<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by FWAAA:
You got me there.
And exactly what is the TSA doing about the next McVeigh or Unabomber besides scrutinizing their nail clippers and taking away their pointy scissors and small pocketknives?
Just last week I once again had to put up with an idiot screener (MIA - E) who wanted to confiscate my nail clippers because they contain a nail file - that's the fifth time since the TSA took over at the very same checkpoint that I have argued the same point.
She rummaged thru my carryon for about five minutes before settling on the nail clippers. She said I could go quicker if I just "relinquished" my nail clippers.
To hell with her. What a stupid moron. 
I called for a supervisor and demanded that the screeners get some remedial training in what's permitted and what's prohibited. At least the supervisor apologized for the idiocy. And just like every other time, I got to keep the nail clippers.
And I have no doubt that I will have to appeal their confiscation next time thru the same checkpoint. 
That, in a nutshell, is what's wrong with your agency.
No amount of Sirs, Ma'ams, Pleases and Thank Yous is going to change that. Politeness isn't what I seek - I want professionals who are as well acquainted with the rules as I am. Is that asking too much??</font>
I can't speak for ever airport and won't attempt to. This is clearly a case of a screener who doesn't know what their doing. The team I lead and the two other teams that work at our checkpoint are excellent! They make common sense decisions about what can go through security and what can't. There is a prohibited list and a SOP, but some things don't fall into these categories. I have faith that my folks will make the right decision every time!