"One thing that no one has mentioned in all of the heightened security talk is how ridiculous it is that there is no accomodation for return of confiscated property. To me, this is inexcusable considering the amount of variation the TSA has in enforcement. Confiscation, as well, serves no security purpose. "

One other thing that no one has mentioned is that after more than two years, how ridiculous it is for passengers to still be trying to bring things like guns, knives, ninja stars and claymores (yes, claymores!) on airplanes! Recently a passenger tried to bring his shotgun (after having it refused by the airline due to his having no lockable case to transport it)into the checkpoint by wrapping it in his coat! If you're so oblivious to world events (NO EXCUSE for an FF) that you're unaware of what you can bring or not bring aboard an aircraft why should TSA worry about whether you get your $2 scissors back? Do you write letters to your congressman when the cops take your weed away? By the way, US passenger screening (largely unchanged) has been going on for 30 years now. TSA did not invent it, it's not going away, if it's that much of an inconvenience, take the bus.