As far as theft from checked luggage is concerned, the "we irrationally hate the TSA" crowd wants to pretend that only TSA employees are thieves.

I believe that any rational person understands that it is far more likely that a bag will get rifled by someone other than the TSA - the baggage handlers, other airline employees or airport employees that have access to baggage areas.

While the background screening of TSA employees leaves much to be desired, it is still better than the screening of airport/airline employees.