Non violent protest is the only avenue to effect change when the political establishment does not act for the common good.

Obama, despite good intentions, did little to reign in the banks, the corporations, the military or the influence of the wealthy and their lobbyists.  His best effort was reforming the health care system although due to an intransigent congress the benefit was less than it should have been. 

Progressives are not attacking the religious; they just don't want them imposing their beliefs on others.  As for gender pronouncement, some issues are valid, others are frivolous non-the-less people should be able to air their views although I would agree that they should not try to deny others from doing the same. 

It is never pathetic to act for the common good.  In fact, the reverse is true.