Editorial: Fly the Pride flag high for Laura Ann Carleton. And freedom

This may be a great time to fly your multicolored Satisfaction flag. In the event you don’t have one, this could be a great time to get one.

The rainbow flag, in all its kinds and types, is carefully related to the LGBTQ+ group as a sign of sexual id and extra broadly as an indication of assist for equal rights and respect for these exterior of typical norms of gender id and sexuality. Additionally it is a reminder of the biblical passage during which God used the rainbow as a token of a covenant with all creatures on the Earth.

Laura Ann Carleton flew the flag in entrance of her retailer in Cedar Glen, close to Lake Arrowhead. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Division officers mentioned a person shot Carleton to dying on Friday after making disparaging feedback concerning the flag. He fled, and was killed in a later confrontation with deputies.

These like Carleton who fly the rainbow flag make an announcement in assist of solidarity, inclusiveness, welcome, dignity and equality. Those that violently assault the flag fliers make an announcement of their very own — a very un-American assertion: No, not all persons are created equal and never all persons are entitled to life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness.

This can be a time during which a disturbingly violent phase of society feels entitled to lash out in opposition to those that promote the self-evident truths upon which this nation was based. Carleton, like many others earlier than her, seems to have died for expressing her conviction that sexual orientation and gender non-conformity don’t have any position in figuring out who does or doesn’t belong.

So fly the flag that Carleton flew, in her reminiscence and honor, and in assist for the appropriate to precise oneself and be oneself. Fly it in defiance of killers and terrorists who undermine private freedom and expression. Fly it in assist of our unalienable rights. Fly it in assist of the LGBTQ+ group and its righteous protection in opposition to bigotry. Fly it for pleasure.