Copy of letter to editor SENT TO WHITE HOUSE AND PUBLISHED in Tri City

Herald spring 2004.

Dear President George Bush
or
Dear Editor

Martha Stewart has done more for Americans standard of living than any one person since Roosevelt, Bill Gates not withstanding. Think about it, before her,T.V. dinners were all the rage to give us more free time to do what we wanted, which turned out to be watch T.V., while telling the kids to shut up and get out of the way.

Martha Stewart showed women how to be a real woman again, love it and be proud. Before her, the kitchen and our fine china were used only for special occasions. Now dinner is a special occasion, an event that everyone in the house wants to be involved in. Before her, we were eating at fast food places, in the car, on the way to something important, like the mall. Now we gather an hour before dinner and start talking about how the day went and helping the kids with their schoolwork. The biggest thing we fight about now is who gets to help with dinner.

I for one think the good she has done for this nation outweighs the harm she has done.

George Bush, please pardon Martha Stewart.

Bill Jesernig

Kennewick WA

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I really enjoy your website savemartha.com

I am a volunteer at Books To Prisoners Seattle.

As Martha says in her Xmas letter, there are very few educational opportunities in prison. I think it's great she's speaking out for more opportunities. Meanwhile, we provide an important service to prisoners.

Our website is www.bookstoprisoners.net

Thanks,

Peter Luyckx

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I have been a fan of Martha Stewart for several years. She has taught me to appreciate the new, the old and that's a good thing. I know her team will have Martha jumping in right away to get her life back. But, I would like to make a recommendation, Martha should appear on Saturday Night Live. Get the best writers, and have everyone in America laughing with her. Then, she can leap into building her empire again.

From the Martha Camp of ...Go Get Your Live Back
Carrie Sargeant

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From: Grace Chung
Subject: News reporting
Date: December 8, 2004 9:19:25 PM EST
To: editor.reuters@reuters.com
Cc: editor@savemartha.com

It is abominable that you continue unabated the use of trash language in your reporting on Martha Stewart, describing her lately as "Jailed trendsetter Martha Stewart". This is clearly abusing your 1st Amendment freedom of speech and freedom of the press and it is irresponsible news reporting.

Two reporters are now facing jail time for refusing to comply with the lawful order of a court under the bogus pretext of the 1st Amendment free speech, free press. These reporters, indeed all reporters, are more deserving of jail time than Martha Stewart, who has been immorally incarcerated for political gains and then pummeled by the media, including Reuters.

It is fabulous that these two reporters now face the prospect of jail time and perhaps the female reporter may be lucky to spend time at "Camp Cupcake" where she can be body-searched with a squat and cough and also have the exquisite experience of being groped and fondled by one of the male guards in later pat-down searches. It is just great that more reporters are facing accountability and jail time, and hopefully, Reuter reporters will be at the front lines soon.

Martha Stewart has shown she can handle jail time with poise and grace, so the challenge is for Reuter reporters not to fight jail time as cowards but to self-surrender like Ms. Stewart and emulate her.

You are urged to elevate your reporting to the level of fair and objective reporting on Martha Stewart and cease using negative, derogatory, trash language on her.

Sincerely,

Grace Chung

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I was sitting here at my desk and often Martha Stewart comes to my mind. I pulled up your site and decided to share just a few moments of time about her. It would be like anyone that I don't know....sometimes that really shouldn't matter at all. A part of this life....a big part...is just caring about humanity without any judgment....good, bad or indifferent.

Not unlike all of us......we are born to share this earth and begin to learn the difference of what loving others is all about...Martha may or may not have made a mistake....who in this world doesn't share that commonality. Forgiveness, understanding and compassion....Three incredibly important words our world so needs to put back into their human side. We all pass our judgments....and who are we to take this on...When I think of Martha and all her goodness that she has shared with others, I can only think that when she leaves her temporary home of today, she will leave behind some of that goodness for someone else.

God has his reasons for everything....much of which we never clearly understand in the moment....but along the way, the light will shine and Martha will capture his presence and understand it with clear vision. I wish her the very best each day and know that all will come to pass.

Warmly,

Valerie Foley

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Dear Sir, 

Amen to everything but everything you write in your editorial. Who would have guessed a few years ago that Martha Stewart would become a martyr to the cause of industry, excellence, and even beauty, things I have heretofore taken for granted in this great country? Whether a victim of political chicanery, jealousy, or misdirected enthusiasm for law enforcement as you state, Ms. Stewart, a very private person, is now a very public and potent symbol not only for justice gone wrong but for the misplaced energies of government agencies and for the effects of an apparent backlash against the concept of devoting one's energies to doing something good well.

She is now incarcerated and I am free perhaps only because I lack her ambition, industry, sense of excellence, and her media persona and that is a very disturbing thought, one I have never had to entertain until now.

I basically had no interest in Martha Stewart until all this went down. Now I love her and we watch her show nightly on television and home tapes not just because it is hers but because it is the best thing on the tube. We discuss her case with others, pray for her, and prepare and eat dishes from her books and shows to honor her. I am only sorry I did not appreciate her much earlier. In my almost sixty years I cannot recall being this moved by the plight of an entertainment/media individual or this outraged by the unfortunate consequences of justice turned into punishment and harrassment.
Thank you sir for everything you have done to lead us and keep us informed.
Our thoughts are with her day by day.
Sincerely, Dick O'Connor

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Why is the press so mean spirited and vengeful?  What ever happened to civility?  What ever happened to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you?  What ever happened to  "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" ?  Does it make the media feel good to say hurtful things and make fun at others expense?  Is this what we want to teach our children?  I say think whatever you like but watch what you say or write. 

To say that I am outraged is an understatement.  It seems the media are out to destroy whatever is left of Martha's dignity.  The continued bashing is almost worse than the sentence.  They twist her words to fit their agenda.  When will this nightmare end?  Have they forgotten that she is a human being for Godsake  with feelings that can be hurt just like anyone else?  This is imposed punishment by the media.  It's times like this that I question the morality of this country and freedom of the press.  This is overkill.  What ever happened to common decency.  Will breaking her spirit or seeing her cry in public make them feel better? 

I could go on and on but you get the idea.  I support Martha for now and forever.    

With utmost sincerity, 

Jan Erickson

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Totally unwarranted and unfair. For years from the Savings & Loan debacles of 90's to Enron & Worldcom and look who gets jail time. The one extremely successful woman in the group for a mistake miniscule in proportion to the others. I continue to subscribe to her magazine and purchase her products and none of this will ever change that. Pardon/Free Martha NOW!

Susan De Fortuna

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I'm not shocked but i am appalled that Martha has been used to set an example. She has paid dearly and is expedted to pay even more, yet others involved have gotten a slap on the hand. If a proffessional or anyone is telling me i will lose money if i don't get out of an investment I would have done the same, as would anyone else I'm sure. If I had some extra money, I would invest in her stock because I know she will come back even bigger and better.

Best wishes to martha during these trying times (no pun intended).

wendy rimes

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My husband and I pray that you win your appeal. The justice system has failed you. You do not deserve to spend a day in jail.
Sincerely,
Barbara and Michael Kaye-Caudle

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What the Federal Government has failed to realize is that they have now placed their prison system under the watchful eye of Martha Stuart. I expect her to have some interesting commentary from the inside.

Glenn Emanuel

Dear Martha,
I was so proud of you for having such strength on the barbara walters interview, I will continue to buy your products. You do not deserve to go to jail

danielle coppola

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Everything about this was unfair.. The only reason this happend is because Martha is a successful WOMAN.. and people are very jealous of her. I support her and will go on supporting her and my prayers are with her.

Penny, Rye Brook, New York

I wish the judge would have given Martha community service (although I don't think Martha is guilty of anything)To subject Martha to even one day in jsil is stupid...beyond stupid. I cannot believe they intend to strip search her or worse...it makes me very angry. Also, I hope those of us who really care will inform the federal prison system that if one hair on Martha's head is harmed, if she is roughed up in anyway that we will bring a class action suit against them on behalf of her family and friends.

I am so angry... dr. greta

Martha, you were screwed. I am a retired FBI Agent. In almost 30 years of service, I would guess I was lied to about 75% of the time. It is a Federal Crime to lie to me, do I have the time or the courts to try everyone who lies to me? I don't think so. When you are high profile and the Govt. can't prove the charge they wanted, do they want to be left with egg on their face? I don't think so! They went for you because of who you are, as you know and 99% of the time the Govt. DOES NOT HAVE TIME OR THE SYSTEM to charge everyone who lies!!

You were picked for political and egotistical reasons to persue. Your life has not been wasted for 2 years, consider it experience, what happened was for some reason, as you are not who you were 2 1/2 years ago and possibly that's good. Anyway, forget it - do whatever, laughing all the way as that drives them nuts!

Barry

She went to work at 16, formed a catering service that grew into a billion dollar company with 600 employees. If that's not the "American Dream" I don't know what is. She was targeted from the beginning--a woman, very successful, and a high profile. This is pure and simple a travesty justice. I am saddened for her, and sickened with our justice system, but I will be here when she does "come back." Martha, you're in my prayers as are the other members of your family.

Catherine Wright

Unfair! Martha is being punished for lying about something she was not convicted of. Her personal losses are punishment enough. She provides jobs for hundreds of people and education for thousands more. Not only will her company be afflicted but Kmart needs her products to emerge successfully from their financial problems. The judicial system might better spend their time pursuing the likes of the Enron boys whose impact on their employees has been horrendous!

B.Dow

Dear Martha,

I wanted to send my warmest regards to you in this time of distress. I feel that you are such a powerful inspiration to women worldwide and should have not been made an example of. I actually cried when the sentencing verdict was announced. I have been a devout customer for years, I am also a business owner in Princeton New Jersey. I spread my support to all my clients and continue to keep your magazine in my company Lobby on top(Where you belong)! I loved your statement "I'll be back". Keep your strength and your optismist attitude alive during this trying time and you will remain on TOP!

Best Wishes and you have my Support!

Melissa Tenzer
CareersUSA
Princeton New Jersey

I am disappointed with the sentence. She should not serve jail time.
Happens every day. They used her as a scapegoat. Look at what Ken Lay and his company did to people's retirements. I pray for God to be with you.

Terry

UNFAIR UNFAIR UNFAIR UNFAIR

Why is Martha being singled out??
Inside trading has been going on since day one!! Just what if she isn't guilty? I don't beleive a woman like Martha should go to jail, after all this isn't murder! A stiff fine would be appropreate but certainly not jail, for gods sake this isn't a third world country! IS IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Diane Hamilton

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I think there are much more pressing issues to contend with other than putting someone in jail for lying... after all Clinton lyed and didn't get jail time and other people who don't have a bit of anything to offer to people never go to jail. I think our legal system sucks and have made a very bad choice to send her to jail... with the job situation she would do much better by community service and helping people instead of jail time i think the whole situation stinks..
kate adams

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I believe this whole ordeal has been blown completely out of proportion. I think our government should worry about catching terrorists and villians, instead of trying to put Martha Stewart behind bars. What a waste of time.

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Lee Burt

I have just ordered a Martha Stewart Living magazine for the very first time. My reason for ordering the magazine is not because of what is on the news,lately but because I have always been proud of Martha's accomplishments as a woman and the things she does like cooking or planting are interesting to me. I hope you don't take her name off the magazine as I feel her name deserves to be on the front cover and when my first edition arrives at my home that is the way I want to see it " Matha Stewart Living" not Living.

If Bill Clinton can survive the white house scandal Martha will over come what has happened to her and be even more sucessful than she ever was. In these next five months, she will have time to rest and time to be more creative to come up with new ideas to share with all of us. Do you have an "E" bay web site? I mean sell some of her personal things that she has collected over the years. This could be very sucessful, I would believe.

I have faith that Martha will do just fine and will continue to do all the great things she has done before.

Best Wishes to you Martha,

Barbara waldron