the fork fuss

We've traveled on an airline since 9/11 and never had a problem with Bobby's fork. (It's bent and in a special strap of velcro, leather, and/or plastic so his hand can hold it.) Yet for some reason, security at the Wake County Courthouse demands that either
a) he take it out of his pouch and leave it in his van or office, which can be an ordeal
b) they confiscate it and trash it
You know, Bobby's such a threat with a metal fork he could stab somebody or release a handcuffed prisoner or something...anyway....
While reading through security regulations for the US Capitol building, they recommend you wear/take little or no metal. Something in the guidelines from the Senator's office prompted me to respond and ask the question about whether or not he would be allowed to take his fork. She laughed and said "Yes. Is it metal?" When I responded in the affirmative, she gave me the phone number for security to call and ask them. The lady I talked to didn't know, but she patched me through to someone's voice mail. He called back, told me the Federal Courthouse wouldn't allow it, but the Capitol Building would. He laughed and said that they even allow the Congressmen to eat with silverware. BUT he did give me his personal cell phone number just in case the security guards have a problem, and we can give them the number to call him directly. He said that should get us straight through, and if not, he'll take care of it. I thought that was so cool!
And all this fuss over a Wal-mart fork that bends very easily...