No Kings' protesters accused of hypocrisy over masks

Letters criticize protesters for wearing masks to hide identities while opposing masks for law enforcement

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:50am

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A fractured, abstract painting depicting a group of protesters wearing masks, their faces and bodies repeated in overlapping geometric shapes and waves of muted colors, conceptually representing the contradictions and hypocrisy within the 'No Kings' protest movement.The perceived hypocrisy of 'No Kings' protesters wearing masks to hide their identities raises questions about the contradictions within the movement.Columbus Today

Letters to the editor criticize the 'No Kings' protesters for wearing masks to hide their identities, arguing this is hypocritical since they object to law enforcement personnel wearing masks. The letters also discuss Ohio's legislature passing laws that most Ohioans oppose, as well as the expansion of restrictions on drag performances, which the writers view as unnecessary and a waste of time.

Why it matters

The letters highlight the perceived hypocrisy and contradictions in the 'No Kings' protests, as well as the broader frustration among some Ohioans with their state legislature passing laws that go against the will of the majority of residents.

The details

The letters criticize the 'No Kings' protesters for wearing masks to hide their identities, arguing this is hypocritical since they object to law enforcement personnel wearing masks. The letters also discuss a pattern in Ohio's legislature of passing bills that most Ohioans oppose, as well as the expansion of restrictions on drag performances, which the writers view as unnecessary and a waste of time.

  • The 'No Kings' protests took place on March 28.
  • House Bill 249, which expands restrictions on drag performances, was recently voted on by the Ohio House.

The players

William Kloss

A resident of Dublin, Ohio who wrote a letter criticizing the 'No Kings' protesters for wearing masks.

John Anderson

A resident of Columbus, Ohio who wrote a letter criticizing the pattern of the Ohio legislature passing laws that most Ohioans oppose.

Rick Hanby

A resident of Pickerington, Ohio who wrote a letter criticizing the expansion of restrictions on drag performances.

Cindy McGuire

A resident of Marion, Ohio who wrote a letter criticizing House Bill 754, which she believes takes away the right of mothers, fathers and grandparents to mourn the loss of a pregnancy without fear of government investigation or intervention.

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What they’re saying

“The 'No Kings' protests March 28 reeked of irony.”

— William Kloss, Resident of Dublin, Ohio

“Voters should recognize that this is a consequence of our gerrymandered districts, where legislators – ensconced in their safely red or blue districts – have little incentive to listen to their constituents.”

— John Anderson, Resident of Columbus, Ohio

“Attempting to fix a problem that does not exist is a waste of time and resources.”

— Rick Hanby, Resident of Pickerington, Ohio

“Mourning the loss of a pregnancy is an emotional and private matter — best done with family and loved ones.”

— Cindy McGuire, Resident of Marion, Ohio

The takeaway

The letters highlight the perceived hypocrisy and contradictions in the 'No Kings' protests, as well as the broader frustration among some Ohioans with their state legislature passing laws that go against the will of the majority of residents. The letters also touch on the sensitive issue of mourning pregnancy losses and the expansion of restrictions on drag performances, which some view as unnecessary.