Absolutely accurate, people and governments alike can easily swat away and ignore those who peacefully protest. A violent protest is simply much more difficult to burn out.
I believe that through further education and democratization of government, people will be able to make diplomatic and peaceful efforts for change.
to me the forces that created such a potencial for mass education are statist in nature. Valuing democrassy is deep in the bones of American culture. Its a feature, not a bug.