I dunno, I thought that it used to be common knowledge in these circles that "we need this to protect the children" meant the government-critter was malicious.

I dunno, I thought that it used to be common knowledge in these circles that "we need this to protect the children" meant the government-critter was malicious. I.e. approximately the reverse. I'd say if anything, these days the above can be expanded to apply with regard to any sufficiently narrowly defined and sympathetic group.