I think the quote that you are looking for (and note the author) is:
"There are some ideas so preposterous, only an intellectual could believe them."
-- George Orwell
And another one of my favorites that just seems to apply, not only to this situation, but to our government in general (and note exactly where it is enshrined):
"There is nothing more terrifying than ignorance in action."
--Goethe - engraved on a plaque at the Naval War College
Obviously I echo your (and their) sentiments!