While the United States Armed Forces (private mercenaries) are in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Philippines and west Africa defending “all freedom-loving people everywhere in the world,” the Federal court for the southern district of new york hands down United states v. Stewart : judge Miriam G. Cedarbaum sentences Martha H. Stewart, a pop television personality, to five months in prison, five months’ house arrest, two years’ probation, and a 30,000 “dollar” fine, for free-market (illegal) stock transactions.

       NOTE: It is impossible, nor should it be desirable, for the government to ensure a level playing field.

       [restored 12/24/2023]

       Martha was convicted because of her arrogance.  She had been a stockbroker and knew that she was at the edge of the statutes and did it anyway, then she tried to lie about it and fell into the prosecutor’s trap.  I don’t believe she was a criminal, but she was foolish. –– JL