“If protectionism is needed, then do it.”
That would be “more government” — bad.
Protectionism is not needed.
Relief from taxes and regulation on domestic production is needed.
That would be “less government” — good.
If there is no food at all, you get food. If the only way to get food is government, you get food. If you don't, you die.
If you are drooling idiot stupid with your own Olympics held for you, you say "more Government" - bad" even as your own stupidity kills you. And few people sympathize with your well earned fate.
The minimum infrastructure - economic and agricultural - to sustain a country in war is just as important to the survival of its citizenry as food in the grocery store.
Many of them are too stupid to realize it.
They get angry when someone tries to explain simple realities to them.