Save Martha! For Martha Stewart fans

Dear Save Martha Editor:

I was one of the Martha fans featured in an article by Elinor Brecher of the Miami Herald on Friday, March 12, 2004. It was "Blue Light Special - Fans call for Martha Stewart day", and I was happy to talk to her about Martha. I got a laugh when she called the Wednesday before (I had been sleeping), and she said, "Get up! What would Martha think who only sleeps four hours a night!" Anyway, when I asked her where she got my name, she said she had contacted SAVEMARTHA.com for a list of fans in south Florida and mine was one that came up, so thanks SAVEMARTHA!

Friday, she called again to ask if I'd seen the article, which I had not as yet and she wondered if it would be okay to give Jimmy Kimmel's people my home phone number. I said fine and before I could leave the house to buy the paper, Tara from Jimmy Kimmel's office called. They wanted me to come to Hollywood with other fans to guest on his show. Then they called back and said they might rather have a camera crew come to my house if that would be okay. (I'm thinking, oh sure. Then everyone in the world can see all my Martha tapes all over the floor because the door racks are filled, and my magazines in trunks because the bookshelf might collapse. But they might appreciate the lamp I bought from Martha's Catalog, which I named "Martha". It's hooked up to turn on and off by remote so whenever we leave the house at night, I ask my sister if she turned Martha on!

I'm not going to hold my breath over the Jimmy Kimmel gig but I wanted to mention it anyway just to point out that one never know what's going to happen when you're a Martha Stewart fan! For starters, take the verdict that wasn't right. I know where I'd like to put it! But now, thanks to you, SAVEMARTHA, and especially John Small, we can all sign a petition in hopes of a presidential pardon. I'm doing all I can and my next step is to write Judge Miriam Cedarbaum. She might even recognize my name since I sent a Marthabymail card to Martha in court one day in care of Judge Miriam Cedarbaum. I hope she gave it to her!

Thanks for all you do and I'm doing what I can at this end, which is mostly writing letters to local stations and to KMart. Keep up the good work!

Patricia (Pat) Castro

I feel so strongly about this.
I just want someone to know.
*****************************************

I don't like to cook.
I hate to shop.
I never watched Martha Stewart.
I'm a school teacher so I cannot relate to having wealth.
Whether or not she was a nice person
is an irrelevancy in my life.

BUT! This massacre of her character and her behavior over
an investment of a piddly amount of money which did not deprive her stockholders
cannot be right when billions of dollars have been embezzled by other corporate heads.
If I had the power, Stewart would never have been indicted.
I hope she gets out of this mess, and although I will never watch her
show or buy her products (because I never have) I am rooting for her.
And my future political support will largely be aimed against those
who did this to Martha Stewart.

Elaine S. Wiener

Dear Attorney General,

I hope you are feeling better and on the way to full recovery.

It's time to get America back on track. We have made some serious mistakes that cause citizens to, for the first time, not feel proud of being American. Let's get back to real honesty.

Honestly, do you really believe that the United States of America had to go after a U.S. business woman for lying to the prosecutors about something that they did not have enough evidence to prosecute her for ??? At what point do you make the decision that it is not worth spending hard earned taxpayers dollars to prosecute for something that should not be prosecuted??

Martha Stewart does not deserve jail time. Apologize to her and get her back to cooking and gardening. Put her back in the kitchen -- that's where most men think a woman belongs. She goes and does it and you are still not happy.

Stop wasting time and money.

R. Stronski

Dear Mr. Small and staff:

I have been watching your site for a while and am equally disappointed
about the verdict. I am copying Ms. Stewart herself on this letter. If
nothing else, I would like her to know what I did. . .I'm trying.

Since we don't have K-Mart here in the Houston area anymore, I visited
one on a recent trip to New Orleans. Unfortunately, I should have bought
more, because the apothecary jars I really like are not available on the
website. (I purchased an oil mister and the 20-ounce apothecary jar.
Wish I'd bought more of them, a couple of sets--DUH.) However, I've
discovered that there is a Big K-Mart in Lufkin, about 3 hours away; I
hope to make a trip very soon, but probably not on Saturday. I have also
written to K-Mart and received a fairly canned reply. This is what I
received:
_____________________________________
Amy,

Thank you for writing Kmart.

TROY, MICHIGAN, MARCH 5, 2004 - Kmart was saddened to hear that Martha
Stewart was found guilty today in US Federal Court.

We have no further comment at this time.

Should you have further inquiries, please feel free to contact us at
www.kmart.com.

Daniela
Customer Service Network
For best service, please include this message with your reply.
___________________________________________

In light of the cancellation of the show by CBS and Viacom stations, I
wrote the CBS affiliate in Houston today. They are considering putting
someone else in Martha's time slot, and was quoted in the Houston
Chronicle as such. I wrote them a letter, and developed a slightly
different one for the NY Times, the Houston Chronicle, and the New
Orleans Times-Picayune. Let's see what they do with it. This is what I
sent to the papers:
_________________________________________

Good morning:

I felt like I had to write in defense of Martha Stewart. My friends and
relatives, particularly my Dad, do not understand why I'm such a devotee.
Let me explain. . .

Because of Martha Stewart:

I was able to tell someone how to get ink out of his shirt yesterday
(rubbing alcohol.)

I can do (and have done) simple plumbing repairs when I lived in an
apartment building with a mostly absent maintenance man. It was at that
point that I subscribed, in 1996, and have ever since. I also have that
issue, and keep every one of them as valuable reference materials. I
refer back to them when needed. I have since learned to do a lot more
than that from the magazine since subscribing.

When sending out wedding invitations to my Martha-esque wedding in 1996,
I sent one to "Martha Stewart, Westport, Connecticut." That response
card was the first one returned, complete with her signature informing me
that she would not be able to attend. I have it framed.

I cook much better than I did before. My aunt still talks about the apple
cake I made many years ago from the magazine using homemade applesauce.
Nothing like it. Since going low-carb, I can enjoy a lot more of those
recipes in my collection of her books. So do people I cook for, including
my boyfriend, relatives and friends.

I have been introduced to other fine authors, particularly the Barefoot
Contessa series by Ina Garten. Today I enjoy Brussels sprouts because I
found the best way to eat them in Ina Garten's books--roasted. I have
also read (and purchased) books on Martha's recommendation, such as "Home
Comforts" by Cheryl Mendelson and "The Orchid Thief" by Susan Orlean. I
also would like to read at some point "Fat Land" by Greg Critser. These
authors, as well as many others, have been on Martha's show.

I have more ideas and plans for gifts suitable for all occasions than I
ever had before, and I can give useful gifts that are either consumable
or have lasting use and vale value rather than something that collects
dust in the home of the recipient.

I can go to www.marthastewart.com first and research what I'm looking
for; if I don't find it there, then I do a Google Search. Martha's web
site is a huge database of recipes and ideas that are found nowhere else.

Martha brings in experts on many subjects, as well as taking viewers on
short field trips all over the world.

I employ many of the "Good Things" in the magazine and books in my home
and have for many years. When I lived in Houston my apartment was a
testament to "good things" and organizing ideas that have appeared in
books and magazines. I am awaiting the publication of the newest
collection of "Good Things" entitled "Simple Home Solutions."

These are just some of the reasons I am asking to keep the faith about
Martha. Despite the conviction, Martha's books, recipes, and everything
else, is still very good--and that's how she got to be the well-known
public figure she is today. Love her or hate her, her recipes, advice,
and projects are the best available. That's why I have been collecting
her books for quite some time.

Thank you for listening.
___________________________

I wanted to let you know what I'm doing. I don't know if it will help,
but I've thrown my hat into the ring. I will keep checking your website
for updates. I'm sure the rest of the media will continue to let us all
know, too.

Regards,

Amy O'Donnell

To: info@ap.org

Subject: Bad Press

For what is worth: I deeply resent your slant on the Martha Stewart debacle that I viewed via AOL. To suggest (experts state) that her company is in ruin is simply disgusting press. She got caught up in protecting her assets. Big Deal! She didn't maliciously conceive to steal millions and harm innocents. I pride myself in reading between the lines, and I guess I represent the minority. Number one: this case should never gone to court. Number two: The only reason she was deemed guilty was that they caught her in a what my Mother used to refer as a "white lie." Give me a break -- moreover, give Martha a break. This is definitely a case where the justice department decided they had a a woman -- a self made billionaire at one point -- backed into a corner, and like the wolves that they are -- they attacked!

Bottom line: The crime simply does not justify the punishment. I am referring to a prison term and the hanging by the media.

I hope Martha presses for better representation so that she can beat this fixed trap with both the justice department and media sources -- such as yourselves. You guys have lost a lot of respect in my book, and ought to be hanging your heads in a bucket of shame.

Pam Williams

I am a Fairfield, CT public relations counselor and columnist and a neighbor,by town, of Martha Stewart's. I have never met her or seen her around Fairfield, although friends have mentioned that they've seen her occasionally in local restaurants.

That aside, my wife and I have enjoyed watching her shows, gathering recipes and learning more about how to make our house more into a home. She's given us more information than I could have ever received from the myriad of books and she has the gift of being the diva of the home.

I wish Martha Stewart no ill will. She made mistakes and with the dignity she is already displaying, she will get through the punishment for those mistakes. But more importantly, from my professional perspective, I believe that Martha Stewart, the brand, will survive and will probably thrive, because there is enough knowledge capital and commitment among Martha's loyal associates to make it survive. Dropping the name won't have a positive impact, because it is the name that's associated with successful interior design, cooking and homemaking. Helmsley did just fine for the 2 years Leona--dubbed Queen of Mean--was making beds in her prison cell. The properties were never empty and remain among the classic hotels in New York. I believe the same will happen if Martha has to go away for awhile. I can't save Martha the person, but I'm certainly happy to walk K-Mart and save the brand.

Steve Gaynes

Dear Martha,

I have a little Granddaughter named Amanda, age seven, who loves your show and loves to do crafts. Amanda had the flu a couple months ago and was very sick (not her usual energetic self), all she wanted to do was lay on the sofa. I went up to spend the day with her, we turned on the TV around 9:00 AM (time for your show, at that time) and in her weak little voice she ask, "Is it time for Martha Stewart yet?"

I thought you might enjoy this Martha Story.

In my opinion, you and your show have elevated the job of Housewife/Mother. Thank you!

May God be with you.

Carolyn

I just want to say that it was a sad day in America, the day Martha was convicted of nothing,absolutely nothing more than doing only what any smart and intelligent person would do. I would have done the same thing and so would you. She paid for the services that fed her information such as " Sell that stock it is going to drop " How many agents have told there clients to sel ,based on information that they are being paid to obtain? My wife and I will sign up for any petition to save martha.

Yours truly,

John G. Cleanthes and Carol Deorka

How can a person be convicted of lying about a crime that she did not commit because it is not a crime to sell your stock. She should never have been questioned to begin with. I can not believe that so many responsible people do not recognize the fact that this episode is incredibly ubfair. I do not like Martha Stewart but as someone said lets not worry about getting Martha off the streets be more concerned about getting federal agents off the streets. If Martha is convicted she will pay the most severe penalty for the smallest of crimes if it even was a crime. This has happened since the gestapos were roaming around europe during the Nazi regime. What is this all about? I know federal agents are dedicated and brave. Why is Marha such a target. She committed no crime. Why is there no one putting a stop to this charade?

Chris

I want to go on record as saying I bt Krafelieve her case has been to make an
example of her, and the punishment does not fit the crime. She is no
felon! I will continue to buy and support all lines of Martha Stewart
products. Let's hope she is no imprisoned.

Pat

Martha I never really knew much about you until this trial. I think you're the governments scapegoat. They figured you to be easy prey, and they pounced on it. Personally I don't see that you did anything wrong. I think what you need is a new defense lawyer. Well all is said and done. But I am praying everyday for you. I'm praying that the judge will be as leaniant as possible. The press has made you out to be a criminal, I don't agree. I thank you for the opportunities to express my thoughts. From now on I'm buying Martha Stewart products. Thank You!

Janice

Your petition is a great idea, however, I believe you have missed a
very important point. We live in a male dominant world and most men are
not only intimidated by a strong woman but are fearfull of her. If a
man had been suspect of the same acts that Martha had been accused, he
would have been slapped on the wrist and the whole thing would have gone
away quietly. Martha being a strong woman-intelligent, resourcefull,
clever, and strong had to be made an example of to the nation so no
other worman would climb out of the box that men have put them in thus
the boat would not be rocked again. I agree with the petition but feel
it does not state the facts totally and truthfully; she , Martha,
doesn't need to be pardon, she needs to be exonerated of all charges
just as a man would have been. Perhaps her attornies missed the most
important defense and the case should go back for another round with
Martha taking the stand in her own defense. Of course, this would not
have happened had it been a man.

Sincerely,
Janet Johnson

This administration has made a big mistake: going after Martha. They probably loved it that she is a Democrat. BUT ~~~~funny thing! A lot (or maybe most) of Martha's "constituency" are Republican women. And, sorry, but though I've been a Republican all my voting life I couldn't possibly vote for an administration that allows and fosters the type of flimsy prosecution evidenced in the Stewart trial. Makes me think of some of those old Existentialist novels where the accused don't even know what they're being accused of.
~~~anyway~~~I can assure those in this administration that they will not have this 73 year old grandma's vote this year.

Sincerly, Patricia B.

Dear editor of save martha,

You are performing a valuable service. Targeting Martha Stewart is hypocritical and mean when the pirates of Enron and others are still walking around with reputations and lifestyles intact. Martha sold shares when she thought they were losing value, something "insiders" (and who doesn't work on "hot tips") do everyday. Martha Stewart has created thousands of jobs, contributed to the American culture and paid a very high price for the thriving company she has created. Although the government's action may be legal, there seems to be something fundamentally unfair about what is happening to her.

I'm sick of idiot station people dropping her TV show, people talking of her magazine not selling or her products not being purchased. Please.( Is it: " Martha has undermined the fat cats on Wall Street so I refuse to buy her magazine, try another one of her recipies or sample any one of her well made products! I really feel this is helping the government in its case against corporate corruption and building trust with all the wealthy investors who add so much to our daily lives, especially we who labor in the home and with children.

Refusing to carry Martha Stewart Living on the local station and refusing to anger anyone who may be scandalized by her outrageous actions is really the moral thing to do.") This is so totally ridiculous, unfair and hypocritical that I begin to think some people are out to get Martha and they have used her mistake as an excuse to do it. I am angry beyond words at the spinelessness and stupidity of TV stations and all who think they are contributing to the moral fiber of America by being mean to Martha Stewart. Let's save Martha not only for Martha but also for the rest of us. Her work is valuable to society and she should be respected for that work, even if her judgment was faulty in one case. Thank you for your own work.

Sincerely,

Darlene Hillenbrand

I think Martha Stewart has been used! I am a fan of Martha. I like to watch her TV shows and subscribe to her magazine. I love her spotlight recipe in each magazine. I try almost all of them. If she had been a man, she would be free today. Who would not sell stock if they knew it was going down in price???? That is the name of the game--we all try to exist and make money.

If the company changes the name and magazine, it will not be the same. We need Martha Stewart. I am happy with KMart standing behind her line of products.

Sylvia Watkins

I feel that Martha has done no wrong, there are too many out there that have done far worse, she is a very smart and intelligent woman who has built up her own empire, and I feel she is too smart to do anything that would cause her to lose it for something this dumb, I and my husband like her show it is full of information and she does it GREAT. No one can take her place, no snob Hilton, big fake, this is a self made woman Martha is and she deserves the FULL backing of the network, and not dumped, she is going to come out of this a WINNER because she is one, MY HUSBAND AND I ALSO LIKE THE RESPECT SHE SHOWS HER MOTHER AND HER GUEST ON HER SHOW. SO GET HER BACK ON.

HELEN M. MAZURKIEWICZ

I cannot believe the rhetoric that has been flying around about Martha Stewart. She has been nothing more than a scapegoat for those who envy self made women. I have no hard feelings against a woman who strives to build an empire and at the same time offers millions of homeowners the chance to create simplistic elegance in their homes. I live vicariously through her publications and television shows. I feel that she has developed a presentation style that talks to all of us. If the govt wants to make an example of someone, how about those individuals who have dessimated the lives of hard working people by stealing their pension funds and savings plans! Give it up and give Martha back her life!
Fran
Jackson, NJ

I am so upset by the verdict for Martha. This woman may have made millions, but she has worked very hard to get where she is today. I cannot understand why the government has taken such a hard stand on her case when we have so many homeless in our cities, so many unemployed Americans, so many dying because they can't afford medical expenses, so much fighting and crime in our streets. Why prison? Why not house arrest where she can still be productive?

Martha's vision has allowed the everyday housewife to visit far off places she may never afford to see for herself. It brought elegance and beauty to homes, as well as, helpful tips on gardening, cooking, decorating and we met people from all walks of life who shared their crafts, their collections, their knowledge with women they will never know by name. Martha was that friend every woman wishes she had and for one hour everyday I was able to share that friendship with a woman I will always admire. I pray for this terrible injustice to be over-turned. Martha has made this world a better place for us all and I think we owe her our love and support. dgioe

Dear Martha,

First, let me give you my full support. You did what anyone of us would do. A quick call on the way to a well deserved Holiday. You sold shares on information that should not have been given to you.

Now that the trial is over, give your real pubic what they want. Tell everyone how sorry you are and you will rebuild your life when the time is right. History shows, that is all the public wants. Go on TV with Walters and show remorse. I promise you, you will survive and be larger than ever. Do as those before you have done. Let us see your kind and humane side. You can't go back and as a fighter you can correct your mistakes. Clinton did it and many others.

Concerned

Dr. Lawrence D. Lazarus

I have been listening to many media news accounts referring to Martha's dilemma. Personally, I would be more in favor of her surrounding her identity at this moment -- with her talents -- so, she should strive to keep control. It might mean she should give some serious consideration to backtracking to keep the company privately controlled. I know she can eventually rise above this bad press and regain positive gains. I am totally committed to do whatever I can to help her. I have followed all the suggestions to this arena with Save Martha -- please email me if there is more I can do. And, please give her a big hug from me...she is truly to be admired.

Sincerely,

Pam Williams
Portland, Oregon

I for one am going to write a letter to Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum, asking her to turn down the jury verdict and find Martha Stewart innocent on all charges. I would think if a letter was written and put on this website, that all one had to do was to add the signature, and then at some point a copy of every letter was copy and brought to the Judges' Chambers,it might make a statement favorable to Martha. I also feel on your petition letter form at the bottom should be a "forward" prompt so we can forward the letter to all our friends and family to sign, thus greating a larger pool of names faster!

Roxanne Tidemann

Thank you for setting this site up…I am an avid fan of Martha's and have been for many years, and plan to continue supporting her. Martha is NOT a criminal. She is a business woman who has put herself "out there" as a representation of her products. She has personalized her very public business by sharing herself and her family. That takes a lot of courage. She has created a dynamic business by using her mind, her insight and her talents. I admire Martha Stewart….I watch her TV shows, subscribe and read from cover to cover her magazine and purchase many of her products. Our Kmart store has changed its whole look because of Martha Stewart's products. Our store has 'upgraded' to match the integrity of Martha's products. She has always produced the best products at reasonable prices.

This whole affair is unbelievable…I never would have believed or even imagined it would be carried out to this degree. Martha acted out of self preservation. She is NOT a criminal and does NOT belong in prison. Her act of deciding what to do with her shares of stocks affected Martha Stewart's future. Enron's decision and way of conducting business was done without integrity. Their decisions wronged many, many lives. Martha had the courage to BE Martha Stewart Living. That in itself portrays her character. When I heard the verdict, I was sickened to believe that Martha was reduced to that. Our president lied about the facts of going to WAR, deceived the senate and congress into voting for it, disregarded the United Nation…and he is free AND he is running for re-election!!!!! Something is definitely wrong with this picture!

Martha, please know I believe in you, I admire you, will continue to support you, pray for you and know that you are a woman of high integrity, value honesty and have a decent sense of marketing and business. Thank you for your courage, your belief in yourself and your strength. I will continue to enthusiastically read your magazine and purchase your products.

Respectfully,

Dianne S. Terrasi

I have followed Martha since her beginning and I know she is one of the most talented, honest, loyal, and for interpreter rights and respected than anyone I know. If she were a Black Martha Stewart this would not be happening! Yes, I'm from the South and proud of it. I'm sick and tired of our money being wasted on frivolous cases, when we have hunger, unemployment, and crime in this country and the lawyers or the judicial system is saying we're making an example of what happens when you break the law- You know murderers don't get this much publicity and they usually get off for mistrials, and never serve time. What has become of our American Justice! Shame on you. Martha has done far more good for America people than those Enron or WorldCom who now are probably will buy their way to freedom. Those are the ones who did day in and day out harm to the citizens of America. We all make mistakes and regret them. Martha never was outright evil or greedy in her actions as these LARGE Corporation where.

Martha gave all mothers and I speak as a working mother that I can still have a lovely home and do good things for my family without breaking the Bank- MOST of AMERICA is middle to low income and she was our shining STAR- Don't let her go as just a shooting Star-
She is and always will be that someone who relates to the majority for good and not the minority for mistakes we all have had at some time in our life.
Just a thought: Why does the news media ( and now our judicial system) always want to destroy what little hope we AMERICANS find in people that I can be somebody and make a positive difference in the people we touch?

Just like: Yes Virginia there is a Santa Clause
and Yes Donna there is a Martha Stewart

Your friend always,

Donna K. Wentzell