We have no idea what is on the phone. And I didn’t create a scenario to compare it to San Bernardino. I just wondered how far you thought it goes. In my potential nuclear scenario, what would you have Apple do?
This case however is not comparable in any way and most likely the motivation of the government is not at all in the interest of the people. Remember backdoor access to encrypted phones is something the government was after long before this event took place. Several things are likel being sought. First it's clear we have a central government that feels the need for surveillance of every aspect of it's citizenry and it's after a tool to further that agenda. Second I think the government is looking to desensitize the people to what in reality is totalitarian rule. Third they are looking set legal precedent.
Bottom line: No I don't trust the motivation of our government and even if I'm wrong we cannot allow them to set president of Soviet style totalitarianism.