So, it Goes

Wow! Half the year is gone, can you believe it? This weekend folks enjoyed the festivities of the Fourth of July. It was a chance to travel by air unless you suffered a canceled flight. If driving, a chance to get out of the house. Folks enjoyed local parades, fireworks, tasty food and forgot about COVID-19 for a little while. However, authorities advised wearing a mask in the company of a lot of people, just in case. It felt nice to get a real break from being cooped up during the pandemic, even though this is not the first opportunity to do so. California weather allowed for backyard barbecues.   

It’s a nice break from your televised news of shootings and protestors not to think of supreme court overturns. A court that has increasingly become a right-leaning political ally. Enjoy it because returning to your TV telecast or however one consumes the national news. Let’s say inflation is not the only thing we worry about today. Reportedly tragedies happen on the Fourth.  

But then, if you haven’t noticed, this country is on a very conservative lean. One could say right-wing ideas have become valid in the mainstream. Some are based on baseless theories and simple lies. Republicans are ecstatically anticipating numerous Democratic lawmakers losing their reelection bids during the 2022 fall midterms. As usual, they believe most Americans are not paying attention to their do nothing but support people with money ideas.

They continue to back the National Rifle Association (NRA) stance of no need for gun control laws. The country suffered from mass shootings, again, as recently as this past July Fourth. Where, who, why, or when doesn’t seem to matter to those gunmen with a military automatic rifles. Their one goal is to kill innocent people.

The GOP doesn’t support police officers’ reform despite evidence as recently as another sixty bullets entering one person of color this past Fourth of July. The eight officers involved are on leave, suspended with pay. How many people do you know are suspended from a job with pay? No, we don’t want to defund the police, yet we feel a severe examination of qualified individuals is warranted. There should also be an effective program to identify police officers who are burnt out or feel certain races in our society are not entitled to the same laws as others. Sensitive training doesn’t seem to work on most of the officers.

We are so tired of people getting in our faces to give us their interpretations of their American rights. I am baffled by these people who disregard health warnings or governmental caution. They want government off their backs until they are hit with fire, flood, or other god-causing disasters. Then, they change their rhetoric with rocket speed; they sound hypocritical.

So, look out for the hyped lead-up rhetoric to the midterms. They act as if the rest of the world is the problem, not necessarily them.    

What is your lawmaker doing about these societal ills? That is the question for the upcoming mid-terms. Are they one of the do-nothing Republicans?   

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/

Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment

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/

Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment

One Trick Pony or Jack of all Trades?

 

Some of you millennials may not have heard the term ‘One Trick Pony.’ For those who haven’t let me explain how it relates to people, places and things. It’s pretty simplistic in meaning that the pony has one trick. It is not good at any more than one thing, thus the phrase.

 

A lot of professionals in entertainment, business occupation or career slots suggest you pick a field and stay with it. They say you have to be passionate about your selection. Be persistent, unyielding, don’t let anybody move you off your spot. Keep moving toward your ultimate goal. Zero in on that particular skill set and enhance it to make you a well-rounded individual in your field of expertise.

 

Professions relied on calling in THE expert.  Whenever they needed to solve a burning question to finally implement a big project or solve a problem in their processes. They’d call for the big kahuna. And you better believe THE expert would come at a BIG expense.

 

This being a capitalistic country and a money driven society made everyone long to be that expert. Therefore, with the emphasis being on a talents expertise there was a rush to become THE expert in various fields. Yeah, go forth young man or woman, become a specialist.

 

That’s what business instructors, analysts, and prognosticators said as recently as a couple years ago. In most cases it worked yesteryear. Some are stuck in that mode today. Unfortunately they are giving you the old way of rising in your chosen field. That doesn’t work today. Whether you are aspiring to be a Singer, Actor, Doctor, Lawyer, or Politician, versatility is a must to become a star in any chosen field.     

 

Over the last few years, doctors were urged to become specialists in some type of medicine. That is supposed to make them experts in their particular field. Yet it hinders them by causing them to call in another specialist when they run into another organ issue that is connected to their operational body part. They try to have all the necessary surgeons in during the operation. Every now and then, they still have to call someone else to scrub in during an operation. Or if it’s beforehand they send you to another specialist in order to get another experts opinion.

 

Take a rapper for instance, who think that all they have to do is get a beat and a hook in the rap to create a number one hit. Keep in mind that their entire premise is based upon voicing the truth about what they supposedly have personally experienced in the hood. For those outside the rap game, the entire presentation all sounds the same. And that’s because it is the same. So people chase the dream of becoming a rapper for over twenty-five years and still are no closer than they were before their first release. A lot of rappers are attaining stardom for one hit record.  Then fading as fast as they arrived because there is no there…there.  If quietness is kept, it also happens to one hit singers.

 

How about an actor or actress? The two that comes to mind are Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. There is no typecasting these individual whose versatility is always on display to an audience. They are not one trick pony’s. When you think of them competing for various parts, they are two people that can play a couple of stationary bowling pins. As long as you gave them dialog and allow facial inflictions; case closed for considering anyone else for the part.

 

This also applies to our personal lives. On a personal note, I was a one trick pony. At the time, I had a dying need to please me and only me in every way imaginable. I wanted to be the best all talented, all rich, etc. etc. in the world. I wanted to be recognize as THE one and only. I was a walking neon sign that said look at me, for I am the one. The one of what didn’t matter, because I wanted to be THE One of it all. Maturity was realized and it dawned on me that whatever I tried to do, someone came before me and many were more accomplished at it than I. I had to drive out the conceit and begin to find my niche in life. My father words rang in my head, “Boy whatever you do, do it well.” I started taking his words to task. I became pretty good at most things. And boy did I get an education about life while becoming “A Jack of all Trades.”   

 

Even if you excel at one of the personal traits, self-satisfaction is secondary to shared success.  With maturity also comes the realization that all things worth having is even greater if share with someone. That goes double for sharing it with someone you love or even a group. Success is more special when sharing it with family, or a few close friends. That’s why you see so much jubilation when a sports team wins a championship. There is no substitution for looking in the eyes of someone you know is happy you reached a certain pinnacle. Keeping in mind that it is better to be good in several areas to become a superstar.

 

In the end when you look at the big picture, which would you rather be? Will you settled for being a home run hitter? Or would you like to be thought of as a complete ball player. When the managers on certain jobs come around with layoff pink slips?  Who normally gets to stay on the job? The expert or the person that can handle various duties as assigned.

 

And finally, as an Entrepreneur, wouldn’t you feel more comfortable with a working knowledge of your entire business investment? Otherwise, how would know if people you have placed in certain positions are able to handle all aspects of the job. How long would it take for you to see that one or more is faking it? Their intention is to get paid, for they can find another job. But how many times can you come up with the funds to invest in a business venture.  Now which would you rather be, a ‘One Trick Pony’ or ‘Jack of all Trades?’

 

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

 

 

 

Codis Hampton II                                                                                          

 

                                                                                                                                         Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo   

 

Subscribe to this blog at http://wp.me/p65rCa-gs

 

 

 

Join us for the live broadcast of our bimonthly BTR Shows at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica

 

In a continuing effort to publicize my book, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953, I will join LitFires Publishing exhibit at this year’s ALA (American Library Association in June) Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago. Go to http://exhibitors.ala.org/ for the full details. Meanwhile look for my fifth book to be published in early July. Thanks and see you in Chicago.

 

Get any of my books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070

 

 

 

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html .

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment

 

European Tourist, Black Churches and Race

A few weeks ago a friend and business colleague of mine posted pictures on his Facebook site of European tourist standing in line to enter black churches. My colleague was enjoying a vacation in New York while sending back photos of interest. The churches, doubling as tourist attractions are located in New York City (NYC). My mind, being what it is, first thought was…this a wonderful idea. As long as church members didn’t mind, why not accommodate the visitors?

Obviously, I wasn’t the only one who had not heard of this practice. By the time I saw his post, my vacationing friend had dozens of comments. They ranged from surprised, befuddlement, and suspicion with most in agreement to let the visitors see and learn.

It immediately sent me into research mode. Well…how long has this been going on you ask? If you are not familiar or heard of the practice, it seems to have caught a few national journalist attentions in 2012. The actual practice began in early 1980 and has become part of NYC Tour Company’s itinerary. Some of which are selling tickets at charges up to $55 per person, and providing most participating churches a cut of the profit. Plus you can be sure each church goes through their donation process to take advantage of all these visitors.  Naturally it brings about several questions, problems, and issues. What are the pros and cons? What do the church members think? How about the Pastor and Deacons? What do they think about this practice? Do the financial gains outweigh members or church officials concerns? Oh yes…there is that word again, finance. In other words is everybody concerned getting their fair share of the cash flow?

After taking a look at the NYC European tourist history and current practice, for me, there is a deeper issue. It is centered on how we as a people are portrayed in today’s media. Better yet, how much time should we give in an attempt to balance out the tendency of our white owned-managed national and local media? Those tendencies are targeted to an overwhelming majority of white readers or electronic viewers.  It reminding me of another recent headline, that went something like, is it the black folks responsibility to educate white people about race issues?

And…taking into account the past Memorial Day, it brought back another old memory for me. Back in the sixties, I took a Greyhound bus ride home from a US Army post (Fort Carson, Colorado). I could have taken a plane, but the bus ride wasn’t a long trip to Milwaukee. I was just getting out of basic training and wanted to save a little bit more spending money.  After all, I was looking forward to a little R&R with assorted partying on the side.

Anybody who has been on a bus knows that it stopped at every little nook and cranny town and corner bus terminal on its way to Chicago ending up in Milwaukee. One of our stops was in some little godforsaken spot south of the boonies. I got out and went into the little bit larger than a bathroom sized terminal to get a candy bar. We had already been told by the bus driver that lunch could be bought further on up the road.

The moment I walked into the little outlet, all eyes were on me including somebody’s dog that started barking. Since I was still a little groggy from just waking up, it finally dawns on me what was going on. I was a dark black man in a full US Army dress uniform, shining metal coat buttons, and spit-shined shoes. Keeping in mind I was also the only black person on the bus and certainly in the little bus stop.

As I made my way to the vending machine, one little blond hair girl was staring so long, I could actually see the fear in her eyes. I walked forward toward the machine which was to the right of the ticket window. She began to back up, feeling for her mother’s leg who was transacting business at the ticket agent’s window.  Her eyes were wide and fixed on me. I smiled and waved to no avail. For a second, she reacted in kind but evidently thought better of it and decided to take the cautious route. The girl let out a low whimper and turned to grab onto her mother’s leg. The mother was temporarily startled by her daughters’ action. With an annoyed facial expression, while attempting to reassure her daughter, the mother turned around to see what or who caused such a reaction. By then I must have been about six feet away from them. She placed her arm around her daughter and called out her name advising the youngster to “settle down and be quiet.”  Looking directly at me, she immediately understood what had almost set off her little girl. She smiled at me and admonished her daughter telling her “that soldier is not going to bother you.” Still fondling her daughters head pressed against her leg she returned to transacting her business with the ticket agent. I bought three candy bars and gave the little girl one of them. Her mother immediately took the candy out of her daughter’s hand and saying “you can have this later.” She nodded to me with a smile and turned back to taking care of her ticket window transaction.

As I settled in my seat, I remember thinking, I was probably the first black person that little girl had ever seen up close and personal. That was why I made the conscious effort of offering her the candy bar. I wanted to reassure her, as did her mother, there was nothing to fear from me.

Back in the early sixties while traveling as a soldier, there were similar incidents. Believe it or not, most odd reactions and staring came from adults rather than kids. At the time, a soldier must be in a full dress uniform when traveling to get a servicemen ticket rate. My family use to tease me. They wondered why the only time they saw me in uniform was when I arrived or was leaving home. I avoided wearing it during my R&R times because…sooner or later somebody in the hood would always want to challenge a uniformed soldier to a fist-fight. Sometimes all they needed was to hear you were in the military. They always wanted to test your toughness. I don’t know, I guess it was just a street thing.

As for the stares and the little girls’ reaction, remember this was the early sixties. Besides Amos and Andy, several appearances by Nat King Cole or Sammy Davis Jr. on the Ed Sullivan Show, blacks on TV were null and void. Where else would white folks come in contact with black people? Not in those small towns and rural areas.

Too much you say. Again, why should we act as educators on race issues? I say, because like it or not, we are ambassadors for our race when we are out and about in public. And frankly, it doesn’t matter if we are in mixed or non-mixed company. Remember Chris Rock’s rant, “I love black people but I hate (you know the word).”  We, as do all races, including white people always represent our race-ethnicity in dealing with the public on a daily basis. Why because, every time someone begins talking about an incident they observed, were involved in, or heard about they always mention the person’s race. If they don’t, somebody listening to the story will ask…was they black, white, Hispanic, Asian, etc., etc. It’s because we, especially in this country are obsessed with race.  I don’t necessary like it either…but somethings are out of our control. People are going to look at people through a racial microscope, good or bad. We are just trying to project who people of color really are, not somebody’s twisted imagination of who they think we are.

Just as some of you hate reading these race issue articles, I hate writing them. But then, I am compelled, no…not forced, I enjoy acting as a counterpart to the Bill O’Reilly’s, Sarah Palin’s, Rush Limbaugh’s of the world? Add an occasional slip of the tongue by some politician, entire political parties that thrive on creating a hostile “we against them” environment. Or attacks on our voting rights by Republican Governors, there is no shortage of voices needed to combat these forces.  These people need to be checked, rebuffed and corrected every time they voice an ignorant opinion. We all need to be involved and aware at all times.

We ought not to display our talents to others as if we are in a zoo, but rather on stage. When someone wants to see us at prayer, play, or exercising our abilities in the Arts, we should accommodate them. We should be glad to education those who have a natural inclination to see who we really are in our natural habitat, so to speak.  Anytime that black folks can have a real teachable moment or event that contradicts stereotypes, we should take advantage.

We are a people born with special qualities that some may not possess. That does not mean we are better than any other race. What it does mean is we are and should be responsible caretakers of our heritage and customs. These are very special traits that should be passed on to our young. Our children, who are smarter than we were at their age will have the same responsibility. They will pass it on to their children. If the History of Race in America has taught us anything, it’s that we can never become complacent. That just the way it is my people.

Peace, make it a day in which Jesus Christ would be proud of you,

Codis Hampton II

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo   

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Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment