I think what `echelon` is trying to say is that regardless of what "side" you're on, this opens the door to be used by both whenever an (arbitrary) precedence presents itself or is "politically expedient".

Of course it is. It's a cynical power play. That's what happens when we spurn universal ideals like freedom of speech, hence "the end justifies the means". My opponents are so harmful, such a threat, that anything must be done, and nothing, including principles, should stand in the way.