Robert "Verity" Karn
@veritykarn.bsky.social
Some schmuck who's somehow convinced educated people that he belongs. Student. Eurasian Policy/History, US Foreign Policy, International Security. Loves Fighting Games.
Currently Reading: Sandworm by Andy Greenburg
Currently Reading: Sandworm by Andy Greenburg
Pinned
Hello, Bluesky! If anybody is wondering who I am, I am a current student at Hampshire College. My previous studies were in cybersecurity(2013-15) and philosophy(2021-24). I'm currently studying Eurasian history and politics, with a focus on international relations and security surrounding Russia.
Had to put in a report today because a co-worker decided to go on a rant about how Hitler was just "doing what he needed to do," and that stopping him just led to "you-know-who controlling the world." I wish those were just exaggerations on what they said.
January 7, 2026 at 9:34 AM
Had to put in a report today because a co-worker decided to go on a rant about how Hitler was just "doing what he needed to do," and that stopping him just led to "you-know-who controlling the world." I wish those were just exaggerations on what they said.
Reposted by Robert "Verity" Karn
The Trump apologist checklist after Trump or his administration does something awful:
1. Fake news, it didn’t happen.
2. It might’ve happened, but it would be OK if it happened.
3. So it happened, so what.
4. Whatabout [insert names of various presidents here]
1. Fake news, it didn’t happen.
2. It might’ve happened, but it would be OK if it happened.
3. So it happened, so what.
4. Whatabout [insert names of various presidents here]
November 30, 2025 at 6:53 PM
The Trump apologist checklist after Trump or his administration does something awful:
1. Fake news, it didn’t happen.
2. It might’ve happened, but it would be OK if it happened.
3. So it happened, so what.
4. Whatabout [insert names of various presidents here]
1. Fake news, it didn’t happen.
2. It might’ve happened, but it would be OK if it happened.
3. So it happened, so what.
4. Whatabout [insert names of various presidents here]
This week is my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. Where I watch watch in horror as Christmas decorations appear in stores, on the streets, and even on the fucking highway before we've had the chance to induce our sleep comas. Thank you to the entities that commercialize holidays, you fucking pricks.
November 26, 2025 at 8:19 AM
This week is my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. Where I watch watch in horror as Christmas decorations appear in stores, on the streets, and even on the fucking highway before we've had the chance to induce our sleep comas. Thank you to the entities that commercialize holidays, you fucking pricks.
I may be a moron delving into this for the first time, but I don't see the problem of seeking profit from research. If anything, profit is likely the strongest motivator for most advancements, especially in fields that impact daily behaviors. After reading the paper, I'm confused what the point was.
"academic publishing is dominated by profit-oriented, multinational companies for whom scientific knowledge is a commodity to be sold back to the academic community who created it... The dominant four collectively generated... $12 billion in profits between 2019 and 2024."
November 22, 2025 at 7:21 AM
I may be a moron delving into this for the first time, but I don't see the problem of seeking profit from research. If anything, profit is likely the strongest motivator for most advancements, especially in fields that impact daily behaviors. After reading the paper, I'm confused what the point was.
Reposted by Robert "Verity" Karn
I honestly thought I'd never afford a house. I got tempted by a condo, and let the younger generation learn from me: That first condo purchase at 32 was one of the stupidest things I ever did. I took a bath, moved, and rented until I was 40.
I wonder if it really is harder to buy a house now. When I was in my 20s the mortgage rates were around 10% and was making less than $25k.
I didn't even consider buying a house.
I didn't even consider buying a house.
November 11, 2025 at 5:03 AM
I honestly thought I'd never afford a house. I got tempted by a condo, and let the younger generation learn from me: That first condo purchase at 32 was one of the stupidest things I ever did. I took a bath, moved, and rented until I was 40.
In a world that has removed its own sanity, insanity becomes the norm. And the sane that still roam are continually hounded for not giving into the same insanity as others. In such a world, the definition of sanity has reversed, and the newly crowned insane continually fight not to be consumed.
November 6, 2025 at 4:28 AM
In a world that has removed its own sanity, insanity becomes the norm. And the sane that still roam are continually hounded for not giving into the same insanity as others. In such a world, the definition of sanity has reversed, and the newly crowned insane continually fight not to be consumed.
The article you cited to support your claim debunks that claim itself, as well as provides data to show that using ChatGPT as an individual is less costly than using a microwave. At the very least, I would ask that you read your own source before making a claim your source doesn't make.
ChatGPT uses 10 times as much energy as a Google search, fueling emissions and climate change as world pushes ever faster towards a devastating 2 c world
www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/carbon-foo...
www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/carbon-foo...
What's the carbon footprint of using ChatGPT?
Very small compared to most of the other stuff you do.
www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:07 AM
The article you cited to support your claim debunks that claim itself, as well as provides data to show that using ChatGPT as an individual is less costly than using a microwave. At the very least, I would ask that you read your own source before making a claim your source doesn't make.
Originally, I started using Bluesky because it got away from my recommendations being filled with whatever scumbag paid enough to get ads.
Now, I mostly log into this app to watch @radiofreetom.bsky.social remind people that their social media takes are pretty basic, and to trust the experts.
Now, I mostly log into this app to watch @radiofreetom.bsky.social remind people that their social media takes are pretty basic, and to trust the experts.
October 5, 2025 at 4:43 AM
Originally, I started using Bluesky because it got away from my recommendations being filled with whatever scumbag paid enough to get ads.
Now, I mostly log into this app to watch @radiofreetom.bsky.social remind people that their social media takes are pretty basic, and to trust the experts.
Now, I mostly log into this app to watch @radiofreetom.bsky.social remind people that their social media takes are pretty basic, and to trust the experts.
Reposted by Robert "Verity" Karn
#OpEd Jimmy Kimmel's removal from late night television resembles when the Kremlin attacked a television channel that satirized Putin — and even the liberal media rationalized what happened as if it was acceptable, warns Andrei Soldatov.
For Russians Like Me, Silencing Jimmy Kimmel Looks Dangerously Familiar - The Moscow Times
Opinion | The removal from the air of a second American comedian since President Donald Trump was elected in the United States should send chills down the spine of every journalist who worked in Mosco...
www.themoscowtimes.com
September 19, 2025 at 10:40 AM
#OpEd Jimmy Kimmel's removal from late night television resembles when the Kremlin attacked a television channel that satirized Putin — and even the liberal media rationalized what happened as if it was acceptable, warns Andrei Soldatov.
Reposted by Robert "Verity" Karn
Donald Trump is reportedly planning to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War. @radiofreetom.bsky.social argues that the move is a stunt that could wind up embarrassing the Pentagon and costing millions.
Read more: theatln.tc/r1lU6FWz
Read more: theatln.tc/r1lU6FWz
September 6, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Donald Trump is reportedly planning to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War. @radiofreetom.bsky.social argues that the move is a stunt that could wind up embarrassing the Pentagon and costing millions.
Read more: theatln.tc/r1lU6FWz
Read more: theatln.tc/r1lU6FWz
Every time I think I'm going to start off a new academic year as a respectable member of the middle class, where I go and buy my textbooks, working only part time to pay bills, I see the $60 price tag on seven books I need to buy. Sailed the high seas this long, so why not another year?
September 5, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Every time I think I'm going to start off a new academic year as a respectable member of the middle class, where I go and buy my textbooks, working only part time to pay bills, I see the $60 price tag on seven books I need to buy. Sailed the high seas this long, so why not another year?
There is a type of hatred I've molded specifically for those who will offhandedly dismiss government or media reports, claiming them as unfairly biased, only to turn around and use grok or ChatGPT as their source.
September 2, 2025 at 3:56 AM
There is a type of hatred I've molded specifically for those who will offhandedly dismiss government or media reports, claiming them as unfairly biased, only to turn around and use grok or ChatGPT as their source.
Reposted by Robert "Verity" Karn
Leftist: Yes, Trump’s kind of a fascist. Now let me get back to my obsession, re-litigating fights with Democratic centrists from a decade or two ago.
Centrist: Yes, there are signs of fascism. Now let me get back to complaining a lefty used some woke terms a few years ago.
American democracy: 🤯🤯🤯
Centrist: Yes, there are signs of fascism. Now let me get back to complaining a lefty used some woke terms a few years ago.
American democracy: 🤯🤯🤯
August 24, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Leftist: Yes, Trump’s kind of a fascist. Now let me get back to my obsession, re-litigating fights with Democratic centrists from a decade or two ago.
Centrist: Yes, there are signs of fascism. Now let me get back to complaining a lefty used some woke terms a few years ago.
American democracy: 🤯🤯🤯
Centrist: Yes, there are signs of fascism. Now let me get back to complaining a lefty used some woke terms a few years ago.
American democracy: 🤯🤯🤯
"The United States deters conventional threats through superior military power, but it completely lacks that dominance in cyberspace, where defense and offense are inextricably linked."
www.foreignaffairs.com/china/china-...
www.foreignaffairs.com/china/china-...
China Is Winning the Cyberwar
America needs a new strategy of deterrence.
www.foreignaffairs.com
August 14, 2025 at 2:36 PM
"The United States deters conventional threats through superior military power, but it completely lacks that dominance in cyberspace, where defense and offense are inextricably linked."
www.foreignaffairs.com/china/china-...
www.foreignaffairs.com/china/china-...
"Whereas the first phase of the war was defined by hardware, with each side competing to invent new kinds of drones, payload, and munitions, the next phase of the war will be determined by software."
www.foreignaffairs.com/guest-pass/r...
www.foreignaffairs.com/guest-pass/r...
The Dawn of Automated Warfare
Artificial intelligence will be the key to victory in Ukraine—and elsewhere.
www.foreignaffairs.com
August 12, 2025 at 5:41 PM
"Whereas the first phase of the war was defined by hardware, with each side competing to invent new kinds of drones, payload, and munitions, the next phase of the war will be determined by software."
www.foreignaffairs.com/guest-pass/r...
www.foreignaffairs.com/guest-pass/r...
Reposted by Robert "Verity" Karn
The Trump-Putin Summit, as it is being framed, a peace deal “land-swap” between Russia and Ukraine, is very troubling and should sound alarm bells at home and abroad.
August 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The Trump-Putin Summit, as it is being framed, a peace deal “land-swap” between Russia and Ukraine, is very troubling and should sound alarm bells at home and abroad.
Reposted by Robert "Verity" Karn
🧵 When I, as a Georgian, talk to an international friend from a country facing democratic challenges, yet still far from an authoritarian regime, and they say, “OMG, same here!”
Seriously?
1/9
Seriously?
1/9
July 14, 2025 at 11:22 PM
🧵 When I, as a Georgian, talk to an international friend from a country facing democratic challenges, yet still far from an authoritarian regime, and they say, “OMG, same here!”
Seriously?
1/9
Seriously?
1/9
After a month, I've gotten through the first section of one of the worst books I've ever read, "Provoked," by Scott Horton. I've been documenting each source that he used, and marking down whether I believed it was, using very lax terms, a good source. Most fail.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
HortonSources
docs.google.com
June 12, 2025 at 4:08 AM
After a month, I've gotten through the first section of one of the worst books I've ever read, "Provoked," by Scott Horton. I've been documenting each source that he used, and marking down whether I believed it was, using very lax terms, a good source. Most fail.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
I've figured out what my personal Summer project will be: Going through Scott Horton's(Russian boot licker) book on Ukraine, and tracking down every footnote. Every one I've seen personally is either nonsense or intentionally misleading. I need to know how bad it gets in full.
May 19, 2025 at 8:15 AM
I've figured out what my personal Summer project will be: Going through Scott Horton's(Russian boot licker) book on Ukraine, and tracking down every footnote. Every one I've seen personally is either nonsense or intentionally misleading. I need to know how bad it gets in full.
I have spent half a day attempting to create an account on Facebook, all of which has resulted in every account being flagged as untrustworthy. Dude, I just want to have an account for my co-workers to reach out, instead of them having to deal with my Russia takes.
May 19, 2025 at 6:32 AM
I have spent half a day attempting to create an account on Facebook, all of which has resulted in every account being flagged as untrustworthy. Dude, I just want to have an account for my co-workers to reach out, instead of them having to deal with my Russia takes.
While the first rounds of the Romanian elections gave me pause, I'm glad to see the pro-EU forces rally behind Mayor Dan today. It's a good sign that there are enough elements moving against kleptocracy to motivate the average voter. Still, more work needs to be done, there and elsewhere.
May 19, 2025 at 5:24 AM
While the first rounds of the Romanian elections gave me pause, I'm glad to see the pro-EU forces rally behind Mayor Dan today. It's a good sign that there are enough elements moving against kleptocracy to motivate the average voter. Still, more work needs to be done, there and elsewhere.
Every time I think I find the depth of how far Russia is willing to go, there is always something around the corner that continues to make me realize just how low they will go.
newlinesmag.com/reportage/ru...
newlinesmag.com/reportage/ru...
Russia’s New Weapon: Child 'Suicide Bombers'
Moscow’s intelligence services are recruiting civilians, including the young and vulnerable, to carry remotely detonated explosives
newlinesmag.com
May 8, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Every time I think I find the depth of how far Russia is willing to go, there is always something around the corner that continues to make me realize just how low they will go.
newlinesmag.com/reportage/ru...
newlinesmag.com/reportage/ru...
Everyone uses a double standard when it comes to the question of evaluating others. Believing you're above this is a farce. Your biases can't be escaped entirely. Rather, in a world where you must confront the absurd standards of unobservant biases, the odd man is the one that wears them proudly.
May 4, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Everyone uses a double standard when it comes to the question of evaluating others. Believing you're above this is a farce. Your biases can't be escaped entirely. Rather, in a world where you must confront the absurd standards of unobservant biases, the odd man is the one that wears them proudly.
Go to first party since moving to Mass. 90% of introductions: "Are you an undercover cop?"
I'm remembering why I like to stay away from people.
I'm remembering why I like to stay away from people.
May 3, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Go to first party since moving to Mass. 90% of introductions: "Are you an undercover cop?"
I'm remembering why I like to stay away from people.
I'm remembering why I like to stay away from people.
Got this order at work today, which made me double take and give a good laugh. Funny idea to think the Kremlin decided to order from my shop.
May 2, 2025 at 6:39 AM
Got this order at work today, which made me double take and give a good laugh. Funny idea to think the Kremlin decided to order from my shop.