Well, yeah.

I'd like to visit Washington, D.C. to see the Smithsonian and other atttractions, but I don't know what kind of security I'm going to run into.

Security precautions are kept under wraps, so I don't know whether I should leave my gear behind or not. It seems as though just saying such words such as "security" and "War on Terror" gives any mortal the right to paw through the contents of your pockets and pass judgement. I actually had to explain what a Space Pen was to one of these very morons. They are polite enough, but come on!

How can I possibly visit places where I'd be likely to be wanded or frisked or searched and still be minimally prepared? Are The Powers That Be simply going to take my stuff, or what?

PS - In my family, carrying a drivers license, house key, car key, and a credit card is generally considered being prepared. Carry more and you're carrying too much. I am exaggerating here for effect, but you get the idea.