Thursday, 25 December 2003: The United States and Australia have much in common – affinities that stretch back in time.

For 17 years I lived in America, when it was accurately "home of the brave and land of the free". No more.

Yet the similarities between the two nations persist. And one of the most glaring realities is that Americans and Australians are both tragic victims when it comes to leadership – Washington has George Bush and we have John Howard ("Bonsai" — "Little Bush").

Joining them in the Anglo Alliance is the effusive Tony Blair. This Trio, the White Man’s Club, has forced mankind into a maelstrom of death and despair that will take generations to resolve. Fate has dealt a dreadful blow.

I am aware that these are emotive words, but I believe they reflect the realities we face, a turning-point in history. The outcome will be a painful legacy for our children and grandchildren.

The catastrophe of September 11 was an outrage against all humanity, but specifically the 2,751 American victims who died. This provoked the wounded bull into a tirade of apparent revenge, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq. But more was at stake than revenge – the United States was exploiting the tragedy to re-define its role in the world – to become the unilateral powerhouse that will snuff out opposition from wherever it comes: even the United Nations, the European Union and the World Trade Organisation.

Messrs. Blair and Howard swiftly leapt on to the bandwagon. In Australia’s case this has meant becoming the "deputy-sheriff" in the neighbourhood. The decision was clear-cut—America was more important than Asia. But Mr Howard has overlooked one factor. In his search for security, he has forgotten the old adage "The best form of defence is the respect and friendship of your neighbours". And Indonesians, in particular, are distressed at this new direction we have taken and see shadows of "The White Australia Policy" that was officially killed off 30 years ago.

Australia and the United States have another point in common, we both have elections in 2004 – both nations have the democratic opportunity to rid ourselves of these demons at the helm.

In both countries, Muslims have a specific role and we can learn much from our Brothers and Sisters in the United States.

I refer to a recent article by Reuters: "Democrats Court Vote of Disgruntled U.S. Muslims." Three Democratic contenders for the Presidency— Howard Dean, John Kenny and Dennis Kucinich — all appeared before a major Muslim conference outside Los Angeles appealing for support.

American Muslims have reportedly become distressed by legislation against their human rights, wars against two Islamic countries and pro-Israeli bias from the Bush Administration.

Strangely, three years before, Muslim Americans overwhelmingly voted for Mr Bush. In fact some observers say their support in Florida actually swung the balance in the President’s ultimate favour. But today there is a strong move against the Administration, a movement known as "ABB" –"Anyone But Bush".

This raises the question: What do we Australian Muslims propose to do in our political arena? If American Muslims have become an influential factor, so can we.

There are at least 300,000 of us, which translates into many votes in the ballot boxes. With the outcome of our Federal elections traditionally relying on "swinging votes", this means the Muslim response could be crucial in 2004.

But how do we get this message to the political power structure? There are several factors to consider:

* Be active in local, State and Federal politics, as responsible contributors.

* Seek statements of support for Islamic issues from local Members and Senators and chairmen of Party branches. As a first step, simply write a letter to seek a response.

* Check the politicians’ voting records on key issues such as immigration, detainees and civil rights.

* Don’t take any Party for granted. Don’t assume that Labor Members are more supportive than the Coalition. In fact one of the most vociferous opponents to Islam in Canberra is the Labor Member for Melbourne Ports, Mr Michael Danby. (Ironically, he won his pre-selection with support from Righ–wing Labor Muslims!)

* If the 2004 campaign evolves into a mirror of 2000 – with little policy difference between the Coalition and the ALP – consider an alternative in either the Greens or the Democrats.

* Don’t allow ourselves to be taken for granted. With a variation of the American experience, "ABH" could be an effective rallying point for us.

* Let our voices be heard – Letters to the Editor, phone calls of appreciation or criticism to television and radio stations; correspondence to Ministers.

Throughout history it has been a truism that nothing stands in the way of Muslims, when they are united and committed.

There is a unique political opportunity in the year ahead – not only in America, but Australia as well.