Politics – Page 2 – Hamp's Corner of America

The NFL’s lack of Public Relations

The older I get, the more impatient I get with stupidity. Not your normal dumb things we do as humans. Because I would have a lot of problems with a few of my personal decisions. I’m talking about those NFL Owners conservative grandfathers who seem to live in a world of Archie Bunkers (All in The Family TV Show) 1950.
Now the Owners have voted to ban the kneeling of any protest during the National Anthem at the beginning of football games. Further confusing the issue, they have said those who don’t want to stand didn’t have to come out of the locker room at the playing of the National Anthem. The first-time individuals or a team stay inside, how do you think a team owner will respond? They have already revealed who they are behind the mask.
There is no need for me to go back over the issue of Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the National Anthem at the start of football games. You know the story. Other football players plus other players in other leagues began to protest in their own way.
Enter the mouthings of one of the most hypocritical lying individuals who have no respect for this country’s traditions. A person who doesn’t seem to have the capability of selecting competing people to serve in positions within the United States Government. Also, a person who never served a day in the military. One who dared to question football demonstrating players.
Keeping in mind that these demonstrations were not about the US Flag. No, they specifically protested the almost automatic stop, frisk or shooting of any person of color. Any person other than white that looks, feels, makes sudden moves or has anything that is merely the same color as a weapon. Often concluding with the death of the subject who was pulled over by the police for a broken tail light. That is what those athletes were protesting.
For those people who thought they were disrespecting the US Flag…get a life. Frankly, I do know where you are coming from, after all, most of you voted for Trump. That pretty much gives us all great insight on your moral compass. Even at that, I, who did serve in the military openly stand by your rights to vote for whoever you want to in this country.
But for those fat cat NFL owners who are already rich and getting richer off local communities. Cities and towns that have laid off police officers, closed schools, etc. to support the building of a football stadium. One where they will have the privilege of paying an enormous price to see eight games of football. Not to think of the ridiculous prices paid at various concessions, parking and you name it. With each and every penny taking in added to the owners’ coffers or the NFL’s bottom line.
Most of these owners are conservative in nature and greedy by design. They enjoy a special tax designation and other political favors. Some have been accused of not trying to win a championship. They are just happy to enjoy the tax breaks and put an inferior product on the field each year.
I am a fan and have been a fan for decades. Although I should add, I don’t go to football games. I have and always have enjoyed the games on TV. I went to a pre-season Raider-Rams game at the Oakland Coliseum on tickets given to me. Nothing at that game changed my mind on the comforts of watching a game on my living room TV. But then that’s me.
To his credit, my favorite team’s owner (Jed York of the 49er’s) abstained from the voting. He wanted to talk to his players and get their feelings about such a move. This must have set Jerry Jones (Dallas Cowboys) and Bob Kraft’s (New England Patriots) hair on fire. At least the little hair they have left on their head. Mr. York went further by saying “I don’t think we should be profiting if we’re going to put this type of attention and focus on the field and on the flag.” This was in response to the subject of stopping concessions from being sold during the playing of the National Anthem.
It’s sort of like that concussion issue. Another issue they don’t know how to handle in the field of public opinion. The one constant with the NFL to remember, they are now and will always be concern with making more money at whoever’s expense.
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 https://wp.me/p65rCa-jN

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. It 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. 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

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

Here’s 2018, or…

…Down is up, up is down and sideways is running around in circles

We are approaching or in a brand-new year. Yet we are still dragging along a bunch of crap from the old year. Stuff that hasn’t been worked out or a federal investigation that hasn’t reached a conclusion. Everybody knows the Russians interfered in our elections except the President of our country. My guess is he knows but just doesn’t want most Americans to delegitimize the December 2016, Electoral College declaration of the November 8 official winner. If you are not careful, you will become dizzy from the twist and turns of the daily behavior from the current occupants of the White House.
Words like conspiracy and obstruction of justice are flying around Washington DC like a noose tightening around the Grand Marshall of the KKK’s neck. The current administration is ducking, dogging while trying to counter punch as if boxing was in their DNA. No one knows where the real buck is going to land or if an indictment is just around the corner. Yes, these are tense times at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Stay tuned for more fallout reported daily by the very institutions designated by the president as Fake News Outlets.
Stay tuned for more sexual harassments charges from men who can’t seem to keep it in their pants when it comes to business associates or woman they casually meet at some affair or another. For that matter, I bet you some relationship that we never dreamed would occur is about to come to light in 2018. But then…yes…women have found their voice and its about time.
Look out for more saber-rattling from North Korea and the like. They all know now that as America continues to isolate itself against the rest of the world. That provides cover for their inhuman acts. Our allies now trust us less as they don’t know if their discussions with the US will be in the next tweet from the Donald. Senate and House Republicans will continue to act as if they don’t know why they were sent to Washington in the first place.
Look for Democrats to pin a lot of hopes in the 2018 elections. The problem is they better put in the work, or the November-December headlines will be how the Democrats blew it.
All that is just a distraction from how we as individuals can make it an outstanding New Year. First loose as many pounds as you can, which is my goal. You will note I didn’t say how many. That guarantees I will be successful in that venture. Do something you and your main squeeze like to do at least twice a month in 2018. Do something that may be costly during the year but save for it. Or you can still do something that is not pricey. Realize it doesn’t cost anything to be helpful to one another. Or for that matter to people, you meet during your daily rounds.
Take an interest in your children’s world, including play and school. Ensure that they know the values of life and not just the commercial entities. Make an example of yourself by reading books, magazines, or computer blogs. But let them know that your family is a reader of words from many different but trusted sources. Along with your religious preference which should be practiced on a daily schedule. Another fascinating subject that I believe should be discussed within the family is the theory of Maslow Hierarchy of Needs. In short, it’s Abraham Maslow’s psychology theory dating back to his 1943 paper entitled “A Theory of Human Motivation.” It is the ideal vehicle in which to show others why we crave specific needs. Look it up on the internet for details. Having taken the subject of Psychology in school. I found it to be a roadmap for life’s achievements.
Take steps in planning for your independence from your job one day. Whether that is in retirement, resigning or being downsized. Be aware of your peak earning timeframe and always plan on moving on to something else. It will keep you financially stable and able to pivot to another direction. Don’t ever think you are going to work until you are old and gray in any employment.
Finally, as you know, this is a time when we take note of where we are at, going, and how to get there. Some of us select the person we want to ride with us to wherever we’re headed. Nevertheless, it is a time for reflection. If it isn’t, then make it such a time as it should be for your own best interest. Happy New Year from my little corner of the world and enjoy the coming seasons. As you know time moves on with or without you so hang on and enjoy the ride.
If you are thinking of what’s next in Washington DC, don’t get confused or buy into the rhetoric. Heed the words of my Grandma Gracie, “One monkey don’t stop the show.” She may have not been grammatically correct, but you get the point.
Peace & Blessings…stay vigilant for our American rights. Make it a 2018 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 https://wp.me/p65rCa-jf

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

My Country, Tears for Thee

I am an avid fan of Joy Reid. She burst on the scene in the mold of Rachel Maddow, both excellent political commentators are on MSNBC. So here I am going through my Saturday (8-12-2017) morning ritual of cleaning out my email while watching Ms. Reid during her 7:00am-9:00am show.
A little over a half hour into the show as Ms. Reid was reporting on Alt Right’s march on Friday night, came “Breaking News” as they say. Filmed as it was happening Saturday morning, pictured were thugs for lack of a better word holding white shields with a black X painted on them. They were shown attacking counter demonstrators while protecting their own space in the street. Bottles were being thrown from in back of the protestor’s line. Some of the shields had KKK printed on them. There was no sign of a police officer, National Guard, or any crowd controlling authority.
It was like watching a gang fight that would die down for a minute. Words were shouted, and someone would be pulled in the demilitarized center. One or two of the shield welding group of white nationalist or KKK would proceed to strike the victim with whatever they had in their hand. Eventually, they would pull back into their group feeling good about their personal conquest. Someone would start right back up when confronted with someone who was an enemy in their mind. The only bodies missing were anybody in authority. Later on that afternoon, a pair from one of the white supremacy groups ran down a bunch of counter-protesters on the sidewalk with an automobile. This act resulted in one death and numerous injuries. Twenty-year-old James Alex Fields has been arrested and charged with murder in the case.
The Donald came out hours later on Saturday and made a comment that many sides were involved. After two days passed, he was goaded into making a public statement prepared by his handlers. By Tuesday afternoon, the real Donald Trump came out in force. In the words of the late Maya Angelou, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
Millions of Americans already knew who the Donald was by his actions over the years. In spite of all the evidence that came out during the campaign. A large enough of voters in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania disregarded the evidence and voted for him. They helped get elected. It has yet to be reported if all those people are members of the White Nationalist Party or KKK. It is highly unlikely. There are all types of races and creeds in that voting bloc. If they were unsure of before, they now should know who and what Donald Trump is and stands for.
Now, what is the question we all should ask ourselves? Where do we go from here? The President of the United States has outed himself. White Nationalist, KKK, Trump, Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and their supporters are not to be trusted with our country. Their interest is clearly about some subverted view of the United States of America. They clearly are not entirely aware of the Constitution, wars and undeclared wars, or the core values of the US. They all seem to subscribe to the notion that this country is their personal piggy bank, stomping grounds, or have the sole responsibility for guided its direction or redirection.
Today, August 16 is my birthdate. At my age, I can actually say I’ve seen a lot of change in this country. Most have been for the better and some for the worst. I’ve experienced racism up close and personal. For that matter, every now and then I still run into a racist during my daily travels. Yet, I’m acutely aware of what this country stands for, and I subscribe to those ideals. I love American History with all its flaws and inconsistencies. In the end, I understand what a vast majority of people in this country want America to be. That is not the vision of the white nationalist, Alt Right, KKK or Trump and similar politicians.
We all were put here by God almighty. Some choose not to acknowledge it by having faith in the same. I want to follow and pray every day. Can you imagine not being a Christian? The beauty of this country is you can practice any denomination of religion. You are free to pursue any occupation you choose. You can live anywhere you want, love anybody you like, raise a family and teach them to aspire to be whatever. Compared to other countries an assortment of freedoms is at your disposal.
I am not so naïve that I believe everyone can benefit from or practice these freedoms. There are many reasons why someone can’t enjoy a particular freedom this country promises. But there are also legal ways and means for a person to force another to capitulate. So the promise is still here more so than any other place on earth. And that is where we would like to keep it.
We want to avoid the thoughts of people like Trump. Our country is not for rent, sell, or loan to any one group or individual. To the dictators and one man rulers around the world, our democracy may be just over a couple of hundreds of years in years. But don’t bother trying to influence political figures or maneuver our elections to your liking. We may be slow to respond, but when we do, history has proven that you don’t want the people of the United States as your enemies. If anything America is resilient and is a foe, you would rather not confront.
As long as we fight for our core values individually, in concert and by our votes, we can determine our future. So thanks to the Donald, he may have finally awakened some people with his assertions. But most of us already knew the America our ancestors built and died for. We unlike some others of privilege have served in the military. Some of us saw or know of the death of young men and women who fought and died for the rights these racist groups now enjoy when marching in protest. We prefer that America other than the one that minority of racist, hoodlums, and self-interested politicians think we will become because of their actions.

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

Codis Hampton II
Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo
Subscribe to this blog at http://wp.me/p65rCa-hM

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

Misguided Intentions, the Book

From birth through our teens we experience quite a bit of life that is out of our control. One could say we are not in command of our lives during that period. The responsibility for our overall well-being lies with our parents or other adults.
Once we have reached the legal age of self-responsibility, we have more control over who we are. How our life turns out is now in our personal care. The one constant during these episodes, peaks, and valleys in our life is change. Most changes are for the better, others could be harmful to our growth. But make no mistake about it, no matter where we are in our life cycle, over time everything must and will change. How our guardians or we facilitate, those changes are the key to a productive and happy life.
Misguided Intentions provides a great read of how its central character and others meet, interact, accept or even reject change. They all are wrestling with obstacles thrown their way every day. Each deals with it in their own way. The unthinkable, the unimaginable, subtle and not so subtle shifts in personalities are clear for the reader to consume. You can judge if that is the right or wrong way to go in your emotional involvement. Faith, hope, and love are traits most characters lean on in their development. You get to examine the life and family relationships during the mid-sixties through the mid-seventies. Civil Rights, The Viet Nam War, Drugs, Sex, Rock and Roll, Rhythm & Blues all while involved in free love were the topics of the day. It’s an era where the younger generation of Blacks looked to effect change in society. While the older more conservative colored folk wanted to retain the American way of life or status quo if you will. “Don’t rock the boat,” they advised. “I got a good job and am doing a hell of a lot better than my parents who grew up in the South. Don’t draw attention to yourself,” they warned.
The central character, Annie Lee Holmes may seem like an enigma to us. She like us all has that bag full of life experiences weighing her down. You know…the one we keep adding to as we live our life. Her bags filled with mean spirited treatment from an assortment of people that would drive a less stronger person crazy.
Society, neighbors and family members expect her to be and act a certain way. They all have their opinion of how a mother, girlfriend, widow, or friend should behave and treat others. But they have not experienced the kind of treatment she has gone through at a young age.
Now she has children and wonders what next. One husband has walked out on her and his children. Another has suddenly died after a year, leaving behind another child. Because of past experiences, she is not really sure how to be a human being much less a single parent. She certainly would not categorize herself as having the mental fortitude to deal with life. Her environment seems like she is playing a televised part in a murder mystery. It’s truly like a psychoanalytical, Days of Our Lives or Soap Opera production. The difference is most of these characters is from the other side of the track. The reasons why something happens or don’t go as planned is somewhat muddled. Yet, she is allowed to survive; although stumbling on from day to day.

Misguided Intentions paints a story of Annie Lee’s life journey and its effects on her ever-changing personality. The motto is keeping your eyes on where you are going, not necessarily where you are at any given time. There is always a better lifestyle around the corner. Be aware the twist and turns along the way never actually cease, various obstacles place by friend and foe calls for proceeding cautiously. Our job is to maneuver around and sometimes through the barriers. As the George Benson song says…”Everything must change, nothing stays the same.”

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

Codis Hampton II

Follow Hamp at https://twitter.com/#!/HampTwo
Subscribe to this blog at http://wp.me/p65rCa-ht

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

Purchase Misguided Intentions at the following link, https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_rsis_3_3?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=misguided+intentions+by+codis+hampton+ii&sprefix=mis%2Caps%2C222

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

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

Incompetency in Government?

Over the last five months, I’ve watched in horror as my country’s Democracy has been attacked, twisted and so wrongfully interpreted. Terminology such as Fake News and Alternative Facts have caused us to laugh at their nerve for a short minute. Then we realize that none of the stuff is funny. During this time our nation’s White House spokesperson has issued hour by hour updates of half-truths, untruths, and verbiage meant to change the subject. So much so…I believe each and every White House spokesperson has lost their credibility with the American Public. All while our allies and nations around the world probably think they are looking at some reality TV show.

Most congressional Republicans, House, and Senate, credibility with other than their hardcore constituency has suffered heavy body blows during this time. They are trying to sell a health care plan that one may find in a Cracker Jack box and just as effective. Their visits to their town halls have given them an up to date clue as to their future prospects as a congressional representative.

This Russia thing, well at least now we have a special council that will investigate this entire sordid affair. Was there collusion with any or President Trump’s campaign personnel or not? What did the president know and when did he know it?

And where is the president in all of this you ask? Initially, he seemed as though he only wanted to please his base (34 to 39% of voters) depending upon the news cycle. You know the person that says “I voted for Trump so he could shake things up in Washington.” Can’t you see Muhamad Ali screaming “I shook up the world, I shook up the world.” All that’s needed for that phrase is to add, ‘for all the wrong reasons.’ Now even the Donald has contributed his patented Fake News and Alternative Facts to the media that at times he acts like he’s delusional. One day, he says one thing, and the next day or maybe even later on that day, he says another. I have never seen the presidency in such turmoil, and that would include Richard Nixon during Watergate. This is more than simply; I need to cover my behind from this presidency.

I believed during the campaign that the Donald had no clue as to what it took to run Pennsylvania Avenue, and serve the United States people. And I do mean the people, any of us, Republicans, Independents or Democrats. During the last five months, he has still surprised me as to how much he is outclassed in his position.

He is a man trying to run the United States Government like a small or large private business. He, like his fellow party members, want Government to get out of their way and let them do whatever they want to do. They don’t want to talk to the government unless their house and property’s flooding. Then they want to know how come it takes FEMA so long to bail them out of a place they were warned not to live because of of…wait for it…flooding. He comes from that world where the attitude is, I got mine, you don’t, and there are no free lunches in our public cafeteria. You say you’re suffering from Poverty, Racism, Minimum Wage, No Health Care, Unemployed or worst, unemployable? Tough cookie, pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get off my doorstep. I have nothing, including self-help programs for you. “Damn beggars ought to get a job” is their last word on the matter as they slam the door on your face.

Most people who are not living in the Land of Oz could have predicted startup problems by noticing who he picked to head various governmental departments. First of all, he surrounded and continues to do so, with people who had no experience of being a Government employee. Or any idea as how to run the federal departments they are assigned to direct. Some wouldn’t know the difference between a government requisition and a weekly time card. Most probably think reading the FAR (Federal Acquisition Manual) is like going through the yellow pages. And who thinks that you can pick which government regulation you want to cancel while keeping only the one’s business people like? As the youngsters use to say, “You better ask somebody…” How do you think those hard working lower-paid government workers are feeling about now? Secondly, he hasn’t filled a lot of the open slots. The result has been chaotic, to say the least.

Since at the moment, the Donald has another three years and eight months left to act as President. What can we do to save our country from being pillaged and halt the attempt to turn it into a cash cow for the rich? Become involved in any way shape of fashion. We all have a say in the direction this country takes in spite of those who think that we don’t. You don’t have to wait until the 2018 elections. Notify your elected officials today of your concerns. Join those who care and act, bypass those who like to talk and vent while sipping on their favorite drink.

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

Codis Hampton II

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

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

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

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

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

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

One Trick Pony or Jack of all Trades?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Codis Hampton II

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

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

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

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

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

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

Has Common Sense Left The Building?

I’ve told my wife and friends several times in the recent past. I no longer have my cool stroll. Some, not me, would call it a pimp walk. But most dudes from my era (the sixties) had the stroll walk. For that matter, it goes beyond the sixties. A perfect example of that was the Obama Stroll. Yes, the president had his version. Well today, my stroll is more like a penguin’s walk. The reason is I’ve got arthritic knees. It’s also a case of both knee joints not having much cartilage.

Yeah, it’s a trip growing older, but then the alternative, hold your breath…is death. My wife uses a cane to help her walk, for she has the same problem. Socially, our knees hamper us both from climbing steps, dancing as we once did, or participating during the fellowship period after church services.

With age, as anyone over fifty will tell you, come wisdom. I use to tell my kids as they reached the teenage years. Always, keep in mind that someone twice your age has learned by accident more than you know right now.

This morning I watch a football player on Sportscenter using his cell phone to film a live selfie of himself. The problem, this was at the same time his coach was giving a short speech and instructions after the team had won a playoff game. He posted the live film on Facebook.

Old school people would look at that as disrespecting the game and coach. They would think that player is exhibiting a selfish attitude. It’s a practice that is the exact opposite of teamwork. Most people around his age, especially boys or young men, would ask where is the problem. We leave women out because they mature faster than young men.

As far back as high school, friends would categorize me as a serious dude. “Man you need to relax.” My answer then and now is it’s a serious world. When I partied, which was often, they said I relaxed too much. Well, unapologetic I am my daddy’s child. As he did, I love, work and play hard. But I never, ever forget who I am, or from whence I came.

I heard Pharrell “Happy” Williams complain during a recent interview that old people and traditions are insignificant. I’m sure he doesn’t mean any and everything as in all subject matter. It does show that a lot of people in his age group are insensitive and uneducated about certain society issues. I love the song “Happy” as does everyone. But being Happy 24-7 is an unrealistic goal for most adults. Being content 24-7, a few steps lower than happy is possible.

In fact, I can tell you that my wife and I are content. We are comfortable with ourselves, life and most of our family and friends. Oh, now and then something always come up, family members who think they been disrespected. Some younger, a few older folks don’t like something I’ve done at some time or the other. In that respect, I always feel if we can’t talk it out, then they have the problem, not me.

I’ve said almost all my life. You don’t have to be brilliant to understand life, but you do have to be living in a world of reality. Lying to one’s self doesn’t help you mature; it only confuses your judgment. Think about it. There is enough confusion pushed by people from all walks and corners of society. It’s hard enough keeping an honest perspective from what’s shown on television, propaganda pushed by certain political groups in this country without adding personal misjudgments or lies to the equation. One has to stay in the world of society’s reality, not one you’ve created for yourself. You know the kind, where you are always right, and everybody else is wrong. So your attempt to hang with people who believe as you do is not conducive or contributing to your growth as a person.

Common sense must accompany maturity and growth. It always seems to boil down to I am living free, being me and having fun. I’m here to tell you that both are possible, but it requires personal sacrifice. It requires hard work, accepting responsibility, determination and being honest with you and yours. The question, how bad do you want it? Or is it too tough a road for you to travel to reach that particular goal?

That is what separates the OG’s, so to speak from the younger ones. The OG has learned from actually participating in life. The youngster only dreams of what could be and has yet to see that dream become a reality. Instead of taking steps to make it a reality they talk about it. They put it in songs; they write poems about it. They get high and think an idea realized at that time is original. When they find someone else has thought of it, they think the person stole their idea. They interpret it as something that is needed in society but never puts in the work to make it happen. If only I would have, etc., etc. Yes, that is when you wonder what if I had? Well, youngster, you can, but you have to get off your behind and do it, not just talk about it. That is where the saying talks the talk and walks the walk take place.

Education is a must, but common sense is a place where we all need to reside. With both, the sky is the limit. If you have to choose, basic education and good common sense are great ingredients for happiness and contentment. A person’s word is all they have to give you. If you can’t count on that, well, shame on them. Respect your fellow human beings need to be themselves. Your expectations of who a person is or can don’t count unless it’s a politician. They work for us. A lesson in how to live is available from those who have already lived a longer life. However, that older individual must be the teller of truth. Common sense should be a priority in any politician’s character.

And yes there is a higher power for man did got here by walking from the sea evolving into an ape, etc., etc. Your answer to life, peace, and happiness is within you. No human can make your day. It starts and ends with you. If you cannot understand that, then you, my friend will have a problem until you do.

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

Codis Hampton II

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

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

Join us for 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 http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html .

This Country Has Elected A Trump Type Before

The candidates are rounding the half mile heading for the finish line. Who will win? The race is still up in the air. On the one hand, we had a clear favorite as much as a week ago. That is until the Republican-leaning FBI Director broke protocol and injected himself into the race. You all know what happened there as well as the differing opinions as to why he did it. It’s all crystal clear as for why he chose to in my mind. I will leave you to your opinions.

But, I want to bring up another election from another time. It is the 2000 election I am referring to when Republican George W. Bush received 271 Electoral votes to Democrat Al Gore, Jr’s 266. Let’s just say we let our country and Al Gore down during a very important election. No need to bring up the recount issues in Florida and the ultimate party line Supreme Court decision that gave G Dubya the presidency.

Instead, I want to remind everyone of the aftermath of that historic election and Supreme Court decision. The US became involved in an ‘all war all the time’ in some remote region of the world. Terrorists attacked us. We bonded as a nation only to find our country in a senseless war by G Dubya and the Chaney administration. They had some people cowering in their homes listening for various levels (see picture) Homeland Security Warnings. Maybe we should use these kinds of warnings when we have candidates who are unqualified to hold any political office much less president of the United States. But then I’m getting ahead of myself.

By the time President Obama took office the surplus left by outgoing President Bill Clinton was now a large deficit. The best way I can point out how it was at the time? You have to google the media political cartoons that were printing which framed the new president’s task. All warned in some form or fashion the need to fix the Economy, Iraq War, and Global Warning, War on Terror, Bin Laden still alive, Energy, Afghanistan, Russia, and Inflation. And let’s not forget the Mortgage Housing crises which threaten to lower the United States credit level around the world. Some in the Republican Party were yelling let the US default on its debts.

Over the last eight years, President Obama has slowly pulled ourselves and the country from the brink of failed financial policies. Policies I might add that the current Republican Candidate wants to recreate and adapt. Jesus Christ…please protect this country from itself. It was a job in which he’s had to work around Republican obstructionist.

And now, history seems to be repeating itself by providing Americans with a choice between a well-known faulty individual. A woman who’ve been investigated almost as much as President Obama. Are we poised to elect the next George W Bush like president again?

The difference I see is that G Dubya is not so outward impulsive, innately vengeful, or deviously calculating or tied so closely to improving his personal fortune as the Donald. I think G Dubya cared for this country and there lies the big difference in my mind. The Donald cares for the Donald and only the Donald. He has proven that time and time again during this campaign. There are scores of Americans who have bought into this farce of a man. The question on everybody else’s mind is why?

Let’s get past his legitimization of right wing extremist, i.e. Klu Klux Klan, Alt-Right and every Tom, Dick, and Harriet on the fringe of a white revolution in this country. We will group them in the…oh, I don’t know, let’s call them Deplorable. Why don’t we also skip the anti-Hillary Rodham Clinton voters along with the hate any and everything Clinton group? Who’s left? Not that many people in my mind.

Because in reality, the only people that are left are those who genuinely think Mrs. Clinton will make a horrible president. My question to those folks is will she screw up America’s standing in the world, undermine our democracy, feed her personal coffers while not giving a hoot about this country as much as the Donald? I don’t think so.

Now you know where I am going with this article. You think G Dubya screwed up our country. This country, in fact, the world will not be the same during a Donald Trump’s presidency. The Republicans don’t care as long as they get ideologues on the Supreme Court. As long as they get re-elected, they think the Donald will be manageable in the White House. Based upon what, I have no idea.

All those people who will vote for him think they are going to be better off. Once again, better off than whom? Of course, the real extremists think they are going to have a free hand to push their agenda against people of color. I got news for you. That is not going to work. People are not going back in some hole to hide from people of authority. People of Color are not going back to the 1950’s. We still deal with racists on a daily basis. You think we have forgotten the struggles of the Civil Rights era.

The Donald has not proposed a program that will improve any industry or governmental entity in the United States. Why? Because he doesn’t have a plan or program that will ‘Make America Great Again.’ How is he going to bring jobs to this economy? His entire policy is Washington DC, and Hillary is crooked, elect me to fix it. Based on what we’ve seen from him during this campaign, he is not qualified to be in charge of my life or America lives in general. Based on what we know about his business practices; qualifications for our president? I don’t think so. Is he morally and spiritually qualified to be the United States of America’s president? No, would be the summary answer.

We have already seen eight years of what would be a mild administration compared to a Trump presidency. All one has to do is remember or google the highlights of the G Dubya and Chaney administration. Remember, our world allies are watching to see how this plays out. So is Russia.

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-f0

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 http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html .

It’s Much Deeper Than The Donald’s Audio Tape

Wow! It took an audio tape where the Donald was clearly heard talking about grouping women in general and one woman in particular. A tape where he actually used the P word when referring to a woman’s gentiles. That’s where numerous elected Republicans, some who are running for office on this year’s ballot draw the line? Never mind all those things he reportedly said that was degrading to and about women, minorities, and anyone else that he disagreed with in the first place. Never mind his so-called principles on law and order.

The fact that he refuses to recognize a confession with DNA results collaborating the real rapist identity of a white woman jogger in New York. He still thinks these teenagers in 1989, who served some time in jail before being exonerated, are still guilty because they confessed after a long ordeal with New York Police. One could say he was advocating lynching these young boys. And to this day, still, think they are guilty? He also wants to bring back the previously ruled unconstitutional Stop and Frisk law.

He lies and pretty much says whatever he wants on a daily basis. Mrs. Clinton was kind in her description of his part in their October ninth debate. She said Trump delivered an ‘avalanche of falsehoods.’ The rhetoric directed at her and her husband, Bill Clinton along with the Obama administration. Yet, he is the Republican nominee for President of the United States. Most forward thinking people look at Donald Trump and ask ourselves, how did this man become the Republican nominee? He is clearly unqualified for that or any political office in this country.

But hold on, the fact that Donald Trump is the Republican Parties Presidential Nominee goes much deeper than a gross audiotape. Remember when he was leading Hillary Clinton in a lot of national and state polls? He, along with his surrogates, the entire Republican Party, and millions of ultra and Alt-Right Conservatives, think Hillary Clinton is the Anti-Christ. They thought that they could sneak an unqualified bigot by the American voters as long as he ran against Mrs. Clinton.

They didn’t say much when he is shouting dangerous rhetoric at his rallies. Phrases like, “they wouldn’t do that in the old days. I like to punch them out.” It was a reference to demonstrators at his rallies.

Oh yes, we look at Donald Trump and ask ourselves, how did this man become the Republican nominee? Well, have you been to the movies lately? Watched TV, listen to some of the songs on the radio? It’s a laboratory demonstration on how to kill and maim with weapons made for killing people. Not for hunting as the NRA likes to tell you. The story lines are brutal and filled with deadly violence. The characters, including the heroes’, are suspect and untrustworthy. All this, while treating their fellow man as if they are our competition or the enemy rather than our next door neighbor. In real life, since when does it take approximately eight to nine supposedly well trained San Francisco Police Officers with weapons drawn to shoot down a man with a knife, killing him? Killing him (December of 2015) because they felt threaten. Does that make sense to you… or anybody?

There is an entire genre of music (Gangster and some mainstream rap) where the lyrics used will turn your stomach. They advocate pimping, calling woman degrading names and suggest the only way to the American Dream is to do whatever you have to do to get paid. Our kids (white, black and all) know the words to these songs before they can recite their ABC’s. Society has changed from the sixties style of “We wish you love and peace” to ‘F_ _ _ you, I got mine, now get outta my face son, while I pig out on what’s mine and cash.’ They are just a minority of rappers and entertainers. But, they are so loud and sell a lot of tapes over and underground. Sometimes you hear them blasting from their cars at the stop light. Their ways and actions are hypnotic to our young folks. Especially to those who don’t have good role models or a loving home life. A great example would be households where babies are raising babies if you get my drift.

If not Donald Trump for president, it would have been someone else with the same type of personality and beliefs. Remember the establishment Republicans tried to tone down their man. They tried to tell him to use the code words, dummy. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell advised him to use a teleprompter and don’t go off message. Now, the same man who was part of the meeting that took place after the first election of Barack Obama electing not to cooperate with the new president in any way shape of form. Now this two-faced American politician says “Don’t ask me about Trump.” Their narrative is still Hillary Clinton is the Anti-Crist. Talk about her, and we will help you get elected. They were all about the Republican majority in the House and Senate.

Remember the first rebranding of Trump begins with his newly selected campaign spokesperson Kellyanne Conway. She was everywhere explaining what the Donald really meant when he slipped back into his real personality. You couldn’t turn on the TV without seeing Rudy Giuliani or Chris Christie explaining what the Donald meant when he went off message. Just like Maya Angelou once said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them; the first time.”

Some may say, by now I am stating the obvious. A post on forwarded to me by my youngest son from Occupy Democrats pretty much starts the conversation. It says “The worst part about Trump isn’t that he’s a racist, sexist, ignorant bigot. It’s that his supporters know that and don’t care.” It only confirms that most people in spite of the narrative you may get in various media outlets know what is going on in these United States today.

Beginning with G Dubya’s eight years, there has been an erosion of race relations in this country. It was more of a quite storm then suddenly becoming louder and louder during the last almost eight years of the Obama administration. Various acts, circumstances have aided the continued change in attitudes or even tolerance by a lot of white people toward Blacks, Hispanics, and Muslim and in the last year or so, a closing of their rank and file. It’s that adage of discussion among them that starts with ‘You’re either with us or against us.

Now this is not meant to group a lot of progressive thinking people into a mob. Nor a recruitment for some far right wing skinheads living in the woods of Iowa or wherever. Because you have to keep in mind those people are in the minority of the US population. But, they are a very loud and shrewd minority. They know how to stroke the fires depending upon the latest threat, as they would call it, to white power. We just have to admit that it is there and not shy away from those who would take us back to the Thirties, Forties, and Fifties.

This no-longer-a-subtle change of attitude was aided by the rise of the Tea Party. Who, by the way, was adopted by the Republican Party. So much so, most establish Republicans added in getting them elected and toning down those who ran for office to be presentable politicians. Do you remember when the Tea Party had placards depicting President Obama as Hitler? They had him dressed in the Nazi’s Army Gear, mustache and hair style. I’d never seen a sitting president disrespected in such a grotesque manner. We almost know by heart and hear the new Jim Crow code words on a daily basis. They are in the print, broadcast, and internet media. They normally have a large picture of the perpetrator with the broadcast of the story. Use the code words boys, folks will know what you are talking about, they urge with a wink. You’ve heard them, Law and Order, Only criminals will have the guns, Illegal Immigrants, Good American, Liberal Politicians, Obamacare, and many others too numerous to mention here. The most popular today is, “Make America Great Again.” That’s right boys when you are for the right things and against the things most Good, and Law Abiding Americans don’t like, you’ve got the ticket. They try to wrap themselves in our United States Flag. They do this as if they are the only Americans in this country.

I am still and always will be a man who loves God, Family, Country and all Gods people. As Americans, we have to understand that these divisions in race relations could and do threaten our very Democracy. My summation to these shifting racial attitudes is the outstanding poem turned into a Documentary from Maya Angelou, “And Still I Rise.”

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-eN

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 http://hcoa.net/ and http://www.chiia.com/home.html .

Will You Cast Your Vote For Our Country?

One Trump supporter said that his candidate won the first thirty-six minutes of Monday night’s debate. He touted his slamming of Mrs. Clinton on the trade pacts that are so unpopular with a majority of US blue collar workers. Personally, I thought it was the first twenty minutes or so and she responded in a manner to believe she was telling the truth. But then let’s give the Donald that first thirty-six minutes. We are feeling so good about this debate that we can spot him a hit or two from the start.

After the first twenty-five to thirty minutes (my calculated time), the Trump surrogate admitted that his man ran out of gas. The Donald simply was not coherent with most of his responses the remaining sixty minutes. He was rude, showed facial expression that resembled a man in a bar after several drinks trying to be audible in a serious conversation. He lied about things he supposedly said on the campaign trail. He tried to hym, he-haw and bluster his way through some questions and issues. All this while the candidate sorely needed a presidential posture. The result, he displayed his lack of knowledge in foreign policy, nuclear armament, the economy, and how to bring about jobs. Also, his plans for fixing this country’s ills are unrealistic and a smoke screen to make the Donald and his businesses money. One last point, he showed the American and World Wide audience he is not qualified to be the President of the United States.

He blamed everything that happened the last thirty years on Hillary Clinton and politicians who don’t know how to run a government. Personally, I think if the Civil War had come up she would have been blamed for that. The real problem is that a lot of Americans want a change in the status quo. The Donald represents that change for them. One Ohio lady was asked by a reporter if after hearing the debate if anything changed her mind. Her response was “I’m voting for the conservative ticket and the jackass at the head of the ticket.”

If I had been that reporter my next question to her would have been, do you think your vote is in the best interest of this county? That is the million dollar question in this election to everyone. Not the fact that you dislike both candidates for whatever reason. Since the next president will probably be responsible for placing three Supreme Court justices in office. Will you support the cash flow policies given to the top one percent of wealthy people by the Republican House and Senate at the expense of the middle class and poor? Will the same Republican Congress be rewarded for their obstructionist behavior the last eight years? Especially in light of the fact they voiced their intention to and did oppose any policy or spending bills push by President Obama. One could say they allowed the country to go to pot while trying to wait for a Republican President. And their nomination is Donald Trump. I’m asking all that is reading this article and the entire country, do you think by casting your vote for whoever you are backing is for the good of this country? Yes…will you cast your vote for the United States of America?

I’m sorry. Oh? All you “I like Trump,” “I hate Hillary,” “I never did like Obama,” and “I hate all politicians so let’s shake up Washington and kick them all out,” folks had not thought about what is best for our country?

I see some people who can’t stand Hillary or Bill Clinton for one thing or another. Most people don’t go back and see the proposal of certain ideas in the first place. OK, Bill couldn’t keep it in his pants, but he left a surplus that G Dubya (George Bush) squandered during his first term. By the way, a different court decision in the State of Florida and Bush would never have won the presidency. Democrat Al Gore would have been president. That doesn’t mean he would have been a good one, you just never know.

Can you believe all the Trump supporters? I don’t know what to believe, but I do remember the 2012 presidential election. A lot of the polls had Romney winning or at least tied. Afterwards, pundits, political strategist were shocked as Obama cleaned their clock. Romney and his wife did not want to appear in public for a long while. They thought they were going to move to the White House. I bet they had already had their mail forwarded or some little move in advance like that. Republicans were stunned beyond belief.

So the questions now become, why the Donald is so close in the polls when it is clear he is not qualified to be president. Not qualified people, no not suspect, or will have to be surrounded with good people to make it work. This man is not fit to hold the office of Chief Dog Catcher in rural Mississippi. He is the kind of man that will say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, push the wrong button, ensure that he makes money on his decision and swear he knows nothing about it. The man is a pathological liar. Who in their right mind thinks this man can make an adequate Commander-in-Chief? Hands please, yeah, that’s what I thought. Pre-debate, why was this man tied or within striking distance of Hillary Clinton?

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-ez

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/