Do I have to remain just a bystander waiting for the next terrorist attack?
People keep arguing with him about this question because he's a nationally known volunteer leader. But how can he advise them about what to do that would make a difference-when he himself doesn't know what he can do that's important? But then, using a two thousand-year-old model of what makes a society strong, this charity leader starts recording and analyzing his encounters and dialogues, hoping to find an action that people now can take to strengthen their threatened country. And, at the same time, also reduce the hatred against it.

He debates with business executives, street gang members, an angry Muslim man, a young mother who's given up sex, a frightened subway rider, an immigrant grandfather, college classmates at as reunion, his wife, children, friends, and many others. Then in the book's last section-twenty years into the future-as the Big War grows throughout the world, he finally understands the contribution he can make. But why does his plan risk sending him to jail?