Flowers...
February 19, 2004 7:52 PM Subscribe
Flowers for all!!! "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...
I'm sending a fondue set. Wait...some of them may already have one.
posted by ColdChef at 8:09 PM on February 19, 2004
posted by ColdChef at 8:09 PM on February 19, 2004
"yes, i want 2 dozen dead rose stalks, please. delivered tomorrow afternoon to 1600 pennsylvania avenue nw washington, dc 20500."
posted by quonsar at 8:16 PM on February 19, 2004
posted by quonsar at 8:16 PM on February 19, 2004
Aw, I love that. And Minneapolis, I am always proud of you even though I'm now in warmer climes.
posted by GaelFC at 8:22 PM on February 19, 2004
posted by GaelFC at 8:22 PM on February 19, 2004
Hell yeah. This is the kind of thing that is: awesome.
posted by Hildago at 8:32 PM on February 19, 2004
posted by Hildago at 8:32 PM on February 19, 2004
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.
posted by dhoyt at 8:34 PM on February 19, 2004
posted by dhoyt at 8:34 PM on February 19, 2004
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..?
posted by juv3nal at 8:42 PM on February 19, 2004
posted by juv3nal at 8:42 PM on February 19, 2004
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*
posted by Soliloquy at 8:54 PM on February 19, 2004
Congratulations to all the happy couples! *sniffle*
posted by Soliloquy at 8:54 PM on February 19, 2004
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
posted by anastasiav at 8:58 PM on February 19, 2004
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
posted by anastasiav at 8:58 PM on February 19, 2004
My attitude was wavering, but, by God, this makes me proud to be a human being in America.
posted by Wulfgar! at 9:27 PM on February 19, 2004
posted by Wulfgar! at 9:27 PM on February 19, 2004
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."
posted by fold_and_mutilate at 9:58 PM on February 19, 2004
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."
posted by fold_and_mutilate at 9:58 PM on February 19, 2004
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.
posted by Asparagirl at 10:06 PM on February 19, 2004
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.
posted by Asparagirl at 10:06 PM on February 19, 2004
"Read the card! READ THE CARD!!"
[/old, tasteless, gay joke punchline]
posted by WolfDaddy at 10:22 PM on February 19, 2004
[/old, tasteless, gay joke punchline]
posted by WolfDaddy at 10:22 PM on February 19, 2004
With all these flowers thrown about, we'd best not forget the horrors of The Gay Agenda!!!.
posted by Wulfgar! at 10:35 PM on February 19, 2004
posted by Wulfgar! at 10:35 PM on February 19, 2004
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
posted by zeoslap at 11:06 PM on February 19, 2004
With regards nice flower shops in SF, I've always had great luck with The French Tulip
posted by zeoslap at 11:06 PM on February 19, 2004
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!
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 12:02 AM on February 20, 2004
So who does a pro-life, politically left but boy-loving Catholic priest vote for? What a terrible conundrum for all those unfortunate fellows!
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 12:02 AM on February 20, 2004
This is, like, so the coolest thing ever.
Very much in favour; I wish I could afford to send a couple of bouquets ...
posted by bwerdmuller at 2:55 AM on February 20, 2004
Very much in favour; I wish I could afford to send a couple of bouquets ...
posted by bwerdmuller at 2:55 AM on February 20, 2004
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?)
posted by amberglow at 4:39 AM on February 20, 2004
posted by amberglow at 4:39 AM on February 20, 2004
Applause. This is a beautiful gesture, and I hope certain circles are noticing.
posted by alumshubby at 5:16 AM on February 20, 2004
posted by alumshubby at 5:16 AM on February 20, 2004
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.
posted by tiamat at 6:18 AM on February 20, 2004
posted by tiamat at 6:18 AM on February 20, 2004
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).
posted by deadcowdan at 6:26 AM on February 20, 2004
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).
posted by deadcowdan at 6:26 AM on February 20, 2004
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.
posted by deadcowdan at 6:38 AM on February 20, 2004
posted by deadcowdan at 6:38 AM on February 20, 2004
This is brilliant. Somebody's getting flowers as soon as the shops open today.
posted by jmgorman at 7:27 AM on February 20, 2004
posted by jmgorman at 7:27 AM on February 20, 2004
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.
posted by Mitheral at 8:38 AM on February 20, 2004
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.
posted by Mitheral at 8:38 AM on February 20, 2004
Good-o. And I thought my standing offer to be the MeFite flowergirl for any gay couples getting married in Toronto was cool.
posted by orange swan at 9:11 AM on February 20, 2004
posted by orange swan at 9:11 AM on February 20, 2004
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)
posted by amberglow at 10:43 AM on February 20, 2004
(and here I sit in the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement, and no marriages for NYC--booooooo)
posted by amberglow at 10:43 AM on February 20, 2004
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.
posted by Asparagirl at 10:49 AM on February 20, 2004
"If you're goin to San Francisco / Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..." has been stuck in my head since yesterday.
posted by Asparagirl at 10:49 AM on February 20, 2004
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)
posted by Asparagirl at 10:51 AM on February 20, 2004
Hey waitaminnit--isn't WulfDaddy moving (or already moved) back to New Mexico? Does he know about this? (runs off to e-mail him)
posted by Asparagirl at 10:51 AM on February 20, 2004
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?
posted by amberglow at 11:33 AM on February 20, 2004
posted by amberglow at 11:33 AM on February 20, 2004
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.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 11:38 AM on February 20, 2004
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.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 11:38 AM on February 20, 2004
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).
posted by amberglow at 12:01 PM on February 20, 2004
posted by amberglow at 12:01 PM on February 20, 2004
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.
posted by whatever at 12:06 PM on February 20, 2004
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.
posted by whatever at 12:06 PM on February 20, 2004
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...
posted by Mars Saxman at 12:43 PM on February 20, 2004
posted by Mars Saxman at 12:43 PM on February 20, 2004
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.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 12:50 PM on February 20, 2004
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.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 12:50 PM on February 20, 2004
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.
posted by Tin Man at 1:27 PM on February 20, 2004
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.
posted by Tin Man at 1:27 PM on February 20, 2004
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... :-(
posted by five fresh fish at 8:20 PM on February 20, 2004
posted by five fresh fish at 8:20 PM on February 20, 2004
And what will you send these couples in 5 years time when they're queuing outside the family courts? Meals for one?
posted by SpaceCadet at 7:34 AM on February 21, 2004
posted by SpaceCadet at 7:34 AM on February 21, 2004
« Older Blondes Have More ... Gum? | Get infected by the Bathroom Mania! Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by MidasMulligan at 8:02 PM on February 19, 2004