Books – Hamp's Corner of America

Getting Old is a Trip

Hey People,

You know how I do it, meaning I’m putting some of my business into the street. I had cataract surgery on my left eye on the eighteenth of April. All is well; thank you for caring. Anyway, they put a small clear patch over my eye. That’s cool. On my way home from the clinic, my sight was somewhat blurred. No worries, my wife drove the car.

According to my instructions, I should wait about a week. My vision will return to normal at that time, with the usual ability to see without this gray film over my sight. So I’m anticipating a clear vision in a few days.

Well, the next day, I went to the bathroom at about four o’clock in the morning. Our bathroom has a mirror that sits above the cabinet and counter. To my surprise, there was a stranger reflecting in the mirror. Suddenly I realized it was me.

Keep in mind it took almost eight months for my doctor to perform the surgery. They were backed up because of Covid19. So I’ve been dealing with this gray matter in my vision worsening over time. I could hardly believe how clear my vision had become due to the surgery.

Looking in the mirror, I wondered who in the hell is that guy. And what is he doing in my bathroom? Then, just as quickly, I came to my senses and realized I was staring at myself. I almost had a vocal conversation with myself. But, instead, I still wondered what happened to Sporty-oddie-cody. What did you do to cool Papa Hamp? Finally, I resigned myself and thought, Jesus Christ…you have let yourself go and do look like Santa Clause younger brother. My wife thought I was Santa Clause after I grew the goatee.

That mirror reflection blew my mind. First, my hair is almost entirely gray. I had yet to comb it, so it looked wild. There was more gray than black in my eyebrows. And finally, the goatee was a lot more grey than black.

Oh, there were no significant wrinkles on my face. There is something to the saying that black don’t crack. But believe me, people, I looked like the very senior person I have become these last few years. So, I won’t give you my age, but let’s say I am beyond sixty-five.

All I can say is the man in the mirror shocked my ego. I stared at myself for a few minutes as if meeting a stranger. Then, I thought about going to the store and purchasing hair dye. But then, I finally came to my senses and realized how blessed I am at this time in my life.

For me, it has always been about how I look at myself. So I accepted the vision and decided to get a haircut and straighten my goatee. It looked a little crooked since it was hard to see a few days ago. Yep! Getting older is a trip, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Peace, blessings, stay healthy, and vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at https://hcofa.net/

Bradley County Arkansas Reunion

There is a family event planned in Arkansas this summer. It’s entitled the Bradley County Reunion and scheduled for August 11, 12, 2023. Since, my family roots are in Banks, (Bradley County) Arkansas, I will participate in promoting the historic reunion.

Their aim is to raise funds for the Mt. Olive Rosenwald School (1927-1954). The school was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places as a part of Julius Rosenwald’s legacy as the foremost benefactor to Negro education in the South.

Included in the fund-raising effort is the Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church in Bradley County. This site is also nominated to the Arkansas Register of Historical Places in 2016 under Criterion A with local significance for its association with the history of the development of the African American community of Mt. Olive and the surrounding area.

Sponsors are soliciting donations as of this notice. For more details, contact sponsor representative, Princella Davis at 870-952-0320. Her email address is princelladavis5@gmail.com.

You will hear more about the planned events of August from me on my sites. Meanwhile, contact Princella via the telephone or email address provided. Remember, if you don’t know where you came from, it makes it harder to get where you are going.

Faces, Specific Times I Remember for our Black History

Are you familiar with your heritage, roots, and family birth line of relatives? If not, I’m suggesting your emotional future will be unsettling, or worse, lived without an identity of self. I know, that’s a long, careful, and accurate thought about knowing yourself. A familiarity that some may dismiss as unnecessary. Yet, it is essential to your growth as a person.

Furthermore, that knowledge gives one the impetus to succeed in this world. So, take it from a Baby Boomer, OG, or Senior Citizen, if your will. This is extremely important.

My cousin and her husband published a book a few years ago. They collected hundreds of pictures, and comments of our relatives, from Bradley County, Arkansas, from 1800 to 1930. Staring at the faces in my copy of Afro-Americans, I see one common thread among all those pictured in the book. The eyes that stare back seem to say I was here for you to be there. Yes, I was here. At this time, at this place, at this moment in what is now history, I was here. So see me as I was, and please remember me, for you are part of me and the result of my struggles to survive.

We know the Hamptons go even farther back than Jane Hampton, who was listed as 60 years old in the 1880 United States Federal Census. That would put her birth at some time in 1820.

My favorite picture is of my Great Grandfather David (Sambo) Hampton (1883-1953). Yes, Sambo, ain’t that a trip? He’s pictured with his wife, Sally Davis Hampton (1885-1943). Great Grandpa Sambo is a direct descendant of Jane Hampton. He is also the father of my Grandfather, John Hampton, who married Gracie Hall in 1924.

It’s the expression on their faces and those eyes that attract and almost demand that you see them as they were at that time. The equality struggles of the African American communities within the United States have been well chronicled in the written word and song over the last 200 years. All that has paid attention and those who have lived the life can attest to the night riders in the South. Songs such as ‘The Strange Fruit,’ so sadly sung by Billie Holiday, come to mind when recalling how a race of people can be attacked and hated simply for the color of their skin.

Yet, one can see the faces of determination in the Negro baseball team of Banks, Arkansas, in which my grandfather John Hampton (1906-1935) was a member. I wonder what that team would think of organized baseball as it is today. I wonder what they would say about the salaries.

There is one of two pictures of my father’s mother, grandma Gracie (Hall-Hampton 1904-1985). My parents sent me from Milwaukee back to Arkansas to stay with her while they went through their divorce issues. Boy, do I remember those times. Especially the time I dug in the ground in the backyard and filled it up with water. Then, I made a fishing pole from the branch of a tree. Then, using a safety pin hook, I sat down at my fishing hole, expecting to catch a fish. I don’t remember what I used for bait, but I do remember my disappointment at not catching a fish. I also remember the smile on my granny’s face when I told her we did not have fish for dinner. I had mixed emotions about leaving that lady when my father returned to get me. I was glad to return home with my father and sad about leaving Grandma alone.

Grandma Gracie, whose husband John died, was a strong-willed woman. The one thing I learned as a very young kid during that stay was Grandma didn’t take any stuff from anybody. And I do mean anybody. She later moved to Milwaukee to witness me running wild in my teenage years. I think she left her shotgun down South. I never saw it in Milwaukee. I remember the tea cakes she would cook and how glad she was to see me stop by and see her every week. Now there was a woman who had a reputation as ornery but showed me nothing but love.

Look at your family pictures, especially of those who lived long ago. Not many smiles, just the look of I am here at this place and time. You will find a good number of women and men pictured with the look of surviving and placing themselves in a position to thrive and prosper, albeit an inch or very small steps at a time. This was no small task happening within a hostile environment amidst a race of people who hated them simply because of the color of their skin. Some whites did not object to black neighbors, customers in their stores, and consumers of their goods. Yes, numerous whites could truthful say they were not racist.

Wikipedia reports that 6 million blacks participated in the general exodus from the South, or as it’s called, the Black Migration from 1910 through 1970, to cities in the Northeast, Midwest, and West.

I am a black man who can never say there were no strong black men in my life. But, starting with my father, that’s all I ever knew during my early childhood, well into my teenage years.

Visitors were a steady stream, especially during the spring and summer weekends. Upon reflection, it seems that every one that came through our door was related in some way or another. Until I started grade school, I thought almost every black person in Milwaukee was a cousin or some relation. It just shows the context of family involvement in our day-to-day lives. It gave you a sense of community.

And that is the last impression one gets from looking through the over 1300 faces in Princella and MacArthur Davis Afro-American book. Instead, it’s one of belonging to something greater than oneself.

You can look at the backgrounds of some of these pictures and see houses, trees, and other landmarks that bring back memories of visiting relatives at some time or other. Yes, family… tradition, and community are what one remembers from back in the day. But, at the risk of repeating myself, it makes me proud of who I am, who I have become due to where I came from, and who was there for me as I struggled to become a man.

I can’t imagine their thoughts or memories of daily life as an Afro-American in the South from 1800 to 1930 and beyond, up to, let’s say, 1950. What would they have given to be a part of Chicago’s Grant Park crowd the night the Obama family walked on that stage? Instead, I remember the televised sight of Reverend Jessie Jackson shedding tears at the election of a black man for President of the United States in this country.

To mothers, fathers, aunts, and uncles, including mine, who came before us, I hope you are all sitting at the dinner table of your maker. I pray that you are looking down on your offspring and feel your legacy is in good hands. We remember the good times and bad, but most of all, we recognize the lessons of life you left us. We still feel the love you send our way. We want you to know the best way we can honor your lifetime is to let our children and their children know they came from a long line of heroes. So that they know they have a bevy of role models in their ancestry to look to when searching for inspiration.

Peace, blessings, stay healthy, and vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at https://hcofa.net/

It’s a Matter of Class…not a Classless Indvidual

One of my pet peeves is participating in a good debate. It doesn’t matter who it’s with; it can be a family member or a total stranger. Or, this person would be necessary with anyone at your place of employment. People, regardless of ethnicity, sometimes must relearn how to communicate with co-workers or people in general.

I look around today, and everybody is in your face with aggressive rhetoric. For instance, my wife and I drove home from the grocery store the other day. I was driving the car. In California, one must stop for pedestrians in a street crosswalk. I was probably twenty or twenty-five feet away, going about twenty miles an hour in twenty-five miles an hour zone as I approached a crosswalk. I always look left and right for people crossing the street. My wife even warned me of this person entering the crosswalk. Plus, I, too, saw him. I brought the car to a complete stop and let the guy, pushing a baby in a stroller, walk across. The guy had the nerve to yell, “Next time, slow that M….er F…er down.”

Stunned, I just looked at him without saying a word. Unlike my wife, who says in jest. “Now run his butt over.” That’s right; Sister Hampton doesn’t play. After he cleared the crosswalk, I pulled off and continued home. I shook my head at the nerve of some people. I felt like getting out of the car and trying to slap some sense into an individual who had no common sense. But then I would be wrong. He occupied my thoughts for about two more blocks because, like my wife, the guy ticked me off. But then I let it go.

These days, one can get involved in a conversation with people where they get annoyed if you have a different take on any topic. Some may think they have complete answers on a subject matter and get intimidated by your response. It’s as if they know what they are talking about and the nerve of you to disagree with them. Or they may brand you as thinking you are an expert on everything.

I used to tell my children to respect their elders when they were growing up. For that matter, understand that older people have more experience with certain aspects of life than younger folks. Moreover, the longer one walks this earth; the more one learns different subject matter by accident. Or as some say, just by living in a neighborhood, city, country, and world.

I found that speaking with older people about different subjects allows one to become more grounded in their beliefs. They might not know anything about a particular topic. At the very least, they may still have an opinion.

But returning to the point of this article. One should be particularly conscience of the way they talk to co-workers, especially a supervisor or boss. Their opinion of you determines the type or responsibility they give you or how fast you get a promotion.

You can sometimes be very persistent, even loud, and boisterous. But then you have to gauge how the person you speak with will take that attitude. If you think that saying what you believe, no matter how it sounds doesn’t matter in the workplace. Then, my friend, you will stay in your current position until your supervisor figure out how to rid of you. So be a star that glows and rises at your job. But, on the other hand, don’t be that employee known to have a big mouth, if you know what I mean.

Using your common sense and knowing how to discuss issues with anyone goes a long way in you having a no-drama attitude. But, unlike at Burger King, you can’t always have it your way. So, I’m just saying…you feel me?

Peace, blessings, stay healthy, and vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at https://hcofa.net/

Draymond Green’s Punch

Teammates, Sportswriters, other NBA players, and an assortment of commentators have given their take on the Draymond Green punch of Jordan Poole. Well, I look at this incident from a Warriors Fan perspective, adding a lot of old-school hood flavor.

To begin, I have sympathy for my brother Poole from the same city, Milwaukee, as I do. It’s a small city, ninety miles from Chicago, with a working man’s hard-hat personality. But, as in any hood, when someone walks up to you and gets in your face. The natural reaction is to shove him back, which is Jordan’s reaction. This is where Draymond’s next move is inexcusable, considering who he is. He, supposedly the heart and soul of the team, reacted as a fellow from the hood. Anybody shoves you warrants an instant reaction. Thus, he punched who he suddenly interpreted as the aggressor.

Yes, we know disagreements among teammates within male or female sports can result in punches. Then again, you know how the saying goes, take the boys out of the hood; they will still have hood tendencies. The difference here is where they currently reside in theory and person. It also includes the amount of money in their bank accounts. Finally, the fact that this punch was filmed and leaked to the national press places enormous scrutiny on the act.

My fault lies with Draymond. He should know better than to instigate a predictable reaction by walking up to a teammate’s face. He was so close to Jordan’s mouth that he could have given him COVID-19 if Draymond had it. But, instead, what did he expect the kid to do? Take the disrespectful act as a teachable moment. And then to follow that up with punching Jordan because he shoved you.

As a fan, I am sad to say Draymond has worn his teammates out as an elder spokesman, fellow player, enforcer against opponents, or anything representing the Warriors. It’s time for him to move on, including therapy of some type to address his demons, at a time in our black neighborhoods when individual fights never seem to settle a disagreement. Often it ends up with opponents bringing in their parents, other family members, or homies to settle the score. We don’t need to see gifted, wealthy individuals on our TV screens acting as if they are on a street corner in the hood.

You, Draymond Green, must be better than that. You can not go through life throwing punches because you disagree with someone of whatever. You have children. Does that not present you with the obligation of being a role model for them and various children in our neighborhoods?

I read that you have apologized. That’s all well and good. But you, like millions of NBA fans, living in the hood or not, understand Jordan Poole and his teammates will never forget that punch. He, as he has, may accept your apology, but he will never forget. It’s a thug-like punch who happened to be his teammate. No matter what was said beforehand, you got in his face. You wouldn’t take that from anyone. So what made you think that Jordan would accept it?

This incident will linger until Draymond is traded or leaves the Warriors on his own. Because of all his idiotic past behavior and the punch, he has put himself in an untenable position. In my opinion, the team will be better off without Draymond. You can bet a tell-all book from Green will follow shortly after leaving the team. Thanks for the memories, especially your contribution to the championships. But again, you’ve worn out your welcome. Please get some help and good luck in all future endeavors.

Peace, blessings, stay healthy, and vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

A Few Things on My Mind

A few issues come to mind as I watch the year 2022 speed into its conclusion. First, it seems we just took the Christmas trees down from the end of 2021. How time flies is an understatement for this year.

To this country’s detriment, Trump is in the news every day. Will he, won’t he, can’t he, should he, or what did he say? My only real question is, why hasn’t this individual been charged or indicted? You hear of pending violence in the street if Trump is indicted. Is there an attempted hostile takeover of the United States Government in our future?

For the last several years, the A’s traded away or let walk their good players because they don’t want to pay the average player’s salary. Then they field pretty much an uncompetitive team of players in training. They are last in their division at 53 wins and 94 losses, 43 games behind the first-place Houston Astros. It promises to get much worse by season end. All while asking Alameda County to claim one of its best areas for a baseball stadium. Attendance, morale, etc., are all down. The city of Oakland needs money for essential services. Where do they find those funds? Hey… please do us all a favor. Move to Las Vegas or anywhere else besides the Bay Area.

The mid-terms are fast approaching while Republican politicians are shipping immigrants to other cities. Yet they wonder why most people are sick of politics, sick and tired of ignorant politicians seeking personal power. So please vote anyway, don’t let them drive you away from the one right we have as people.

Yes, I am a 49er fan. As for QB Tray Lance…running him between the tackles seven to eight times a game was bound to get him hurt. For the coach to say that was an attempt to allow Lance to become a better throwing QB? As a fan, I wanted to see him develop this year. Now he is lost for the year. After rehab and returning to the field of play, he will not be running on a surgically repaired ankle. Yet he will still need to develop more of his talents as a passing QB. I wonder how Coach Shanahan will handle that change in his QB.

I am still working on my next book. It continues my late grandmother, Gracie Hall-Hampton’s move from Banks, Arkansas, to Milwaukee. I thought I would have it published by the end of this year. Unfortunately, that is not going to happen. Look for it in the spring and another book I’ve written and yet to publish.

Every Sunday since the pandemic began, my wife and I still attend church online. Booster shots or changes in mask requirements haven’t stopped that practice. We pay our tithes, pray daily, and enjoy the services while trying to avoid COVID-19. However, we miss fellowshipping with other church members.

The big thing in our house is to get rid of the clutter. You know, favorite nick-nacks that look good but do nothing but collect dust. This and other things we have bought, received, or somehow acquired over the years make for a cluttered house. So, we are getting rid of a lot of stuff. Do you know what I mean?

We no longer go to the gym as that is a prime place to attract a cold, flu, or the dreaded COVID-19. Meanwhile, we try not to gain weight because of less physical activity.

Do I hear someone dribbling a basketball? The NBA and Warriors are due to kick off their leagues toward the end of September. Imagine that ladies (who are not sports fans), baseball, football, and basketball games are on TV. Will your husbands ever get off the couch on weekends besides going to the bathroom?

Besides keeping appointments with doctors, dentists, or whoever, going to and from the store seems to be the Hampton’s life these days. We continue to be aware in order to keep our health out of harm’s way. I am always grateful to God for giving me and mine another day to get things right. How is your year going?

Peace, blessings, stay healthy, and vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

“The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check out my Authors webpage URL https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at https://hcofa.net/

The Sixties, Ideas-Freedoms’ of the Past?

Again, we think we are coming out of a COVID19 environment only to be warned of predicted increasing cases this summer. People in this country are already stir-crazy, wanting to get out of the house, cities, town, or wherever they live now. We don’t care if it only involves driving to a nearby state. We long to see new scenery, state parks, or family amusement centers. At least that is my opinion.

I am sick-n-tired of being serenaded by my neighbor’s Pit Bull’s vicious growls. He barks and lunges at the wooden fence separating our yard every time I step into my backyard. Believe me when I say the animal isn’t discriminative because it barks at anything that moves in our yard. That would include the Terminix person or anyone else. I spoke to the father of the son who owns the dogs. He seems convinced that it’s the barking that irritates me. In other words, live with it is his message.

Now they have the nerve to add a pit bull puppy. The puppy’s job is to learn how to bark, just like the older dog. Some people have no consideration for another’s rights. I should also clarify that my neighbor and I are of the same race. By the time this summer rolls around, I intend to take some legal action that provides peace to our yard. My wife and I like to bar-b-que in our yard. We have plants in the yard requiring maintenance despite the drought. We are senior citizens with medical issues. Don’t we have the right to our way of life without animals trying to scale the fence to attack whoever is on the other side?

Baby Boomers can count themselves lucky to be born in such an enterprising era in American history. Remember the freedom just to be yourself felt in the sixties? Do what you want, go where you want, and associate with who you wish to, even though a conservative society may disapprove of your choice. Just think about all we have seen or witnessed in person—the greatest of artists from all aspects of the social, entertainment, or sports world. The talent exhibited and contributed to our society by people of all races. People from all walks of life have amazed us. Each generation since the sixties has had a front-row seat within the last seventy years, even participating in the ever-changing technology and improved medical capabilities. It was fun while it lasted, folks.

Browsing through family pictures on my computer is an excellent way to spend a morning. There is nothing like looking at old photos to remind you of past good times. I remember an era when a person felt free to speak, write or have an opposing opinion. Instead, every publicized non-conservative statement is met with immediate comments and even death threats via social media. As kids, we learned to respect our neighbors, including their property and the right to exist next door to us. But can we honestly say that about some people next door or down the street? Do they have the same consideration for anybody other than themselves?

A great example would be the wear a mask or not debate. Some think it’s an American right or wrong question. Typically, those types of people go to extremes to prove a point that is, at best unhealthy to themselves and the people around them.

In addition, we have gone through a period of political change in America. Gone are the ideas people want to see their fellow citizens succeed in whatever pursued endeavor. Instead, we see all types of referrals to MAGA, or “Make America Great Again.” As if that is what many white folks need to feel good about themselves. Most Democrats, including numerous races of color, voted for politicians of character, people who went to Washington to change America for the better for all. At least, that was the intent of gaining our support and vote—far too many, especially in the Republican Party. Unfortunately, that is not the case today. Republican politicians see it as a winning nugget in their campaign because they feel that is the belief of their constituency.

In some cases, it doesn’t seem to matter if it’s at the expense of American Democracy. Sadly, as has been reported in polling, interviews at Trump-type rallies, or other Republican political gatherings in many areas in this country. Unfortunately, some folks harbor that very attitude. More and more instances point to an ugly resentment for people of color’s success, supposedly at the expense of white power, plain and simple.

We are growing terrorists allowing them to arm themselves as if they are going to war. These people take it upon themselves to deal out death and destruction to protect the privileges of those still in the majority in this country. Recent examples are the Tops Supermarket killings in Buffalo, New York, and the Texas Robb Elementary school massacre of third, fourth, and fifth-grade children. Each shooter is an eighteen-year-old individual with the Tops Supermarket killer evidence as a white supremacist who believes in those extreme theories. Both killings happen within a week of each other.

Many are pushing the Critical Race Theory. Although they fear their majority is in danger of disappearing year by year. Their shrinking numbers contribute to the extreme theory that white people will be eradicated and replaced by people of color. If this weren’t serious, it would be comical to think how long race eradication would take, with immigration and having more babies than another race as primary acts. Yet no matter how idiotic we may think of the theory, it is out there for consideration to unstable minds.

Suddenly, many liberal progressive thinking white folks stepped back while wondering if their power capabilities were being taken away by others.

We would do well to heed the following words of our greatest president, Abraham Lincoln. “I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country…corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.”

That is an accurate statement about money in the hands of a few. Some direct political cash contributions toward certain politicians they know for sale.

Here is one more for the road from our historically gifted past, President Lincoln. “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”

Meanwhile, Republicans continually block any attempt to limit Americans’ access to Assault style rifles that are war weapons. I implore you to think about their stances and rhetoric as we go through the mid-term elections of 2022. Some people could care less if we improve as a nation. Their primary concern is what they can get out of it. Sometimes it seems as though we have turned the clock back to a time before the Civil War in this country.

Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

Our new book, “The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check out my Authors Page The webpage URL is https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at https://hcofa.net/

My Opinion should count, as should yours.

Recently, I had a professional review completed for my latest book, The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol 2. Anyone who has read my works understands that personal opinions or questionable critiques of my writings do not dictate the subject matter I choose to comment. I tend to have some type of opinion about any subject matter. God and my parents built me that way. Anyway, without further ado, here is the review,

“If a reader is looking for an easy-to-read collection of essays that are both entertaining and thoughtful, then Codis Hampton II’s book is a satisfactory choice. Each entry takes only a few minutes to read and therefore provides short, quick material for the busy individual. The author uses straightforward language and flowing narrative to keep the tone simple and to engage the reader. He adds his unique humor and a blend of slang to lighten the voice of many pieces, yet he contrasts the levity with serious and important life lessons to bring balance.”

“Hampton states in the beginning of his book that these essays are his opinions from his own life experience. He draws on several decades and his interactions with various people along the way to back up his thoughts on different subjects. His background on any given topic is due to his experience, so the reader should consider the author’s words his own perspective and not absolute truths.”

“These are opinion pieces and should be treated as such. If a reader is seeking authoritative knowledge on any of the various topics Hampton writes about, they would do well to consult books written by experts in such fields. However, if the reader is looking for a unique perspective or entertainment, then Hampton’s collection of essays provides plenty of fodder for thought. Hampton’s voice comes through with strength and clarity. While reading his essays, one feels like they know him, perhaps even can hear him. His dynamic, outgoing personality shines through, rendering his words almost conversational.”

“Due to the broad array of topics, someone is bound to find something in this collection that resonates with them. That said, they may also come across an essay that is either disagreeable or perhaps off-putting. The author has strong ties to his family, for example, despite having a mother who walked out of his life when he was very young. He emphasizes again and again one’s identity being connected to their family, but this statement would not be true or feel fair to someone who is estranged from their family or who had traumatic experiences growing up. While the author’s experiences are his own and therefore his opinions are based on those experiences, perhaps a disclaimer that these opinions and experiences are to be viewed through the lens of belonging to one person would prove beneficial to readers who come from very different backgrounds.” End of quote.

I found it odd that the reviewer thought my mother walked out on me. Not so; we didn’t have a close relationship right after she divorced my father. Thank God I was brought up living in my fathers’ house. My relationship changed with my mama while I was in the Army. We became much closer after I returned home from the service. The reviewer must have missed that part altogether.

The other oddity, in my opinion, was that he felt I should leave my opinions to the so-called experts in various subject fields. I found that statement hilarious, given that just because some consider themselves an expert on a particular subject. Familiarity with the subject matter doesn’t always come through as thoughtful or tolerant of other opinions. In other words, you don’t have to be an expert for your opinion to matter, in my view.

Overall, I found the reviewer’s thoughts true, especially that the articles are both “entertaining and thoughtful.” That is precisely my goal in writing about anything. I try to get my readers to think of their opinion about the subject matter.

I find that is the best way for me to communicate with readers. I write with the intention…to communicate with you, you over there, and anyone. Your opinion on this article would be appreciated.

Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

Our new book, “The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check out my Authors Page The webpage URL is https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at https://hcofa.net/

Taking Note at the End of 2021

Can you believe that we have seen another Christmas pass after a year of COVID peaks and valleys? Christmas is my favorite holiday, beginning as a kid. It seems a different spirit comes over people. They reach out to friends, family, and the like with good wishes. We all love to see the smile on our family and friends’ faces when opening a gift from us. Sometimes a gift is not needed, just a warm gesture of attention, especially to our seniors. In that manner, this past Christmas season of celebrating the birth of Christ followed the same pattern.

We are always surprised how fast the year disappears in our rear-view mirror. The new variant, omicron, is still causing quite a stir worldwide. But then, a new year is here, which should cause us to think of tomorrow. A hopeful future is always better in our minds than even the best of times during the last year.

So welcome to the year 2022. For a short while, we thought we had survived the pandemic of 2021. Yet the world is hit with a new variant in omicron. Most are adjusting to the new world of flu overload. But, of course, we still have those who don’t want to wear a mask, much less get vaccinated. But then life goes on.

It understates that one should enjoy your time on earth daily because there is no real reason to waste it. We learn to make the best of any situation. It reminds me of a Saturday Night Live skit expertly played by Gilda Radner’s character, Roseann Rosannadanna. In character, the comedian went on a lengthy rant about turmoil, either witnessed or experienced personally. She would end with the quotable line, “It’s always something.”

Every day we’re inundated with the unpopularity of the current president and vice president. So naturally, it leads to salivating Republicans’ chances at taking the house and senate majority in the 2022 mid-terms. Of course, if that happens, what direction the country will take is a genuine concern. But then, nobody has voted yet, so we shall see if the pundit’s prediction will come true.

Meanwhile, the individual who provided a stage for these antigovernment conspiracy followers is thinking of running for president in 2024. His constant presence seems to keep many in the Republican party beholding to him and not the country.

We feel that most people will reflect on the past year. Afterward, the immediate concern is how to maneuver all events in 2022 to help you and your family. We tend to or at least should plan, innovate, take steps to improve our family relationships, finances, current living conditions, including personal habits that make us better people. In all, we do progress during the year despite all the obstacles.

That is what makes life an exciting journey. Regardless of how it disturbs some relatives, friends, or strangers, moving forward should be our mantra. After all, we strive to be better tomorrow than we were yesterday. So, in the words of the R&B artist group led by Curtis Mayfield, “Keep on Pushing.” I wish you and yours a happy and prosperous New Year. Stay tuned as we report our progress and missteps.

Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

Our new book, “The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check our website at https://outskirtspress.com/HampsEpisodicThoughtsVol2 for details.

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at https://hcofa.net/

Budgeting to enjoy the 2021 Holiday Season

The holidays are fast approaching, which provides a primary reason to examine our monthly budget. We are looking for excess cash to spend on decorations, holiday foodstuffs, and funds to spend on presents for family and friends. Some of us are lucky enough to have a savings account specifically for these holidays. We always plan on not running up our credit card balances which may be at the max considering we are coming out of a pandemic. As soon as we determine our holiday budget, we can look for retail deals.

How far will your dollar go this holiday season? For years industry leaders have awarded large bonuses to their top executives every year. At the same time pushing for a need to lower labor rates. As a striking John Deer employee says, “We are tired of them taking our money.”

One almost has to say they have lowered, slashed, and renegotiated labor fringe dollars to the bone. It’s as if they say the corporations’ executives deserve a big yearly bonus and the workers are on their own.

The Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers increased 5.0 percent from May 2020 to May 2021. That means we are paying $1.05 more for goods this year than the even $1.00 we paid last year. Laughable, isn’t it? From our perspective, we are paying $1.25 more, depending upon the consumer item, than the previous year. In other words, the Consumer Price Index is always lower than the reality in the retail outlet. Sometimes my budget tells me that I may be spending more than a twenty-five percent increase depending upon the consumer item.

As labor proposes a couple of percentage points in the maximum pay increase, we may not realize the exact number—specifically, the 5% increase in consumer goods from last year to this particular year. The growth covers food, appliances, gasoline. You name the product. More than likely, the price has increased within the last year. Are you traveling this year? Reportedly rental car prices are 66% higher than last year.

How about the amount of product you get in packaging? You have to consider the shrinking product amount in the package. It’s a clever way for the industry to save money, thereby increasing profits by selling the public less product for the exact cost.

The economy of supply and demand still affects our budgets. The formula says when supplies are low and demand high, the result is an increase in pricing. However, that is still not the only reason for rising prices. For example, the pandemic was a primary reason for the demand for more supplies.

The issue is always the same. If you are aware of the rules, you can play the game. In this case, you can select foodstuffs that will feed your family until the first of the month rolls around in thirty of thirty-one days. Oh, you may have to substitute certain items for others. You may not be able to buy certain brands of foodstuffs you are used to serving your family. As the old folks say, a little money goes a long way if you pay attention to your spending budget. The price of gas rises every time the oil companies have extra expenditures. Say like a spill they must clean up or that old tried and true one. We must shut down certain oil-producing outlets for maintenance.

But then, when does the average consumer get a break? That is the larger question. Along comes a Democrat that tries to help the average consumer. You’ve heard of the president’s infrastructure bill. He is practically run out of town on a rail car for mentioned helping the ordinary family. Media, owned and managed by rich folk, tear apart his program. Who’s going to pay for it? Why should they get free stuff? Tell the freeloaders to earn their keep and buy what they can afford as we all must do, the well-to-do advice. Yet, they don’t realize that providing a lesser-earning person a safety net that allows them to contribute to the tax structure or economy daily is better for everyone.

Some are too busy reading about conspiracies. Others are not listening to their voices, or they would hear them suggest processes that haven’t worked for ages. These are the extreme opinionators. Somehow the commonsense approach gets buried beneath the unworkable rhetoric pushed by the rich and powerful.

Finally, Social Security is playing catchup by providing a 5.9% increase to seniors. You can expect to see that raise in January of 2022. It’s based upon the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). Put it this way, the COLA average for 2015 through 2020 was 1.33. So, an increase to 5.9% is a big deal. We won’t go into how that figure fits your budget, like increases in health plans to name one. Let’s say it is welcomed and leave it at that. Somehow, we have made it through the year. We always manage to buy a hamburger at Wendy’s or In and Out occasionally. Let us hope we can put more democrats in congress since they are the only ones willing to spend money on the little consumer.

Meanwhile, we are determined to have a happy holiday season. We will adjust our spending accordingly. So, to one and all, happy holidays beginning with Thanksgiving from the Hampton’s. We are excited to be here to enjoy the season with you from afar.

Peace, blessings, stay healthy, vigilant for our American rights. Make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II Author & Commentator

Our new book, “The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II” has been published. Check our websites for details.

Join us for our live or Internet broadcast of bi-monthly BTR R&B or Smooth Jazz Musical at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo, Parent Company/Sponsor CHIIA Group at https://hcofa.net/