Exactly. It was an effort at sarcasm and humor--pointed at the persistent growth in government (again, non-defense).
The W Virginia coal mine accidents are an example of why gov't continues to grow: some elements of society demand the gov't do more. The small voices calling for reduction of gov't are outshouted every day.
A smiley face might help to eliminate some confusion, but, my personal opinion is that the day I have to attach a smiley face to my comment(s) is the day I have nothing more to say.