Get Up campaign for David Hicks : Melbourne Indymedia

Dear friends,

That's what Australia wants, and last week John Howard publicly admitted he has the power to do it. But year after year he refuses. He'd rather see David Hicks tried under a sham system of justice, destined to be challenged in US courts for years to come.

We've tried everything, but sometimes the only way to get results is to speak to politicians in the language they care about. Our Prime Minister didn't care about David Hicks' basic legal rights until the opinion polls told him he should.

So today we're reaching out to the one group John Howard can't disregard - and asking you to write to them personally. Use our newest technology to send your own message to a resident of John Howard's electorate of Bennelong, in Sydney's North, asking them to join the call for justice.

http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/AussieToAussie

We'll compile every personal message and hand-deliver an individual letter to every home in Bennelong. We'll also give every resident there a Bring David Hicks Home postcard to fill in and send straight to the Prime Minister's office.

Since the Prime Minister is determined to play politics, we know our democracy is the best and only way to hold him accountable. And when he starts receiving thousands of postcards urging him to bring David Hicks home, he'll know they're from voters in his own marginal seat.

http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/AussieToAussie

With your actions and support, we've put up billboards, organised candle-lit vigils and commissioned independent polls revealing the vast majority of Australians don't believe David Hicks can receive a fair trial in Guantanamo Bay, and must now be brought home.

We've worked alongside a chorus of human rights advocates, law councils and every State and Territory Attorney-General in Australia to make our arguments heard. Yet when GetUp staff went to Canberra last week we met with politicians from all parties still deeply frustrated over the Prime Minister's refusal to act.

The only thing left is to reach out to the one group of people John Howard can't disregard: the people whose votes will directly determine the future of his political career. Join voices now - Australian to Australian - home to home, and help deliver a message the Prime Minister must finally face.

http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/AussieToAussie

Thanks for taking action,

The GetUp team

PS: Last week GetUp launched a national television advertising campaign to Bring David Hicks Home. The ad will play over the next few weeks and has already received national media attention. You can watch it now on GetUp's website.