www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Martha Stewart

Dear Friends,

I'm fascinated by the impact that Martha Kozyra Stewart has on our North American culture.

I think she became successful because so many could identify themselves with her and her "homespun" values.

What do you think?

And do you think she is being unjustly prosecuted for reasons other than those laid out in the indictment against her?

Alex

Well Alex,

It has hit both newspapers and radio over here believe it or not .......

It actually displaced the Blair-- did he or did he not tell us the truth - one day

From what I have heard I think there is a lot more to emerge - whether it will be good or bad who knows.

Anhelyna

Well, Martha is a bit more sophisticated then "homespun" She certainly is not a character from a Laura Ingalls Wilder book

She just got a bit greedy but nothing like the outrages of the men from Enron etc.

BTW, my sister is organizing a "Free Martha Stewart" campaign!!!!

SLAVA ISUSU CHRISTU!

Hi Alex!

I will admit that I do have 2 of Martha's TV show's on videotape.

The one has Lubov from the Ukrainian museum in New York baking Paska for Paska. I learned a lot from that show!!!

The other has a little old Ukrainian lady making pysanky. She had some of the most unusal patterns. She was from somewhere in Canada but I can't remember her name. She also shared her recipe for HRIN too!

She made a contribution in my life....

Blessings!

marko

Dear Marko,

Yes, I actually spoke with Martha when she was in Toronto for a fair and she seemed to be very conversant with Eastern European traditions and said she'd bring more of these forward in future shows.

I personally don't see what all the fuss is about, other than your federal people have their noses out of joint because they allege Martha tried to cover up her tracks etc. rather than come clean.

That, if proven, would definitely not be "a good thing" for her reputation and company.

I do believe that her popularity comes from her presentation of herself on her show in a way that allows many to see themselves in her.

Rock groups' songs are a lot like that, and famous actors have become great for portraying "average folks" too.

I think, too, that her shows on multicultural Christmas celebrations and Easter do portray ways of at least expressing Christian faith by way of the festive table.

And there's nothing wrong with that, whatever her personal lifestyle (I don't think she'll ever invite me to Turkey Hill for supper and a take-home jar of her special rhubarb-raspberry marmalade).

She keeps bees and I can related to that (a "stinging indictment?")

I love her pet shows.

Martha, we love you!

You should have the Administrator on the show making perogies and cabbage rolls!

There's more than one way to conduct Byzantine Outreach!!

Alex

Dear All:

Perhaps I am stating the obvious, but it is worth remembering, IMHO, that criminal prosecutors in in the 'States are politicians.

As Jack Nicholson's character says in A Few Good Men: "you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall."

Simply said, these guys are (sadly) not driven by the truth or justice, they are driven by ambition and a desire to get appointed to the Federal Bench. (Yet another reason why I don't do criminal work).

The easiest way to do this is do bring a high-profile indictment.

This is part of the reason why one saw the Feds go after and take down Arthur Andersen but left the individuals at Enron alone. Arthur was a recognizable name. The officers of Enron were not.

In Martha's case, she herself is the empire - the face of her company is, well, her own face. Taking down Martha will be a big score for the lawyer who takes her down as far as putting some political points on the board.

In short, I think the word I am looking for is "grandstanding."

Yours,

kl

I hate to rock this anti-government band wagon and all, but there is one thing to remember.

If she would not have done the wrong thing, then they wouldn't be able to "grandstand".

Just because they do not go after some people does not mean it is ok to do things that are against the law.

Happens everyday when someone gets a speeding ticket. Can't tell me that there are many many many others out there speeding and not getting tickets.

Seems like this is boarding on saying that Life isn't fair..... but then no one ever said it was.

Its time some people act like grown ups and make the bed that they have laid in.


David

David

I heard somewhere that this billionaire Suzie Homemaker was Catholic. Can anyone verify that?

Logos Teen

Dear Teen Logo,

She's of Polish background and that would certainly make her a baptized Catholic.

She celebrates the holidays with her mother and other Catholic friends.

What's the matter - you mean you never watch Martha Stewart on TV?

How are your cooking and gardening skills?

Alex

Dear David David,

Certainly, they have to prove she did wrong first.

Aren't you still innocent until proven guilty in the U.S.? Has something changed that we up here haven't heard about yet? Did you bring in some more amendments to your "Patriot Act?"

You could learn a thing or two from her cooking and gardening segments, you know.

Those are skills that come in handy for any future monastic - or husband.

Alex

Dear David:

You over-state my position when you say that it is anti-government. My position is better described as anti-unfairness in the presecution of crimes.

The point is, if we had the resourses to hire enough investigators and enough lawyers to prosecute every crime - fine, no problem.

But we don't. The fact of the matter is that the federal prosecutor going after Martha will gain much more politically from this $50K case than any other $50K case (that would have been plea bargained to a fine and done in a day).

"Throw the book" at the high-profile target. The run-of-the-mill case, give him a slap on the wrist and let him go. That's what seems to be going on here. That's what went on with Arthur Andersen. That's what goes on day in and day out in every state-level county prosecutor's office.

Finally, yes - Martha may have made her bed and the law is the law. But I cannot agree with a rush to punishment attitude. I guess its just my Constantinopilian notion of a kind and forgiving God leading me on here.

Yours,

kl

Yes, we are innocent until proven guilty. But no one is prosecuted unless there is at least a hint of something wrong.

She may well be not guilty. As you will notice, no one is ever found innocent in our court system (except once I heard of a judge that stated the accused was innocent after a trial) they are found not guilty.

As for the "Patriot Act", I do not see anything wrong here as I believe it is the duty of every American to point out things that do not seem right.

I have done so in the past myself.

Yes those skills are handy for everyone!


David

Dear David,

I too am "not guilty."

Claims to innocence are another matter . . .

Alex

Dear All:

I'm sure Martha didn't expect a sort of Spanish Inquisition.

[Diminished seventh Chord]

Michael Palin (dressed in Red): NOBODY EXPECTS THE SPANISH INQUISITION!!!!


,

kl

Dear KL,

Yes, indeed!

For Martha, "torture" is having to keep being associated with K-Mart!

Alex