You are correct, I am not an American citizen at all :) I guess what you said is true for any government but does it really matter? They get what they want in the end. Be it Alexander, FBI or someone from my country.
I view that form of thinking as a very slippery slope. The government should get what it wants, but what it wants should be defined by the people. Currently, in the HN community, the view of what the government is doing and what the rules are aren't aligned. Thus, we are pushing for rectification. We've got to take a stand somewhere. That's the only way progress is made.
There is no "they". There are individuals who influence each other, each of whom may change their position depending on the position of others. History is replete with the consequences of changes inspired by advisers to advisers of leadership.
There is no guarantee that you can influence outcomes, but it is exceedingly likely that if you believe that you cannot influence outcomes, then you will not.