New York to require permits for public photography?

I don’t have time to throw down a really quality rant, but suffice it to say that this sucks. From the New York Times article:

“New rules being considered by the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting would require any group of two or more people who want to use a camera in a single public location for more than a half hour to get a city permit and insurance.

The same requirements would apply to any group of five or more people who plan to use a tripod in a public location for more than 10 minutes, including the time it takes to set up the equipment.”

Write to . . . someone with influence, and complain. What begins in New York ends up in Los Angeles, D.C., etc.

UPDATE 1: As expected, there’s already a decent amount of commentary cropping up on the topic.

UPDATE 2: The permit and related guidelines are available via the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theater & Broadcasting. There’s a general still photography permit, and a permit specific to those shooting in parks.