978 – Getting Access to Restricted Areas
Security officer: Excuse me, sir, but this is a restricted area. Only authorized personnel are permitted.
Carl: I just want to take a quick look. Is this really where the president will be speaking?
Security officer: I can neither confirm nor deny that, sir. Please step aside.
Carl: What if I have press credentials? Could I get in then?
Security officer: Only if you’ve been screened by security. Really, sir, I must ask you to leave this area. It’s off-limits to you.
Carl: Couldn’t I just hang around and watch while people arrive? I won’t say a word.
Security officer: No, and if you persist, I’ll have to have you shown out.
Carl: I’m not causing any trouble. I’m an American citizen and this is a free country! I can stand wherever I want to.
Security officer: Not on private property. Jim, could you please escort this gentleman off the premises?
Carl: Hey, this is a travesty! I’m going to file a formal protest!
Security officer: You do that. Just do it off the premises.