this whole "confiscation" mentality is so wrong. having to give up an item is bogus.
if they don't want one flying with something, they REALLY should be setup to allow one to "put it away" before you check your bags/etc.
whenver i fly now, i carry a small pre-postage paid padded envelope, on the odd chance i forget to make myself safe for flying. i figure that at the very least, i can give it someone that needs it too.