Yes, I understand your point, and no argument from me on that. Just that the cleverly disguised their intents especially in the early days as being for the people and the children.
Many people fell for it hook line and sinker, because they didn’t understand the threat that it posed, and just thought the propositions sounded like they would be good to help some one.
Somewhere along the line, people forgot why the Federal Government was supposed to have a limited role. The last truly constitutional era President was likely Grover Cleaver. After that, it all went downhill faster.