Patricia Barbee

Bring Back the Stockades!



Posted: Sunday, June 05, 2011

by Patricia Barbee
http://www.patriciabarbee.com

Many things were wrong with the early days of the establishment of the now United States of America.  I’m awaiting justice for the First Persons found here upon the docking of ships from Europe.

Yes, I know, just keep on waiting for justice.

I’ve had it with so called lenient judges.  Bring back the stockades.

Your history books probably did not have photos of stockades.  Briefly, I'll describe the device.  There are various makes of the same idea. Two heavy pieces of planed wood, not too smooth when joined had a small hole on the left; a much larger hole in the center; and another small hole on the right.

These boards would fit in two vertical posts with supports buried in the ground. These devices were usually set in the community square.  All the residents would have a chance to see the miscreant that a justice of the peace would sentence to be held in place for a period of time.  They stood or knelt in position with a hand in each small hole and the bugger’s neck was in the larger hole. The device would be locked in some fashion.

Being a modern woman, I’d let the convicted sit while spending time in the stockade.  Our citizens are so unconcerned about our environment, I’m sure they’d be throwing food wrappers and drink containers in the square.  Then the ants would feast and discover fresh warm meat to eat sitting in the chair.

The way most people are ruining their feet with flip-flops, the ants would begin with the feet if the convicted was wearing them. Easy eating for the ants and no way for the convicted to stop them.

The best part of the miscreant’s stay in the stockade is the photo taking cell phone cameras.  Can you imagine the hits the photos would get once loaded to the social networking sites?

Ninety-nine point nine percent of the people I know have worked to earn whatever they have.  I do know a few that have inherited comfort, yet are aware not to flaunt it.

What prompted this essay?  A dear friend with more on her plate than anyone should have, had her laptop stolen. 

That thief has personal info about family medical problems.

That thief has information on an American Hero, a First Responder at the Twin Towers on 9/11!  Each day of breathing out of a hospital is a gift to our Hero.

The stockades are outlawed, so let the thief rot in Hell! 
Patricia began writing in the fifth grade, and in high school she was on the school newspaper staff.  Patricia has been a free lance reporter for a number of East coast periodicals.  She is a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Military Wife's Soul.  Patricia is the author of  two "historical fiction" novels,  "Every Shut Isn't Asleep" and "Dust on the Shoes"
 
http://www.patriciabarbee.com
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