FLOWERS FOR ELIZABETH - QUESTION???

[EC]

Ourbluenation has a thread for Elizabeth and I'm seeing all this hemming and hawing...

What is wrong with us that we can't do this for her? This is a tradition for DUers to show our appreciation...it's news worthy...and will show her that we put her in the highest esteem, just as we did for Barbara Boxer and Helen Thomas...who cares where Elizabeth wants us to donate, we can do that too, but this is for her and her alone, let's get on it....There is only $150.00 so far...that is pathetic and embarrassing...she and her husband has given so much, why is this not doing better? Let's show her and the nation how we feel, let's fill her office with Roses....

Chapel Hill Florist (800-917-1001)



http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=474873&mesg_id=474873

[skooooo]

1. The point is...

...that the Edwards' request that donations be made to something else. That's why people aren't donating for flowers. Seems pretty simple to me.

[JuniperLea]

4. Gallant, selfless people like Elizabeth will always say such things

I think it's touching that DUers want to do something special and personal for her.

Why not donate half of what you wanted to donate to the campaign and half for flowers, or something.

I think too much is being made of this. It's a lovely, thoughtful idea.

I'm going to call in another $10 for flowers.

[EC]

5. Thank you,

I agree, even when I would really appreciate something, I always say no, give to such and such...


I know this will make her feel appreciated and loved. I also know she'll make good use of the flowers, rather in her home or at hospitals...she's good that way...

[JuniperLea]

9. Exactly!

Think of how you feel when people actually DON'T do the thing in question at your request, and how extra special the gift is when your selfless request has been ignored and people want to be extra kind to you!

That's what this is about. Human kindness. Think of how special it has made people feel in the past. And think of what those people would have said had they known our plans in advance... "oh, no, please give to _________!"

[skooooo]

17. Suit yourself then.

Nothing wrong with that. I'm just offering an explanation for people's behavior and response to you.

[DesertRat]

2. It's a great idea, but

she's on the road with John. How do we know when she'll be there to see the flowers while they're fresh?

[Catherine Vincent]

3. If people want to send Mrs. Edwards flowers, they will. n/t

[DeepBlueC]

6. I like the DU gesture

I hope more people join in. It could be a good show at campaign headquarters, a nice photo for news release and a touching gesture. I am sure she will see them one way or another. And as someone else has pointed out, at this point the campaign workers could probably use a lift themselves. This is not INSTEAD of contributing to the campaign, it's just a nice, tangible, human gesture.

[EC]

7. You say it so much better than I did

with Helen Thomas and Barbara Boxer it did get national coverage, and I think this will also, it'll give her and their workers a memory...

[DeepBlueC]

13. I LIKED what YOU said

Yes, yes, damn it, YES was my reaction when I saw your thread. I was starting to get pretty discouraged by the reaction. To quote the Bard "reason not the need..." etc

[wellstone dem]

8. Is there a way to use paypal?

[DeepBlueC]

14. probably...

call the number. There is a real human at the end, Ken, that I spoke to, same guy with whom ourbluenation initially made arrangements.

[rocktivity]

10. She needs flowers as badly as she needs money.

I'd rather see that money go to fighting either povery or the Rethugs! Though a "Get Well Elizabeth" message board would be nice...

:headbang:
rocknation

[DeepBlueC]

11. so don't contribute, but

why do you feel the need to cover the rest of us with a cold, wet blanket?

[JuniperLea]

23. I never understood the need of some people to piss in the Wheaties of others!

Especially when something so touching like this comes along.

Sure, big deal. Like any other selfless person, she asked not to be put in the limelight... just donate. She will be touched by those who understand the kind heart of such people best and sent her flowers anyway.

Sometimes an act of kindness is the best medicine! I believe that is what we are doing here!

My hat is off to onebluenation for getting this ball rolling, getting Skinner's approval, and keeping the faith. And another tip of the hat to EC for keeping this going.

Precious people with huge hearts should be applauded, not trampled on. Tsk tsk. The bad manners alone is enough to make a person shake their head...

[rocktivity]

35. Does that mean you'll be sending flowers to Tony Snow, too?

:evilgrin:
rocknation

[dysfunctional press]

19. exactly.

why do so many relative serfs feel obligated to pay tribute to the gentry?

i don't know i find it more silly, or scary? :shrug:

[JuniperLea]

24. What I find scary (not silly at all)

Is how so many can fail to recognize human kindness when they see it on display so publicly.

Human kindness, like cancer, knows not what's in one's wallet. I think it crass to deny any human being an act of kindness just because PART of their life is quite fortunate.

[dysfunctional press]

32. that act of kindness should be directed where it's actually needed and/or wanted.

but then, it wouldn't be america without mindless masses fawning over celebrity.

cut flowers do die, and need to be disposed of- i've always that in a way, it's kind of sick and twisted to send cut flowers to someone over a cancer diagnosis- as the flowers wither and die, they become a metaphor and a reminder for the victim about the state of their own health....but then, since it's an act of "kindness", i'm sure that the edwards won't mind having their living room look & smell like the grounds outside kensington a few weeks after diana's funeral.

btw- i could be mistaken, but haven't the edwards made some kind of "in lieu of flowers" announcement anyway??

[JuniperLea]

33. Oh sure, its to tacky to send flowers to sick people!

That's why there's a centuries old tradition of doing so! Sick and twisted my ass. What's sick and twisted, imho, is your convoluted twisting of this! Your Kensington analogy is bizarre!

If you'd been paying any kind of attention, you would know that SOME people here understand that kindhearted people like Mrs. Edwards always say they want something else and no attention on themselves.

I don't understand the need for some to piss on another's parade. Jeebus H. Cripes. How the hell does it hurt you for someone to do something for someone else?



Haven't you ever heard about random acts of kindness? It's a blast! You should try it sometime!

[pennylane100]

12. I donated to her husbands campaigg

I figured that if we all send money to the campaign he can spend less time at those fundraising rubber chicken dinners and more time with Elizabeth.

[peace13]

15. Sometimes it is nice to have something from the heart.

I called in my $15.00 in hopes that it adds a smile at one moment in time. It's not always about practicality. Peace and love to Elizabeth and her family. Kim

[Raksha]

38. Jesus understood this when a woman annointed his feet

with very expensive ointment. The disciples were using the exact same reasoning I'm seeing here, saying the gift was too extravagant and the price of the ointment should be donated to the poor intead. But Jesus defended the woman in words that have been widely misunderstood, saying "the poor you have always with you." He meant there would always be opportunities for that kind of charity, but sometimes it's been interpreted as a fatalistic attitude about poverty. Jesus understood the significance of a heartfelt gesture.

Sheesh, I'm Jewish, not even a Christian, and I'm the one who remembered this story. Weird.

[peace13]

39. Thanks for this.

Good insight. I'm not Christian or Jewish but I play one in real life, if you know what I mean. It amazes me how we can impact people in trouble with just a kind word. The words will travel a lifetime. Same thing goes for harsh words I am guessing. Peace and love to you, Kim

[Maddy McCall]

16. People respected her wishes and donated to the campaign instead...

or to cancer research.

She's a cancer patient. He's campaigning for president. Some people don't want to burden them with a flood of flowers at this busy time in their lives. And it will be a burden for them to have to find a place to redistribute the flowers.

It's a sweet gesture--really it is--but a DUer already talked to a campaign representative who talked to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth said that she wanted DUers to donate to the campaign.

And you can never go wrong by donating to cancer research.

Just my two cents...and anyone who wants to continue to silence me through attacks--you won't get a response from me because you're already on ignore.

[Bjornsdotter]

25. Sometimes

...the best gifts are the ones we don't ask for.

Cheers

[JuniperLea]

26. I don't think ignore is anyone's friend either

Live and learn from fools and from sages...

Human kindness is a beautiful thing. It should be nurtured:)

[Bjornsdotter]

29. Oh Yeah

It's good to have friends!

:hug:

[JuniperLea]

30. Oh yeah!

:hug:

[Booster]

18. Ok, I donated to John's campaign but just called and donated

for flowers for Elizabeth also. The young girl on the phone said they had received tons of calls today from all over the country so maybe we can send enough flowers to show Elizabeth how much we think of her. A donation to John's campaign is nice, but I think Elizabeth will appreciate receiving flowers which are just for her.

[Rosetta]

20. Great Idea!

I just called and contributed money for the flowers. I think this is a great idea. I think contributing to the campaign or to cancer research are great ideas as well. My husband is a florist, so I know first hand that, if you have ever delivered a beautiful bouquet to someone who is having a tough time, you would realize that flowers are very special and personal, and they are never a bad idea.

[EC]

21. Thank you and welcome to DU

You said it beautifully...this is personal.

[JuniperLea]

22. Well said, Rosetta!

And welcome to DU!

How special... your first group act with DU is a precious display of human kindness. Keep that spirit up!

:hi:

[Rosetta]

27. Thanks

Thanks for the welcomes Juniperx and EC!

Actually, I've been here for a long time. I never post, because I am a political idiot compared to most of you. However, I do know some stuff about kindness and flowers. I also donated to help Andy, and I think it is amazing when someone sets this stuff up to make it so easy for others to help...thank you ourbluenation.

[JuniperLea]

28. Wow! You are an "old-timer"!!!

Good to see you posting!

:hi:

[Nikki Stone1]

31. I like flowers

:)

[JuniperLea]

34. Flowers are very special!

A work of art for the eye and the nose! Flowers make a lot of people feel wonderful... special... and loved! Especially when delivered in great numbers!

There are sooooo many movies, books and life experiences where a room full of flowers is the turning point to something good. It's very traditional.

[fooj]

36. Flowers can make your heart sing.

It's a gift of love and appreciation. I think it's a wonderful idea. B-)

I'm calling first thing in the am!

[sandnsea]

37. Back in the day

When people did things out of conformity, people were overwhelmed with flowers in times of grief. It probably did seem like a silly waste of money. So the charitable donations were done instead. But that kind of thinking can be taken too far. As I said yesterday, a life without flowers is a life not worth living. I don't think there is anybody that wouldn't appreciate a gift of kindness of some sort or other. I hope people send the flowers.