Representative Don Beyer of Virginia stood before a crowd of shouting protesters this week. He joined the “No Kings” rally in Washington. He told the press that the crowd was exercising its freedom of speech against President Trump. He posted a video with the caption “No Kings, not now, not ever.” These are the words of a man who claims to hate the idea of hereditary power.

Just one day later, the same man was seen in the halls of Congress. He was smiling and clapping for King Charles III. The British monarch gave a historic address to a joint session of Congress. Many Democrats who marched against “kings” were seen fawning over the royal visitor. Representative Ilhan Omar was even seen taking photos of the event. It was a display of hypocrisy that stunned observers.

Comedian Tim Allen mocked the irony on social media. He said it would have been funny to see the reaction of an actual King to the protesters. Rudolph Giuliani quipped that you simply “can’t make this up.” Even the White House joined in. They posted a photo of the President and the King with the caption “TWO KINGS.” It was a rare moment of humor in a very tense week.

This behavior shows a deep confusion in our ruling class. They use the language of rebellion to attack their domestic rivals. Yet, they bow to the very symbols of monarchy when it suits their social status. This is the “Ghost Era” of leadership. Values are used as costumes. Principle is sacrificed for the sake of a good photo. We deserve leaders who mean what they say. If we are a nation of laws and not of men, we should act like it.