The issue is not that this person was smoking. The issue had to do with the fact that the United States is at WAR, and we are at a heightened state of awareness. We are now aware of any possible threat, real or imagined. There is a zero tolerance for this type of activity, and no quarter should be given.
The pilot made the right decision because this person not only fit the profile of a terrorist, but was creating a disturbance on board an aircraft and openly critizing Americans and America.
The terrorists have used our freedoms to hurt us. But we are now at a state of war. We don't take kindly to malcreants. Americans should come to expect that anone who continues to contribute to airborne hostitilty would be subdued with the most aggressive action possible.