Perhaps, but I think more people have gotten fed up with how many kids are becoming criminals and just want them to stop. By any means necessary.

[Before Akainu and his "absolute justice" gained so much political support and wound up taking over the marines, Smoker wouldn't have believed that the general populous was of that mindset. Now, however, he's gotten an unfortunate, but clearer picture.]

People will do a lot of stupid things if they think it will make them feel "safe" again.