Is it worth a $ million out of the taxpayers’ hides to prosecute Martha Stewart? Apparently her crime boiled down to attitude — she’s not likable and to some degree exhibited arrogance during pre-trial questioning in which she was trapped in her own lies. It would seem that this is not enough to convict, yet polls show that she got what she deserved.

The underlying motive for conviction by the jury, in spite of this “petty” cash conspiracy with her broker, is that she nevertheless capitalized on her privilege to inside information and profited by some $40,000. The jury came to the decision that no one in high places is exempt from guilt; for the little guy with the same offense would certainly be convicted.

If, however, this decision does not set an example for trials of big fish, such as Ken Lay of Enron, then, of course, the verdict is ludicrous, and the smear on Ms. Perfect tragic, though most would still say it is poetic justice.