Codis Hampton II – Hamp's Corner of America

Marvin Hagler, Ultimate Boxer

Man! Do you want to talk about a bad man? Think of a boxer with the punching power of Mike Tyson. His boxing skills were almost on par with Muhamad Ali. I’m just saying…if you don’t believe me, ask some of his opponents, like Sugar Ray Leonard or Roberto Duran, or Hit Man Tommie Hearns himself. All three boxers and Hagler were the who’s who of the boxing world during their prime.

I remember looking at Hearns, who, by the way, knocked people out as he made his way to the ring. Just kidding, but Hearns came into the fight with Hagler as a man who knocked-you-out with either hand, for starters.

The two men went on to exhibit three rounds of in your face, up-close and personal boxing skills. Finally, Marvin Hagler, forever moving forward as the “Hit Man,” peppered him with various punches landing while sometimes slowing the approaching Marvelous Marvin. Hagler never stopped his advancements while also catching a few punishing blows to his body and face.

All until 1:53 seconds into the third round, the Hit Man got caught with a left-right that sent him to the canvas for a TKO. The fight was over, some say recording into the record books as one of the best two rounds, almost two minutes of a third-round ever fought between two quality fighters. The winner, obviously the better fighter of the two.

Over the years, Hagler compiled a 62-3-2 record with 52 knockouts. Watching the man fight was like seeing a Tasmanian Devil come to life with professional boxing tools. He was a caging smart fighter who happened to knock an opponent out with either hand. A fighter better have a plan before stepping into the ring with the Marvelous one. As his record indicates, most fighters’ plans didn’t work out against Hagler. They would quickly find out that they were no match for this 160-pound fighter.

He wowed us with his style, grace in the ring. He dodged no one, including beating Duran and Hearns. But then there is always someone waiting in the wings to put a permanent mark on one’s glorious career. And so he went, as he ran into a problem fighting an unretired Sugar Ray Leonard. Most, including me, say he won that fight too. Unfortunately, the scoring refs disagreed with the eyes of his viewing boxing fans.

On April 6, 1987, he felt, although a close split decision by the scorers at Las Vegas Caesars Place, he won the fight. The scores from Judge Guerra were 118-110, Leonard. It’s a score that was unbelievable to a lot of Sugar Ray’s fans. Filippo scored 115-113 for Hagler, while Dave Moretti scored 115-113 for Sugar Ray. Hagler always stated that Leonard admitted while they embraced in the ring after the fight concluded,” You beat me, man.”

The loss so hurt Hagler; he walked away from boxing and out of the public life. He never fought again. That did prevent his 1993 introduction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. It took another twenty-two years for an introduction into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015. He did appear in public for the ceremony. Richard Steele, the famous ref, held Hagler’s and Sugar Rays’ hand in the air for the occasion. Finally, all are forgiven, and they seem to enjoy themselves.

Notification of his demise appeared as a post on his fan page by his wife, since 2000, Mrs. Hagler. It simply read, “I am sorry to make a very sad announcement. Today, unfortunately, my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire. Our family requests that you respect our privacy during this difficult time. With love, Kay G. Hagler.”

One writer called him “a fighter’s fighter and a man’s man, and rarely have his likes been seen in this game since.” For me, that description is a fitting wrap-up of Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Rest in Peace, warrior; you earned 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

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ACT’s Symposium Request for Dialog

ACT (Antioch Community Team) sponsored a symposium that I attended last Saturday evening. The issues of why police are shooting and killing black folks at an alarming rate of consistency were the topic. The flyer advertisement spoke directly to the events purpose. Noting that “The primary goal of the symposium is to have a proactive community dialogue that ensures trust among law enforcement and communities-at-large via a panel discussion.”

Antioch, California’s Delta Bay Church of Christ was the facility host. Attendance was pretty good considering the available seating accommodations. I would estimate there was over 100 guests excluding the six-member panel and moderator, Dr. Lawrence Rasheed. One absent panel member (Con Johnson) had to be excused to take care of a family issue. The Panel’s expertise was mixed, a current member of the California Highway Patrol, one retired police officer who was a member of the Oakland, CA police department. There was an Attorney who worked on the San Francisco Blue Ribbon study for police tactics, a couple of ladies that recently moved to Antioch within the last six years. Both were from professional backgrounds and one directly involved or connected to law enforcement one way or another. And one other individual with a doctorate that spoke to the interpretation of individual fear and trauma.

There was also a lady in attendance that audio recorded the event for a documentary. I understood her to say she works for KQED. I am not sure if she was making the documentary for the TV station or on her own. I think it was a personal project. I do intend to keep in touch with her and have her as a guest on my new show in the future. As I always make it my business to keep up with Dr. Rasheed and his involvement in local issues. Look for him to also appear on my future shows.

Brother Rasheed, the moderator, has long been involved in community affairs before receiving his doctorate. He is the founder of G.R.I.O.T. (Greatness Rediscovered in Our Time). That organization is “a mentoring & advocacy systemic gestalt providing culturally relevant intervention for African American males.” As such has been a guest on my Blog Talk Radio Show a couple of times. I’ve found him to be front and center when it comes to community issues with our youth and a nice guy in which to have a productive conversation about such topics.

As one can almost count on at these types of affairs, there were technical issues that prevented the showing of videos. One scheduled is entitled “23 Ways You Can Be Killed If You Are Black in America.” You can access the video at the following link, http://www.metatube.com/en/videos/312953/23-Ways-You-Could-Be-Killed-If-You-Are-Black-in-America/ There was also another scheduled video not shown with President Obama 21st Century Policing as the subject matter.

Yet there were many positives that ACT can take from this symposium. First and foremost is that it was scheduled and attended by some very interested local parties. Also in attendance were numerous members running for local political offices, and a few already elected officials. I was happy to learn the presence of a councilman from my city of Pittsburg, located next door to Antioch. The elephant in the room was that no member or representative of Antioch’s mayor’s office or their police department attended the event. In fact, one guest speaker questioned that logic. The community activist, we will call her, asked why the mayor or Antioch’s police captain (both black men) were not asked to attend or serve as members of the panel.

She was right in that particular critique. The two Antioch officials are people in a position to speak on the very issues and topic of conversation. I don’t know when she arrived but at the outset, Dr. Rasheed had noted that these individuals were contacted and invited to attend the event. They declined and obviously did not think to send a representative in their stead. She was reminded along with the rest of the audience of that fact. One might ask then why even have the symposium. It was a forum to hear other people thoughts. With that in mind, it was a successful start to a conversation this country must have on a local and national basis.

They invited members of the audience to make comments and ask the panel a question. They stood in line on both sides of the room waiting their turn at the microphone. The moderator who I thought handled the conversational flow of the meeting in a very respectful expeditiously manner also refrained the audience from firing comments or questions at those commenting at the time.

There were a couple of horror stories of police brutality. A few asked the panel for explanations of police tactics and training. The primary question was why Police Officers should be treated any different than ordinary citizens when there is a questionable killing of people of color. I learned there are rules of law on the books, like the “Police Bill of Rights” and others that govern the investigation of police officers. Although I must confessed I will have to study this, and other laws mentioned to familiarize myself with the actual wording. But one thought became clear; these laws or directives are taken into account when dealing with what the public can even see or learn during an investigation. That is one of the issues that frustrate the public in their search for transparency in these different local and national cases.

There was the lady who informed us that she was once a County Sherriff whose policeman husband lost his life while on a domestic disturbance call. She made it clear that she suddenly found herself a widow and mother of three very young children to raise by herself. I must say, there was no resentment in her voice only happiness at the scheduling of such an event. She was hopeful that more individuals from both sides could attend and talk about solutions and a get a general knowledge of understanding of each other’s needs and requirements.

I think we were all in agreement that the community sorely needs forums such as this. As ACT stated on the face of their itinerary booklet, this was “A symposium looking at Bridging the Divide and Re-Imagining Police – Community Relations.” I can only guess at the reasons the Mayor’s office or Antioch Police hierarchy felt they need not attend such a classy and well-managed event as hosted by ACT. It was not a pity party, nor blame the police for all the communities’ ailments.

It was a chance for concerned community representatives, elected officials, and the police department to talk about their concerns for their city residents. It was a chance to engage a well-attended audience consisting of community leaders in a forum managed by a respectful organization that is serious about addressing a local and national problem. It seems that would be better than meeting a large crowd of demonstrators in the streets. After an incident where the norm is to have people shouting at each other in anger. Where you always run the risk of people who are really not part of the demonstrations organization but are there waiting for the opportunity to destroy property, break in retail outlets and steal items. You can always tell these individuals. Most are not local people but from other areas in the country. They normally have bandanas over their faces or other attire to obscure their identity.

The fact that the officials were not there only confirms the thought that they are not transparent, or interested in a dialog with members of their cities constituency. A constituency that’s looking for answers from their elected officials. Specifically, they want to understand the motives of a force that are carrying weapons, patrolling our streets that we truly need to follow their mantra, “To protect and serve.” We truly believe that people can avoid conflict if all the interested parties are communicating with each other. Maybe they can clear their schedules for the next forum. For now, they can call that one an opportunity missed by those in a position to implement changes in their practices. I hope ACT will sponsor more of these type symposiums.

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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“In my latest book, Remember Moz, Gracie & John Hampton’s First-Born, I wanted to tell the world about a unique individual. Not because he happened to be my father but to explain who he was, where he came from, and how he evolved into the man he became up until his death. In doing so, I wrote of his ancestor’s roots back to and through the Civil War. The inclusion of his birth and upbringing in the heart of Arkansas, or Jim Crow country, add southern reluctance to learn why our country involved itself in a bloodthirsty four-year exercise in the first place? Then you begin to understand why our parents behaved the way that they did. See if I captured the essence of this paragraph.” Get the book via the Authors Page at http://outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478766056

Or visit 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 https://hcofa.net/

Will The Donald’s Rebranding Work?

I look at Morning Joe, and other shows where the host/hostess is clearly Republican voters are almost begging Donald Trump to take a vacation. Don’t say anything, they advise. Stop putting your foot in your mouth. Just shut up and let Hillary Clinton unfavorable ratings drag her down. They hate their nominee but are all for beating Hillary. Yes, I think Morning Joe is Fox TV light. They keep looking for good news stories (bad news for the US economy) that will pump up the Donald’s candidacy. My comment to all this anxiety is the same question asked by President Obama.

What about having a competent POTUS? Who do you want to answer the White House Phone in case of an issue in which the President of the United States has to make a clear head and informed decision? In other words, what or who is best for the United States? Do they really care or are the primary and only goal a winning Republican ticket?

Once again we are faced with a clear statement of intent one day followed by clarifying the same statement the following day. I won’t repeat here, but you’ve heard of the “inciting violence” statement with his 2^nd amendment remark. In fact, I think that Chris Mathews, of MSNBC Hardball, provided a quote on his show that speaks directly to the point. It was a quote that stated the following; keeping in mind, John Pastore, the Keynote speaker, was referring to Barry Goldwater who supposedly misspoke as well. “What does the Republican Candidate choose to have anything mean at any given moment? This world cannot wait until Saturday to learn what he meant when he spoke on Monday. The man in the White House doesn’t have the luxury of a second choice. He has to be right the first time,” Mr. Pastore eloquently stated.

For me, I remember a tweet from the Donald in talking about the plagiarized statements from Mrs. Obama in his wife Melania’s speech. He said, ”Especially if you believe that all press is good press.” That’s a pretty good quantifying statement that would explain all his so-called misquotes or douse any clarification of what he really meant. Meaning he says what he means and means what he actually says.

You got that…former New York Mayor and the Donald’s current Statements Corrector-in-Chief, Rudy Giuliani? By the way, the nerve of this individual to state the Donald went to Milwaukee last Tuesday. He was actually in West Bend, WI, over forty miles away. West Bend is a suburb comprised of ninety-five percent white folks. Giuliani, the liar, actually stated how dangerous that was for the Donald given the recent upheaval and violence over a suspect-with-a-gun shooting. Oh yes, the suspect was shot by a black police officer for the record. And they say Hillary Clinton is a liar.

The sad part for Milwaukeeans and other points in this country is that every traffic stop by a police officer is a potential flash point or reaction from onlookers. People are on edge. The crooks are getting more desperate and dangerous. The police are getting more nervous while dealing with a suspect. And the innocent bystanders are getting in the way of stray bullets. Both politicians have a plan although what that plan is not clear from the Donald. All we get is more code words like “Law and Order will be maintained” on the day he takes office. As if he is going wave a magic wand and create a miracle while solving the nation’s crime wave before lunch time that day. Really Trump?

And now we have a campaign shakeup by the Donald. In short, I like Hillary’s answer to it; nothing really has changed in his campaign. We all know Donald Trump.

Having said that here, we go. It’s the rebranding of the Donald. Are you buying this? Will the voting public buy it? Can the Republicans and the Trump operatives fool the American public one more time? Is the change in tone in time for the November election given Hilary Clinton negatives? The real question is; are we as stupid as these people think we are? Will we vote in a person who should not be President of the United States just because the Donald says he might have hurt a few feelings with his words?

Their obvious inference to the voting public is for us to look at the failed policies of the Obama-Clinton administration. How about Benghazi, her e-mail fiasco, her and husband Bill Clintons pay as you go world foundation? Remember, she never tells the truth. Of course, they use a very narrow narrative to talk about these Clinton issues. You can’t trust her either, they say. Look, our man appointed a woman as his campaign manager. That proves he likes women. Whether he likes women causes might be a different issue. She (Kellyanne Conway) and newly named, Steve Bannon’s main role is to let Trump be Trump. So why not try something new, like Donald Trump? Never mind what he said in the past, listen to what he is saying now and in the future up through the November election. Trump gets things done, they say.

Frankly, you might want to read the New York Times Report (Saturday, Aug 20) entitled, Trump’s Empire: A Maze of Debts and Hidden Ties. Then there are his unreleased taxes. How about his cozy relationship and admiration for Russia’s Putin? The full details of that relationship are still coming to light.

Roseanne Barr, Don King, Chris Christie, Ted Nugent, Herschel Walker, Mike Tyson, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, Terrell Owens, Denis Rodman, Stephen Baldwin, Tom Brady, Mike Ditka, Ann Coulter, and Sarah Palin, are all people who back the Donald. Maybe you ought to read that list of names again. They’ve backed him from the very start through today. You have probably seen a few of them on the Donald’s reality TV Show, “The Apprentice.” One thing is for sure; you will not find these names on any list that involves having great insight on matters of life or country.

The new campaign managers and surrogates want us to believe that Trump gets things done. Never mind his unreleased taxes and business bankruptcies. The fact that he doesn’t realize that this is a democracy, and he can’t be a dictator doesn’t matter. Again, he will get things done. His diplomacy skills and how he goes about trying to get things done is the real question

Here is a suggestion. Check out Nate Silver’s http://fivethirtyeight.com/ if you want fair and accurate reporting on the latest polls. And don’t miss MSNBC’s Joy Reid’s show (AM Joy), at 7:00 am PST on Saturday mornings. It is a great way to put the week’s news in perspective. She doesn’t let the Republican surrogates and the Donald friends take over the dialog and questions of the show.

So…as we noted in the beginning, do you think the Donald would make a good or even adequate Commander in Chief? Could he be diplomatic enough to represent this country in meetings with foreign dignitaries of all nationalities and ethnic groups? Will he inspire more hatred against the US by splinter terrorist groups around the world? There are so many questions involving his temperament, real personality, and motivations actually to do the job. It didn’t take you long to come up with an answer, huh? We have all meet the real Donald, up close and personal. I rest my case.

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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Reaching the Age of The 50’s Plus Decade

Author’s Note: This is the second article of four; all dealing with the subject of reaching certain ages in your life.

Here is a thought, supposed you turned fifty to sixty years old during one of the last few months. As a concerned citizen, you watched the Republicans Convention held in Cleveland, followed by the Democrats assembled in Philadelphia.

You are from the Baby Boomer Generation or born between 1945 and 1964. You have heard so much about how bad off things are in this country; you’ve almost gotten depressed. You are somewhat successful and may have a house with a two car garage and the white picket fence. At least you’ve seen, if not enjoyed the prosperity of middle class all your life. You are wise enough to recognize these economic times are a challenge, but to see the world through the eyes of Donald Trump? That’s a stretch. You just don’t think that American living conditions are that bad. That is because you are an eternal optimist about yours and the nation’s fortunes.

You were born to an age where we saw the emergence of flower power and free love. We enjoyed the art of protesting those laws we were against and won major reforms during the Civil Rights Era. They say that Baby Boomer consumers spent every dollar they earned sooner or later. There is no doubt we do like our toys. We love the shiny cars, electronic apparatus, good wine, song and so on.

It’s a trip to see a red faced guy huffing and puffing as if to blow a house down while he is trying to make a point. The man looks like a swollen character of himself, calling out this one and that one while using unflattering nicknames. All to further degenerate the subject’s personality or reputation. All because some person talked about the Donald or disagreed with his analysis of the current American economy.

To most baby boomers the guy is crazy, dangerous, and a mad lunatic that if elected, will have his hands on the nuclear buttons. He is Barry Goldwater, the hawkish tricky Dick Nixon reincarnated. How did he get in this position? Certainly, the country can’t be serious about electing this guy, can they? In short yes they can.

Over the last decade or so, we have seen the rise of in your face debates about minor or major disagreements. There is the stare down of opposing groups, sometimes resulting in a spark that leads to confrontation. How about road rage, resulting in the supposedly aggrieved individual reaching into the surprised motorist SUV? He snatched her dog and then threw the squalling animal into the Freeway traffic.

Every day the media (TV or print) provides more and more insane stories and examples where people are doing crazy if not inflicting bodily harm against one another. When we hear the reasons, it almost makes us sick to think of how or wonder how some of us have become so short tempered. Face it; our US Citizens Society has become a society that is more ill-mannered, less compassionate, and overall downright annoyed with anyone who gets in their way. We are living in a f_ _ k you kind of a world. The minority’s bad behavior has become the norm and almost accepted as this is the way it is today.

We see it on our TV shows, regardless of the type of programming. It’s depicted in the movies; our kids are acting out in school. Preachers remind us to be kind to one another as we maneuver out of the church parking lot. And now we are surprised to see or hear that type of behavior from a presidential candidate?

All’s not lost, and still, the majority is hanging on to acceptable manners and behavior. A different opinion highlighted the Democratic response to the RNC Cleveland spectacle. They had a great convention, which looked (all colors and creed) and sounded like America. They spoke of who we are not who we are projected to be. There were demonstrations, shout-outs, and people in that hall that tried to get their points across by actions and deeds. They were normally shouted down by the majority.

So what does this all mean for the general election? Or what do you, my baby boomer partners do about all this in-your-face rhetoric and rude people? Those are great questions.

For starters, let’s show them how to act by leading the way. After all, it is what we do, or as prognosticators, authors, and astrologist have put it. We talk the talk and walk the walk. We are not the kind of people who let life roll over us without trying to get out of the way. If anything, our aim is to control life, short of stepping into God’s shoes. Remember the Quincy Jones produced a song with Michael Jackson and countless other recording stars. “We are the World,” even though we are modest at times.

I got into an exhausting debate with my brother-in-law during our July vacation in Milwaukee. It seems he, being from Generation X (born during 1961-1981) think his generation is responsible for all the current economic milestones. His theory is that Gen X’s recognized as the greatest Generation. Because mind you, everything happens afterward was because of their efforts, inventions, and lifestyle. My retort to that was Gen X…please.

Although, there are numerous processes which credit Gen X as bringing to the economic table. It is the Baby Boomers that developed, selected and set the menu, if you get my drift. Even at that, I can’t say who the greatest generation is because the world’s lifespan has not played itself out. And for that matter, we all hope it never does as that would mean the end of humanity as we know it. From this description, I would imagine you can tell how the conversation became deep and loud, lol.

My hope is that we as a society have not sunk so low that people like the Donald are normal behavior for now and into the future. Let’s all step back a bit and look inward to tap into our generational personalities. We can begin by voting against Trump and his party who seems to want to win at any and all cost. Their theory is to forget what is good for the Country. Their aim is to allow the wealthy, far-right-winged conservatives, and just as far to the right evangelicals to chart our destiny. That is not a Baby Boomers kind of Party. Is it yours?

As initially stated, this is the second in a four-part series of personal examinations at the subject decade milestones in our lives. We welcome comments on your thoughts as write about each topic point. We can all learn from others experiences as well as our own.

Next up: Sixty, the new Forty or Fifty?

Ending with: Seventies, are you Done?

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

Or visit 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 https://hcofa.net/

Checking Our Life Progress at Age Forty

My online pastor, don’t trip, I also attend First Baptist in Pittsburg. As I was saying, a few Sunday’s ago Doctor Lance Watson of Saint Paul’s Baptist (Richmond, VA.) began a new sermon series. The new series is entitled “Fortyish.” The subject is as it sounds, people reflecting on their current status in life at the age of forty. Naturally, Dr. Watson looked at it from a biblical sense.

It started me wondering about my state of mind after turning Forty. First of all, I had my midlife crises in my early thirties. I had to close a thriving retail business because I didn’t have the collateral to get a business loan. With two kids and a wife, finding a career that had growth possibilities at home was a lost cause. After closing our retail outlet, I reasoned that my future was not in Milwaukee.

I was familiar with the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Area. As a young soldier, I was once stationed at Fort Ord, outside Salinas and Monterey, CA. From there I was assigned to Oakland’s Army Terminal to await a ship that took me to Korea. While there, I’d settled in so well, the Forty- Niners’ became my second favorite football team, after the Packers. Reluctantly my wife agreed, and we decided to move to Northern California. I should also say my life took a drastic change for the better with that decision. I put in an application for a governmental position in Alameda. I got hired as a Supply Clerk by a lady I ending up calling my West Coast Mother. She called to tell me I had the job and found my wife to be pregnant expecting our third child. Ida M Brown (RIP) allowed me to report, two months later after the birth of the baby. After I had arrived, she suggested I move into the Oakland YMCA, which I did and invited me and my new friend, Denny, over to her house for a Thanksgiving Dinner. I never forgot her kindness. That was in 1978. I was thirty-four years old.

But let’s stay on point. I should note that I passed my forties over two decades ago. By age forty, I was working as an Accounting Technician at Naval Supply Center. I transferred from the Accounting Department and took a job in the Procurement Department. My dream had come true. I was a Purchasing Agent and feeling like I’d made real professional progress.

For most people, as Dr. Watson says, turning forty is a time we spend taking inventory of our life. Specifically, we look at our professional life, social environment, and friends.

Professionally we compare our dreams and hopes at twenty to our current reality. We look at our professional gains or losses. We wonder if we had taken this or that turn would we be in a better financial position. Are we happy in our chosen profession? Are we in an upward position or a dead end? Is my position as rewarding as I originally thought, does it provide me the required security. And one of the most important aspects of a career, am I paid enough for the work.

Should we make a slight change in direction or change careers? In these days, maybe the choice has been made for you. Companies continue to downsize, and look for ways to cut staff as a way of improving their profitability. In my opinion, all possibilities must be reviewed including starting your own business.

We also take stock as to who in our lives are worth keeping and who might need to write off as a loss or nuisance. Sounds cold? Come on; we’ve all had those people in our lives. Friends and, or relatives who have and will continue to cause constant problems in our daily existence. Most mean well, but come into your life with their personal agenda. Some go so far as to get what they need from you and move on to other sources. For a few, you may just have to say enough is enough; we just can’t be around each other. That would also include those in our love life. Is this the person I want in my life. Have the past years been as wonderful for both of us or neither one of us?

There is also an important examination that is biblical in nature. Do our possessions contribute to our mental well-being? In short, what we have purchased or personally own is the subject. Do our toys, for lack of a better word, make us happy? The size, brand or value of your toy may not mean the same to other individuals. Maybe it is a status toy like a home or automobile. Whatever the case, the question remains the same. Does it make you happy?

Sometimes we find that after getting a new toy, we are bored and begin to set our sights on a more expensive or new toy. In other words, we may find ourselves always longing for something we don’t have and possible can never own. That calls for self-examination of our values. Do we need this or another toy or can we find happiness with what we already own? And just where do our friends, family, and spouses fit into our toy equation? The value of human contact and interaction should always outweigh our desires for toys.

The point of the exercise is to examine all aspects of your life at this stage. It’s a case where you have to be selfish and honest with yourself. If the exercise is carried out in the correct way, one will learn a lot about themselves and people around them.

This article is a series of personal examinations at the subject decade milestones in our lives. We welcome comments on your thoughts as write about each topic point. We can all learn from others experiences as well as our own. Look for a new article every two weeks.

Next up: What Happens When You Reach Fifty?

Followed by: Sixty, the new Forty or Fifty?

Ending with: Seventies, are you Done?

Peace, 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-98

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

“In my latest book, Remember Moz, Gracie & John Hampton’s First-Born, I wanted to tell the world about a unique individual. Not because he happened to be my father but to explain who he was, where he came from, and how he evolved into the man he became up until his death. In doing so, I wrote of his ancestor’s roots back to and through the Civil War. The inclusion of his birth and upbringing in the heart of Arkansas, or Jim Crow country, add southern reluctance to learn why our country involved itself in a bloodthirsty four-year exercise in the first place? Then you begin to understand why, our parents behaved the way that they did. See if I captured the essence of this paragraph.” Get the book via the Authors Page at http://outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478766056

Or visit 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 https://hcofa.net/

Really, Mr. Sanders are you serious?

First of all, let me say that Hillary R. Clinton has a lot of baggage she will carry into the general election. Most of which did not come from Trump, Sanders or any of their current surrogates. As a former first lady of Bill Clinton, Senator of New York and Secretary of State she earned it while trying to do her jobs. To say that Sanders is providing fodder in which to use against Mrs. Clinton is not entirely correct. Elected Republicans and their far-right conservative spin doctors would have found enough or will invent material on their own. The proof in that looks how they have treated President Obama, his family, dog, anything or anyone else who has taken part in the current administration. The other reality is that she knows it. And so do the people who are voting for her. It promises to be a real nasty and classless election period, especially from the Donald’s side.

Let me now reiterate something the “Bernie’s” and specifically Bernie Sanders campaign have known since the Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, and Florida March 15^th primary. He was successful in Illinois, only to lose the other four states. The Sanders people knew at that time his chances of winning the nomination had taken a serious hit. So they tried to load up and bet on New York’s April 19 primary. They got slaughtered in a state he called home as a child. From then on his campaigns pathway to a victory was a closed door. Oh, the possibility existed, but then I’ve never known it to snow in the Mohave Desert.

With a little over three weeks before the June 7^th, California, and New Jersey primary the writing, in bold letters is on the wall. Mrs. Clinton needs less than 100 delegates to capture the nomination. Sanders say but know better, that he will win California. He adds his goal is to open up the Democratic establishment to a slew of new voters who has populated his rallies across this country. Some of those followers have taken a deeper and more obstructionist point of view. Recently, they were involved in a chair-throwing melee in Nevada. Reportedly death threats were issued by the same crowd against Nevada Party Officials. Of course, they blamed it on Mrs. Clinton’s surrogates who they think are shutting them, thus Bernie out of the democratic process. The candidate himself pretty much refused to denounce the violence by adding a “but” to his response.

The problem is those supporters have to be directly held back by the candidate. The optics show and the press have co-signed in triplicate, a developing Democratic Divide. Well, Sanders could have been preparing them for that all along after March 15^th. He should follow Mrs. Clinton lead and pivot to the general election. If not for the party or country, why not do it for his followers. They need to face the inevitable? They can and should still have an effect in crafting the Democratic Platform. Hopefully, Bernie will do so and get on board with the program before the Democratic convention.

Another reality, some of his followers, who have joined in the process for the first time, will not vote this fall. They will find something else to do rather than vote for Hillary R. Clinton or Donald Trump. As a person who once was young, I understand the frustration of seeing your dreams of support go up in flames. It is doubly painful when no one has smoothed the skids for you. I pray and hope these type individuals are a minimum number of supporters. But you can bet on it; there will be some who will stay home on Election Day. Bernie could have and still can help to minimize that number.

Now, imagine this if you will, President Trump. Let that roll off your lips and circulate in your American brain for a moment. President Donald Trump? You think the George W. Bush presidency was bad? He says he can act presidential at any time. You think you have to act rather than be presidential? The best commentary I’ve heard since Trump is trying to calm his party’s nerves. It came from MSNBC Chris Hayes who said it best, “People of Trumps age doesn’t change.” I would add, especially people of wealth with the power of the presidency included in that equation.

If it happens, I am not moving away from my home. No, I am not leaving the United States. I am going to trust in God. He and he alone have the plan. Maybe, according to our father in haven, it is time for someone to blow up the world. You can almost see Trump walking in front of a background of fire. Even though the world burns because of an action or inaction by President Trump, he feels blameless. He is found wandering telling himself, “This is not my fault. I didn’t intend for this to happen so don’t blame me.”

Or there is a better scenario for me. As I’ve often heard my grandmother or other older relatives say time and time again. Especially in the face of an insolvable problem, “This too shall pass as I thrust in my lord and savior, Jesus Christ.”

Peace, 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-8F

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

“In my latest book, Remember Moz, Gracie & John Hampton’s First-Born, I wanted to tell the world about a unique individual. Not because he happened to be my father but to explain who he was, where he came from, and how he evolved into the man he became up until his death. In doing so, I wrote of his ancestor’s roots back to and through the Civil War. The inclusion of his birth and upbringing in the heart of Arkansas, or Jim Crow country, add southern reluctance to learn why our country involved itself in a bloodthirsty four-year exercise in the first place? Then you begin to understand why, our parents behaved the way that they did. See if I captured the essence of this paragraph.” Get the book via the Authors Page at http://outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478766056

Or visit 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 https://hcofa.net/

Dalila (DD) Dynes, Philanthropist & Entrepreneur

Dalila (DD) Dynes, a practicing hair stylist was the owner-manager of a North Oakland Salon for the last sixteen years. Her specialty was serving a diverse clientele with varying hair color and texture. “There weren’t any salons catering to all humans, so I opened one,” she says. It was a full-service business that housed a Jacuzzi Spa and massage service. Her customers also enjoy the garden patio, art gallery and performance stage as accouterments to her business.

There’s more to this Oakland born and raised Philanthropist. She’s an award-winning (Oakland Fence Project) photographer with a social conscience. DD is an entrepreneur who has a passion for the world of art, along with all forms of expression from the perspective of an artist.

She recently closed her salon for a year, opening a 600 square foot photography studio. “My photography is used to tell stories, to inspire, to communicate. I help my clients by capturing the images they want to convey. By listening to their needs, I create fantastic images. Any occasion; albeit portraits, wedding, professional employment, boudoir, or social setting for dating. Let us help you make a great first impression!”

DD’s Alameda-based studio offers a gallery showing the art of all mediums including music. She has included Live Streaming (#thecurrentpress) to the internet. Her interest in the success of another artist within our Bay Area communities was a prime motivator for taking on such a venture. “The Current,” (www.thecurrentpress.com) style and shoot photography, helps professionals personal branding by offering styling and hair services as well as on-site photo shoots.

She has developed a collaborative artist series to benefit a different children’s organization every month. The series has multiple benefits to all who participate in an event. The event itself is important because art is universal, meaning each event will consist of people from all age groups and backgrounds. DD says “When people come together in agreement they begin to find more ways to agree.”

A participating artist can offer art for sale. Keeping in mind, we are talking about an artist of all types. Any artist can craft their show, exhibit and exposed to various demographics and markets they were not privy to in the past. They are provided tickets to invite the press, investors or whoever they want to attend their exhibition or performance. For those investors who cannot attend, they have computer access to the best talent in the Bay Area.

As noted by the pictures above for the last show. In fact, Oakland and other Bay Area Residents who long for culture art and authentic Bay-ness can get inexpensive tickets to a wonderful event. She offers a “swanky art gallery with awesome parking.” And the kicker is since it benefits a children’s organization, the tickets and event expenses are tax deductible. Once again, children’s organizations get money and free marketing for their entities day to day expenses.

All artist participation is voluntary and free. The children’s or group recipients change on a monthly basis.

DD will be a guest on our May 4^th Blog Talk Radio show, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hampscornerofamerica/2016/05/04/hcofa-this-that-and-the-other-show

Join us for a lively discussion of Dalila (DD) Dynes new direction as a Philanthropist and Entrepreneur.

Peace, 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-8n

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

“In my latest book, Remember Moz, Gracie & John Hampton’s First-Born, I wanted to tell the world about a unique individual. Not because he happened to be my father but to explain who he was, where he came from, and how he evolved into the man he became up until his death. In doing so, I wrote of his ancestor’s roots back to and through the Civil War. The inclusion of his birth and upbringing in the heart of Arkansas, or Jim Crow country, add southern reluctance to learn why our country involved itself in a bloodthirsty four-year exercise in the first place? Then you begin to understand why, our parents behaved the way that they did. See if I captured the essence of this paragraph.” Get the book via the Authors Page at http://outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478766056

Or visit 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 https://hcofa.net/

Reading for Knowledge is Mandatory, Part 1

I know you’re wondering, who is this fellow? What credentials, education or background gives him the authority to suggest what I should do, much less how I should advise my family?

Well, I am really nobody special, just a black man, an interested party in the growth, survivability, of my people and their ability to compete for whatever job in every profession available in the worldwide job market. I want us to take ownership in our community and stop waiting on others to dictate what happens there. I didn’t go to Harvard or a historically black college. In fact, I’ve never graduated from any major college. But I did graduate cum laude from the School of Hard Knocks, with a major in “Common Sense.” So, this year I will use my media sites (HCofA’s “Reading for Knowledge” Initiative) and credentials to advise us all to read more, especially during this political season.

Believe me when I say, I’m not trying to be flippant here, but I do want you to consider the following information.

A Huffpost Books headline screams “The U.S. Illiteracy Rate Hasn’t Change in 10 Years.” Granted it’s from a December 12, 2014 update, but do you think it has gotten better since then? In the article the U.S. Department of Education along with the National Institute of Literacy states 32 million adults (14% of our American population) in the U.S. can’t read. 21 percent of adults in the U.S. read below a 5^th grade level and 19 percent of high school graduates can’t read. Major question…how do they graduate if they can’t read?

According to the Department of Justice, “The link between academic failure and delinquency, violence, and crime is welded to reading failure.” According to BeginToRead.com “85 percent of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate, and over 70 percent of inmates in America’s prisons cannot read above a fourth grade level.” They predict that “2/3 of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of the 4^th grade will end up in jail of on welfare.”

Although these are the statistics from all juveniles regardless of color, creed or origin, shouldn’t this concern you for Americas present and future? What about the People of Color community? Do you see growth in these numbers? A collogue recently posted the following sign on Facebook. It read “No one is coming to save you. This life of yours is 100% your responsibility.” Even God expects us to do certain things for ourselves by utilizing the human gifts he has bestowed upon us.

I’m a history lover; World, American and especially Black History. I’m just as fascinated today to read of black people, their inventions and exploits as I was as a kid. I used to skip school to go to the library because I believed they were not teaching me what I needed to know in school, parochial or public. It was dumb on my part because even today, you still need that degree now more than ever to compete for a decent job. Yet, never overlook the importance of reading a book for some type of media for knowledge.

Why don’t we get personal and look at the people in our circle of acquaintances, people we meet and talk to on a day to day basis? An irritating person is someone with whom you’re having a discussion that obviously does not know what they are talking about. During the conversation you find that the source of what little information they have on the subject comes from a friend of theirs or something somebody else has told them. Since they haven’t taken the time to read up on the subject, they are not aware they are repeating the wrong information. Yet they hang on to their erroneous information as if its word of Jesus Christ. Often time they are the most opinionated individual in the conversation and refuse to admit that their real lack of knowledge. Do you know anybody or ever been involved in that type of conversation?

Add to the mix those individuals, which can be any ones of us at times, who drive up to a neighborhood street, a store, a strip mall, or city business that is closed or moved to another facility. We wonder why we hadn’t gotten the word of this major detour or event. Not only are some of us not watching the local news, we are not aware of community developments. All that is needed is to browse our city websites or attending monthly meetings at the city hall. No…we tend to wait until some event strikes a personal nerve. Then we are all over it only to find out decisions about this particular project were made months ago. We are now too late to effect any kind of change in plans.

What about those who are backing a particular local or national political candidate knowing nothing about their real plans or reasons for running for office in the first place. Yet we are sometimes sure about whom we don’t want to vote for or we simply don’t vote. When that happens we get the kind of local or national Representatives, senators, or Presidents that don’t have our interest at heart. Or we are surprised by a position the newly elected official has taken that is opposite of our beliefs and the will of the people or everyday citizen. Once again, does any of this sound familiar to you?

There is a dire need for all of us to stay current on local and national events. We need to know the true details in order to avoid and in some cases provides us the ability to take action to effect change that affects your bottom line. That bottom line includes economics, community lifestyle or your children’s future.

A prime example is some in our local police department with cowboy attitudes when it comes to certain people of color. Does it really take a bevy of cops to empty their firearms into an individual’s back, front, or side that is armed with a knife? With the police chief stating at a press conference the officers feared for their life. Yet the video tells a different story of events.

Why must we wait for that to happen in our community? Why can’t we insist that our local officials, mayor, council persons demand additional training and a change in cultural in police? What is wrong with our policemen taking a stress test along with their fitness test every year? Such a physiological test is bound to reveal psychotic symptoms from certain individuals that should not be on the street with a weapon. Maybe they have been on the street too long to have a clear judgement in a normal response to a police action call. And overriding evidence has revealed that certain police tactics need a vast overhaul. The point is to implore the people who can effect change to act beforehand.

As a community of people, we must be more proactive instead of reactive. We start by being aware of current events in our community and nationally. Next, more remedy’s to the problem in Part 2 of this article.

Peace, 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-7P

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

“In my latest book, Remember Moz, Gracie & John Hampton’s First-Born, I wanted to tell the world about a unique individual. Not because he happened to be my father but to explain who he was, where he came from, and how he evolved into the man he became up until his death. In doing so, I wrote of his ancestor’s roots back to and through the Civil War. The inclusion of his birth and upbringing in the heart of Arkansas, or Jim Crow country, add southern reluctance to learn why our country involved itself in a bloodthirsty four-year exercise in the first place? Then you begin to understand why, our parents behaved the way that they did. See if I captured the essence of this paragraph.” Get the book via the Authors Page at http://outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478766056

Or visit 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 https://hcofa.net/

Meaningful Change On The Horizon

Another year has passed giving us time to reflect on what occurred during the last twelve months. I don’t know about you, but I can say it was a good year. No, I didn’t strike it rich, purchase a new mansion of a home, buy an expensive luxury car or lose a large lot of weight. Although I did appreciate the loss of fifteen pounds.

I didn’t become a media personality for whatever reason. Nor did anyone in my family become any more famous than they already are at the moment. No there were no spectacular changes in my life last year. But then, there were no major losses of any kind either. Oh, there were deaths or people who we like to think transition on to a better afterlife. There are family and friends that we will miss and for which we are better off for having known in the first place. All in all, 2015 was a very ordinary year for my family and me. Oh yes…there was one significant discovery but I will tell you about that later on in January.

Now 2016…where do I start? Let me say right off the top, I do expect big things to happen during this particular year. I feel it coming for our country on a national scale. I envision subtle but effective changes in our black communities, both morally and economically. I’ve sensed and noticed a real change in entrepreneurial mood with optimism from the guests on my Blog Talk Radio Show. There is a renewed sense of community responsibility from all the different people I’ve talked to over the last year.

People are tired of the status quo and are willing to put themselves out there for the common good of all. Just check out the news, pay close attention to the conversation and actions taken by the small groups in various cities across the country. Black people are becoming more and more aware of the real black power that is green power. We have begun to realize the value in using economic means to facilitate change within this country.

There are political voices out there that have people recoiling from the idea that we are a nation of people who think like Donald Trump. Not to think of the real silent majority that despises the rhetoric and ideas pushed by the far right wing of the Republican Party and other extremists. Despite all the money spent by those organizations and their supporters in local political races; they are not directing the thought process of the American public.

Regardless of the fact that ultra-conservative white men own most of the largest national media. They who see the future USA population shift of white folks as no longer the majority a threat to their power base. Thus, a lot of the narrative you see and hear in our morning and evening news, national print media and oddly opinionated conversation from our political talk shows is downright self-serving to the status quo. You will note that the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Police Unions are part of that status quo mentality.

It’s as if we ask the police unions to undertake new training, stop and detain techniques, wear body cams, or simply not shoot someone sixteen times because they felt threaten by a knife-wielding mentally ill suspect. Then we are wrong? Where is it in our constitution or other laws that say Americans cannot ask and demand better service from our organizations formed to protect the public? I don’t think the country is going to stand for people telling us not to trust our own eyes or what we see in a video. Changes for the better are required and coming people.

People are tired of seeing or hearing all the tragic and criminal stories on our broadcast news. Especially since there are so many good stories happening on a daily basis. American’s are doing wonderful things, without selfish motivation, because we are good human beings. Check out HuffPost Good News at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/good-news/ or Sunny Skyz at http://www.sunnyskyz.com/ and the Good News Network at http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/ In fact, some of the same organizations who bring you one-sided conservatively opinionated news have their website links touting good or inspiring news. That very fact itself should validate what I’ve been saying throughout this article.

You can and will play an important part in how 2016 will eventually turn out to you and your family. Join me in promising to be a better person, a better man, a better citizen, better father and spouse, and a better friend. In other words, I intend to be better at each and everything I do during all of 2016. And I will reward myself for achieving these goals by enjoying a movie, concert or other entertainment along the way. I intend to travel to more places than I did last year. In other words, I am going to enjoy life too. I also know if I do all of these things, God will take care of the rest along with providing the necessary means for my family and me.

So it’s full speed ahead for 2016. But don’t forget now, we should promise to keep in touch over the year and share our special thoughts and experiences. Hey, Happy New Year, 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

Subscribe to this blog at http://wp.me/p65rCa-6Z

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

“In my latest book, Remember Moz, Gracie & John Hampton’s First-Born, I wanted to tell the world about a unique individual. Not because he happened to be my father but to explain who he was, where he came from, and how he evolved into the man he became up until his death. In doing so, I wrote of his ancestor’s roots back to and through the Civil War. The inclusion of his birth and upbringing in the heart of Arkansas, or Jim Crow country, add southern reluctance to learn why our country involved itself in a bloodthirsty four-year exercise in the first place? Then you begin to understand why, our parents behaved the way that they did. See if I captured the essence of this paragraph.” Get the book via the Authors Page at http://outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478766056

Or visit 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 https://hcofa.net/

What is the Black Church’s Responsibility?

You’ve probably heard of the latest uproar in our community concerning the black church. Recently, Presidential hopeful Donald Trump hosted a; well let’s not even give it a name. The billionaire who is seeking the Republican Party’s nomination to run for President of the United States in 2016 had chosen few Black Pastors to attend a meeting. The Nov 30^th meeting billed as “Donald Trump meets with Coalition of African-American Ministers. It went on to name some of the most media-visible pastors and added, “Live from Trump Towers.” The public was offered several ways to watch this gathering. To keep it fair, I understand those invited were not all Trumps supporters. Some chose to go just to see what this particular candidate had to say or how he would address problems in our communities.

If I’d known about the event beforehand would I have watched on TV? No, because I already know Donald Trump. What I know of him, his politics over the last few years is enough for me to pay no attention to him.

From all I’ve read and surmised Trump was at best seeking an endorsement and at the very least seeking and bringing attention to his campaign. The question on the table was there for the consumption of those watching as well as those in attendance. Would this event show or make him a viable candidate that could attract the vote of the black community? A tall order given the rhetoric he has spouted the last few months.

Right after the meeting, a few pastors found the microphones of an eager national media. They wasted no time in stating what a wonderful meeting it was and how they had met a man that was true to his convictions, etc., etc. One of two went so far as to say, we need to take another look at Trump as he is not who he is portrayed to be in the media. At that the black community yawned.

Upset at the entire spectacle, Baltimore Poster, Reverend Jamal Bryant was quoted as stating about those in attendance, “ They are prostituting themselves and, in essence, the black church.” A couple of ministers who attended were a guest on Roland Martin’s TV1 News One Now show. Martin, who thought the entire meeting was “a waste of time”, asked his guest if there were any relevant substance gained from the meeting. In short the collective answer was no.

Some in social meeting took this incident to ask a potent question. What is the black church responsibility in our community? As it always is in social media, opinions were all over the place with most upset at the pastors for allowing themselves to be a pawn in Trumps media circus. People posted their opinions on Facebook and other social sites. Most of the comments centered on the role of the church. Again, it’s a question that concerns me as both a community advocate and church member in my little town.

I don’t pretend to speak for anybody but myself in any written matters. But…just for the record, the church is not the police department. In response to some who think the church should do what to the drug dealers and other criminals in the community? The church is made up of community people and as such goes about trying to follow the word of God as noted in the Bible.

The real question for those who always seem to overstate the church’s responsibility is what should the community do about the dealers and criminals in their midst? Whenever and wherever that questions answered, then the community could seek the church’s assistance in developing programs and assistance for those in need of services that are no longer available because of political or financial reasons.

But the bottom line, the church is in the business of saving souls, spreading the word of God, and providing a place for its members and all who want to worship. I would imagine if you ask any pastor, they would tell you it’s a full-time job just keeping their members entrenched in the word of God. Pastors, Deacons and Ministries are there to assist or provide the tools and interpretation of the Bible parishioners require to be saved and act as a good Cristian. Anything outside of actions that meet those goals is either a bonus from the church or what one would call extra curriculum activities. I have no problem with any pastor advocating his members to exercise their right to vote in all elections. The clergy can implore our cooperation and discussion with city, county, state and even national political offices to facilitate improvement within our community.

There is always going to be a Pastor, Preacher, or Evangelist, who goes outside of what they are supposed to be in the name of God. Every week or so, there are questions in my mind as to how some supposed man of God can justify their belief in Jesus Christ while spouting viewpoints that goes against the word of God. In the end, they are human and have their agenda when it comes to most of their actions and rhetoric.

More importantly to me, is the fact that some in the black community who are so very quick to criticize our churches role don’t belong to a church. Nor do they even attend a church in any community. Do You want to find out the churches role, get more involved in your community church? All you need to do is attend a church of your choice, join and become involved in the church business.

There is no doubt the church can have a tremendous effect on their community. But also, keep in mind that the church is comprised of members of your community. Your church pastor serves at the members convenience.

Any church will do their members bidding if enough of the members make it a priority. At least, they will do it in the disguise of their mantra. So as for that little performance by Donald Trump or any candidate that is looking for the black vote, the church is a great place to troll for votes.

On the other hand, any prominent clergyman or woman can suggest endorsing a candidate for its members. The vote is still up to each and every member. And just as there are black Republicans and you wonder why given their rhetoric over the years. Some black person will back some idea, cause or individual that makes you wonder if anybody is home in their brain. And you can bet their action will lead off Fox News and all the ultra-conservative media spots. But that is really old news by now. We all know what side our bread’s buttered on as the old folks use to say.

Peace, 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-6N

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

“In my latest book, Remember Moz, Gracie & John Hampton’s First-Born, I wanted to tell the world about a unique individual. Not because he happened to be my father but to explain who he was, where he came from, and how he evolved into the man he became up until his death. In doing so, I wrote of his ancestor’s roots back to and through the Civil War. The inclusion of his birth and upbringing in the heart of Arkansas, or Jim Crow country, add southern reluctance to learn why our country involved itself in a bloodthirsty four-year exercise in the first place? Then you begin to understand why, our parents behaved the way that they did. See if I captured the essence of this paragraph.” Get the book via the Authors Page at http://outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478766056

Or visit 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 https://hcofa.net/