Overreaching mask directives enacted have one more devastating effect on the general populace –Facemasks hide identities, conceal emotions and, more importantly, induce silencing of the tongue and the limiting of free speech
Legal confusion on the wearing of masks is evident. Eighteen states have laws on the books that forbid face coverings in public for reasons ranging from concealing identities to wearing one with intent to commit a crime, harassment or intimidation.
Mask bans first came about in response to the Ku Klux Klan’s infamous donning of hoods as a cowardly disguise. More states instituted anti-mask laws following the rise of Occupy Wall Street (OWS), Antifa and other rioters that relied on face coverings to avoid prosecution.