Note to the right-wing witch-hunters who just had to take down Martha Stewart to deflect attention from the major-league corporate criminals out there. You may have just created your worst nightmare: a powerful, popular millionaire who has seen the dark side of our criminal justice system. If she continues to speak out on television and public like she has in her holiday letter, might we see the beginning of a mighty, female-led campaign for sensibility in our justice system?

I beseech you all to think about these women — to encourage the American people to ask for reforms, both in sentencing guidelines, in length of incarceration for nonviolent first-time offenders, and for those involved in drug-taking. They would be much better served in a true rehabilitation center than in prison where there is no real help, no real programs to rehabilitate, no programs to educate, no way to be prepared for life ‘out there’ where each person will ultimately find herself, many with no skills and no preparation for living.