Comments on: Flowers...

Flowers...

matty — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 19:52:37 -0800

"Today a coworker of mine had a thought to send flowers to a random couple waiting in line at SF city hall. He called a florist and they agreed to do it. He told them to deliver to any couple -- it didn't matter who -- standing in line to get married, with his blessing. The card will read simply "With love, from Minneapolis, Minnesota." Once they understood, they were very touched and thought it was a great idea. He told another co-worker who did the same thing. And now we want to start a movement. Wouldn't that be cool if people from all over the country, gay, straight and otherwise, started sending flowers to the people waiting in line to get married. Call it The Big Gay Bouquet call it Flowers from the Heartland. Call it whatever you want, but help us get this off the ground. Call Flowers on the Bay at 888-217-9119 and order a bouquet to be delivered tomorrow at noon. And Tell all of your friends to do it. Because straight or gay, we believe and we know many people who believe, support and celebrate the right to marriage. And we'd like to show it. We'd like to see all of the people standing in line with flowers of support from all over the country."

Apparently, flower shops in San Fran are starting to get overwhelmed...

By: MidasMulligan

MidasMulligan — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 20:02:42 -0800

Wow. Cool. I'm in.

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 20:09:13 -0800

I'm sending a fondue set. Wait...some of them may already have one.

By: homunculus

homunculus — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 20:13:57 -0800

Flowers for Al and Don

By: quonsar

quonsar — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 20:16:18 -0800

"yes, i want 2 dozen dead rose stalks, please. delivered tomorrow afternoon to 1600 pennsylvania avenue nw washington, dc 20500."

By: GaelFC

GaelFC — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 20:22:10 -0800

Aw, I love that. And Minneapolis, I am always proud of you even though I'm now in warmer climes.

By: Hildago

Hildago — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 20:32:12 -0800

Hell yeah. This is the kind of thing that is: awesome.

By: biscotti

biscotti — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 20:34:05 -0800

How wonderful! I love this idea.

By: dhoyt

dhoyt — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 20:34:37 -0800

Very cool. Hope the idea catches on (both the flower giving and the gay-marriage insurgency). BTW: can anyone in SF recommend a good flower shop for the occasion? Sounds like Flowers by the Bay is gonna be swamped.

By: juv3nal

juv3nal — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 20:42:05 -0800

looks legit enough, but am I the only one cynical enough that my initial reaction was this must be some scam on the part of SF florists..?

By: Soliloquy

Soliloquy — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 20:54:51 -0800

If it's legit, I'm sure we'll start seeing pictures of this phenomenon in the media and on weblogs tomorrow. I tend to think it is: the web site for Flowers by the Bay has the words "Rainbow Pride" prominently displayed. Congratulations to all the happy couples! *sniffle*

By: anastasiav

anastasiav — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 20:58:35 -0800

This is the 'main' shop: Flowers By The Bay Rainbow Pride Florist. Community based. Owner operated. Personal service. Fresh flowers, orchids, plants. Special events. Weddings. Corporate accounts. DELIVERY INFORMATION Orders must be received by 11:00 AM PST for same day delivery in San Francisco. Out of area orders require 1 business day. Allow 3 business days for international orders. Toll-free: 1-888-217-9119

By: Wulfgar!

Wulfgar! — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 21:27:05 -0800

My attitude was wavering, but, by God, this makes me proud to be a human being in America.

By: fold_and_mutilate

fold_and_mutilate — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 21:58:55 -0800

Yeah, I'm in too....in for sending flowers to the delightful, righteous, newly, justly married in San Francisco. How about it, America? Which cities are ready to do the right thing and follow the Bay Area's lead? And while you're at it, consider sending flowers to the political funerals of the politicians dragging their feet the most over equality in America (but then again, that's not new for this political party): President Bush's political director has told a group of prominent conservatives that the president would soon publicly endorse a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Bay Buchanan, sister of former Republican presidential candidate Pat Buchanan, told Reuters she was one of several conservatives who heard the message from political director Karl Rove two weeks ago. "We were told by Karl Rove that the president would support the constitutional amendment -- not just that he would endorse it but also that he would fight for it," Buchanan said. Specifically, Rove told an alliance of conservatives known as the Arlington Group in a telephone conversation that Bush would back the amendment being put forward by Colorado Republican Rep. Marilyn Musgrave and that his statement would come "sooner rather than later."

By: Asparagirl

Asparagirl — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 22:06:17 -0800

Chicago may be the next city to join in the civil disobedience and open up marriage licenses to same-sex couples! (Yay!) And I don't suppose anyone here works in a government office and could get mayors of other cities and towns to join in the fun? Even a small town somewhere joining in on the action would be meaningful and wonderful...and really great for their local economy.

By: WolfDaddy

WolfDaddy — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 22:22:44 -0800

"Read the card! READ THE CARD!!" [/old, tasteless, gay joke punchline]

By: Wulfgar!

Wulfgar! — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 22:35:58 -0800

With all these flowers thrown about, we'd best not forget the horrors of The Gay Agenda!!!.

By: zeoslap

zeoslap — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 23:06:18 -0800

While I'm pro gay marriage it's a shame that the Republicans can now use this, like abortion, to cement their position as the party of choice for christians (you know the ones i mean), and the poor flyover states they call home.... With regards nice flower shops in SF, I've always had great luck with The French Tulip

By: stavrosthewonderchicken

stavrosthewonderchicken — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 00:02:07 -0800

the Republicans can now use this, like abortion, to cement their position as the party of choice for christians So who does a pro-life, politically left but boy-loving Catholic priest vote for? What a terrible conundrum for all those unfortunate fellows!

By: bwerdmuller

bwerdmuller — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 02:55:44 -0800

This is, like, so the coolest thing ever. Very much in favour; I wish I could afford to send a couple of bouquets ...

By: amberglow

amberglow — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 04:39:26 -0800

this is great..along with the Chicago news, and fold's first link is justly beautful (but i'm very worried about this, legalwise--even tho i recognize the source is biased--any lawyers know if that can nullify the licenses?)

By: alumshubby

alumshubby — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 05:16:54 -0800

Applause. This is a beautiful gesture, and I hope certain circles are noticing.

By: jpoulos

jpoulos — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 05:57:38 -0800

PEOPLE DON'T SUCK!!!!!!

By: tiamat

tiamat — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 06:18:41 -0800

I've submitted this to the CBC news up here in Canada. Hopefully it'll get 30 seconds of air time during which one more idiot will realize that gay marriage is a good thing.

By: deadcowdan

deadcowdan — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 06:26:40 -0800

Senseless acts of random kindness. This is just really cool. Amberglow, it seems to me that those opposed to what's going on in SF will find whatever means to stop it that they can, hyperlegalistic or not. Regardless of what the city or state does, this will come down the the CA SC (possibly the USSC). I find it interesting that this is happening during Schwarzenegger's watch, seeing as he was elected at least partially because he was billed as being socially liberal. This is an opportunity to show what he really stands for on this issue, and juding by his statements in that article, he's blowing it (so to speak).

By: deadcowdan

deadcowdan — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 06:38:12 -0800

Also, I think that even if the reactionary side wins out on this (in the short term), the sudden media visibility of "normal" gays and lesbians (as opposed to the cariactures used by the homophobic right for fundraising and scare tactics) is a Good Thing. The people I've seen in photos and video from SF look like real estate agents, bankers, computer geeks, athletes, retirees, and business owners - in short, they look like America. I think it becomes harder to treat someone as plague-ridden or an alien when they look just like everyone else in your neighborhood.

By: jmgorman

jmgorman — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 07:27:26 -0800

This is brilliant. Somebody's getting flowers as soon as the shops open today.

By: Mitheral

Mitheral — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 08:38:35 -0800

I think it becomes harder to treat someone as plague-ridden or an alien when they look just like everyone else in your neighborhood. That or it'll notch up the paranoia. One of the great fears among the homophobic seems to be that the guy next to you in the gym changing room will see you thing and be turned on. And that somehow that makes you gay.

By: trondant

trondant — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 09:04:16 -0800

This rosebud's for you.

By: orange swan

orange swan — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 09:11:21 -0800

Good-o. And I thought my standing offer to be the MeFite flowergirl for any gay couples getting married in Toronto was cool.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 10:43:46 -0800

Save some of the flowers for New Mexico too! : > (and here I sit in the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement, and no marriages for NYC--booooooo)

By: Asparagirl

Asparagirl — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 10:49:50 -0800

Over $2000 has been raised in 24 hours for Flowers for Al and Don, but they really need volunteers in San Francisco to help deliver the flowers today. "If you're goin to San Francisco / Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..." has been stuck in my head since yesterday.

By: Asparagirl

Asparagirl — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 10:51:53 -0800

Amberglow, that's wonderful! Three cheers for Albuquerque! Hey waitaminnit--isn't WulfDaddy moving (or already moved) back to New Mexico? Does he know about this? (runs off to e-mail him)

By: amberglow

amberglow — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 11:33:24 -0800

Can't we just skip the state-by-state lawsuits and go right to federal court? If something is unconstitutional in one state, it's more than likely unconstitutional for the whole country, no?

By: Ignatius J. Reilly

Ignatius J. Reilly — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 11:38:50 -0800

So let's get this straight: I'm reading an article about a political issue in 2004 America, and I don't feel compelled to scream or break things? This truly kicks ass. Mad props to all you scheming homosexuals out there. In reading an interview with one of teh recntly minted lesbian couples I was amazed at the fact that this issue has really snuk up on them the same way it did for the rest of us. How inspiring that something that really got on the table because the right wing was pandering to its base instead has morphed into an importmptu social revolution. That the gay activist community has scrambled to kick so much ass so fast is truly inspiring. I don't know what it was like to be alive during the struggle for raical integration, but I hope it was as heartening as this is.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 12:01:14 -0800

It was far more dangerous then, Ignatius...no one's gotten beaten or killed over marriage (so far). While I'm getting rights, ENDA and Non-discrimination in Housing are desperately needed (if you can be fired for being gay or kicked out of your apt. or not rented to, you're in no position to think of marriage).

By: whatever

whatever — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 12:06:29 -0800

I think that sending flowers to couples who have braved some pretty nasty weather (I know it's not like its snowing) waiting hours for their chance to be given the basic rights of most citizens is a good thing. I live in SF and there have been articles in the Chronicle about the long hours being put in by the city government and volunteers to make this thing happen. How about some props for those folks? There's the new mayor, Gavin Newsome. According to this article Barney Frank told him not to do it. There's Mabel Teng San Francisco Assessor-Recorder, and the hundreds of volunteers that have made it possible to marry so many people in such a short period of time.

By: Mars Saxman

Mars Saxman — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 12:43:37 -0800

I have the same feeling, Ignatius - I can hardly believe this is really happening, here in the conservative-and-getting-more-so United States of 2004. I'm amazed the courts haven't stopped it yet and surprised that other cities are joining in, or talking about it. Could it really be? Sometimes these things just take a spark to get them started...

By: Ignatius J. Reilly

Ignatius J. Reilly — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 12:50:32 -0800

Mars- It's going to end up in front of the SCOTUS, I would bet, and as hackish as some of the justices can be, I just don't see them dropping the ball on such an historic question of equal rights. Don't forget that even Scalia is an old-fashioned "keep the state out of my shit" conservative. It seems that they ought to be all about the hitchin' homos. Go Chicago! Go New Mexico! Now what if some small town somewhere wants on board but can't find a gay couple? Can we start some sort of gay/straight exchange program? My countrified parents have always wanted to see San Francisco, and they could swap for a weekend with a nice couple who wants to have the Ozarks' first gay (intra-species) wedding.

By: Tin Man

Tin Man — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 13:27:44 -0800

Can't we just skip the state-by-state lawsuits and go right to federal court? If something is unconstitutional in one state, it's more than likely unconstitutional for the whole country, no? Amberglow -- mostly it's because of procedural issues. In order for a court to decide an issue, there has to be a case first. The federal courts can get involved if a gay married couple (from, say, Massachusetts in a few months) tries to have its marriage recognized by another state and that state says no. In that case, DOMA comes into play, and DOMA can then be challenged in federal court. The federal courts could also get involved if, for example, a gay married couple tries to file a joint tax return and the federal government says no. DOMA would be at issue in that case, too. Also -- if something is unconstitutional in one state, that doesn't necessarily make it unconstitutional for the whole country. Many state constitutions grant more rights than the U.S. Constitution. I just don't see them dropping the ball on such an historic question of equal rights. Don't forget that even Scalia is an old-fashioned "keep the state out of my shit" conservative. Ignatius -- Scalia is for "keeping the state out of my shit" except when it comes to gay issues. He had no problem with anti-sodomy laws, for example. His fear of gay rights trumps his desire for personal liberty.

By: five fresh fish

five fresh fish — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 20:20:02 -0800

There are moments when I gain hope for America. Now if only the citizenry of that country would get their shit together when it comes to voting... :-(

By: SpaceCadet

SpaceCadet — Sat, 21 Feb 2004 07:34:18 -0800

And what will you send these couples in 5 years time when they're queuing outside the family courts? Meals for one?

By: stopgap

stopgap — Sat, 21 Feb 2004 11:31:27 -0800

It's in the news now.