Lol, dude…no one is defending Nazis here. No one is defending what they say and do while they are masked. That’s an entirely different discussion that you’re trying to have.

The question is about why these groups of people wear masks, and the answer is the same for both…to avoid backlash. Just because we see one group’s actions as socially justified and the other’s as unjustifiable (and rightly so) doesn’t change the fact that they have the same reasons for hiding their identities.

I too, think it’s cowardly that these fascist groups hide behind masks. I too, think it’s unacceptable for LEOs to wear masks. And I have no qualms about those who fight back against them wearing masks to protect themselves. That’s the context you’re looking for, but not what was being discussed here.

It’s the difference between asking:

1. Why do these groups of people hide their identites?

vs

2. is it acceptable for these groups of people to hide their identites?

Looks like the people here don’t want to hear it, but you’re absolutely right about this.