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CNN Live Saturday

George Basketball Association Fires Employee Over Racial Slur; Reaction From Martha Stewart's Hometown Of Westport; Iraq: Shiites, Sunnis Call For Unity

Aired March 06, 2004 - 16:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


BOB FRANKEN, CNN ANCHOR: The scene is set, but still no movement. And while Shiites and Kurds debate a sticking point in Iraq's constitution, more violence erupts in the war-torn country.
Plus, more of Martha Stewart's mess. Already facing jail time, now the fallen domestic diva kick gets kicked off the tube.

Hello and welcome to CNN LIVE SATURDAY, I'm Bob Franken. Those stories and more coming up.

Also ahead. Looking to spruce up your home this spring? Coming up at 4:30 on "Dollar Signs" we'll tell you how not to get duped by home contractors. Call us, e-mail us, stop by, we're taking your questions.

California's governor is taking on more work. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger accepted a job as executive editor of two fitness magazines. He won't be paid directly by "Muscle and Fitness," and "Flex" magazines, but his fitness council will receive more than $1.2 million over the next five years.

The nation's top lawman remains in intensive care. Attorney General John Ashcroft is being treated for a severe case of gallstone pancreatitis. He's in a Washington hospital. Doctors say he's being treated with antibiotics. They'll decide next week if they need to change his treatment.

Rememberinh Marge Schott, the controversial, outspoken former owner of the Cincinnati Reds is being buried today. Among those paying their respects, baseball legend Pete Rose, and Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken. Schott died Tuesday after being hospitalized for breathing problems.

Singer David Crosby was arrested today on weapon and drugs charges. Police say a handgun and a small amount of marijuana were found in a bag he left at a New York hotel. Crosby was arrested when he returned to get it.

We begin in Iraq where a fresh round of violence has rocked the country. Three U.S. soldiers were wounded in a truck bombing in the Sunni Triangle today and seven British soldiers were hurt late Friday when their patrol came under fire in southern Iraq.

Meanwhile, efforts to resolve a snag over the country's interim constitution continue. Many fear that the hitch is just the start of a sectarian split in Iraq. CNN's Ben Wedeman has more from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPODNENT (voice-over): At Baghdad's Kasamia (ph) Mosque they aren't taking any chances. Suicide bombers killed more than 70 people at this Shiite mosque Tuesday. Now, security is tight, but tender.

The bombings here and in Karbala intensified fears that Iraq's Shiite majority is on a collision course with Arab Sunnis who dominated Iraq for decades, but now see their power threatened by a Shiite political resurgence.

Worshippers here claim that such fears are exaggerated, that despite doctrineal differences, much more unites the two communities than divides them.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Don't accuse Sunnies, they are our brothers, and there is no difference between us.

Imum Hasamil Arajih (ph) tells the assembled faithful. He points the finger of blame at in his words, the great satan, America.

The Shiites of Iraq are observing a period of ritual mourning, marking the martyrdom of Hussein, grandson of the prophet Muhammad. Mourning that after Tuesday's bombings has taken on added poignancy.

Among the worshippers at this, Baghdad's most holy shiite shrine, a determination to steer clear of sectarian strife.

We are one people, Shiites and Sunnis, says this man, together until judgment day.

Across town at the Sunni Galini Mosque, more security. And more insistence that Iraq's Sunnis and Shiites will not be drawn into communal warfare.

What happened has terrorized everyone with its gruesomeness, says Sheikh Mahmun Jerrod (ph) in his sermon.

And also here, the blame for the violence goes in one direction.

For many in both groups, America has become a popular scapegoat for Iraq's many problems.

(on camera): Sunnis and Shiites insist that ties between their communities will not be shattered by bombs and violence. But those ties may be put to the test as Shiites demand a greater share of power, after decades of oppression under Sunni dominated regimes. Ben Wedeman, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: President Bush used this morning's radio address to praise Iraq's political leaders, saying that the country is making excellent progress toward Democracy. Meanwhile, U.S./Mexican relations were at the top of Mr. Bush's agenda for most of today. He hosted Mexican president Vicente fox for talks at his ranch in Texas. And for details we turn to White House correspondent Dana Bash.

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDEND: Well, Bob, the two men spent last night together, having dinner with their wives, and then again meeting this morning and even taking a tour of the president's 1,600 acre ranch here in Crawford. But when they came out to face reporters at President Bush's ranch, Mr. Bush talked about an unrelated matter, but one that has been dogging him over the past couple of days, and that is the use of 9/11-related images in his brand-new campaign ads.

And he, for the first time talked about them, essentially defending the use of them, as saying that the administration handled that day quite well, and the fact that the administration defended that quite well is definitely an important part of this coming campaign year, and the way he handled the war on terrorism is, as well.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I will continue to speak about the effects of 9/11 on our country and my presidency. I will continue to mourn the loss of life on that day, but I'll never forget the lessons, the terrorists declared war on us on that day. And I will continue to pursue this war. I have an obligation to those who died. I have an obligation to those who were heroic in their attempts to rescue. And I won't forget that obligation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: Now, with regard to U.S./Mexican relations, which are absolutely imperative to Mr. Bush, particularly in this election year, as he is heavily courting Hispanic voters, which are important in key states, President Fox, and Mr. Bush essentially agreed to make a concession on the U.S. part. And that is, to not fingerprint and photograph Mexicans who frequently come across the U.S. border, as the U.S. had planned as part of a security measure.

White House officials say that Mr. Bush did, in fact, say that he is committed not to have that particular process and policy in place. They are working out the details on that. But that certainly is a concession that will no doubt make Mexicans happy and some of the Hispanic constituents here in the United States quite happy.

Now, another major part of the discussion, of course, is Mr. Bush's immigration policy. That which he put out in January to make illegal immigrants at least temporarily legal if they can find a job. Both men talked up that policy, but both men also conceded perhaps in an election year it's not likely to become law -- Bob.

FRANKEN: Dana Bash in the fast lane of Crawford, Texas.

Meanwhile, Senator John Kerry is also in Texas, campaigning in the president's home state. In Houston, he also gave this morning's Democratic response to Mr. Bush's radio address. And no surprise, he does not agree with the president's actions on just about anything.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN KERRY, (D-MA) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Today our security is being weakened, our military is being overextended, our reserves overstrained and our allies driven away. And on Thursday, we learned air marshals are being cut.

I believe keeping our military strong and keeping our troops as safe as they can be should be our highest priority. That's why I believe we need to relieve the reserves by temporarily expanding the size of our active duty forces by 40,000 troops.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

FRANKEN: Senator Kerry campaigns in Mississippi tomorrow, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana and Florida all hold primaries next Tuesday. Even though most of his opponents have dropped out of the race, Kerry still needs to win enough delegates to secure the nomination.

It's been a week since ousted president Jean-Bertrand Aristide fled Haiti. Things are far from back to normal, of course. U.S. Marines hope that a reduced military presence in the capital will signal that the U.S. marines are not an occupation force. CNN's Lucia Newman has been on patrol with the Marines and now joins us via videophone -- Lucia.

LUCIA NEWMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (via videophone): Hello, Bob. The U.S. Marines, the special forces of the Marines, have now been deployed to Cape Haitian and Gonaives (ph) in Northern Haiti. You recall Gonaives (ph) is the city where the armed rebellion against president Aristide began.

And the rebels there have put down their weapons, but they say they're not going to hand them in until the armed supporters of the former president do likewise.

Now, you mentioned the U.S. Marines having a more discreet presence in Port-au-Prince. Yesterday thousands of people protested in front of the presidential palace, not only to call for president or the former president's return, but also to express their anger at what they saw as excessive U.S. military presence inside their presidential palace.

They were armed, there were heavy armed vehicles with the Marines, with a lot of weapons on the front lawn, on the driveway of the presidential palace. Today those marines have withdrawn. They have a far more discreet presence, Bob. Apparently they got the message that they don't want to seem like an occupation force but more like a security force.

Now there have been some progress made on another front, however, and that is the naming of a council of elders who will, in turn, name a new prime minister, perhaps tomorrow or on Monday, Bob, which will be a big step towards filling the big power vacuum left here with the departure of President Aristide -- Bob.

FRANKEN: Lucia Newman sorting through a chaotic situation in Haiti. And at 6:00 Eastern we'll talk with an American citizen who is just back from a week in Haiti where she met with the rebels. This woman spends her own time and money trying to get more food and medicine to Haiti's poorest people.

It's time now for a look at some other news around the world.

In Caracas, Venezuela, massive protests. Tens of thousands of people are marching peacefully against the government of President Hugo Chavez. They're demanding a recall vote. U.S. State Department is warning Americans to take precautions saying that the potential for violence is high.

In Gaza, more violence there. At least six Palestinians, including two policemen dead, and others injured in a failed attack on an Israeli border post. Said to be an unusual combined attack by the three militant groups, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Al Aqsa Martyrs brigade.

And near the North Pole a dramatic rescue mission. A dozen scientists have been airlifted by Russian rescue crews. They were stranded after the research station was nearly crushed by a wall of ice. Scientists spent three days in temperatures as low as 38 below zero. But they were unhurt.

And 20 hours after the verdict -- 24 hours after the verdict, there's more fallout in the Martha Stewart case.

Still to come, a major television network station decides to pull the plug on the fallen domestic diva.

Plus...

MARIA HINOJOSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Maria Hinojosa in Westport Connecticut, Martha Stewart's hometown, where opinion here is as divided as it is across the country. We'll have live interviews coming up.

FRANKEN: And home contractors are swinging into full gear. Coming up in less than half an hour, we're going to show you how to avoid getting ripped off. You can email your questions to dollarsigns@cnn.com, or call us at 1-800-807-2620.

We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

FRANKEN: What's next for Martha Stewart? Well, she's due to report to a federal probation office on Monday where she'll receive guidelines about what she can and cannot do while awaiting her June 17 sentencing for perjury and obstruction of justice.

And in some fallout from her conviction, New York City's CBS affiliate has announced it's canceling "Martha Stewart Living" as of Monday, other stations may follow suit.

Martha Stewart has become such a cultural icon in the U.S. that just about everybody has a reaction to her conviction. CNN's Maria Hinojosa has been listening to some of it and joins us from Stewart's hometown of Westport, connecticut.

HINOJOSA: And actually more specifically, Oscar's Deli on Main Street, where we've been well fed throughout the day.

We've been here the entire day, Bob. You know, it really depends, there are people who want to talk about this, share their opinions, and then there are people who say you know what, I've really had enough. But certainly there is a lot of buzz on the street here in Westport, Connecticut.

Let's start here with Tom Dwyer. Tom, you just came in from Hawaii, so you haven't been so up on this. But, Westport is where you've been living so what are your thinkings about what happened here?

TOM DWYER, WESPORT RESIDENT: I really feel that she was convicted of arrogance more than anything else. If she did do what she did, she should have just paid the fine, wrote the check, get on with it. It's dragged on and on and on.

HINOJOSA: What do you think about the possible jail term for her?

DWYER: Three years for arrogance? 12 months for arrogance? I doubt it.

HINOJOSA: So you think that she'll just get community service?

DWYER: Yes, big time.

HINOJOSA: And you're okay with that?

DWYER: I'm okay with that.

HINOJOSA: All right, thanks Tom. Lucky Tom, he lives half the year in Miami and and just flew in today. The other part of the year he lives here in Westport, Connecticut where it's actually quite a different small town. You don't have any K-Mart, you've got Coach and Talbots. So just a little bit of a different scene.

Now, we're joined by Lauren Singer and Emil Blanco. Lauren you are a corporate lawyer. Your thoughts about what happened with Martha Stewart?

LAUREN SINGER, WESTPORT RESIDENT: I think she just has been prosecuted very vigorously. I think the media has been focused so much on this, that it's just been way overboard. I think the prosecutors should just focus much more an Ken Lay and all of the other top CEOs of Enron and Worldcom.

HINOJOSA: So you kind of feel like she's been seen as some kind of a scapegoat?

SINGER: Definitely as a scapegoat. I think they may be, the prosecutors, have focused so much on her. If she were just an average citizen maybe they wouldn't even have prosecuted this case. I think that it's just been way too much media attention on her.

HINOJOSA: All right, let's let Emil here say something. Emil, you have some real opinions about this. You actually think that people like Martha Stewart, who do quote unquote white collar crime should get the book thrown at them.

EMIL BLANCO, WESTPORT RESIDENT: Well, absolutely. I think they should be prosecute prosecuted for the crimes they commit and pay the penalty.

HINOJOSA: And you see her as more -- I mean you're using...

BLANCO: White collar criminals, yes, you know, a criminal is someone who breaks the law, should be prosecuted at least as vigorously, and perhaps the penalty should be more stringent than a street criminal.

HINOJOSA: Okay one quick question, so jail time for Martha, yes or no?

BLANCO: I think that...

HINOJOSA: Yes or no?

BLANCO: I think yes.

HINOJOSA: Okay, yes. Which means that there are some people who are clearly divided about the issue of jail time. Some people say let her do community service where she perhaps might be more effective. Other people say throw the book at her.

So as I said, across the country as well as in Westport, Connecticut, divided opinions on martha stewart. Back to you, Bob.

FRANKEN: Well, we hope you enjoy your stay in the delicatessen. The diet can start tomorrow, I guess. Watch the full Martha Stewart story at the top of the hour. She's the subject of a "PEOPLE IN THE NEWS" profile which comes on at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.

Offensive language at a school sports event isn't unusual, but the comments of one official have a whole Georgia town calling foul.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That's ugly for him to be in a position like he is, no, you don't talk like that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: Still to come, what was said who said it, and why.

Plus the hallways of some public schools could start to look a little bit different. We'll explain.

And coming up at 4:30 Eastern, 1:30 Pacific, how to pick a reputable contractor to spruce up your home this spring. Email your question at dollarsigns@cnn.com or call 1-800-807-2620.

We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

FRANKEN: Outrage and embarrassment in Georgia after the longtime director of the state's high school basketball tournament used a racial slur. The 81-year-old plan was talking to a group of people checking in for the tournament when he reportedly used the N-word not once, but twice. Iovita Moore with CNN affiliate WSB picks up the story from Macon.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

IOVITA MOORE, WSB CORRESPONDENT: 81-year-old John Goldston is a contract employee for the Georgia High School Association. And here at a weekend basketball tournament in Macon he reportedly used the N- word to refer to the city. Even when corrected he reportedly used the N-word again. So mayor Jack Ellis is asking Goldston to get out of his town.

(voice-over): Families and fans come from all over the state enjoying high school basketball games in Macon. But this time a damper was put on the fun when a newspaper reporter told another side of the story. An 81-year-old tournament director using the N-word in front of a group of men at the tournament and apparently unapologetically using it twice.

JACK ELLIS, MAYOR OF MACON: Racism and racists, and bigots are not welcome.

MOORE: Macon mayor Jack Ellis condemned the director's comments citing the hard work to improve race relations in his city. He immediately called for John Goldston to resign and leave town.

ELLIS: I hope that his status is not in this building. I would hope that he's even left our town and I hope that he no longer has any association, affiliation with this organization.

MOORE: A spokesperson for the Georgia High School Association also at the tournament says the organization agreed, and took action.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In the best interest of everybody, Mr. Goldston and everyone else that Mr. Goldston remove himself from the state tournament.

MOORE: Parents arriving for an afternoon of games were stunned by the story.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That's ugly. For him to be in a position like he is, no, you don't talk like that. That's ugly. And that's sending the wrong message to younger kids and to anybody. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I am a firm believer in God created us all equal. A man that words earns his living, honestly on it, hey, I could care less what color he was.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: Goldston has been relieved of his duties for this year's tournament and the executive director of the Georgia High School Association has declined to speculate whether Goldston would be involved in any future tournaments.

Elsewhere across America: Springfield, Tennessee, a small, quiet community north of Nashville in shock over four separate shootings that left three men dead Friday. The fourth victim is in critical condition. One of the dead is a prominent country club owner. And the other three victims are local businessmen. A local television station reports that police say the four were members of a poker club.

Manassas, Virginia, convicted D.C. Area sniper John Allen Muhammad faces sentencing Tuesday, in one of the ten October 2002 killings. His attorneys are pleading for his life. They argue a man who changed from loving father to killer can change back in time.

Central Texas is cleaning up from a storm that destroyed and damaged hundreds of homes Thursday. The insurance industry says damage may be as high as $10 million.

Meanwhile, across the country the spring air is rolling in, and so are the contractors who want to help you spruce up your home. Coming up next, expert advice to help you avoid contractor nightmares. Just send your questions to us at dollarsigns@cnn.com or call 1-800- 807-2620. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Slur; Reaction From Martha Stewart's Hometown Of Westport; Iraq: Shiites, Sunnis Call For Unity>


Aired March 6, 2004 - 16:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BOB FRANKEN, CNN ANCHOR: The scene is set, but still no movement. And while Shiites and Kurds debate a sticking point in Iraq's constitution, more violence erupts in the war-torn country.
Plus, more of Martha Stewart's mess. Already facing jail time, now the fallen domestic diva kick gets kicked off the tube.

Hello and welcome to CNN LIVE SATURDAY, I'm Bob Franken. Those stories and more coming up.

Also ahead. Looking to spruce up your home this spring? Coming up at 4:30 on "Dollar Signs" we'll tell you how not to get duped by home contractors. Call us, e-mail us, stop by, we're taking your questions.

California's governor is taking on more work. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger accepted a job as executive editor of two fitness magazines. He won't be paid directly by "Muscle and Fitness," and "Flex" magazines, but his fitness council will receive more than $1.2 million over the next five years.

The nation's top lawman remains in intensive care. Attorney General John Ashcroft is being treated for a severe case of gallstone pancreatitis. He's in a Washington hospital. Doctors say he's being treated with antibiotics. They'll decide next week if they need to change his treatment.

Rememberinh Marge Schott, the controversial, outspoken former owner of the Cincinnati Reds is being buried today. Among those paying their respects, baseball legend Pete Rose, and Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken. Schott died Tuesday after being hospitalized for breathing problems.

Singer David Crosby was arrested today on weapon and drugs charges. Police say a handgun and a small amount of marijuana were found in a bag he left at a New York hotel. Crosby was arrested when he returned to get it.

We begin in Iraq where a fresh round of violence has rocked the country. Three U.S. soldiers were wounded in a truck bombing in the Sunni Triangle today and seven British soldiers were hurt late Friday when their patrol came under fire in southern Iraq.

Meanwhile, efforts to resolve a snag over the country's interim constitution continue. Many fear that the hitch is just the start of a sectarian split in Iraq. CNN's Ben Wedeman has more from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPODNENT (voice-over): At Baghdad's Kasamia (ph) Mosque they aren't taking any chances. Suicide bombers killed more than 70 people at this Shiite mosque Tuesday. Now, security is tight, but tender.

The bombings here and in Karbala intensified fears that Iraq's Shiite majority is on a collision course with Arab Sunnis who dominated Iraq for decades, but now see their power threatened by a Shiite political resurgence.

Worshippers here claim that such fears are exaggerated, that despite doctrineal differences, much more unites the two communities than divides them.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Don't accuse Sunnies, they are our brothers, and there is no difference between us.

Imum Hasamil Arajih (ph) tells the assembled faithful. He points the finger of blame at in his words, the great satan, America.

The Shiites of Iraq are observing a period of ritual mourning, marking the martyrdom of Hussein, grandson of the prophet Muhammad. Mourning that after Tuesday's bombings has taken on added poignancy.

Among the worshippers at this, Baghdad's most holy shiite shrine, a determination to steer clear of sectarian strife.

We are one people, Shiites and Sunnis, says this man, together until judgment day.

Across town at the Sunni Galini Mosque, more security. And more insistence that Iraq's Sunnis and Shiites will not be drawn into communal warfare.

What happened has terrorized everyone with its gruesomeness, says Sheikh Mahmun Jerrod (ph) in his sermon.

And also here, the blame for the violence goes in one direction.

For many in both groups, America has become a popular scapegoat for Iraq's many problems.

(on camera): Sunnis and Shiites insist that ties between their communities will not be shattered by bombs and violence. But those ties may be put to the test as Shiites demand a greater share of power, after decades of oppression under Sunni dominated regimes. Ben Wedeman, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: President Bush used this morning's radio address to praise Iraq's political leaders, saying that the country is making excellent progress toward Democracy. Meanwhile, U.S./Mexican relations were at the top of Mr. Bush's agenda for most of today. He hosted Mexican president Vicente fox for talks at his ranch in Texas. And for details we turn to White House correspondent Dana Bash.

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDEND: Well, Bob, the two men spent last night together, having dinner with their wives, and then again meeting this morning and even taking a tour of the president's 1,600 acre ranch here in Crawford. But when they came out to face reporters at President Bush's ranch, Mr. Bush talked about an unrelated matter, but one that has been dogging him over the past couple of days, and that is the use of 9/11-related images in his brand-new campaign ads.

And he, for the first time talked about them, essentially defending the use of them, as saying that the administration handled that day quite well, and the fact that the administration defended that quite well is definitely an important part of this coming campaign year, and the way he handled the war on terrorism is, as well.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I will continue to speak about the effects of 9/11 on our country and my presidency. I will continue to mourn the loss of life on that day, but I'll never forget the lessons, the terrorists declared war on us on that day. And I will continue to pursue this war. I have an obligation to those who died. I have an obligation to those who were heroic in their attempts to rescue. And I won't forget that obligation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: Now, with regard to U.S./Mexican relations, which are absolutely imperative to Mr. Bush, particularly in this election year, as he is heavily courting Hispanic voters, which are important in key states, President Fox, and Mr. Bush essentially agreed to make a concession on the U.S. part. And that is, to not fingerprint and photograph Mexicans who frequently come across the U.S. border, as the U.S. had planned as part of a security measure.

White House officials say that Mr. Bush did, in fact, say that he is committed not to have that particular process and policy in place. They are working out the details on that. But that certainly is a concession that will no doubt make Mexicans happy and some of the Hispanic constituents here in the United States quite happy.

Now, another major part of the discussion, of course, is Mr. Bush's immigration policy. That which he put out in January to make illegal immigrants at least temporarily legal if they can find a job. Both men talked up that policy, but both men also conceded perhaps in an election year it's not likely to become law -- Bob.

FRANKEN: Dana Bash in the fast lane of Crawford, Texas.

Meanwhile, Senator John Kerry is also in Texas, campaigning in the president's home state. In Houston, he also gave this morning's Democratic response to Mr. Bush's radio address. And no surprise, he does not agree with the president's actions on just about anything.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN KERRY, (D-MA) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Today our security is being weakened, our military is being overextended, our reserves overstrained and our allies driven away. And on Thursday, we learned air marshals are being cut.

I believe keeping our military strong and keeping our troops as safe as they can be should be our highest priority. That's why I believe we need to relieve the reserves by temporarily expanding the size of our active duty forces by 40,000 troops.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

FRANKEN: Senator Kerry campaigns in Mississippi tomorrow, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana and Florida all hold primaries next Tuesday. Even though most of his opponents have dropped out of the race, Kerry still needs to win enough delegates to secure the nomination.

It's been a week since ousted president Jean-Bertrand Aristide fled Haiti. Things are far from back to normal, of course. U.S. Marines hope that a reduced military presence in the capital will signal that the U.S. marines are not an occupation force. CNN's Lucia Newman has been on patrol with the Marines and now joins us via videophone -- Lucia.

LUCIA NEWMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (via videophone): Hello, Bob. The U.S. Marines, the special forces of the Marines, have now been deployed to Cape Haitian and Gonaives (ph) in Northern Haiti. You recall Gonaives (ph) is the city where the armed rebellion against president Aristide began.

And the rebels there have put down their weapons, but they say they're not going to hand them in until the armed supporters of the former president do likewise.

Now, you mentioned the U.S. Marines having a more discreet presence in Port-au-Prince. Yesterday thousands of people protested in front of the presidential palace, not only to call for president or the former president's return, but also to express their anger at what they saw as excessive U.S. military presence inside their presidential palace.

They were armed, there were heavy armed vehicles with the Marines, with a lot of weapons on the front lawn, on the driveway of the presidential palace. Today those marines have withdrawn. They have a far more discreet presence, Bob. Apparently they got the message that they don't want to seem like an occupation force but more like a security force.

Now there have been some progress made on another front, however, and that is the naming of a council of elders who will, in turn, name a new prime minister, perhaps tomorrow or on Monday, Bob, which will be a big step towards filling the big power vacuum left here with the departure of President Aristide -- Bob.

FRANKEN: Lucia Newman sorting through a chaotic situation in Haiti. And at 6:00 Eastern we'll talk with an American citizen who is just back from a week in Haiti where she met with the rebels. This woman spends her own time and money trying to get more food and medicine to Haiti's poorest people.

It's time now for a look at some other news around the world.

In Caracas, Venezuela, massive protests. Tens of thousands of people are marching peacefully against the government of President Hugo Chavez. They're demanding a recall vote. U.S. State Department is warning Americans to take precautions saying that the potential for violence is high.

In Gaza, more violence there. At least six Palestinians, including two policemen dead, and others injured in a failed attack on an Israeli border post. Said to be an unusual combined attack by the three militant groups, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Al Aqsa Martyrs brigade.

And near the North Pole a dramatic rescue mission. A dozen scientists have been airlifted by Russian rescue crews. They were stranded after the research station was nearly crushed by a wall of ice. Scientists spent three days in temperatures as low as 38 below zero. But they were unhurt.

And 20 hours after the verdict -- 24 hours after the verdict, there's more fallout in the Martha Stewart case.

Still to come, a major television network station decides to pull the plug on the fallen domestic diva.

Plus...

MARIA HINOJOSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Maria Hinojosa in Westport Connecticut, Martha Stewart's hometown, where opinion here is as divided as it is across the country. We'll have live interviews coming up.

FRANKEN: And home contractors are swinging into full gear. Coming up in less than half an hour, we're going to show you how to avoid getting ripped off. You can email your questions to dollarsigns@cnn.com, or call us at 1-800-807-2620.

We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

FRANKEN: What's next for Martha Stewart? Well, she's due to report to a federal probation office on Monday where she'll receive guidelines about what she can and cannot do while awaiting her June 17 sentencing for perjury and obstruction of justice.

And in some fallout from her conviction, New York City's CBS affiliate has announced it's canceling "Martha Stewart Living" as of Monday, other stations may follow suit.

Martha Stewart has become such a cultural icon in the U.S. that just about everybody has a reaction to her conviction. CNN's Maria Hinojosa has been listening to some of it and joins us from Stewart's hometown of Westport, connecticut.

HINOJOSA: And actually more specifically, Oscar's Deli on Main Street, where we've been well fed throughout the day.

We've been here the entire day, Bob. You know, it really depends, there are people who want to talk about this, share their opinions, and then there are people who say you know what, I've really had enough. But certainly there is a lot of buzz on the street here in Westport, Connecticut.

Let's start here with Tom Dwyer. Tom, you just came in from Hawaii, so you haven't been so up on this. But, Westport is where you've been living so what are your thinkings about what happened here?

TOM DWYER, WESPORT RESIDENT: I really feel that she was convicted of arrogance more than anything else. If she did do what she did, she should have just paid the fine, wrote the check, get on with it. It's dragged on and on and on.

HINOJOSA: What do you think about the possible jail term for her?

DWYER: Three years for arrogance? 12 months for arrogance? I doubt it.

HINOJOSA: So you think that she'll just get community service?

DWYER: Yes, big time.

HINOJOSA: And you're okay with that?

DWYER: I'm okay with that.

HINOJOSA: All right, thanks Tom. Lucky Tom, he lives half the year in Miami and and just flew in today. The other part of the year he lives here in Westport, Connecticut where it's actually quite a different small town. You don't have any K-Mart, you've got Coach and Talbots. So just a little bit of a different scene.

Now, we're joined by Lauren Singer and Emil Blanco. Lauren you are a corporate lawyer. Your thoughts about what happened with Martha Stewart?

LAUREN SINGER, WESTPORT RESIDENT: I think she just has been prosecuted very vigorously. I think the media has been focused so much on this, that it's just been way overboard. I think the prosecutors should just focus much more an Ken Lay and all of the other top CEOs of Enron and Worldcom.

HINOJOSA: So you kind of feel like she's been seen as some kind of a scapegoat?

SINGER: Definitely as a scapegoat. I think they may be, the prosecutors, have focused so much on her. If she were just an average citizen maybe they wouldn't even have prosecuted this case. I think that it's just been way too much media attention on her.

HINOJOSA: All right, let's let Emil here say something. Emil, you have some real opinions about this. You actually think that people like Martha Stewart, who do quote unquote white collar crime should get the book thrown at them.

EMIL BLANCO, WESTPORT RESIDENT: Well, absolutely. I think they should be prosecute prosecuted for the crimes they commit and pay the penalty.

HINOJOSA: And you see her as more -- I mean you're using...

BLANCO: White collar criminals, yes, you know, a criminal is someone who breaks the law, should be prosecuted at least as vigorously, and perhaps the penalty should be more stringent than a street criminal.

HINOJOSA: Okay one quick question, so jail time for Martha, yes or no?

BLANCO: I think that...

HINOJOSA: Yes or no?

BLANCO: I think yes.

HINOJOSA: Okay, yes. Which means that there are some people who are clearly divided about the issue of jail time. Some people say let her do community service where she perhaps might be more effective. Other people say throw the book at her.

So as I said, across the country as well as in Westport, Connecticut, divided opinions on martha stewart. Back to you, Bob.

FRANKEN: Well, we hope you enjoy your stay in the delicatessen. The diet can start tomorrow, I guess. Watch the full Martha Stewart story at the top of the hour. She's the subject of a "PEOPLE IN THE NEWS" profile which comes on at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.

Offensive language at a school sports event isn't unusual, but the comments of one official have a whole Georgia town calling foul.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That's ugly for him to be in a position like he is, no, you don't talk like that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: Still to come, what was said who said it, and why.

Plus the hallways of some public schools could start to look a little bit different. We'll explain.

And coming up at 4:30 Eastern, 1:30 Pacific, how to pick a reputable contractor to spruce up your home this spring. Email your question at dollarsigns@cnn.com or call 1-800-807-2620.

We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

FRANKEN: Outrage and embarrassment in Georgia after the longtime director of the state's high school basketball tournament used a racial slur. The 81-year-old plan was talking to a group of people checking in for the tournament when he reportedly used the N-word not once, but twice. Iovita Moore with CNN affiliate WSB picks up the story from Macon.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

IOVITA MOORE, WSB CORRESPONDENT: 81-year-old John Goldston is a contract employee for the Georgia High School Association. And here at a weekend basketball tournament in Macon he reportedly used the N- word to refer to the city. Even when corrected he reportedly used the N-word again. So mayor Jack Ellis is asking Goldston to get out of his town.

(voice-over): Families and fans come from all over the state enjoying high school basketball games in Macon. But this time a damper was put on the fun when a newspaper reporter told another side of the story. An 81-year-old tournament director using the N-word in front of a group of men at the tournament and apparently unapologetically using it twice.

JACK ELLIS, MAYOR OF MACON: Racism and racists, and bigots are not welcome.

MOORE: Macon mayor Jack Ellis condemned the director's comments citing the hard work to improve race relations in his city. He immediately called for John Goldston to resign and leave town.

ELLIS: I hope that his status is not in this building. I would hope that he's even left our town and I hope that he no longer has any association, affiliation with this organization.

MOORE: A spokesperson for the Georgia High School Association also at the tournament says the organization agreed, and took action.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In the best interest of everybody, Mr. Goldston and everyone else that Mr. Goldston remove himself from the state tournament.

MOORE: Parents arriving for an afternoon of games were stunned by the story.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That's ugly. For him to be in a position like he is, no, you don't talk like that. That's ugly. And that's sending the wrong message to younger kids and to anybody. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I am a firm believer in God created us all equal. A man that words earns his living, honestly on it, hey, I could care less what color he was.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: Goldston has been relieved of his duties for this year's tournament and the executive director of the Georgia High School Association has declined to speculate whether Goldston would be involved in any future tournaments.

Elsewhere across America: Springfield, Tennessee, a small, quiet community north of Nashville in shock over four separate shootings that left three men dead Friday. The fourth victim is in critical condition. One of the dead is a prominent country club owner. And the other three victims are local businessmen. A local television station reports that police say the four were members of a poker club.

Manassas, Virginia, convicted D.C. Area sniper John Allen Muhammad faces sentencing Tuesday, in one of the ten October 2002 killings. His attorneys are pleading for his life. They argue a man who changed from loving father to killer can change back in time.

Central Texas is cleaning up from a storm that destroyed and damaged hundreds of homes Thursday. The insurance industry says damage may be as high as $10 million.

Meanwhile, across the country the spring air is rolling in, and so are the contractors who want to help you spruce up your home. Coming up next, expert advice to help you avoid contractor nightmares. Just send your questions to us at dollarsigns@cnn.com or call 1-800- 807-2620. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Slur; Reaction From Martha Stewart's Hometown Of Westport; Iraq: Shiites, Sunnis Call For Unity>