helpful now to supporters than ever.  If this injustice is served upon Martha, I know she will be the comeback kid, but she does not deserve this.  Please let us know how we can help.
 
Sincerely,
Maria Murray

Features Now On SaveMartha TV Martha Stewart in court: Is this justice? Martha Stewart's Indictment: the video they didn't want you to see Entertaining: The Book that Started it All, by Andrew Ritchie This is the world of Martha Stewart and Americans had their first glimpse of it in 1982 with the publication of her first book "Entertaining." (Read more) Martha Stewart: A Little Red Riding Hood for the New Millennium

Dear Martha,

Never give up!  Hold strong!  You have helped make homes more homey for
years and we thank you for this.  I support you all the way.  I went to
K-mart and bought 4 big Martha Stewart pillows, and just wanted to let you I
am going to support you by buying your merchandise at K-Mart...God Bless
You.....Alice

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Martha,
 
You just got a big dose of how our federal justice system works!  It's not about justice but wins and losses.  The federal prosecutors went after you with a cluster of charges with the belief that just one would stick....and what is most appauling is that the charges are all about a crime you were never charged with! 
 
America should be outraged by this vedict...especially the juror who basically said this was a victory for the little guy.  His mindset said it all for the entire jury.  Let us not forget O.J. and the biased jury that rode shot over his innocence!.  
Martha...all I can say is that you are better than this and remain strong....you will be bigger than ever....hey..I just subscribed to your magazine and I'm going to K-Mart to load up on some of your products.
 
Your my role model of grace under pressure.
 
Robert Eury/ Key West, Florida

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Dear Martha,
 
I was very upset upon hearing of the court verdict yesterday.  In fact, all the women that I know are extremely angered by the jury's decision.  We love your magazines, especially Everyday Food (my favourite cookbook by far) and would hate to see the end to your amazing ideas and superb recipes.  You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time and hopefully justice will prevail and you will be exonerated.  I can't help think that this whole process has been a witch hunt because you are a SUCCESSFUL WOMAN, especially in the light of Enron and how the high-profiled MEN in that company basically got away scott free.  Please keep your head held high - I will always purchase your magazines and products (even more so now) and I hope your homemaking dynasty grows stronger.  You are my inspiration and I have definitely become a better cook and homemaker as a result of your creative ideas. 
 
God bless and try to sleep well.
 
Karen Mittet, Bellingham, WA

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Dear Martha,
Our prayers are with you. Stay strong! We love you!
Cathy and Baron Whitney
Fountain Valley, California

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Martha,

It is upsetting to me that such fan fare over your demise in court is such big news. You have been an Icon to so many, and now people are so eager to see you fall flat on your face.
It make me sad, more than anything! I pray that you continue to have strength, in all this undue hoopla. You have been a household name during my domestic years, and I solute you for your enduring strength. I believe those who love you will continue to love you, and those who haven't, just won't!
Just remember, this too shall past! I know you will be strengthen in moral and personal virtue in the end. That is a gift in and of itself. You will find peace again. Believe in that, if nothing else. A rainbow await you.

Many Blessings to you in the meantime!

Sincerely,
Susan McCue

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Dear Jay Leno, Dave Letterman, Conan O\'Brien, Craig Kilborn
I am so angry that Martha Stewart has been found guilty, please don't make unkind remarks about her anymore. She is a brilliant business women, someone to look up to and admire. I'm sure if she were a man,(no I'm not a man hater)she would not be sent to jail. Does the public honestly feel she would risk losing her business and enormous fortune for a lousy $60,000?????
Give me a break!!!
I am deeply saddened and scared for her.

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I do not respect the jury's verdict. The jury is not always right.  Case in point, the OJ jury. The juror who said that this was a victory for the little guy is indicative of the calibre of jury selected and their thought processes.
 
How could a jury convict anyone on a charge that was thrown out? A  woman who has worked so hard and so long for her success, has been penalized for that success and for living the American dream.  The fact that she IS a successful WOMEN, I think, also worked against her.  Her lawyer could have addressed that and could have stated that she should not be penalized for her success.

Her case got off to a bad start. She should have had more positive PR. There was much equating of Martha's charges with those of Enron.  How ridiculous. Her side of the story should have been out there, loud and clear. The charges should have been questioned at the outset? There should have been some insight into her charitable work, her involvement in the community or something as basic as her long and hard journey to success. She should have been portrayed as a hard working, persistent, and creative woman who came from humbled beginnings and who was able to find a niche and fill that need. It just didn't happen overnight. I felt her PR was too laid back.  They were reacting rather than leading the story.
  
My heart goes out to Martha and her family.  She is a victim of a witch hunt in the American justice system

Judy A.

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Hang in there Martha we all love you.

From my 82yr.old mother to my 11yr.old daughter.And me the 52yr.single guy who works hard and does not have time for you,but always loves what I see of you.You always look good even on a very bad day.Your my kind of woman I only dream about

Doug Graham

Portland,Oregon

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Exclusive: No more Martha on Canadian TV!

Martha:
You are so admired by me.  You are a employer of many.

Why can't women be supportive of one another.  I hope their is a way of holding your companies together and we are betting you will make it,(don't let the depression get you, get out and be a success.  You are made of tough stuff and have nicked out a business when we say no one wants home-ec stuff.  I wish there was something I could do.
Vka

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Dear Jay, 

I hope I am right in saying I believe you have the courage to invite Mrs. Stewart on your show and I do hope you will extend that courtesy to her...Surely if you use her for the brunt of your jokes, you can offer her the courtesy of inviting her on your show and let her do the talking.
 
I do enjoy your show tremendously and look forward to hearing your announcement that Martha Stewart will be on your show soon.
 
Sincerely,
 
Mrs. Dora Barnhill

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I am sure everyone is saddened by the news. Here is an idea on how we might be able to help Martha. Let's organize a nation-wide Cookie-Baking Drive for the Homeless using a Martha Stewart recipe. We will coordinate this over many cities and towns nationwide on a particular Sunday in the next few weeks. This will achieve 2 goals:
1) We are contributing to social good using something that we have learned from Martha.
2) This might generate some media coverage and we might get a voice in expressing our opinion on this case. From what I have read from the news, one of the jurors voted against Martha with the notion that this will level the playing field for small investors. This is a highly biased view - where are the outcomes of Enron, WorldCom and Investment Banks trials? They directly or indirectly contributed to billions of losses for the public.
 
Imagine everyday without a Martha Stewart show! We have to work together and make this happen. Could the organizers of this website Pick A Date, Champion This Event and Lead Our Cause.

Ella Brown

Please accept my sincere regret, sadness and outrage with the vendetta waged against Martha Stewart by the U. S. Attorney’s Office.  I am a life-time Republican and so ashamed that this action was taken against Martha under a Republican Administration.  I pray that the conviction is reversed and that all the prosecutors that did this to Martha are democrats and not Republicans.

I have not seen or heard of any evidence that she lied about anything.  I have not seen or heard anything specific reported about what the false statements were and even when the legal consultants and journalists covering the trial are asked specifically what she lied about, they dodge the question.  Not one person that sat through the whole trial who is then interviewed by CNN will state what the statements were that are allegedly false.  I heard one report that at one interview Martha said she sold the stock as a tax loss.  I heard another report that she sold the stock as it approached or reached $60 a share.

 
Why would this be considered lying or giving false statements?  There would be many reasons for a decision to buy or sell any asset whether it is stock, bonds, real estate etc.  People just bought millions of dollars of stock speculating on a jury verdict.  People just sold millions of dollars of stock as a result of a jury verdict.  These same people if questioned by the SEC may have many reasons they sold the stock such as:

a) Tax loss

b) Need my money

c) Tired of tracking it

d) Dropped below my sell price

e) Spoke with my broker and he thinks Martha will be guilty

f) My friends are selling their stock

g) My broker thinks I should sell at or near the sell rate

h) Price is dropping rapidly

i) Price is rising

i) Someone put a microphone in the jury room and I heard the jury is going to judge her guilty

j) Broker spoke with jury consultants and Martha is going to be nailed

k) Want to buy a house

l) Want to buy oil stocks

m) All of the above


 I believe Martha’s attorney did not take this case seriously enough.  His closing remarks about smart people not doing dumb things, or something like that, was not a good summation of this case.  He needed to be more specific about the many reasons people sell stocks.  In addition, people sell stocks anticipating one outcome such as a tax loss when at the time of sale or the actual price of sale perhaps it did not result in the loss you anticipated.  It would depend on the specific purchase price and a variety of issues that may not be clear until tax time.

 Hopefully the strength of Martha’s attorney is in the appeal process—the next round.

 My whole family is just sick about this whole matter.

 We love Martha; her accomplishments; the way she lives her life; and we want her back into society immediately applying her unique talents to making our world better.

Nothing was accomplished today by the Justice Department---not one thing.

 In fact, harm was caused.  Given what has happened to Martha, every CEO or officer of a company has clear cause never to cooperate with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the FBI or the Justice Department—and now no one will think less of them for refusing.


 This is a very sad day for America, her company, its employees, and its customers.

 

Judy Southard

Wilson, North Carolina

(More reader mail)

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