Shay's rebellion consisted of veterans, still armed with their weapons from the rebellion they'd fought a few years ago, at a time where the US government didn't have a standing army. I don't think those lessons quite transfer over here.
On the other hand, the protestors are armed with thousands of cameras. Any violent act by the authorities will be quickly spread worldwide. They have to use kid gloves here or will quickly amplify the opposition to themselves. That the truckers won't get violent makes it even worse if the police do.
