This is a diary that calls you to action. It combines the efforts of a number of bloggers and peace activists. It is the kind of idea that could catch hold and change things. I’ve spent some time studying peace in this past year. It is not a subject I was taught in my 20 years of formal education. The most powerful idea I’ve learned is that our government acts with the consent of the people. Literally. It is through actions like this one, that we can show our dissent. We can stop acquiescing to wars we do not want.
This is a re-post of ejmw’s diary from yesterday, which nicely captured the work of a number of people. I’ve made minor edits for today. Let’s try to get this movement wider exposure.
How much cyber-ink has been wasted on why this war in Iraq must end? This is how to help. How you can help. Let your voice be heard.
Last month a local peace organization held a week-long picket of Rep. Mike Rogers’ (R-MI) district office. As part of the picket, members of the peace
community started delivering single flowers to Rogers’ office, asking
him to help stop the war. The idea was so popular and easy,
passing citizens joined in. We ended up delivering about 14 dozen
flowers in a three day period. We called the deliveries, “Petals
for Peace.”
This week we are continuing our campaign. And we’ve made it really easy for anyone, anywhere to participate. Here is what you need to do:
From Tuesday, April 18 through Friday, April 21, deliver a flower
to Mike Rogers’ Lansing office. You can make the delivery by
phone, fax, mail or in person. Here’s how:By telephone — Call Bancroft Flowers at (517) 371-4120. Order a
$1 carnation for delivery to Rogers’ office. They’ve agreed to
waive the delivery charges.By fax — Draw a picture of a flower (don’t worry too much about
your artwork) and fax it to Rogers’ Lansing office at (517) 702-8642.
If you can’t get through to the Lansing office (preferred), then
you can fax it to the D.C. office at (202) 225-5820.In person — Buy your $1 carnation at Bancroft Flowers (1417 E.
Michigan Ave., Lansing) and deliver it to Rogers’ office (1327 E.
Michigan Ave., Lansing), just one block away. This is the
preferred method if you are in the greater Lansing area.By mail — Draw your flower and mail it to: U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, 1327
E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, Michigan 48912. Mailed flowers should
be posted today (Tuesday) if possible.
Yesterday, someone suggested that those who are participating from outside Rep. Mike Rogers’ district, might also consider sending a flower to their own representative with an explanation that it is in solidarity with this protest. So that this message spreads. That sounds like a pretty effective idea to me.
Mares Hirchert, left, her husband and other activists are planning to flood the Lansing office of U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, with flowers, photos of flowers and photos of children during their upcoming Petals For Peace protest. (coverage courtesy of the Livinston Daily Press & Argus)
If you like this idea, here are other ways you can help:
Recommend this diary so that it stays visible.
Cross-post it anywhere you like.
Send a flower on multiple days, if you wish.
Tell your friends and family about this.
Post comments to let us know how you’ve participated, as we are keeping track of our efforts as best we can.
Other notes:
Be kind. While Rogers has supported Bush and the war, his staff
has been polite. We are trying to let Mr. Rogers understand that
people are very tired of this war, and that he ought to consider
representing the growing majority of the American public who want it to
end.
Some have wanted to send other items. We’ve had commitments to
send pies and cacti. Also, some might prefer to send bouquets or
roses. Bancrofts has also been very kind in this campaign, so I
have no problem if you want to reward their kindness. (But this
effort has nothing to do with money — it is all about a grass-roots
way to try to communicate with a Congressman who could help change the
world by changing his mind).
In addition to much local support, this effort has grown with national
and international support. So far in March and April we have had
deliveries (or promises to deliver) from Australia, Spain, Argentina,
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, North Dakota and Arizona. One person in D.C.
will be delivering to his Washington office.
For those who don’t like the idea of giving a gift to someone who has
been a loyal supporter of Bush and the war, I can assure you that Mr.
Rogers understands the context of these flowers from our ongoing
campaign. I’ll be delivering a letter (specifically, we are
asking him to support legislation to stop the war) along with my own
flower today. So rest assured, even if you say nothing with your
delivery, your point will be made.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. And thanks to those of you who will be participating.
