Pubdate: Wed, 09 Mar 2005
Source: Kentucky Post (KY)
Copyright: 2005 Kentucky Post
Contact:  http://www.kypost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/661
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)

MARTHA ON PAROLE

America's most famous felon, Martha Stewart, has a lot ahead of her
now that she's out of jail -- getting her company back into the black,
launching two TV shows and re-establishing herself as the credible
voice of domestic perfection.

Her five months in a minimum-security women's prison was hardly "The
Shawshank Redemption," but during that time she became a convert to
the cause of prison and sentencing reform, according to Laurie Cohen
of The Wall Street Journal, who corresponded with Stewart during her
time in prison.

Stewart objected to cutbacks in the quality and quantity of food for
budgetary reasons; the indifferent medical care; the lack of
educational opportunities; and the harshness of federal sentencing
guidelines, especially for first-time, nonviolent offenders. These are
all worthwhile reforms, but improving prison conditions and the
chances of rehabilitation don't engender a lot of public sympathy or
legislative support. A high-profile spokeswoman like Martha Stewart
could change that.

The timing is unusually opportune because in January the Supreme Court
overturned the current system of mandatory sentencing guidelines. It
presents a chance to weed out unnecessarily harsh sentences.

However, Cohen reports, Stewart's image advisers are urging that she
forget prison advocacy because it will only remind the buying public
that she's a convicted felon.

But out of her personal calamity has come an opportunity to do some
real good. Let's hope she ignores her advisers.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin