Zane is right on the money. "Hate speech" is in the eye of the beholder -- that's why it has no standing at all in the US tradition of free speech. It's extremely disappointing to see REI, which stands up for freedom in all its various, conflicting, vibrant ways, to make this sullen stance against free expression. And yes, unless we defend unpopular and even repellent views, our own views are not safe. I call on REI to support free expression among the many, various, free adults who are proud to call themselves members.
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