Problem > reaction > solution.
"We" aren't "masking the problem," we are creating the problem, in order to justify what is portrayed as a solution, which is actually the originally intended goal.
Rather than digging into the source of problems to determine the correct solutions, we are choosing solutions, then creating problems to justify implementing them. The purpose is not to solve the problem. The purpose is to implement what can only be "justified" by claiming it is a solution.
However, yes, there are real people who believe it is their job, and the purpose of their organization, to protect the U.S. and its citizens. Unfortunately, many of those people don't realize they are being mislead into exploiting and enslaving those very same citizens they believe they are protecting... and even themselves.