New York Requires Citizens to Obtain ‘Stargazing Permit’ To Admire the Stars in Public Parks

Red State ^ | January 27, 2020 | by Jeff Charles

[Red Badger]

Here is a story that shows progressive policies to be not only destructive, but also depressingly stupid. New York State recently passed a law requiring citizens to obtain a permit if they wish to gaze at the stars in public parks. No, really. You read that right. In New York, you must pay for a license to look at the freaking stars.

The Free Thought Project first reported on the story, explaining that “If citizens of the state wish to look up at the sky and view the stars at one of New York’s public parks, they will first have to obtain a ‘Stargazing permit.’” The site pointed out that pollution in the sky makes it more difficult for New Yorkers in “highly populated areas” to see the sky at night, so they travel to remote areas, many of which are located in state parks.

The state is charging residents $35 to become a fully-licensed stargazer allowed to view the stars between January and December of the year. If you are not lucky enough to be a New York resident and you are just visiting, you will have to fork over $60 for the privilege of admiring your favorite constellation in the night sky. We were not able to find out how much it costs to wish upon a star, but we can be sure that it ain’t cheap. Okay, that last part was a joke — hopefully.

There are several obvious issues with this unnecessarily statist policy. For starters, it disadvantages low-income citizens who might not be able to afford to pay the fee for the permit. Aren’t progressives always whining about privilege and railing against the wealthy? Apparently, their compassion does not extend to individuals who just want to look at the stars in a public park.

The other problem is that there does not seem to be any real rationale behind the policy. Stargazing isn’t exactly known to be a dangerous pastime. Moreover, it does not cause any discernible inconvenience for anyone else. So why would they enact such a measure? The answer is simple: It is nothing more than a brazen money grab designed to separate New York residents from more of their hard-earned cash.

In other words, New York’s government is needlessly restricting the liberty of its citizens to make a quick buck. The same folks who claim capitalists are evil are willing to use cynical political means to amass funds. Of course, requiring silly permits for activities that do not warrant them is the progressives’ bread and butter. It’s become an ingenious way for local and state governments run by far leftists to raise money while asserting their dominance over the populace.

Let me know what you think in the comments below!

[Dad was my hero]

So what if you glance upward, do they arrest you for looking w/o a permit?

[LukeL]

While the cynical side of me says this is a money grab, state parks are well known for illicit activity and this may be a way to track who belongs in the park and who doesn’t. Before the days of grinder and other apps state and county parks were one of the hookup places for gay men.

[Pearls Before Swine]

Maybe this should be looked at as a crime control measure. These parks are likely closed at night to minimize predation. So, if you care enough to buy a night pass, presumably you’re ok.

[RatRipper]

Why not? The Commie left is trying to screw up sex, too. The mindset just makes me want to puke steel balls

[Magnum44]

The state is charging residents $35 to become a fully-licensed stargazer allowed to view the stars between January and December of the year.

Is the Babylon Bee?

[Bitman]

I would not be looking at the stars. I would be scanning the heavens looking for planets or other celestial bodies, but not stars.

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Taxes on Fresh Air and Beach lounging to follow!

Stargazing permit....Lets see them try to enforce this.

[Pearls Before Swine]

Maybe this should be looked at as a crime control measure. These parks are likely closed at night to minimize predation. So, if you care enough to buy a night pass, presumably you’re ok.

[1Old Pro]

So what if you glance upward, do they arrest you for looking w/o a permit?

Yes, but the good news is NYS releases all their criminals without bail.

[Sirius Lee]

While the cynical side of me says this is a money grab, state parks are well known for illicit activity and this may be a way to track who belongs in the park and who doesn’t. Before the days of grinder and other apps state and county parks were one of the hookup places for gay men.

Flaw in your theory: NY openly promotes faggotry.

[NYAmerican]

Looks like it’s actually a permit to park your car in a State Park after Sunset, which is normally not allowed, not a permit to look upward. “This permit allows after sunset parking”

https://parks.ny.gov/regions/attachments/2020DashboardPermitGuide.pdf

Not defending in ANY WAY the Peoples Republik of New York. But this particular story is B.S.

[Pearls Before Swine]

Oops, phone double post.

[JBW1949]

I looked right off the bat for the Babylon Bee source...

Please tell us this is a joke...

[Alberta's Child]

I suspect it's also a way to allow people into state parks that are usually closed after sunset.

Interestingly, I've long felt that onerous fees might be one of the best ways to save state parks and open spaces near major urban centers. It's amazing how much cleaner parks are when they charge fees for people to use them.

[mad_as_he$$]

So only “citizens” need a permit? Illegals get a free pass? typical NY BS!

[treetopsandroofs]

Look up so they can pick your pocket?

OTOH, this might be the new marketplace for bootleg cigarettes.

[loucon]

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

Vehicle Entrance Fee

First weekend in April – weekend before Memorial Day: 8 AM - 4 PM, weekends & holidays - $8/car

Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day: 8 am - 4 pm, weekdays; 7 am - 6 pm, weekends & holidays - $10/car

Week after Labor Day: 8 am - 4 pm, daily - $10/car

First weekend after Labor Day -November: 8 am - 4 pm, weekends & holidays - $8/car

December – Friday before the first weekend in April: No fee collected. Parking available at Field 2 and 5 except during a weather emergency.

Non-Profit Buses (By permit only): $35
Commercial Buses: $75
Unscheduled buses: $75
Permits
4 Wheel Drive Beach Vehicle Fishing Permit:
NYS Driver’s License $80
Out of State License $125

Metal Detecting:
By Permit Only $40*

Night Sport Fishing Permit:
NYS Driver’s License $35
Out of State License $60
7 Day Sport Fishing Permit $25*

Regional Diving Permit:
NYS Driver’s License $80
Out of State License $125

Star Gazing Permit:
NYS Driver’s License $35
Out of State License $60

Surfing:
Park & Surf Permit - $25
Available after Labor Day until December 31st.

4 Wheel Drive Beach Vehicle Surfing Permit:
NYS Driver’s License $80
Out of State License $125
(Democrat & Gilgo only from sunrise to sunset)

*Available regionally only.
Boat Docking

East Marina
$10 Docking Fee (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day)

West Marina
$35 Docking Fee (Sunday-Wednesday, Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day)
$75 Docking Fee (Thursday-Saturday, Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day)

[MD Expat in PA]

I’m just guessing here, but don’t most state parks close at dusk?

Here’s the form:

https://parks.ny.gov/regions/attachments/2020LongIslandPermits.pdf

It’s really nothing more than a parking permit that allows you to park and be in the park after dusk in order to stargaze and probably to prevent other sorts of unwanted activities that may take place after dark.

[Leep]

Future arcane laws...that future people will wonder what in the world was wrong with the law makers thinking?