Last week - Seventeen-year-old peace powerhouse Ava Lowery, registered to vote in what will be her first presidential election. Ava has been galvanizing America’s youth for years and the 2008 election just may show how many of our country’s first time voters have been listening. With Ava’s eye and attention on presidential candidates John Edwards and Barak Obama you can be sure her followers are watching as well.
We came to know Ava years ago by her hard hitting, inspiring, and often excruciatingly graphic anti-war videos posted on youtube and other websites across the Internet. Ava’s videos on youtube alone receive many thousands of views from people of all parties and ages and have garnered the attention of media outlets like Mother Jones, Rolling Stone Magazine and CNN.
I asked Ava what she intends her videos to accomplish and who are they targeted at. Her response was simple and to the point,
"All of my videos are directed at educating people about the war. What they do with that information is all up to them. Hopefully my videos will cause some voters to think about the Iraq war and how it will be handled by the candidates they support when voting this year."
Peace Takes Courage - Ava’s main web presence, received 1.45 million hits last month alone while her newly launched Ava’s Army received more than 80,000 hits in its first month. With numbers like these one has to wonder if this young activist realizes the power she potentially wields on a whole new generation of America’s voters.
CA. Congressional Candidate and Peace Mom Cindy Sheehan – who has known Ava for some time, shared her thoughts with me regarding Ava entering the electorate for the first time,
"If young people followed Ava's lead in trying to make the world a better place, and if we have young leaders like her, I feel our world will be in great hands. Voting is only a small part of our part in democracy, but our votes have to be informed and intelligent, I am sure Ava will be an active participant in our democracy."
A Texas father – Steve Mauk, who has a daughter Ava’s age added,
“This election will be the first for my youngest daughter as well and she is eager to understand the platforms of the different candidates instead of just casting a party vote. It is great to see young people like her and Ava caring about our country and its future”.
I asked Ava how her documentary was coming along. She has been immersing herself and her life savings into a one on one approach with Veterans of the Iraq war preserving their thoughts upon returning from Iraq, and comparing those to their thoughts pre-deployment.
I had heard that - although not quite on the shelf, there was some delay in its completion due to dwindling funds. Ava agreed funds were definitely an issue and that she was at a bit of an impasse and needed help,
"Most of the filming for the documentary has been completed but we still have Veterans of the war that would like to be interviewed and to be a part of this film. We don't have the funds at this time though to conduct those interviews so we are trying to find a way to get the funds needed to finish filming."
She added,
"I believe this documentary will be an important piece that people should see”.
And when I asked why she felt it was important, her response once again hit home on how mature this young lady really is,
“Why? Because it is Veterans of the Iraq war talking about the war. No political pundits and no main stream media mouth pieces. Just people who have witnessed the war first hand and are speaking from their own experiences. I think most Americans want to support our troops. What better way to support them than to hear what they have to say?"
http://www.mtrnews.com/
C Piper, Aka Cheri Roberts, lil...is a longtime activist and writer who has worked in mixed media for 15 yrs. With 911 Truth as her primary focus, she participates in and organizes for events both locally and nationally always striving to get people out of their chairs and in the streets. She believes the biggest strength of the 911 Truth movement is the one strength they have yet to embrace, unity.
I first met Ava on a message board a couple years ago and knew nothing about her until I saw someone post one of her vids. I have seen everyone of them now and it blows me away that someone so young has sacrificed so much to spread truth and help educate a generation.
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Cheri Roberts-Piper (16 articles, 15 quicklinks, 9 diaries, 430 comments)
on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 9:48:10 AM
This amazing young woman has done more for America than all the candidates put together, if you don't count Kucinich--and I'd rank her as possibly even ahead of Dennis! If this doesn't kick you in the pants and inspire to do something with your own life and talents, I can't imagine what will.
Thank you, Ava Lowery!
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Daniel Geery (26 articles, 55 quicklinks, 121 diaries, 653 comments)
on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 9:55:15 AM
A well written article, Ms. Roberts, but... (or if you prefer "yet") why do I get the feeling that Ms. Lowery's "documentary" on Iraqi Freedom veterans will be one-sided - to the left of center politically speaking?
Oh, yeah! I know why now. Ms. Lowery's, "[A]nimations receive media acclaim... and reach an unbelievable audience of Americans who are eager to learn the truth about the Iraq War." - http://www.peacetakescourage.com/page-about.htm . So, she's a mini-Truther who's come of age - so to be speak? She's certainly talented and motivated - and has (in all seriousness) the innocence of youth working for her. And I don't doubt her honest conviction for the safety of the troops.
But what's wrong with a left of center perspective? Well, it tends (historically even) to cast America in its worst light by over-emphasizing our negatives while neglecting or even dismissing our positives. I don't have a problem with keeping America "honest"; however, I'm not a big fan of self-flagellation either.
While it's not her battle to fight, Ms. Lowery (as well as others) would do well to note the good that's being accomplished Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere (e.g., http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48522 ). War to the individual soldier or civilian is not just about the tragedy (although that's certainly present); there's a complex set of emotions and experiences that one acquires in a combat theater. And it's patently false to pull out the negative or tragic, emphasize it, and leave the impression that it's the norm or... "truth".
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Tom Murphy (2 articles, 3 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 1280 comments)
on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 12:04:28 PM
Thank you for the compliment on my writing Mr Murphy,
I should make clear that Miss Lowery is in NO way a Truther wrt 911.
To clarify her documentary, she does not slant this doc in the sense you expect and the Vets are not all IVAW Vets. This isn't an anti-war doc in the same sense her videos are anti-war.
I think the jury should remain silent until the project is complete and presented. And, if I know Ava, it will be presented well.
Do you have an issue with Iraqi Vets being heard and telling their stories Mr. Murphy?
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Cheri Roberts-Piper (16 articles, 15 quicklinks, 9 diaries, 430 comments)
on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 12:20:52 PM
Who am I to dictate whether a veteran should speak or not? I have no issues with a veteran who's willing to speak of their experiences provided they are (1) presented honestly to the extent that they can be recalled and (2) presented within the overall context of the dialogue and not handpicked to support a counter assertion of another.
I find it curious though, you compliment the writing, you compliment the subject, this is not an opinion piece and yet no *digg* from the illustrious Mr Murphy...hmmm. LOL.
On a more serious note, Tom I honor the fact you do not wish to speak of your experiences in that realm. As you say, that is no ones choice, but your own and I would never demand you to; however I think when others wish to speak they as well have a right to do so and you should acknowledge that right without the opining. Now, now don't jump the gun here with an opinion just yet...what I mean is who are you or any other Service member to judge another especially if you choose NOT to speak of your own experiences? The experiences are their own afterall.
I am familiar with the Laws although not being in the service I do not have them memorized.
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Cheri Roberts-Piper (16 articles, 15 quicklinks, 9 diaries, 430 comments)
on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 1:25:29 PM
"I would caution a veteran, though, if they're still in the service, to choose their words wisely - especially if they are an officer."
and he's spot on with the UCMJ. Please read this, Tom's comment as a friendly warning to Vets who do speak out, especially on film. We chose to serve, we pay the price. We gave up our right to openly criticize the Govt. They can burn us for it, and they will.
Yet ! but only because with the word "but" should never a sentence begin....those of us who DO choose to speak out...we take our risks, say what's on our minds and we stand proud...as usual, in the face of danger.
Tom means well, mark my word. Right, Sir !?
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Tony Forest (4 articles, 10 quicklinks, 116 diaries, 1007 comments)
on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 3:23:59 PM
having taken an oath but then again, I was an enlisted "man" as in -not an officer-. If I recall correctly, and Tom can correct me on this if I'm wrong....Officers do take an oath : to defend the US Constitution from enemies foreign & domestic. I'm sure I have the wording wrong but if I'm at least half right, it should be every Officer's duty to work on an end of the illegal wars and impeachment of the pResident after his direct attacks on our Constitution. Again, I might be wrong on this. Tom can surely set me straight as he is in fact more knowledgeable on the subject.
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Tony Forest (4 articles, 10 quicklinks, 116 diaries, 1007 comments)
on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 12:15:47 AM
Military oaths and the support/defense of the Constitution
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Enlisted and officer alike in the U.S. armed forces are required by Federal law to take an oath of service - http://www.history.army.mil/faq/oaths.htm . For enlisted personnel, the Oath of Enlistment is administered by any commissioned officer at the time of enlistment and re-enlistment for a term of service (i.e., contract) into any branch of the military. Enlisted personnel are beholden to the oath for their term of service, after which they are no longer obliged to follow the oath's requirements. The following is the wording used for the armed forces under Federal command; the only difference with National Guard members is that the state name is included along with a statement of allegiance to that state's governor:
"I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
For officers, the Appointment Acceptance and Oath of Office are taken at the time of initial commissioning or investment. Where commissions are granted by the President with consent from Congress and are valid until the officer either resigns the commission or is administratively separated from the service, the oath need not be taken again, unless the officer transfers between services (e.g., Army Reserve to National Guard). When an officer retires, they continue to hold the commission and are expected to honor their oath, unless they specifically resign the commission. The following is the wording used for the Oath of Office in the U.S. Army:
"(NAME), having been appointed a (INSERT RANK) in the U.S. Army under the conditions indicated in this document, do accept such appointment and do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God."
If you notice the difference between the two oaths (enlisted and officer), the obeying orders is conspicuously absent from the Oath of Office. The reason for this is that officers because of their leadership positions are taught to be "critical thinkers". Part of that critical thinking is determining whether an order is lawful or unlawful.
As Ms. Roberts states, both enlisted and officer, via their respective oaths, have a responsibility to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic". And what constitutes an enemy can get wrapped around what is lawful or not, and a small minority of service members (less than 500) have tried to demonstrate that deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom is unlawful because it is a war of aggression. None of these service members have been successful in their legal cases to date.
The issue is a bit more cut and dried for enlisted personnel in that they are required via their oath to obey the orders of the President (as Commander-in-Chief) and officers appointed over them, in accordance with the applicable regulations and UCMJ. Although the enlisted personnel can attempt to argue the lawfulness of an order to deploy, this usually fails because they did not meet the first obligation of obeying orders. The officer is the appropriate authority for determining an order's lawfulness.
As a result, an officer is under no obligation to obey unlawful orders. An officer is charged with the responsibility of making a determination whether an order is lawful or unlawful. When an officer believes that an order conflicts with his responsibility as an officer, they must do what their conscience tells them to do. But, the officer must be willing to be held accountable if they are wrong in their analysis of the order.
With that being said, an officer may come to different conclusions than their commander on an issue. When this occurs, military tradition requires that the officer first attempt to work out the difference with the commander. The officer is encourage to consult with other officers, mentors (professors of military science), and military lawyers on the issue. The officer is also encouraged to use their chain of command and go the next higher commander for resolution of the differences or, if warranted, to the Inspector General.
If none of these attempts to resolve the differences are successful, then the officer may "appeal for redress" or submit their resignation (and if accepted resign their commission). If an officer offers to resign on principle on a particular issue and the resignation is not accepted, then, the Oath of Office continues and punishment is enforceable.
For me personally, I believe the U.S. actions in Afghanistan with Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraq with Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Bosnia-Herzegovina with Operation Joint Forge are lawful. Therefore, I would expect that those under my command to deploy to one of these operations, if so ordered.
Additionally, I believe the 9/11 attacks were planned and executed by members of the al-Qaeda terrorist organization and of their own volition. No compelling evidence has been presented to date that compels me to believe that the U.S. government either planned or executed the 9/11 attacks as an alleged "false flag operation".
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Tom Murphy (2 articles, 3 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 1280 comments)
on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 8:39:39 AM
(soon) Old enough to vote. Finally. Congratulations Ava ! Sorry I haven't been around for so long. Maybe soon....to ask how you voted. And I am adressing Ava with this 'cause I know Ava will be readin' it.
Thanks to lil for the update. I was thinking about PTC just yesterday...feeling ashamed of myself for not stopping by and saying hi to everyone. My, oh my. Our Ava is soon to be 18. What's the world comin' to ?
rossi aka jayhawk aka tf
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Tony Forest (4 articles, 10 quicklinks, 116 diaries, 1007 comments)
on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 3:06:37 PM
She was in a meeting earlier, but I am sure she will be reading later. I don't expect her to comment as she is not one to toot her own horn, that's what we're for lol.
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Cheri Roberts-Piper (16 articles, 15 quicklinks, 9 diaries, 430 comments)
on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 3:13:24 PM
I’m not left or right.…. those are quickly becoming relatively meaningless terms for me …. except they are for folks still stuck in contrived political memes or who wish to use those artificial divisions as a base from which to criticize others. These - used - to have greater meaning. But, it is always informative to see how some argue, more or less, that the left emphasizes the issues critical of U.S. involvement as opposed to a Faux-ian ‘fair and balanced’ perspective.… Are there great goods deriving from the arguably illegal invasions and destructions of two nations? In any way commensurate to the obvious great evil we have perpetrated? Frankly, I’m struggling here to identify anything positive about American’s Imperial ‘adventures’ in Afghanistan and Iraq. -- you know, in order to be ‘fair and balanced’….. It really is hard to balance 1.2+ million dead in Iraq alone.… and 4+ billion refugees.… I suppose, had the gluttonous U.S. corporations actually gotten the electricity and water to work in Baghdad that might count? No, if you support aggressive wars against others to steal resources and to set the stage for further wars to steal yet more resources in Central Asia …. this is neither left nor right.… it is simply psychopathology.
I saw Ava Lowery’s work when she first began and thereafter. I didn’t see it as ‘left’ or ‘right’. It simply caused in me nearly unbearable grief. To disparage her work with a political label is a disrespect for her and all who have died and suffered, American soldiers blindly following murderous and avaricious leaders and the civilians murdered and maimed. I could only see her work as simply telling the truth.
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richard (0 articles, 3 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 650 comments)
on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 6:18:25 AM
