Tuesday, November 6, 2012

The Stocks

I usually try to show topical photographs, but on Election Day I am worn out by this overly long and ugly political campaign.  So, I will show something different.

Stocks are the contraptions where those who misbehaved were shamed publicly in the old days.  Head through the big hole, hands through the small ones.  Let the citizens throw rotten eggs and hurl verbal taunts.

This stocks was set up recently at Hartford's Old State House.

26 comments:

Luis Gomez said...

Really interesting building Jack.

Kate said...

I agree with you about the election. Something positive should be done about the whole process; for starters shorten the time to campaign and limit the amount of money. I am horrified at what politicians spend to become elected! I have a few politicians in mind that I'd like to put in those stocks.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

It seems your image IS topical after all Jack..politicians, stocks...maybe even a bit of hurling rotten eggs and a few taunts haha!

Sharon said...

Think of all the money that is spent to metaphorically do the same thing today.

SRQ said...

Oh, Jack...confess! Me thinks this is your sense of humor sneaking through...intentionally or not. Happy Election Day!

Halcyon said...

Hee! I think almost all politicians should take a round in the stocks. I am also sick of the campaign. Whichever way it goes tonight, I'm glad it will be over.

Sue said...

Bring back the stocks and make them mandatory for any candidate who runs a negative campaign ad. Maybe then we all wouldn't be so weary of the process.

Gardenbug said...

Yes, I was just going to ask if they intend to make use of them.

VP said...

I am asking myself why don't we use these anymore?

LOLfromPasa said...

Stocks - it is on my list to photograph here in the UK. As I am writing this, the TV is non-stop Election Day news. Super building.

Tanya Breese said...

ha, the good old days! i put my kids in these while in williamsburg, but we didn't throw eggs at them ;)

love the photo!

Lynette said...

Love the building. Love the stocks! I can think of a few people who ought to be up close and personal with them, in my opinion only, of course. Thanks for this post!

Leslie D. said...

Yes I've heard that public humiliation is a more low cost and effective way of deterring criminals than jail time. Maybe we'll see these on the next ballot.

CaT said...

hahahah, very funny!
im curious about the outcome tonight... tv and radio were only about elections, even though we only listened to that yesterday, and watched tv only on sunday night, it got boring pretty quickly!

Karl said...

Autsch... medieval games...

Unknown said...

I can think of a lot of people who deserve being there and I'm sure many Portuguese agree with me, but that practice ended a few centuries ago in my country.

Sylvia K said...

Definitely the right post subject for this election day, Jack!! Wish we could put this one to use as I, too, can think of a lot of people who deserve to be there!

RedPat said...

Methinks that you went for topical after all, Jack!

EG CameraGirl said...

Love this, Jack. The good news, it's almost over. The bad news is, before we know it we'll be hearing about who will run in the next election.

cieldequimper said...

I'm sure some would love to still use them...

Janet said...

Well, I think this system might encourage better behavior!

Paul in Powell River said...

Very nice building Jack! ... and I knowof a Canadian politico or two I'd like to see in those stocks!

Randy said...

I know a few people that would fit in there perfectly.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Wonder what prompted them to display the stocks again? No doubt the tourists will love it.

Michelle said...

These could come in so handy now days...if only people would use them.

Mildred said...

The house is fabulous!
And I know some people who deserve the stocks!