HIJACK THIS: A crazed idiot tries to storm the cockpit of a Qantas plane. Passengers and crew subdue the man and save the day. A wonderful story. But it made me wonder:

What's the pacifist response to a crazed idiot who intends to kill innocents? And haven't we seen this scenario somewhere before?

Glenn Reynolds suggests the reason hijacking won't work anymore is not because we're "confiscating tweezers," but because "passengers won't allow it."

Again, as in previous blog entries, I think back to my (very limited) martial arts experience. First, you try to avoid conflict. But when conflict is inevitable, it's nice to have the tools and the willingness to come out ahead, to be able to protect yourself, your friends, your family.

Your country.

Before September 11, the pacifist approach to hijacking -- sit tight and do what they say -- was the preferred strategy. After September 11, that approach seems ludicrous to most people.

The new strategy? When conflict is inevitable, strike decisively to eliminate the threat. Rinse. Repeat as necessary.

I do believe that the current United States defense policy is akin to what happened on that plane. No one can say whether this madman intended to bring down the plane or not. But thank goodness a handful of courageous citizens recognized the potential threat and acted swiftly.

Saddam Hussein was the madman with the sharp sticks. The United States military -- regular men and women who chose to be heroes -- took them away from him, subdued him. I only hope that one day Hussein, like the crazed hijacker he so resembles, will be arrested and brought before a judge.

In the meantime, I hope we continue to be on the lookout for madmen, and that we continue to be amazed by how many heroes there are among us.