He's probably oversimplifying, but this is what makes sense to him. And isn't this what is at the core of the conflict between the Assassins and Templars? Freedom versus control. That's really all that's important.

Connor frowns thoughtfully at that, thinking for a second, then tilts his head. "The Assassins and Templars do not operate in the open. That is not their way. Perhaps you have simply not looked for them in the right places."