Well I am sure I am going to get a lot of nasty answers but I will clarify a few points that might help shade some lights on this issue. I am currently involved with the training program for the (soon to be) federalized security screeners force of TSA.
First,one must distinguish bewteen the current screening force( still mostly private thought under federal scrutiny) and the newly formed TSA screening force. We are currently under mandate to have the 429 major US airports covered and to deliver 33,000 trained screeners by Nov.19
It sounds to me that most of the story related below are still relating with the transition force. Now, TSA has issued VERY strict regulations regarding what is allowed and porhibited on board airplanes.
I fail to find anything relating to the picture of a gun, a keychain or a book relating to guns. I am not suggesting that someone is lying but rather that the screener was way out of his/her league on this one. The fact that on each occasion, there was an apparent discussion/argument about the matter between the passenger and the screener leads me one more time to believe that in each case, it was a private security screener rather than a TSA employee.
TSA screeners are not allowed/trained to argue with a passenger.Based on the incident/problem, it IMMEDIATELY escalate either to a supervisor or a law enforcement officer. One thing is for sure. By entering a secure area(i.e) the waiting line of a check point, you are made aware by NUMEROUS POSTINGS that by going on any further you are subject to a search ( implicite agreement as per supreme court decison ) and are therefore relinquishing your 4rth Amendement rights.
You can either submit to a search, or leave the area but one thing is certain: If you want to fly that day, you WILL be searched and this possibly several times before you reach the gate.
In addition, TSA will deploy specialy trained personel to address any complaint at the check point.
I would strongly encourage you to visit the TSA webiste at :
www.tsa.gov especially :
http://www.tsa.gov/trav_consumers/trav_consumers_index.shtm
Here are some of TSA recommendations:
Travelers & Consumers
Traveler Tips: Dos & Don'ts
DO...
Allow extra time. Arrive Early.
Please Be Patient, as the federalization of security at the airports continues.
Please be vigilant for suspicious activity and report it to authorities.
Keep your baggage with you at all times.
Please review the guidelines for what you CAN take in your carry-on luggage.
Bring a government-issued photo ID. (If you have photo identification for your children, please bring those as well.)
Bring your ticket or a print-out of your itinerary for your E-ticket.
Please prepare your children for the security checkpoints. Advise your children that all bags and toys must go through the X-ray machine. Leave toys at home that could be mistaken for weapons. (For more guidelines for traveling with children, click here.)
It is recommended that while in line at the checkpoint, please remove your cell phone and pager, take out your keys and change and put all of them into your carry-on bag. This will save time once you arrive at the metal detector and save everyone time waiting in line.
For more information for Persons with Disabilities or Special Needs, please click here.
DON'T...
Carry weapons including guns or knives, in your carry-on luggage.
Carry prohibited objects like scissors, pocket-knives, mace, and corkscrews. (For more prohibited items, click here.)
Joke about terrorism, weapons, or firearms while in the airports or threaten or appear to threaten passenger screeners. All remarks like this will be taken seriously. This could lead to arrest and/or fines. At a minimum, you may encounter a delay in travel.
Remember the next time that you travel , you will be facing a federal employee with all the pros & cons this implies. Be nice, comply and you might even be surprised by the new level of professionalism displayed.
God help us!!! 
I don't understand. Are there actually people this dumb in society? These are the same type of people who work in our schools. It's kind of scary having these people teach our children and secure our airports. 
