Dear Editor,
Rachel Sego committed a logical error when she wrote her column 'Martha's a Good Thing.' Defending Martha Stewart against attacks from apparent Martha-haters, she defends Stewart against allegations of insider trading on the stock market. Unfortunately, Sego's arguments are not based on anything legitimate, but on Martha's 'homemaker and entrepreneurial genius' and Polish heritage.
Apparently, Ms. Sego has not learned the lessons of the last year, lessons under which the country is reeling. Large corporations such as Enron, Arthur Anderson and WorldCom have revealed that dishonest accounting practices result in massive cover-ups and huge losses for those kept in the dark, specifically stockholders, employees and regular everyday people like you and me. Unless you haven't noticed, the corruption stemmed from the top, and if I am not mistaken, Martha Stewart is also at the top of her corporation. Such practices are dishonest, hurt our economy and weaken the fabric of society.
Martha Stewart is not exempt from justice. She may have media savvy, some great homemaking ideas and natural business acumen, but Martha's warm and fuzzy image does not exempt her from criticism or the reach of the law. Any person who breaks the law is responsible to the consequences of breaking the law, whether they are the president, chief executive officer or Martha Stewart.
Last, let the lesson of responsibility be learned. No person is beyond the reach of justice. The principles of the American legal system were founded on justice for all, not just those who are not good looking, wealthy or powerful. When we seek to excuse those who are, we only contribute to the detriment of our society and decrease our own commitment to responsibility and justice.
Next time the editors of The Universe publish a column commenting on a public figure, I recommend they are more careful on who they choose to defend and how they do it. Defending someone against corruption charges based on fuzzy characteristics does not strengthen a newspaper's reputability.
Daniel Burton
Olympia, Wash.