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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Our View: BLM caught in the middle over forest policy ... Are smoky skies the new normal for the Rogue Valley? ... Since You Asked: 1983 building collapse affected three businesses ... Our View: BLM caught in the middle over forest policy ... Are smoky skies the new normal for the Rogue Valley? ... Since You Asked: 1983 building collapse affected three businesses ... Jim Brock: Protesters have power Comment By Jim Brock More Content Now MailTribune.com By Jim Brock More Content Now Posted Dec. 3, 2014 at 12:12 PM By Jim Brock More Content Now Posted Dec. 3, 2014 at 12:12 PM » Social News There are few things more exciting than seeing youngsters exercise their constitutional rights. That was the case in Hamburg, Iowa, on Wednesday morning, when students left school to protest the voters' decision not to allow consolidation of their two school systems, a measure many agree is the last hope in preventing dissolution of the districts. The students rallied outside a local business carrying signs and chanting in support of their schools. At one point, they blocked the southbound lane of Main Street. Even with the temperature below freezing, they were determined to show their disdain for the actions of those old enough to vote. While talking to some of these students, I was inspired. However, I could tell by the snide comments and eye-rolling of passersby that the protesters were not welcome. One motorist refused to go around the crowd, but the youngsters didn't budge. The driver eventually drove around, but her countenance showed she was not happy about it. The sad reality is that their alacrity will avail them little, if anything at all. Their actions will be remembered by most as a nuisance. Peaceful protests usually are. But protests are usually the actions of the powerless and the downtrodden — those whose voices are ignored by a society that espouses the core beliefs of the dominant culture. We learned a lot from the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, in the days, weeks and months following the shooting death of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown. We are a culture that spends more time focused on the differences rather than the similarities, so you are probably wondering, “How can you compare Hamburg to Ferguson?” They are similar because the students in Hamburg refused to accept the decision rendered by the powers that be. They wanted everyone who would lend an ear to know that they would not go quietly. How can you not respect that? That same goes with the peaceful protesters in Ferguson. Regardless of what we have seen on TV and read about in the papers, there were men, women and children who were unfairly categorized as hostile for their participation in group protests. While some incited violence in Ferguson — and appeared to be looking for a fight — that wasn't the case with the majority of participants. Powerful people hate protests, which is why it is so important. While influence is for sale in America, justice should not be. I am grateful to live in a nation where I can write a weekly column that, among other things, criticizes the status quo. The most I have to worry about is receiving emails and phone calls from readers who are offended by my candor. I am sorry they are offended, but I am not sorry for offending them. There are quite a few Brocks in my bloodline — and yours, I’m sure — who fought to preserve our rights. Furthermore, I have more respect for a man, woman or child who stands in the freezing cold holding a sign than the Monday-morning quarterbacks who see them as rebellious and disrespectful. And while protests might seem like an exercise in futility, it all depends on your perspective. My father sometimes tells me, “Eighty percent of life is showing up.” I would rather show up and fail than not even try. Ponder that! Jim Brock is managing editor of the Nebraska City News-Press. He can be reached at [email protected]. By Jim Brock More Content Now MailTribune.com By Jim Brock More Content Now Posted Dec. 3, 2014 at 12:12 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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