God and Government

Romans 13:1 says: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." I hardly know of any other passage where so many believers do not have as their PRIMARY concern: "What does this Bible passage mean?" but instead "Where is the exception?" We almost feel desperate to find a way to avoid thinking that totalitarian governments are to be obeyed – no matter what. Is that the message of Scripture?