Hey you, the unvaccinated Ones

Hey you unvaccinated people. What is wrong with you? Why would you want to put your friends, neighbors, associates, family, or teammates through the possibility of catching COVID19 from you? What is so all-powerful or means so much to you that you can put all the above at risk. 

Being in the age of vulnerability and having some of the medical issues that attract COVID, my wife and I got vaccinated over six months ago. Last week we got our Pfizer booster shoots from our medical provider. On Sunday, I found that a cousin of mine died from COVID19. I should also mention that he had additional medical issues. But the point here is people are still dying from this virus. It’s not the time to be flippant about getting vaccinated. Or, for that matter, reluctant to wearing a mask out in public.

I know about maintaining one’s individuality. I understand the need to be always independent. But, frankly, I am with you when it comes to being asked to do something rather than being told to comply with whatever. It’s all right except when it comes to your health and welfare, your family, and others. There lies the main reason for all to comply with the experts’ suggestions to get vaccinated rather than not.

There have been reports that vaccinated folks can spread the virus too. Some people of color have wondered if the entire vaccination program may be a (fill in the blank) sham on black people. They refer to the Tuskegee Experiment as the basis for this notion. Some have cited religious reasons for avoiding the shots. Others have used the tried-and-true reason. When you ask the guy on the corner why they won’t get vaccinated, his answer is “Because.” They have no specific reasons except.

As for NBA sports stars, who would not be allowed to play home games in their arenas? The league announced they would not be paid for games missed. Suddenly it became an economic problem along with a good teammate, public pressure, or a good health issue. Although given the possible amounts of money it would cost them to sit out games, some are making a favorable financial decision. They did or will get vaccinated soon. Although, you’ve got to think that public pressure, along with supporting your teammates, also came into play.

Mandates to get vaccinated have been asked of Government employees, numerous industry workers, and states employees. Most with the threat of being fired if you do not comply. California’s governor Gavin Newsom recently mandated vaccinations for school-age children and teachers. 

We have learned of many more reasons we should get vaccinated for the betterment of our health. A new study finds that overall, vaccinated folks are less likely to spread the virus even if they catch the coronavirus. “It’s the highest quality study we have so far on the question of infectiousness of vaccinated people infected with delta,” said University of Pennsylvania infectious disease physician Dr. Aaron Richterman. It is important to note he was not involved in the research project.

 You can check out the site at https://usafacts.org for information regarding specific states.

There are the obvious, vaccine-preventable diseases have not gone away and are expensive. You hear of capacity-filled hospitals with virus-infected people every day. Yet, today’s news is also filled with people changing their minds while becoming compliant with vaccination directives.

“It’s just too soon to tell. We have to concentrate on continuing to get those numbers down and not try to jump ahead by weeks or months and say what we’re going to do at a particular time.” Those are the words of our Chief White House Medical Adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci as a guest on this past Sunday’s CBS Face The Nation. He is commenting on a question of should we be concerned with holiday gatherings during the last two months of this year.  

In the end, it is simple. But, let us get real, folks; our lives depend upon it.

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

Look for the publication of our new book, “The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp, Vol II.” It will be available in late November of this year.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

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

Unnecessary use of an Adjective

Do you ever notice many people who use words like Unconditional or Unapologetic are often making an obvious point?

For instance, I’ve noticed some like to use say “Unconditional Love.” Frequently they are putting another person on notice as to how they should behave in a relationship. To love, regardless of the relationship, doesn’t require an adjective to improve the intensity of the emotion. All that is needed are reasons to feel that way about something or someone.

Love is a given; one doesn’t have to describe it in some unique way.  We don’t wait for someone to fall in love with us before we, in turn, love them. If they are our offspring, siblings, or parents, we love them because of our relationship. There are no other qualifications they have to go through to earn our love. The emotion is not always mutual or shared between two people. The explanation could be for numerous reasons. Whatever the reason, placing such an adjective in front of the word, love is not going to enable the other person to love you.

Say, for instance, your sibling, son, or daughter is socially challenged. They don’t interact with other people. Their social ideas are out of whack. Don’t have or can’t keep a friend, immature; they depend upon others to keep them fed, clothed, housed in a place to exist. Attempting to motivate these individuals is an endless exercise with no end in sight.

No one wants to take care of a grown man or woman. Relatives want you to succeed, show improvement, or at least try to become independent. If there are no signs that you are trying, one might be confronted with another adjective. Your relatives may indicate “Tough Love” is what you need, in place of money, or providing other subsistence items.

Tough Love may not be what they envision as assistance, yet it is the best remedy for individuals requiring motivation. Sometimes people need a reason to achieve the basics of need. Don’t underestimate a swift shove in the rear to get a person headed in the right direction.

Then there is the boisterous individual. The one who feels they have to get in your face to facilitate some response. We as Americans tend to overstate the urgency of something or the other. For instance, a man trying to make a point by stating he is “Unapologetic Black.”

The individual places his picture on a poster advertising his business. Keep in mind he wants some cooperation from outside his company. First of all, they can tell his race by looking at his picture on the poster. Or if there is no poster, those who he approaches will know his skin color.         

“Unapologetic Black” is a way of puffing up, sticking your chest out, which can intimidate the very people you need to cooperate with your plan. If not intimidation, then think of it as a turnoff.

It’s like sending an email to someone, whereas the entire communication is in capital letters. In such cases, one cannot get to the message because the all-caps smothering the wording.

That may not be the person’s intention, but someone will conclude the senders’ personality as uneducated. Or in the case of the guy on the poster, an angry, uncooperative individual.

As the face of your business, you have to show you’re able to converse in a way to satisfy investors, customers, or your employees. Any correspondence that reaches those people before you do will reflect your personality. In other words, your ability to listen to other ideas may get you that contract, loan, or donation.

One may consider these ideas as you are preparing a resume. You don’t know the personality of the Human Resource person. You must be smart when you are listing your hobbies. Somebody might be impressed if you are a dog lover, musician, or love Rhythm and Blues. That might interest the employer to place you above another individual.

Another way to think about this entire thought process is pretty much self-explanatory words matter in all types of communication. Words express how one feels, what they are going to do, even explain what one has done.

In summation, an adjective is a word or phrase naming an attribute, added to, or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it. Think before using them carelessly. Make sure they help you rather than turn people away from you. It applies to business or life.    

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                                                                                          

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

Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Musical Shows at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica. Or play the broadcast at your leisure.

We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with Unchon-ni, South Korea; I Remember 1962-63. Check out the details at https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni

We are in a continuing effort to publicize, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. Based on the life of the Authors Grandmother. The Novel examines an era of Jim Crow that many in our society may have forgotten occurred against people of color. Meanwhile, we celebrate the publication of his fifth book, Misguided Intentions. A book where family relationships are questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/  Click on the publisher-Authors page at https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions   

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at https://hcofa.net/

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

Why Should we care about our country?

Why should you care what happens in this country? The death of George Floyd, with countless others throughout the seventies, up through today. The election of a president who lacks the moral leadership of an average American. A consistent thirty to thirty-five percent following that can see no, I repeat, no flaws by this president as a representative of our country. A need to change the culture of police forces around this country from sometimes acting as an occupational force rather than to protect, serve all citizens. A partisan divide that is threatening to tear apart this country. Again, one might ask, why should we care what happens in our country? Because neglecting to pay attention to what is going on from our local political electors to the white house is how we got to our current situation.

Once there was a question, do our young folks care…? well, do you hear, see them now on your daily news outlet. With the absence of governmental leadership apparent during this COVID19 pandemic, we long for signs of any consistent leaders to step up, show themselves.  Meanwhile, we, as individuals, should do our part for our country. The long or short answer to why we should care is because it is your country. This is our house. Depending upon your ethnicity, some may say it does not belong to you, or you don’t belong in it. Other ethnicities try to take claim of the United States even though their forefathers arrived after others were already here.

During the civil rights era, marchers often heard the anti-demonstrators shout, “go back to Africa; we don’t want you here.” There is so much wrong with that phrase; I don’t have time to go through the thought process. Let me say, the blood, sweat, tears, and bones of my ancestors buried in grounds of America.  

However, you see some young, middle-aged, or older folks doing things that make light of the coronavirus warning. It’s as though they have some magic shield that prevents them from contacting COVID19. For the young, the thought may be that nothing could harm me at this age. For others, it’s just stupidity of the subject.   

So, they go on about their daily business, some not knowing if they already have the virus spreading it around like a “get sick” card. Others believing, they never get sick, so it doesn’t apply to them. It’s like that old Mad Comic Book character, Alfred E Neuman…” What me worry?”

The demonstrations against the shelter-in-place Governor orders in Michigan some weeks ago looked sick to me. They show up with rifles, pistols, a couple of confederate flags, signs that let you know they support Trump. What a joke. Those who are paying attention know this virus has no specific targets. Everybody encountering it is vulnerable. Asthmatics suffer more than others, but everybody can catch COVID19.   

Or we could look at it another way. Yes, this is my country. I was born here; I have put down my roots. And the utmost, in my opinion, my ancestors grew up, raised generations of children, helped build this country from the wilderness, desert. No one has more claim to this country than my people or me.

My fellow countrymen, generations that followed, let’s be honest with ourselves. We’ve seen developments, incidents, whatever you want to call them that we thought we would never see in our lifetime. Some thought our Baby Boomer generation went too far. Others felt we hit the right notes, pushed the correct agenda for societal change. We wonder why it didn’t last.

Music guided our thought process. Some of the most important, thoughtful, meaningful songs were written in the sixties, seventies decade. A talented artist from all genres of music was in bands or solo artists that added to the diaspora of the day. Groups marched to effect change by certain songs. They formed opinions, calculated life strategies that contributed to real changes in our society. Again, why didn’t the forced changes last?  

The hippy generation brought about the loved one and all attitude. Everybody was a valuable person. They felt that all had something to contribute to society. We all thought we counted for something. We became proud of our country as change for the better was seen, felt, practiced in our daily lives. By now, you may be asking the same question, why didn’t the attitude changes last up through today?

We saw the election of an African American President. President Obama had more patience with the right-wing Republican Party than he should have, then again, that’s just my opinion. We hoped in vain that we had turned a racial corner in this country. Only to be shocked back to reality before Mr. Obama served a day. Mitch McConnel, with the aid of other Republicans, felt that it was his job to see that President Obama didn’t have a second term. That did not work, so they did everything else under the sun to block his powers. Republican Lawmakers in charge of both houses of Congress controlled the agenda. Laws expired, were never addressed, politics became a partisan rule.

That is why the sixties implemented laws did not last up through today. The rise of the Tea Party, hidden racism, a lot of nervous people who saw their majority slide into a minority. That produced a changing attitude, once again pushed by the Republican Party.    

In the past, we saw wars, conflicts that began because some guy somewhere believes he is the chosen one. So, his fellow countrymen should be indebted to him. Now we see the same type of politician in our county of the United States of America. He thinks we should do what he says, do not fret the big decisions. He is all-knowing about all subjects. He alone will address issues. Yet we see different problems left unsolved, mismanaged, or not managed (COVID19) at all.     

The political parties drifted into partisan groups because the Americas stood by, did nothing. We watched as Washington DC politicians on the right seem to care less about all Americans, only catering to a very few.

The attitude now is ‘I’ve got or is going to get mine no matter who I have to step on to get it.’ The bottom line, this is not the America we once knew. Just because a third of the people follow this president, it does not make his policies right for all Americans. Sometimes people are not sure what is best for them if they do not have all the facts.

According to a political science Stony Brook professor Helmut Norpoth, who has correctly predicted five out of six elections since 1996, Trump will win in November. He  told Mediaite on Tuesday., “The Primary Model gives Trump a 91 percent chance of winning in November.” Let that resonate in your brain for a moment. Can this country stand another four years of Trump or his Republican Party?

The answer to stopping this weird merry go round is to vote during this presential election. As citizens, we are responsible for the direction taken by our country. Too many have died for the rights we currently have for us to check out or say to hell with America. Please vote for the restoration of our country’s core values. Let us take hold of our future, vote for representatives, folks running for the Senate, and a president that has Americans’ best interest at heart. Once installed in their job, you will see the beauty of being free and an American.   

Peace & Blessing, stay healthy, 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   

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

We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with Unchon-ni. Check out the details at https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni

We are in a continuing effort to publicize, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. Based on the life of the Authors Grandmother. The Novel examines an era of Jim Crow that many in our society may have forgotten occurred against people of color. Meanwhile, we celebrate the publication of his fifth book, Misguided Intentions. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/  Click on the publisher-Authors page at https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions   

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

Look for new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to significant magazines upcoming in 2020. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at http://hcoa.net/. Our Retail Site is https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com

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

Then…there is Joe

Bernie Sanders loomed large as champion a movement of sorts. His programs or remedies for the improved health of America is free this or free that. Maybe, just maybe, the results in South Carolina reminded Sanders that the United States of America is a capitalist democracy. Free is not a word that’s easily digested in America. The populace interprets Free as a substantial product no matter what it entails. The first question in these cases is pretty much the same; nothing is free in the US of A. It’s a pay me now or pay me later society, but pay me you will in the end.
Thus, the opposing party, Trump and Republican voters, see Sanders as a socialist. They paint him and the Democratic Party as socialist opportunists bordering on something akin to communist ideals. By now, the Democratic Party understands the Republican playbook in a national election. That may not have been evident in 2016, but who thought Trump would get elected. So, Democrats went to sleep and woke up to a nightmare. Trump got elected President of the US. They don’t intend to make this same mistake in 2020.
Michal Bloomberg had some credible ideas with a modest record of success of sorts as the mayor of New York. Then Elizabeth Warren sank him in the debates. End of story.
Take a moment to reflect on the presidency from 2008 through 2016—a time when Barack Obama served as our President. The office, as well as the man, was respected in many parts of the world. President Obama bent over backward, trying to work with Republicans to pass legislation. No good, they played hardball and denied advancement or progress wherever they could.
Yet there was a feeling, actionable evidence that the White House was in the hands of people who would make intelligent decisions on matters that came up daily. You may not have agreed with every decision that came from the President. But you never had reason to believe that our allies would not be served, or various arms of the government would not function because of actions directly attributed to the Commander-in-Chief.
Let me say as an African American Black Senior. If Trump is in the White House for another four years, one may not recognize our country after the first year of his next term. Note how he is handling his first major crisis. The coronavirus is yet another indicator of how this President thinks and reacts to events facing the current administration. Reports indicate they were warned back in October 2019 about the current COVID19 pandemic
His administration’s efforts as head of the most powerful, original body, mobile military, resourceful workforce in the world act as if his head is buried in the sand. They are acting from a reactive position in place of a proactive body. Not as one large, coordinating organization dealing with the tentacles of COVID19. Now daily after several wasted weeks, they appear before camera looking and sounding like high schoolers, providing half an effort to a requirement that calls for all-out attention. The White House acts as if they are not in charge of the Government response. What a wasted effort and misuse of talent.
The truth is it may be hard to understand the decision-making process of rules, etc. Trump has already issued during the last four years. He may not ever want to leave the office and attempt to make his reelection permanent until death. The Republican Senate Majority is just a rubber stamp for this President. There is nothing that would surprise me anymore about the intentions of Trump and his blind to the fact’s followers.
Then, there is Joe Biden. Good old reliable Joe. A gold star member of the Obama coalition. Not without his faults, as none other than President Barack Obama had to hold Joe back at times. Supposedly he had a problem with loose lips.
He stands out as the candidate that will bring organizational skills back to the White House. Government Agencies will once again be allowed to simply do their job without having to resort to some type of political slant. As a former Defense Department employee, I know how important it is to be free to perform your daily duties regardless of which party is in the White House, or Congress. Oh, to be sure something silly would always pop up, just as quickly disregarded as duty still prevailed over any other suggestions.
We need the respect and guidance of our nation’s ideals in our government. We need those marching orders that would address wars, pandemics, or other world or national catastrophe at the speed and effectiveness required to make a difference. It is sickening to see our governments at the hands of Trump. There are people just waiting for marching orders while the current commander in chief looks as if he doesn’t know what to do. On second thought, maybe he has no clue.
Remember that as you vote this November. We can’t afford to deal with people who stand in place, especially when the requirement calls for action.
Peace & Blessing, stay healthy, 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
Join us for the live broadcast of our bi-monthly BTR Shows at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica

We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with Unchon-ni. Check out the details at https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni
We are in a continuing effort to publicize, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. Based on the life of the Authors Grandmother. The Novel examines an era of Jim Crow that many in our society may have forgotten occurred against people of color. Meanwhile, we celebrate the publication of his fifth book, Misguided Intentions. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/ Click on the publisher-Authors page at https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions
Get any of his books by visiting my Amazon.com Authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070
Look for new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to significant magazines upcoming in 2020. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp
Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html. Our Retail Site is https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com

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

And we are off, Literally that is.

And so, it goes. A perfect example of a carefully planned Iowa 1600 statewide political caucus sites botched by their attempted use of an App to report results into a central location. Yes, you would be correct in thinking that most of the candidates tried to spin the news to their advantage. Most campaigns had ways of collecting info to gage where they would finish in the voting process. Nevertheless, they all tried to put the best spin in their favor. Those who finished lower in the count were glad that it was over, eager to get out of town on to New Hampshire and beyond.      

In the words of Iowa Democratic Party spokeswoman Mandy McClure, “This is simply a reporting issue, the app did not go down, and this is not a hack or an intrusion. The underlying data and paper trail is sound and will take time to report the results further.” Their official word is they are withholding the official results because of those inconsistencies.

I don’t know about you, but I am still trying to make up my mind for whom to vote. My criteria for service are simple, who can restore the integrity of the United States at home and abroad. And who can beat trump at any game he tries during the 2020 election process. 

Issues like health care cost, voting rights, immigration status, partisanship, jobs, infrastructure repair, criminal investigation of illegal political bribes, and climate care are at the top of my concerns. It is going to take time to correct Trump’s errors. Not to think of issues that he never addressed.

The last three years seem like double or triple that amount. Every day and I mean every day, there is an obnoxious, even outright lying tweet about something or the other. It’s a complete turnoff unless you happen to like the author.

Citizens look back at a time when there was at least civility in our politics. Now there are unflattering nicknames of anyone who disagrees with the white house. We ask for fairness in our elections. We hope to hear words that inspire our children from our political leaders. We wonder if there are senators who realize their images, words and votes are subscribe for history daily. Can they foresee their adult grandchildren reading their words, trying to understand why they voted a certain way during the impeachment trial? For all that matters, it looks to the outsider as if they don’t care how they come across to others.

Now, we all must do our part to prevent another term from the current president while we all wonder how can survive another four years, if reelected, of Trump. Our vote in November is mandatory. Just as it must go to someone who can oust the current president, God bless and save this nation.   

Codis Hampton II                                                                                          

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

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

We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with Unchon-ni. Check out the details at https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni

We are in a continuing effort to publicize, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. Based on the life of the Authors Grandmother. The Novel examines an era of Jim Crow that many in our society may have forgotten occurred against people of color. Meanwhile, we celebrate the publication of his fifth book, Misguided Intentions. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/  Click on the publisher-Authors page at https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions   

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

Look for new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines upcoming in 2020. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html. Our Retail Site is https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com

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

HRO Admin. and the Current Presidency

Most have heard of the Gabrielle Union dispute and ultimate firing from the voice. A smaller number of people may have heard that Afton Williamson quit ABC’s “The Rookie” series back in July. She noted the reason was after her complaints during the first season of racial bullying and sexual harassment simply ignored by the powers that be. The complaint covered behavior as far back as the spring of 2018 and throughout Season 1. She indicated in an August 4th TV Line article that she “experience racial discrimination, racially charged inappropriate comments from the hair department, including sexual harassment from a recurring guest star.” The shows reaction, or “HR protocol was never adhered to,” nor was “an investigation” issued for any of the complaints.

I’ve worked in both environments as a government and private concern employee or manager. I know that most white people I’ve talked to about racism in the workplace didn’t want to hear about it. Never mind did it happen; they don’t want to discuss it. Pushed, you will get various views on the subject. Most will be opinions that are not conducive to a healthy HRO program. The difference between the government work environment and private concern is like night and day. Private companies have a Human Resource (HR) Office. Some often act as if it’s a wasted position. Most times, they immediately want to brand the complainer as just that, one who is a constant complainer. People who should feel lucky to have a job. 

Many times, the perpetrator in the complaint can’t understand the problem or don’t think they have done anything wrong. Some may go so far as to say; there isn’t a problem. Either the complainer is a screw-up, or they are thin-skinned. They can’t take it, act like an immature baby, or fire them as incompetent. In short, “sit down, shut up, go along to get along.” Why they are always surprised to see people of color not follow their short edict is beyond me. This practice is not a Donald Trump invention. It’s more of “thirties, forties, fifties” white male perceived masculinity imbalance of their interpretation.    

Presently we are in a place where up is down and down is up in this society. Trump perpetrates that state of “Tweet” mind. People who don’t like you for race alone are emboldened to act. They feel they have the political cover to act out their aggression. Previously suppressed dislike in some have come bubbling up to the forefront. They are edged on by white power websites or similar groups to commit some demonstrated act to show their racism.   

The media report that we are a divided country. They don’t call it what it is, instead offering an opinionated view that the divide is among political preference. When, in fact, the divide is between people of color or the white race. The current presidential administration, along with his political party are happy to exploit that divide to stay in power. Meanwhile, our country suffers from this new now. We not only suffer in worldly shame for not standing up for the ideals of Americans. But we also suffer in economic ways that we may not feel for a few years. An objective that’s was a consideration in the Trump tax bill passed by the Republicans.

The ideals, goals on which this country built are questioned, ignored, challenged by those who want to maintain their power structure hold despite their now being the minority. So those in a position of authority feel free to practice their hateful behavior toward people of color or Jews. It’s a perfect example of the effect any current presidential admiration has on the people of this country.

We, as sixty percent of regular citizens now, ask, what kind of governmental representative do we want to represent we the people? Where do our loyalties lie with Russia’s Putin or our entire USA legislative body, along with its checks and balances? I ask, have we ever looked to Russia as an example of anything except a tyrannical state.

For that forty percent of Americans who consistently back this Admiration no matter what horrendous act Trump perpetrates on American Society, shame on you. History will interpret your behavior is truly Un-American.  

All that’s needed for the entire USA to right itself and regard its neighbors as people of value is to remember whose birthday is on December 25th. That would be Jesus Christ. Follow his teachings, not Trump or Putin; you can’t go wrong.

Who do we place our trust in to run this country? Our decisions toward political matters are to ensure that our children and their children live in a country that helps them grow as people. They should be free to express themselves freely without fear of a dictator’s wrath because of certain topics.  

Peace & Blessing, 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   

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

We present the republication of the Authors’ tour of South Korea as a 17-year-old GI with Unchon-ni. Check out the details at https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni

We are in a continuing effort to publicize, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. Based on the life of the Authors Grandmother. The Novel examines an era of Jim Crow that many in our society may have forgotten occurred against people of color. Meanwhile, we celebrate the publication of his fifth book, Misguided Intentions. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read MI’s review at https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/  Click on the publisher-Authors page at https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions   

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

Look for new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines upcoming in 2020. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html. Our Retail Site is https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com

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

Will The Real Candidate Please Stand Up

I tried to lay low during the first part of the 2020 National Election. I didn’t want to comment too early about any candidate, especially the guy that sits in the White House as President. We are now in November of 2019. One year away, too early, but the Iowa Caucus set for February 3, 2020. So here we go, as I attempt to keep the focus on the process.

A couple, if not a few people, are contemplating entering an already crowded field. Why, because the Democratic leaders in the polls are vulnerable. It doesn’t matter why because the vulnerability seems uncorrectable.

Independent/Democratic/Democratic-leaning Republicans, many still undecided even if they have named one of the leading Poll individuals are worried about the outcome of next year’s November vote. That noise you hear is their teeth gnashing, the scratching of fingernails on their windowpanes, or bohemia like screams. In short, most Americans are sick and tired of seeing a Presidency run on the fly along with a Twitter run policy initiator.

Every day, this country goes through stops, starts, hour by hour changes in direction with a constant flow of unqualified people placed in a highly visible governmental position — many on a temporary status. It’s sad to think of all the necessary investigations surrounding the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. To think there could be four more years of this environment is just too much.

Therefore, we are looking for one person who can take charge, step up to the plate and hit one out of the ballpark. We need a candidate that can and will win in November of 2020. Most of us thought we had one. But we have found too many variables. There is just too much uncertainty for our nerves.

When we cast our vote next November, we want to feel that our choice has a chance to win. Our winner is going to be very busy mending fences with pretty much all our Allies and friends throughout the world. Not to think of all the correction/refocusing to just about everything you can think of at the Government level. I bet you the actual White House is in bad shape too.    

So please, for God’s sake, will the real candidate please sign up, step up or stand up and let themselves be known to an anxious public. Let the Democratic voting public know how you can fix problems and govern. Then and only then will the case be closed, with history set to record the how, why, when, and what the hell happened the previous four years.

Peace & Blessing, 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     

Look for our newly released book, Unchon-ni, South Korea, I Remember 1962-63. Keep us in mind when buying books for that avid reader in your family. Details of the must-read novels are located at  https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni    

Or visit our Amazon.com Authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B017TYFKBI?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070

Our Parent Company’s sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at https://chiia.com/. Our Retail Site is https://www.frostyltd.com/

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

Unchon-ni, South Korea, I remember 1962-63

   Strike up a conversation with most people who were young, free, and enjoyed American life in the sixties. You will hear, maybe even feel their urgency to bring back the nostalgia of being young during that era. It was a time, whereas the overall feeling of most people in this country was to live life to its fullest, be what you wanted to be, above all else, be happy. We not only enjoyed it for ourselves but wanted our kinfolk, friends, and neighbors to discover a path to the American Dream. Flower Power, Hippies, Love Child, Soul Brother, names we used to describe certain groups, all while wishing them “Peace, Love, and Soul.”  Find your road to happiness my man, my brother, my sister. Frequently we gave them marijuana joints as fuel for the journey. Some use harder drugs to get there, but everyone was at least taking the trip. Today, most people feel the same but are not as overt with their feelings as back in the day.

It was tough climbing the mountain of change, even though we savored the rewards. Older, conservative folks despised this new attitude. Young black folks were especially having a though transition. Their more discipline parents advised them to act in a more servitude manner in the presence of the southern white man. Don’t stare, look down, don’t talk, don’t dare talk back or act as a smart mouth negro in front of white people. It was the way most of them survived the Jim Crow Era. Black people ought to feel damn proud of the way our ancestors survived thought-out the ages. Without their efforts, patience we wouldn’t be alive today.

In the forties-fifties, they migrated to northern, eastern, and western cities, looking to improve their livelihood with good-paying jobs. They still practiced the same habits; felt that was the best way to get along with white folks. Don’t take their jobs, move in their neighborhoods, take liberties with their kind offerings. And for God’s sake, don’t try to court any of their offspring. Otherwise, a telephone pole would work just as good as a hanging tree.

The problems came when their children grew up in these cities. Youngsters found out that all people were pretty much the same, and no race was better than the other. As a result, they were having none of that servitude behavior. We did not accept our lowly position without objection. In some cases, they were sneaking around with people outside their race, even kissing or doing that thang with them. They didn’t want to disappoint their parents, but then you know the mantra of young folk, “Ahhh…we’re just having fun.”

Let’s take this a step further; I’ve written a semi-autobiography book detailing a lot about my life as one of the black children of the sixties. I left high school and enlisted in the United States Army during the fall of 1961. I had to beg my father to let me join as a seventeen-year-old recruit by promising to finish high school in the Army.

That young black boy’s first assignment out of Ford Ord, California, was a foreign country. It was April of 1962. As ordered, he boarded a troop ship out of Oakland, CA. By that time, he’d gone through Basic; Advanced Infantry Training. Now on a troopship for a twenty-three-day trip with stops in Hawaii, and Tokyo. Upon his arrival in Pusan, Korea, the Army already proved to him that he had joined the ultimate men’s club. They had rules to govern the rules. It was going to be a long three years, he thought.

His assignment to Camp Kaiser, with a local village right outside the main gate called Unchon-ni, turned out to be the best thing to happen to him. First, daily training, practice with your brothers in arms, the American Soldier. It was a fourteen months indoctrination of a war-torn country. We had a very clear understanding of our mission; to stop any advancement into the south by Charlie (North Korean Soldiers). As it was small groups (four, five, or a few more), North Korean Soldiers crossed the DMZ to raise hell, spy, or whatever.

Black GI’s are confronted with duty, honor, confusing because of race issues, demonstrations, back home. Given the oath they swore to when entering the Army, they had no choice but to become exceptional soldiers as did any dog soldier, no matter their race or origin. They found ways to justify their obedience while not sacrificing their racial identities. A quick right cross to Jim Crow’s jaw normally resolved any outstanding issues. That attitude brought about the question, what about the non-violent demeanor as played out in the US of A Civil Rights demonstrations? Conflict of responsibility between race and Army obligations was a daily reminder for Uncle Sams black soldiers.

Unchon-ni camp-town girls made the entire tour assignment worth the experience. Without flaws, they expertly played the part of girlfriend, wife, next-door neighbor, sister, brother, psychologist, nursemaid; you name it. They allowed the American GI to mature, expand their knowledge of the opposite sex. They duplicated as close to a sense of home life as one could ever wish for daily.

Readers can examine the flashback events that the primary character (Author) remembered in his life. I call this book my semi-biography that culminates with my maturing as a person. They said at the time, the US Army would make a man out of you. One learns certain things by accident. From my perspective, given the help of South Korea assignment, mission accomplished.

Unchon-ni is not only a must-read for anybody interested in the life and times of our servicemen stationed overseas.  It’s an emotional exercise in men and women relationships from all walks of life. In other words, it’s a book for anyone interested in following the path of a seventeen-year-old GI discovering who he is, where he fits in then and later in society. The experience was so rich, so real; I just had to share it with you.  

The novel is available in all formats, including paperback, B&N Nook, Amazon Kindle, or download a PDF copy. Check out the novel’s details located at the Author/Publishers site at https://outskirtspress.com/Unchonni

Peace, Love, & Blessings

Codis Hampton II, Unchon-ni Author

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

Soulbeat TV’s Chaka Khan-Barry White Tribute

Saturday night, April 27, my wife and I sat in a front row seat at the Soulbeat’s TV produced Chaka Khan & Barry White Tribute. I usually don’t get into imitators of musical stars. Not because I don’t think it can be accomplished; I hate to listen to someone screw up a classic R&B song. Well, that was not a problem for all those who took the stage at Pittsburg’s California Theater. Warren Foster Sr., Chief Executive at the Bay Area’s Soulbeat Television, via Spotlight on the Bay produces quality programming. That is what assured me that the show would be real as real could get…and it was a showstopping jam that night. 

Folks there was a band name Obama. I’ve got to tell you; the Obama Band practically tore the roof off the sucker. That six-member R&B Band left an indelible impression on me. They opened up the show and played a driving R&B tuned that had me shaking my head and tapping my feet. An opening performance relayed the fact that they came to play some music. Rephrase that into the street talk, meaning…they’re gonna be jamming up in here tonight.  They could lay down the sounds of a professional band. They played the funk from a few Chaka Khan’s Band, Rufus. It was as if Rufus was performing in the house. The Obama’s never missed a beat.

They played that classic melodic cut from Luther Vandross’s and his band; A House is not a Home. Adding a few more of Luther’s hits while multi-talented vocalist Greg Ballard sang the lyrics. If you had not been at the California Theater at that particular time, you would have sworn that Luther had risen from the dead to grace the stage. 

Ballard was also the main vocalist during the Barry White song tribute. Again, if you closed your eyes, you would have thought Barry White was singing on the California Theaters stage.

Niecey Living Single graced the stage while declaring she is not Chaka Khan. She belted out in a clear voice her version of Chaka Khans and Rufus songs. Tell Me Something Good, Once you Get Started, to name a couple. I do agree with Niecey. Who will told the audience, she is not Chaka Khan. But she sang Chaka, Chaka, Chaka Khans hits with extraordinary ease of talent. And the Obamas played on.

The proof in the pudding. My wife was entertained at this show and evidenced by the patting of her feet and movement of her head during the entire show. She, along with an enthusiastic audience was well into the show and its stars.

As the Obama’s kept the beats, with the drums, percussions, guitars, synthesizers live, three background singers carried out their assignments. They chimed in at the appropriate time with blended humming or lyrics required of the songs.

And least of all, let me not forget the three shapely women dancers. They were on stage to add to the variety of the show. Their main job was to shake their rumps to the funk. Mission accomplished in my view. They certainly got my attention. That despite the presence of my lovely wife sitting in the seat beside me. Hey, …she knows where my heart lies. What can I say; I was just into the show.

An assortment of ladies from the audience joined Niecey and the cast for a vociferous version of Chaka Khans, I’m Every Woman. At that point, they all did a fantastic job. With the reason being, they were into the show.

All in all, a great time was had by all involved. Please allow me to be redundant. I want to make a point. The Thirty Dollar ticket price was money well spent.

They have numerous shows coming up. Comedies take the stage on May 3. After which, they’re bringing another Tribute Show to the California Theatre in Pittsburg.  This time for the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. I’ll also be there for that one.

I, and if you talk to Warren, realize this is not only great entertainment. It speaks to our culture. If you don’t know where you came from, you will never figure out where you are going. Hip Hop commands the scene these days. It was Blues, Jazz, and R&B that shaped the musical and overall culture in the United States. That is why shoes like these, original R&B artist touring, movies, television, speak to who we are in society. It will do you good to read up on the history of black music.  Soulbeat TV may not be the first to put on these imitation shows, but they certainly have put themselves out there as a major player of quality programming.          

Let me be another who adds a mountain of respect for Soulbeat TV’s productions. Go to the following link to see for yourself, http://www.soulbeat.tv/show-your-soul Yes, I bend the knee at productions that showcase the soul of our culture in which music is primary but only one aspect of Black History.

Peace & Blessing, 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

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

We are in a continuing effort to publicize my book, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. Based on the life of my Grandmother. The Novel examines an era of Jim Crow that many in our society may have forgotten occurred against people of color. Meanwhile, we celebrate the publication of my latest and fifth book, Misguided Intentions. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Read the books review at https://redheadedbooklover.com/gracie-hall-hampton-codis-hampton-ii/  Click on the publisher-Authors page at https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions   

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

Look for new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines upcoming in 2019. We love to pass on our written word. – Hamp

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html. Our Retail Site is https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com Copyright 2011 Codis Hampton II, all rights reserved. A bi-weekly blog for your enjoyment

Tis The 2018 Holiday Season

Tis the season, so on and so on. I love the Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year holiday season. I, like all, are reminded of our childhood seasons. Our young adult seasons come to mind. We think of those who have passed on as well as those who are still here with us. Out thoughts shift to old friends. We muse about new friends. People we would love to meet, greet, spend time in conversation.

We love seeing the excitement on our loved one’s faces as they reminisce about a happy time in 2018. We enjoy watching them open gifts. The surprise on their faces as they feel you have connected with their innermost wishes. Then there are the pensive thoughts going through their minds — thoughts along with excitement about the known versus the unknown in the coming year.The point is watching holiday reactions from your family, friends, or your main squeeze is a seasonal high. Times you must personally experience. You’ve got to be there, be involved in appreciating it fully. Your involvement is the ultimate high.

Oh, by the way. Whose bright idea was it to have the Mall Santa Clause walk around the facility soliciting “Selfies” instead of taking pictures with children on his lap.

Tis the time of the year when we tend to forget silly feuds, personal dislikes that don’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things. You think your savior for allowing you, family members to make it through another year. Somehow you have a different or at least an adjusted attitude about life. Personal accomplishments only add to the good feelings.

We are still a realist for we have no illusions about the defective political thinking that are initiated by the White House. We think that victories as a result of the mid-terms will bring about change from the rapid deterioration of social customs. Indeed, if not the act of sociability, period. Those who voted for a change should have restored any dwindling confidence in our American resolve to maintain American values.

Over the year, we saw our children-adult toys become smarter, more complicated for the end-user. Robotic or personal items we never thought we’d see so soon back in the eighties or nineties. They’ve become essentials in 2018. For instances, without a smartphone, we are not as smart.

My son and I are continually having this conversation about the use of drones to deliver goods to your front door. I think regulation’srequired before allowing them to fly free, untethered, all Willie-nillie through the air. Think delivery of Amazon orders.

How big are the boxes? Does that mean the drones will have to be larger to match the box size? How long will it take a competitor like United Parcel, FedEx, or even the United States Post Office to initiate a Drone-Delivery Program? What’s to say they won’t fly into each other? How high will they fly? What does it mean to other airspace vehicles like helicopters, etc. if anything. And the obvious question. What happens when the drone accidental drops a package during delivery? Suppose the package falls on a moving automobile, a pedestrian, or group of children walking to school. The point being, there needs to be airspace regulation before we fill the air with drones flying all over the place. So far, no major issues but we are in the early stages.

The one thing we always take from these type holiday seasons is that our time is brief on earth. Especially around New Year’s Day. While younger, we may think we have a long time for whatever. The sudden realization in our thirties is a reminder that our time-clock is ticking. Anytime after that, most of us grasped the idea that we have an expiration date. We don’t have to like it, but we all are going to die.

Our legacy is in our hands. It’s up to us to leave behind a positive impression to anyone who has an interest that we once lived on this earth. Maybe a lot of people don’tcare or think it’s a depressing thought. For me, earning money is no longer my mantra. It is important that anyone looking up my name will find my writings. In which they will also find that I cared deeply about my family, friends, country, and heritage. I would also add God first and foremost. That for me is legacy enough. How about you?

Happy Holliday’s to you and yours. I’m looking forward to an eventful 2019.

Peace & Blessing, 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 tis-the-2018-holiday-season

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

We are in a continuing effort to publicize my book, Gracie Hall-Hampton, the Arkansas Years 1917-1953. Based on the life of my Grandmother. The Novel examines an era of Jim Crow that many in our society may have forgotten occurred against people of color. Meanwhile, we celebrate the publication of my latest and fifth book, Misguided Intentions. A book where family relationships questioned to the core. Click on the publisher-Authors page at https://outskirtspress.com/MisguidedIntentions  

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

Look for our new books, updates of current titles, and submission of short articles to major magazines upcoming in 2019. We love to pass on our written word. Not because we think we are so great but that you understand there are people out there that think as you do – Hamp

Our Parent Company and sponsor is CHIIA Group, online at http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html. Our Retail Site is https://frostyltd.com/frosty-ltd-com

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