I wonder if it occurred to the government that it wouldn’t be a problem if they only wanted the young IT guys to spy on known enemies and not everyday American citizens.
EXACTLY.
It's the same response I have to the American Library Ass. (ALA) who got their panties in a wad when the Bush administration was potentially asking for details on who'd accessed some research materials. If you don't keep records once a book has been returned, then there is nothing to later try to suppress/reveal.
Same with those who took issue in Fornigate when Monica Lewinski's book purchases were reviewed (to sync up with something said I think in a phone call or email). IF the bookstores weren't busy keeping tabs on their customers, then there wouldn't be such data.
Now the grocery stores keep tabs on your purchases (they'll still do it even if you avoid the discount cards, I've seen some swipe a driver's license to "verify" a check, and they'll keep tabs if you use a debit or credit card).