PROGRESSIVE MAGAZINE ARTICLE ABOUT ME AND MY WEBSITE!!!

[Ava]

Animation Producer Gets Ugly Slurs
By Matthew Rothschild
April 24, 2006

Ava Lowery is a fifteen-year-old who lives in Alabama. She calls herself a peace activist, and for the past year, she’s been producing her own short animations on her website, peacetakescourage.com. All in all, she’s made about seventy of them, she says, and most of them oppose Bush and his Iraq War.

“I was just so mad about it,” she explains. “And the media are not showing the real images of the war, so I did a lot research and started my own website.”

She submitted one of her latest creations, “WWJD,” to the monthly “contagious” contest that huffingtonpost.com is running. (It’s an open contest that ranks the number of viewers for each submission.)

“WWJD” (“What Would Jesus Do”) is a powerful animation that features a soundtrack of a child singing “Jesus loves me, this I know” while one picture after another of a wounded, bloody, or screaming Iraqi child fills the screen.

“The object of the animation,” says Lowery, is “to get the following point across: Jesus loves Iraqis, too.”

Lowery ends the video with quotations from Beatitudes, including, “Blessed are they who mourn” and “Blessed are the meek” and “Blessed are the merciful” and “Blessed are the peacemakers.”



More at link:

http://progressive.org/mag_mc042406

I am SO excited about this! :woohoo:

-------------------------

EDIT: COPYRIGHT: PLEASE POST ONLY 4 OR 5
PARAGRAPHS FROM THE COPYRIGHTED NEWS SOURCE
PER DU RULES.

[xultar]

1. WOO HOO

:woohoo:

I'm glad I know you!

[derby378]

2. Coooooooll!

:applause:

[PuraVidaDreamin]

3. Stay strong Ava & stick by your convictions

You are a role model for your generation and...
:yourock:

[meegbear]

4. Congratulations!!

Keep up the good work and screw those yellow elephants!

[papau]

WOW - an impressive accomplishment at any age - but at 15! -:-)

just WOW!!!!!

:toast:

:-)

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

5. You should be quite proud of yourself!

And please, do yourself a favor and report any death threats to the police AND the FBI immediately. It's not worth the risk.

[Warren DeMontague]

6. You do very powerful work.

No wonder it gets the pinheads in such a lather.


Oh yeah, one more thing:


:applause: :woohoo: :applause: :woohoo: :applause: :woohoo: :applause: :woohoo::applause: :woohoo::applause: :woohoo::applause: :woohoo::applause: :woohoo:

[wordpix]

7. Ava, I'm proud of you & so horrified at the ugly messages you've received

There are a lot of crazy sick people in the US and hopefully, if we can stop this war, we will have money for mental health treatment for them.

Lots of love,
A DU admirer :loveya: O8)

[ShortnFiery]

8. Good for you and our progressive values Ava! :-) eom

[babylonsister]

9. Ava, I love your work and had no idea you were receiving mail

like that. Maybe you need to do a video about ignorant people who hide their head in the sand!
Congrats on the article! :yourock: :yourock:

[LynneSin]

10. Yes, just what Jesus would do - send threating emails to 15 year olds

suggesting she should be raped for expressing her first amendment rights.

I'm so glad I'm not a "Christian" like them

keep up the good work Ava!

[Synnical]

11. Congratulations, Eva!

We're all very proud of you. Keep up the good work and stay safe.



:bounce:

[cali]

12. Fantastic, Ava

except for the disturbing part about being threatened.

[annabanana]

You are one brave kid, m'dear!

If you, for one instant, feel that any of the threats take on more than an "online" tone to them, let the authorities know.

[calmblueocean]

13. I love how you let it roll off your back!

The more vile the things they say, the more you know you've touched them.

I watched the "Jesus loves me" video before I ever read this page, and it stuck with me, too. Stay smart and stay strong! And keep your parents informed of the crazies! They need to be able to protect you if someone crosses the line!

[fooj]

14. Such wonderful talent...

I had no idea you were such a young patriot! Kudos!:hi:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

15. Ava, I was shocked to find out your age

your work appears to be something from someone older and wiser than most 15 year olds. That is meant to be a sincere compliment. I am sorry that you are having trouble with coservatives. Their hatred really belies their fear-they know, at some level, that what you say is the truth.

[go west young man]

16. Great job! You should definently be proud of yourself!

[Dinger]

17. K & R!!!

Wowee, can I have your autograph???

[Ecumenist]

18. I'm PROUD of you Girl!!

There should be thousands more like you because you're doing a damn sight more than people 2,3 or 4 times your age. Those who are threatening you are cowardly and only keen to get some sort of sick satisfaction but when they are exposed, they scurry like cockroaches that scatter in the light of day.

I want to encourage you to continue your activities and let you know that you'll always be someone I'll point young folks and teenagers who want to do something about what's happening in this world.:applause:

[kentuck]

19. Dang! This is cool!

We're glad you're a DU'er, Ava... :)

peace

[Pierzin]

20. You GO GIRL!!!

THAT IS SOOOO AWESOME!!!!
Be Proud, Stay Strong, keep the faith! You make a difference!

[holboz]

21. WOW! Congrats, Ava!! We've got your back, Girl!

I'm going to check out your animations and the rest of this article. I'm so excited for you.

:yourock: :woohoo:

The one thing that constantly astounds me is how VIOLENT the anger is on the right when they disagree with you. It's not just a "fuck you", there's always disturbing over-the-top sadistic threats attached to them as well. THESE are CHRISTIANS? THIS is the so-called MORAL majority? They scare the shit out of me with the things they say. Stay safe, Ava. Contact the authorities if you have to. Those people give me the heebee jeebees. :hug:



It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.

Voltaire

[klook]

22. Way to go, Ava!

You make this fellow Southerner VERY proud! Keep up the good work!! And, as Kris Kristofferson's song says, "Don't let the bastards get you down."

[Dervill Crow]

23. Ava, my hat's off to you for being a true patriot.

Jesus would be proud of you!

[Ava]

24. thanks everyone!

:grouphug:

[stop the bleeding]

25. With responses like that you know that you are doing something

right

[BlooInBloo]

26. Typical republicans - picking on young girls....

Rather than those of us who can and would happily beat their cowardly America-hating punk asses into the ground....

Feel free to let us know if you need anything - and rock on!

:)

[faithnotgreed]

27. heres to wwjd - thanks ava

for your expression of what you feel is important

[Jack Rabbit]

28. Congratulations

!!

[DBoon]

29. Helen Thomas got flowers from her supporters for her courage

Maybe you'd like chocolate instead?

Seriously, we at DU should publicly support anyone who stands by their beliefs in the face of these threats.

[IChing]

30. You should be proud, you are wise beyond your years

living in what I think is a not very progressive area of the United States you amaze me.

way to go girl.

[BrklynLiberal]

31. Keep up the good work. You have great future ahead of you.

:yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

[northofdenali]

32. Ava, you rock!

:thumbsup::yourock::woohoo::yourock::woohoo::toast::woohoo::bounce::bounce::applause::dem::patriot::dem::applause::bounce::bounce::woohoo::toast::woohoo::yourock::woohoo::yourock::thumbsup:

[obnoxiousdrunk]

33. Wow just Wow

I'm impressed.
Thanks for all that good work.

[Us vs Them]

34. Congrats!

I, for one, sort of laughed when reading those negative messages. So Freudian. Anyway, keep up the good work, we all support you!

[WiseButAngrySara]

35. K & R and Congratulations! (Again!) What a wonderful, courageous young

patriot! You make DU (and I'm sure your parents) proud! I am disturbed by the truly revolting e-mails that you've received; I wish I could say that if surprises me, but I've become too cynical.

:kick: and :hug:

[Triana]

36. Don't let the hate-mongers get you down Ava

And I know you're not! You are very rightly excited about this development

You know the difference between hate and compassion, good and evil, freedom and occupation, right and wrong. You know which side you're on. So do they. That's why you struck a nerve in them - and they react as if they're vampires and someone tossed holy water on them. They shriek and shrivel and screech in the daylight you let into the room. Stay on your path and be careful out there.

Keep the curtains open on them and let the sunlight in. That's what it'll take.

[NewJeffCT]

37. Congrats Ava

I'm sure you will have guys from around the country knocking down your door now!

[Renew Deal]

38. Great job Ava!!!

:yourock:

[Vidar]

39. Way to go, Ava!

[alfredo]

40. The threats and intimidation are a measure of success.

Way to go Ava!!!

[Kerrytravelers]

41. Good for you!

I'm now going over to visit your site and watch your work. I'll send the link on to my friends as well (none of the people we associate with will send you nasty email... only love and hugs!)

kt

[DemReadingDU]

42. WooHoo!

Keep up the great work!

[Ava]

43. thanks ya'll!

:grouphug:

[flyarm]

44. oh dear Ava..i am so sorry you have had to experience

these sick pathetic evil people...

but i am glad your story is getting out..so many can see how evil these so called religious conservatives truely are!

but i wish you did not have to be exposed to this at such a young age...

it's such a sad day in anyones life to realize we have such viscious miserable people among us..but we do...


but of the bad, a good lesson evolves in ones life...

if you reach for the highest credibility and integrity..and be the best that you can be...and always hold your head high...and respect life and how precious it is and how fragile it is...

and you always fight for truth...you will be a magnificent human being...

what a treasure you will be to all around you ..and to all of us!!

I am so proud of you sweetheart...you bring sunshine to my day every time i see you posting..you are such a delight..and a very special young lady in my eyes!!

THIS IS FOR YOU SWEETIE...

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

:loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya:


FLY






P.S.

these jerks who wrote you are nothings..less than nothings....and will always wallow alone in their own bile...until they choke on it!THE HAVE NO SELF ESTEEM AND ARE WORTHLESS TO SOCIETY!

[Ava]

45. thanks so much flyarm!

:pals:

[flyarm]

46. NO "THANK YOU" AND NEVER EVER CHANGE!! ALWAYS

STAY AS SWEET AND WONDERFUL AS YOU ARE TODAY!!

FLY

[Ava]

47. i'll try!

:pals:

[Kerrytravelers]

48. Damn. Damn fine job. I am so amazed at the quality of the work.

And of course, the content of the work.

Have you ever considered a career in visual art, such as documentary film or other types of film?

Check you PM.

[Ava]

76. Thanks! I actually have been looking into film schools lately!

:hi:

[Kerrytravelers]

88. Excellent decision.

I'm biased, but I'd look into USC. Some major filmmakers graduated from there and it's a great name to drop in LA to get an internship and get started.

I'd also look into NYU. Equally fine filmmakers have graduated from there and I'm sure it is the name to drop in NYC.

I know there are other fine film schools that others here can recommend.

Please,always feel free to PM me if you have any questions or would like me to look at anything for you (check your PM. I sent you something earlier.)

[Mnemosyne]

49. Way to go Sistah!

:woohoo: :applause: You've certainly earned this recognition!:applause::woohoo:

I cannot tell you how disgusted/pissed I am that anyone would send you such hateful emails. Just please be careful and watch your back, though idiots like those have big mouths, little peckers and no brains.:grr::nuke:

Always keep in mind that you should never worry about what others think, chances are they don't! It got me through high school and other tough times. :loveya::hug:

[Chimichurri]

50. OMG! No wonder they wrote about you. Your videos

are powerful. Congrats! and very well done!!!

ps. I've got goosebumps. Every american should see these.

[titoresque]

51. WOW!

Congratulations! Well deserved recognition! :yourock:

[JNelson6563]

52. Let me know when you're ready to run

for office. I will see you safely through and get you into office.

Not kidding. I figure by the time you're old enough I should have a little more free time to toss you on my back and get you there. Until then you go girl!!

:toast: Julie

[Career Prole]

53. You make me proud. I'm showing WWJD to my daughter tonight.

Beautiful!
:yourock:

[Call Me Wesley]

54. Walk tall.

Walk your path. :thumbsup:

[Autonomy]

55. I watched 'em all. Great stuff!

Keep up the good work. :)

[Ava]

56. thanks everybody!

:grouphug:

[flpoljunkie]

57. Congratulations, Ava! That is awesome!

[MsKandice01]

58. Phenomenal!!

You should be very proud, Ava. Fabulous job.

[bobbieinok]

59. note comment to article that reveals how difficult reading comprehension

is for many

'LyingAva wrote:
Mon, 2006-04-24 17:59
"She says there was a threat against her that was circulating “on the conservative underground.”"

This is a bald-faced lie. There have been absolutely ZERO threats made against her on the Conservative Underground website. Cite or retract.'

[Ava]

75. you should see what they are writing about me now

In the past 24 hours I have been called more names than I knew even existed. :shrug:

[blonndee]

97. That means you're winning.

I'm sure you know this quote, but just in case, here's what Ghandi said:

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."

[Hissyspit]

100. Yes, it means you are winning.

If you go through life without pissing anyone off, then you are not doing much or doing something wrong. And if you are going to piss someone off, it should be the bigots and the hypocrites.

[motocicleta]

115. good old conservative family values

some people just have a huge load of karmic baggage they're carrying around that can't help but spill on others around them. I am confident the damage they inflict on others is nowhere near as bad as they inflict on themselves.

Keep your chin up, back straight, and your eyes on the prize. You're a real inspiration.

[Fridays Child]

60. Congratulations and good for you! You deserve the exposure.

Your videos are wonderful! :hug:

[Glimmer of Hope]

61. Your videos are very powerful and the images speak the truth.

I guess some people really can't handle the truth? Congrats - I hope your videos get more attention because of this article.

[mtnsnake]

62. Congratulations, Ava!

That is awesome. I'm sorry you got some negative reponses, but that just goes to show you're hitting a home run. Besides, the authors of those negative repsonses are probably Karl Rove and Rush, so just consider the source!

Good job!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

63. Ava, Congratulations and God Bless Ya. You Are An Inspiration To The

young up and coming generation, and in fact and inspiration to any generation. I'm proud of you for your wisdom and efforts, and applaud you for your strength and resolve. Keep up the incredible work with your animations, and congrats on the article!

:toast: (ginger ale in those glasses, hehehe)

:yourock:

[laylah]

64. Way to go, Ava!

Be safe, though, sweetie. There are some serious nutjobs out there!

:hug: :toast: :woohoo: and all that stuff!

Jenn

[Tsiyu]

65. You Go, Woman

:yourock:


I bet 99% of those nasty responses came from other 15-year-olds, but sad that there is anybody so low down. You have more courage in your little finger, Ava, than they have collectively.

Kudos on the write-up! :thumbsup:

[hwmnbn]

66. Hokey smokes, Ava!!!!!! .....

You are approaching the big time. Congrats on all this recognition. It is well deserved.

I know you and your family can withstand all the RW bullshit. And you know we are all here to help if push comes to shove.

I'm so proud of you. :yourock:

[Robbie Michaels]

67. Nice Job!

I think you do great work. Keep it up. Don't let these people bully you.

[greiner3]

68. For suspects of the emails, I'd look no further than;

Freeper-ville USA. Lol, I've been there a few times and I recognize that pattern of misspelling anywhere.

[Libby2]

69. wow!! wow!! wow!!

You go girl!!

I'm so proud of you!

[Robeson]

70. Way to go Ava!!....

...I'm proud to know you!:yourock:

[proud patriot]

71. Way to stand strong Ava

:patriot:

[GreenPoet64]

72. Ava, where can I see WWJD? I've seen many of your

videos, but must have missed that one!

Wow--you are one brave gal!!

[Ava]

74. here is a link

http://peacetakescourage.cf.huffingtonpost.com/animations/wwjd.html

:hi:

[Tom Joad]

73. The next generation sure is starting early.

The things you will do and accomplish in your life. I see great things ahead, even with the great challenges we all face.

Don't stop when we elect Dems, keep them all accountable to making the world a safe, just, and peaceful world for all of us. keep reminding them that Jesus loves Iraqis, Africans, Palestinians, Venezualans....

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

77. You have WAY too much insight for a 15 year old.

Those are devastating videos. Well done.

:yourock: :applause:

[file83]

78. Way to go Ava! See what creativity can do for you and your country!!!

Keep up the good work and never stop improving!

[hholli11]

79. I was an instant fan, no wonder the Progressive Mag is too!!! nt

and you deserve it.

[libhill]

80. Brilliant -

with your courage and convictions, I wish you were old enough to be drafted for President -

[libhill]

81. On second thought

maybe we should draft you anyway - Ava for El Presidente -

[jdadd]

82. Congratulations

I checked out other animations on the site....VERY POWERFUL!! Again... Congratulations!! Keep up the good work.

[immoderate]

83. Way to go!

Glad your work is being noticed. I brought the cheering section.

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:
:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:
:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:
:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:
:woohoo: :woohoo:

--IMM

[Adelante]

84. Congratulations

Excellent :D

[glitch]

85. You give us hope for the future Ava. K & R nt

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[Synnical]

86. I JUST READ THE LINK AGAIN - AVA NEEDS SUPPORT

Edit to type in SCREAMING mode.

Only two comments have been posted, and the second one is this:

LyingAva wrote:
Mon, 2006-04-24 17:59

"She says there was a threat against her that was circulating “on the conservative underground.”"

This is a bald-faced lie. There have been absolutely ZERO threats made against her on the Conservative Underground website. Cite or retract.

I see there is a Conservative Undergound .com

-Cindy in Fort Lauderdale

[DesertRat]

89. Such beautiful work!

I just finished watching the "Jesus Loves Me" video and I'm sitting here in tears for these precious, innocent victims. Keep it up, Ava, don't let the haters get you down. :hug:

[Random_Australian]

87. K & R! Your kickin' it now Ava! (More over AIM)

[mconvente]

90. WOW! That's sooooo cool!!

Congrats!

[goclark]

91. Go AVA !!!!!!!

Hugs and Bounces to you!

We are so proud and happy for you as you sprinkle your TRUTH MESSAGE for all to see.

[blonndee]

92. My GOD! What an amazing video.

You've got me crying, sad for the children but uplifted by your passion!!

[Synnical]

93. Please post a comment at Progressive Mag in support of Ava

http://progressive.org/mag_mc042406

:kick:

[Swamp Rat]

94. CONGRATS!!!

:woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce: :woohoo: :bounce:



:D

[sonias]

95. Congratulations Ava

You're doing the right thing and don't get intimidated by the wing nuts. None of those psychos will ever net national media coverage like you did.

Keep the faith and keep up the good work!

Sonia

[Roland99]

96. You are a great testament to the hope that this nation can survive!

[NoSheep]

98. You ARE my HERO!!!! HEROINE, to be exact!

:bounce: :kick: :hug: :yourock: :woohoo: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :patriot:

[Hissyspit]

99. Congrats to Ava!

You make us proud. Sorry about the threats - there are a lot of scary, sad and ignorant people in the world.

[Generic Other]

101. Super news Eva!!

Good for you!

[expatriot]

102. wow! I am SO JEALOUS. let me live vicariously, please... how many hits? nt

[yellerpup]

103. Congratulations!

Follow your dream. Never give up. :bounce: :loveya: :woohoo: :applause:

[Lisa0825]

104. WAY TO GO!!!!!

:yourock: :patriot: :woohoo: :kick:

[fight4my3sons]

105. Wonderful work Ava!!

:applause: This is the type of thing that I dream of my boys doing as they get older. I am so excited for you. What an amazing talent! Keep up the great work!

[myrna minx]

106. Way to go!

:yourock:

[mdmc]

107. cool-i-o

peace and low stress ava

[Ava]

108. thanks everyone!

:grouphug:

[spuddonna]

109. Ava, congrats and keep up the great work...

:applause: You are an inspiration to me! :)

[bloom]

110. That's wonderful!

:bounce:

[StaggerLee]

111. Proud to be recommendation #70

Go Ava!

Go Ava!

:toast:

[npincus]

112. Congratulations, Ava!

It's an honor to know you!

[motocicleta]

113. You flat out rock, Ava!!!

I'm sending your story to my 18 year old niece, for her inspiration! Nice job!

[Pharaoh]

114. WOOT WOOT!!!!

way to go Ava!!!

K&R

[lukasahero]

116. You give me hope

and that is a most precious commodity.

Peace and honor to you.

[katinmn]

117. You do us proud, Ava!

:)