(screen capture via ABC7)In the aftermath of the shooting death of a clothing shop owner in California who was shot to death by a 27-year-old man who objected to her having a rainbow flag on display, the editorial board of the Los Angeles Times says now “would be a good time” to fly your Pride flag.
Editorial: Fly the Pride flag high for Laura Ann Carleton. And freedom (via @latimesopinion ) https://t.co/pVoEvYgccZ
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) August 21, 2023
From the Los Angeles Times:
This would be a good time to fly your multicolored Pride flag. If you don’t have one, this might be a good time to get one.
Laura Ann Carleton flew the flag in front of her store in Cedar Glen, near Lake Arrowhead. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials said a man shot Carleton to death on Friday after making disparaging comments about the flag. He fled, and was killed in a later confrontation with deputies.
Those like Carleton who fly the rainbow flag make a statement in support of solidarity, inclusiveness, welcome, dignity and equality. Those who violently attack the flag fliers make a statement of their own — a particularly un-American statement: No, not all people are created equal and not all people are entitled to life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness.
So fly the flag that Carleton flew, in her memory and honor, and in support for the right to express oneself and be oneself. Fly it in defiance of killers and terrorists who undermine personal freedom and expression. Fly it in support of our unalienable rights. Fly it in support of the LGBTQ+ community and its righteous defense against bigotry. Fly it for pride.
Read the full editorial here. You can read my full report on the incident here.
Carleton was not a member of the LGBTQ community, but a dedicated ally. She’s survived by her husband and nine children.
Note: three days after the incident, the shooter still has not been identified at this writing.
