We attended a series of National Security panel discussions and briefings, culminating in a showing of the award winning documentary Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West in Naples, Florida this weekend.

We met many men and women representing a cross section of America who came together to learn about the threat posed by radical Islam to the world. Around three hundred concerned citizens came to the presentations, showing of the documentary Obsession and the panel discussion.

The event was conducted by the Florida Security Council's founders Tom Trento, Mike Tranchina and Elaine Roy. The Florida Security Council has put on similar briefings for the Florida legislature, hosted by House majority leader Representative Adam Hasner, civic groups, law enforcement, business leaders, religious groups, and concerned citizens.

The Naples expert presenters were noted Naples community leader and event host Jack Tymann, former President of Westinghouse International, Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, physician, former U.S. Navy Commander and founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy and Sam Kharoba, noted law enforcement trainer, software consultant and founder of the Counter Terrorism Operations Center.

What I learned at the National Security Briefing was the following:

1. We are not fighting a War on Terror. Terror is simply a tactic used by our enemies.

2. We are in fact fighting a global war against Radical Islam or Islamism. The fundamental difference between Islamism and democracy is the relationship between government and religion. The Koran for Islamists is not a guide for laws but rather the guide for laws.

3. We need to know and understand the enemy. We need to recognize that they are fighting a total war against the West. The unconditional surrender of the West is their goal. They look at Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other hot beds of radical Islamic activity as battles in the great war against the West.

4. We need to understand ourselves. We must be prepared to fight a long total war against radical Islam. We must commit to bringing to bear all our social, economic, political and military power against this enemy. We must win regardless of the cost.

5. We must unite as Americans and stand strong together. We must understand that we are fighting for our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren. How we fight Isalmism today will determine the political, religious and social world our grand children inherit.

6. We are in a critical clash between American ideas and Islamist ideas. However, we have not engaged in a real discussion of these ideas. Our media, universities, businesses leaders, religious leaders and politicians have all abdicated their responsibility to confront radical Islam because of political correctness and a fear of offending Muslims.

7. Only a grass roots effort by concerned citizens will turn the tide.

After the briefings many asked what can we do. The answer is clear.

First we must all be personally engaged in learning about radical Islam. Next, and this is critical, we must each do whatever we can to get the word out. The most important asset we bring to the table is what we used to call our "Rolodex" file, now we call it our e-mail list. This is the list of all contacts we have made over the years. People who know us and we know them. Most importantly we listen to and trust one another. Finally, we want our friends to join with us and take action to confront radical Islam.

Last, what do we want as an outcome. Here are some thoughts on that. Perhaps you can add to this list.

1. Our Presidential candidates must discuss the War against radical Islam in detail. We all need to know what is their action plan for defeating radical Islam. No plan is not an answer.

2. Our media, universities, businesses, churches, synagogues, and mosques must engage in a meaningful public debate on radical Islamic ideas versus democratic ideas.

3. We want a "surge" of action that will lead to an "awakening" in America as it has in Iraq's Anbar province.

4. Just as in Iraq we need groups like the Sons of Iraq, the alliance of Sheiks and neighborhood groups like Concerned Local Citizens in the global Muslim community to denounce and if needed to fight terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Muslim Brotherhood.

5. We need a anti-jihad jihad. We need Imams to declare publicly a jihad against radical Islam.

6. We need Muslims to embrace the idea of the separation of church and state. That there is a difference between one nation under God and a nation ruled by Allah.

7. We need to embrace the ideals, values and religious beliefs passed down to us by our fore fathers. We must not forget that we are Americans first and foremost. All other ethnic, religious and race differences are secondary to being an American.

8. Finally, we cannot become complacent. We cannot say it is somebody else's problem. It is too far away to worry about.

We have taken the first step and joined the Florida Security Council. We encourage you to get involved. If you want to know how just e-mail me at rswier@comcast.net.