Yes they are - but you're making a huge mistake identifying them solely with your friend's choice of support. The left doesn't have a monopoly on ignorance; so too does the right, and you're a perfect example. I wouldn't wonder if your friend is lamenting the same set of circumstances with merely a change of political identification.
The reality is that the US is under a attack from unified forces that appeal to both the left & right. Obama is just a silly puppet - has there ever been a more unqualified president? Yet, on the other hand, the same financial interest that promote further gov't intrusion in health & business are also very, very busy advancing issues that appeal to traditional nat'l security supporters.
TSA anyone? How about DHS? Permanent, nation building wars? The list goes on & on - far, far away from the our republic's original intent. The thing you need to do is ID the parties/groups who benefit from these encroachments. Who profits from US deficit financing used to fund all these left/right project expenditures?
Here's a bit of advice - don't lose a friend, gain an adversary. In actuality, you are both allies against the forces aligned against us.