I agree security is never 100%, but creating a huge agency which regularly harasses Pax and crew is not the solution either. Before security at US airport was private, done by low income personnel. Now a huge federal agency controls it. Is the security now better? I doubt it, I believe if someone wants to hijack they will be smarter than walking with a gun through the screening aera. There are many more loophole, catering, maintenance, even security personnel etc. In the US before 911 the main difference was that everyone was able to get to the boarding gate. Before entering the aircraft the person had to present the boarding pass and an ID.
Concerning stealing, since the US does not allow closing your bags anymore its much easier now for people to steal:
http://kvoa.com/global/story.asp?s=2...Type=Printable
Groping also a problem:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/story?id=277647