Without Rule of Law, a just government ready to protect property and equality under law, metaphysical defense of Rights is often just as futile as you envision.
A valiant stand, when there is a right thinking community of individuals or a just legal system (under a limited government) to come to your aid can be a noble thing. In a corrupt state, defense of metaphysical Rights against a metaphysical Will of the State is often a self-destructive jesture.