I totally agree on the insanity that this has all reached, but I'm not sure that issuing knives is the answer. If this were done, it may reduce the likelyhood of a highjacking, but, the high number drunken fights that end with the perpotrator(s) being restrained, could end up being a lot worse. i.e. a stabbing. If the aggressor had a knife in his hands, I don't think he'd hessitate to use it.

Just my view.