Torque and center of mass lab

The first question on the last page of your lab data package asks how is Sum F =0. The questions stems from the fact that all the torques are geenrated by downward, gravitational forces. While it may be that cw torques are cancelled by equal ccw torques if all the forces are downward how is Sum of Fs = 0 satisfied? Why doesn't the whole thing just accelerate downward?

The answer is obvious and you should realize what it is just by looking at the setup and what is holding up the stick.