Americans need to toughen up, personally, culturally, and as a national fighting force, if we are to survive the unprecedented threat from Islamist assault, says New York Times best-selling author Tony Blankley. His compelling, three-pronged plan to strengthen the U.S. includes: a universal military draft to instill a unity of toughness and cultural purpose; a plan for energy independence and to expand our diplomatic and economic options around the world; and a program for communicating Western moral values and the American spirit of self-determination to people living under oppressive regimes, as well as to voters here at home. These are the key components that have led to America's success in previous wars, Blankley argues, and they must be "rediscovered" today, for our nation's very survival depends on it.

TONY BLANKLEY was the editorial editor of the Washington Times from 1999 to 2007. He is a regular panelist on The McLaughlin Group and an internationally syndicated columnist.