I'm surprised to learn that there are still backyards in New York City.

I'm not surprised to learn that the city is going to be monitoring those backyards for regime compliance.

That's just standard New York City right there:

Those attending outdoor parties or barbecues in New York City this weekend may notice an uninvited guest looming over their festivities: a police surveillance drone.

The New York City police department plans to pilot the unmanned aircrafts in response to complaints about large gatherings, including private events, over Labor Day weekend, officials announced Thursday.

I don't know how you define a "large gathering" in a city of eight million people. There's people everywhere. Anytime you go out to get a roll of paper towels you're part of a "large gathering."

The police say they'll only respond in instances where a resident reports "a large party in a backyard." Which, again, what does that mean? Is there a size limit here?

And are they adjusting for the fact that any backyards in New York are going to be postage-stamp-sized and that even a small gathering would almost by definition appear "large" to begin with? Small spaces tend to do that!

New Yorkers: Have fun with the police state!

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