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Rainbow symbol doesn’t belong to anyone

Mitch Russell’s letter sorely missed the mark.
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Rainbow symbol doesn’t belong to anyone

Mitch Russell’s letter sorely missed the mark. Mother Nature’s rainbow is a gift to humanity which has become a symbol of hope. Something we find joy and connection in. For many, one person’s “God” has absolutely nothing to do with it!

Suggesting folks not use the rainbow as anything other than for what was intended is absurd. I challenge this irrational thinking and point out that since the beginning of time people have used symbols to represent ideas and emotions that matter to them. Without deity pre-approval.

Consider the use of symbols by the Egyptians, the military, by engineers or in cartography. The Masons have the Forget-Me-Not. The Eagles gather “in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice and equality to promote peace, prosperity, gladness and hope”. That magnificent regal bird — is obviously more of Mother Nature’s amazing work. And…Lest we forget the humble poppy which has become a symbol of Remembrance.

Are Christians co-opting an idea that has already been taken? Items like candles, shepherd hooks and crosses, are not exclusive to followers of organized religion. Scripture suggests a loving, merciful god, not one who gets perturbed over rainbows. Perhaps Mitch needs to have a bit more faith.

Mitch’s letter can be seen as a thinly veiled expression of rejection towards difference and a return to the diminished thinking of the past.

The Rainbow Flag was designed in 1976 to celebrate diversity — of race, gender, age and all things inclusive. A universal symbol that works in any language. The rainbow is known throughout the world as a powerful symbol of peace. Not unlike the dove or the peace sign. Having a painted rainbow crosswalk does not infringe on anyone’s rights or freedoms. Full stop.

I’m concerned that this obvious ignorance and apparent unwillingness to consider enhancing community was given space in our local paper, especially during the month of our annual celebration of Pride on Vancouver Island. In the meantime, I will take heart in this lyric:

“Some day we’ll find it

The rainbow connection

The lover, the dreamers, and me” ~ The Muppets Rainbow Connection

Robin Rushton

Cobble Hill