"We supported the contras. We're not against all opposition to government, or all paramilitary operations"

This quote by Chris Matthews suggests that the speaker is not opposed to all kinds of opposition to government or paramilitary operations. Rather, the speaker is suggesting that they supported the Contras, a rebel group in Nicaragua during the 1980s. This suggests that the speaker thinks that there are certain types of opposition to federal government and paramilitary operations that are appropriate and should be supported. This might be translated as a call for more nuanced techniques to political and military conflicts, instead of a blanket condemnation of all types of opposition. It might likewise be seen as a require more mindful consideration of the inspirations and goals of those who oppose government and paramilitary operations, instead of a blanket rejection of all kinds of opposition. Ultimately, this quote recommends that the speaker thinks that there are particular types of opposition to federal government and paramilitary operations that must be supported.