Of course it does! To be a little more complete, the article said, "...Often immigrants from the Middle East" which implies that the people could be anyone but makes you think of the stereotypical terrorist that the government consistently rants about. Thus, when the noose is tightened around everyone you won't complain because you think you're "safer" with the new restrictions. Just remember, McVeigh wasn't from the Middle East...

Regarding optimism, there is no room for that when dealing with the power-hungry doomsayers (of both parties) currently running the US.