What do you want to be when you grow up?  A fireman?  An astronaut?  A race car driver?  How about an exciting and rewarding career as a U.S. Transportation Security Officer?    

Late last night I brought my mom to the airport, and since toting a couple carry ons and still being on the mend from a recent ankle break I requested a pass in order to accompany her to the gate.*

As I was collecting my wallet, phone, and shoes, I noticed this sticker on my X-ray bin. 

Does this even require explaining as to why its so utterly hilarious?  Well, despite the fact that there are many some TSA officials who act in a courteous and professional manner; the position of “TSA Officer” is without doubt one of the least respected positions in our country.  Why on earth would a kid aspire to be a TSA screener? Its kind of like making a “Junior Telemarketer” or “Future Repo-Man” sticker.

I asked a screener if I could have a few stickers for my backpack, but unfortunately he didn’t know where they were located. 

On the way home this sticker got me thinking:  Somewhere, someplace, a TSA screener has spoken at their child’s elementary school “career day.”   If you’re reading this and have a video of that please send it to me.  It has to exist somewhere. 

Also where did the budget for this come from?  I don’t really care if my tax dollars helped pay for these $4.99 printer stickers, but I’m simply curious if this is nationwide, or a lone Denver based official had this cute but ridiculous idea.

p.s.  *Here’s the great thing about going through security with a gate pass.  Since you’re not flying anywhere it puts you in the rare situation where you can actually observe and question TSA practices without fear of them retaliating against you by detainment or performing unneeded additional seraches!   I suggest more people accompany their mothers airside – and take lots of pictures and notes too.