In this dangerous new world we live in, we need more protection. We can have that by simply making our current government work more effectively as well as efficiently without making it larger.
Freedom is an idealogical concept that is misunderstood by the "Tinfoil Brigade". They mean well but to put it simply, we do not build a fortress by removing the walls. And, by having that extra measure of precaution and security, it makes us able to live freely as a result.
Yeah, American troops in the Middle East had nothing to do with it...