Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
@hpullenblasnik.bsky.social
sociology phd candidate at columbia, sr data scientist at vera. political economy & the criminal legal system, urban development, algorithms & surveillance. views=mine. hpullenblasnik.com
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
Prison guards rushing to take jobs with ICE. Almost like all of this is connected. I wonder which people have been making this case for a few decades.
November 21, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Prison guards rushing to take jobs with ICE. Almost like all of this is connected. I wonder which people have been making this case for a few decades.
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
In the richest city on Earth, 40% of NYC families can’t afford weekly food costs, and food prices are up 33% over the past decade.
It’s time for a city government that puts affordability at the top of the agenda.
It’s time for a city government that puts affordability at the top of the agenda.
November 21, 2025 at 3:03 PM
In the richest city on Earth, 40% of NYC families can’t afford weekly food costs, and food prices are up 33% over the past decade.
It’s time for a city government that puts affordability at the top of the agenda.
It’s time for a city government that puts affordability at the top of the agenda.
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
Socialism is what they called public power.
Socialism is what they called social security.
Socialism is what they called the growth of free and independent labor organizations.
Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.
—Harry Truman, 1952
Socialism is what they called social security.
Socialism is what they called the growth of free and independent labor organizations.
Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.
—Harry Truman, 1952
November 21, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Socialism is what they called public power.
Socialism is what they called social security.
Socialism is what they called the growth of free and independent labor organizations.
Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.
—Harry Truman, 1952
Socialism is what they called social security.
Socialism is what they called the growth of free and independent labor organizations.
Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.
—Harry Truman, 1952
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
While you were distracted by the Epstein files, RFK jr just updated the CDC website with his anti-vax talking points.
This is dangerous and irresponsible.
www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safe...
This is dangerous and irresponsible.
www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safe...
November 20, 2025 at 3:22 PM
While you were distracted by the Epstein files, RFK jr just updated the CDC website with his anti-vax talking points.
This is dangerous and irresponsible.
www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safe...
This is dangerous and irresponsible.
www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safe...
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
Remember: There is nothing natural or inevitable about extreme inequality; it’s the result of an economic system that values wealth and power over human dignity and justice.
It doesn't have to be this way.
It doesn't have to be this way.
November 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Remember: There is nothing natural or inevitable about extreme inequality; it’s the result of an economic system that values wealth and power over human dignity and justice.
It doesn't have to be this way.
It doesn't have to be this way.
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
Gen AI is a technology in search of a purpose.
Frankly, many studies of Gen AI read like analyses in search of a question.
This problem will likely get worse now that Trump has identified AI as one of few priority areas -- and the most "social sciencey" priority area -- for federal grants.
Frankly, many studies of Gen AI read like analyses in search of a question.
This problem will likely get worse now that Trump has identified AI as one of few priority areas -- and the most "social sciencey" priority area -- for federal grants.
November 7, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Gen AI is a technology in search of a purpose.
Frankly, many studies of Gen AI read like analyses in search of a question.
This problem will likely get worse now that Trump has identified AI as one of few priority areas -- and the most "social sciencey" priority area -- for federal grants.
Frankly, many studies of Gen AI read like analyses in search of a question.
This problem will likely get worse now that Trump has identified AI as one of few priority areas -- and the most "social sciencey" priority area -- for federal grants.
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
New: Videos show ICE/CBP agents are scanning peoples' faces on the street to verify citizenship. ICE has tool to instantly look up unprecedented number of databases with just a photo
“I’m an American citizen so leave me alone”
“Alright, we just got to verify that”
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
“I’m an American citizen so leave me alone”
“Alright, we just got to verify that”
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
ICE and CBP Agents Are Scanning Peoples’ Faces on the Street To Verify Citizenship
Videos on social media show officers from ICE and CBP using facial recognition technology on people in the field. One expert described the practice as “pure dystopian creep.”
www.404media.co
October 29, 2025 at 2:42 PM
New: Videos show ICE/CBP agents are scanning peoples' faces on the street to verify citizenship. ICE has tool to instantly look up unprecedented number of databases with just a photo
“I’m an American citizen so leave me alone”
“Alright, we just got to verify that”
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
“I’m an American citizen so leave me alone”
“Alright, we just got to verify that”
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
People opposed to your political project don't want that project to succeed. Why would you listen to their advice?
November 1, 2025 at 12:20 PM
People opposed to your political project don't want that project to succeed. Why would you listen to their advice?
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
Some good news!
“Boston City Council has voted unanimously to ban its government from using facial recognition technology, including the police department, making it the largest city on the East Coast to do so.”
www.builtinboston.com/articles/bos...
“Boston City Council has voted unanimously to ban its government from using facial recognition technology, including the police department, making it the largest city on the East Coast to do so.”
www.builtinboston.com/articles/bos...
Boston Police Can No Longer Use Facial Recognition Software | Built In Boston
The law makes it illegal for city officials to “obtain, retain, possess, access, or use” facial recognition technology, acknowledging that it “has the potential to harm communities of color who are al...
www.builtinboston.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Some good news!
“Boston City Council has voted unanimously to ban its government from using facial recognition technology, including the police department, making it the largest city on the East Coast to do so.”
www.builtinboston.com/articles/bos...
“Boston City Council has voted unanimously to ban its government from using facial recognition technology, including the police department, making it the largest city on the East Coast to do so.”
www.builtinboston.com/articles/bos...
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
The CDC is gutting a program that monitors foodborne illnesses. The program will now only track infections caused by two pathogens, rather than eight.
Hello? How does this “Make America Healthy Again”?
Hello? How does this “Make America Healthy Again”?
The CDC quietly scaled back a surveillance program for foodborne illnesses
As of July 1, a critical surveillance program is monitoring for only two pathogens instead of the usual eight.
www.nbcnews.com
August 29, 2025 at 8:20 PM
The CDC is gutting a program that monitors foodborne illnesses. The program will now only track infections caused by two pathogens, rather than eight.
Hello? How does this “Make America Healthy Again”?
Hello? How does this “Make America Healthy Again”?
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
i can’t remember anything that has felt more foisted upon us than AI. repeatedly telling us why we actually need is like thinking a joke will get funnier the more you explain it.
July 16, 2025 at 6:17 AM
i can’t remember anything that has felt more foisted upon us than AI. repeatedly telling us why we actually need is like thinking a joke will get funnier the more you explain it.
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
The labor done by prisoners is NOT mainly for profit. People in prison work to REPRODUCE the prison itself. They are engaged in maintaining the prison - cleaning, cooking, etc etc etc.
July 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The labor done by prisoners is NOT mainly for profit. People in prison work to REPRODUCE the prison itself. They are engaged in maintaining the prison - cleaning, cooking, etc etc etc.
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
WHOA. One of Eric Adams' former police commissioners just filed a lawsuit accusing him of running the NYPD like a "racketeering enterprise."
July 16, 2025 at 1:43 PM
WHOA. One of Eric Adams' former police commissioners just filed a lawsuit accusing him of running the NYPD like a "racketeering enterprise."
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
From a friend on FB, this reminder:
“Any theory you got, practice it. And when you practice it, you make some mistakes. When you make a mistake, you correct that theory, and then it will be corrected theory...A lot of us read and read and read, but we don't get any practice”
- Fred Hampton
“Any theory you got, practice it. And when you practice it, you make some mistakes. When you make a mistake, you correct that theory, and then it will be corrected theory...A lot of us read and read and read, but we don't get any practice”
- Fred Hampton
July 9, 2025 at 1:43 PM
From a friend on FB, this reminder:
“Any theory you got, practice it. And when you practice it, you make some mistakes. When you make a mistake, you correct that theory, and then it will be corrected theory...A lot of us read and read and read, but we don't get any practice”
- Fred Hampton
“Any theory you got, practice it. And when you practice it, you make some mistakes. When you make a mistake, you correct that theory, and then it will be corrected theory...A lot of us read and read and read, but we don't get any practice”
- Fred Hampton
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
As Trump continues to flood the city with masked ICE agents and inks a bill that's likely going to have devastating consequences for New York, "liberals" are joining rhetorical forces with the president by focusing their ire on Zohran Mamdani.
Trump Targets Mamdani While Opening a Literal Concentration Camp
Plus, more news for your Wednesday.
hellgatenyc.com
July 2, 2025 at 1:49 PM
As Trump continues to flood the city with masked ICE agents and inks a bill that's likely going to have devastating consequences for New York, "liberals" are joining rhetorical forces with the president by focusing their ire on Zohran Mamdani.
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
I don't care what band aids they put on the problem, Flock Safety's surveillance empire is incompatible with a free society.
Flock Safety’s Feature Updates Cannot Make Automated License Plate Readers Safe
Two recent statements from the surveillance company—one addressing Illinois privacy violations and another defending the company's national surveillance network—reveal a troubling pattern: when confro...
www.eff.org
June 28, 2025 at 6:38 PM
I don't care what band aids they put on the problem, Flock Safety's surveillance empire is incompatible with a free society.
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done.
My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it.
I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City.
My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it.
I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City.
June 25, 2025 at 5:54 AM
In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done.
My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it.
I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City.
My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it.
I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City.
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
My statement on the Trump administration's illegal military actions and the wars that must end.
June 22, 2025 at 4:02 AM
My statement on the Trump administration's illegal military actions and the wars that must end.
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
AOC: “It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.”
June 22, 2025 at 2:03 AM
AOC: “It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.”
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
Zohran Mamdani is standing up to the oligarchy and fighting to make one of America’s most expensive cities affordable for the working class.
If you’re a New York City voter, I urge you to rank him #1 on your ballot by next Tuesday.
@zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
If you’re a New York City voter, I urge you to rank him #1 on your ballot by next Tuesday.
@zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
June 20, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Zohran Mamdani is standing up to the oligarchy and fighting to make one of America’s most expensive cities affordable for the working class.
If you’re a New York City voter, I urge you to rank him #1 on your ballot by next Tuesday.
@zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
If you’re a New York City voter, I urge you to rank him #1 on your ballot by next Tuesday.
@zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
Chatbots — LLMs — do not know facts and are not designed to be able to accurately answer factual questions. They are designed to find and mimic patterns of words, probabilistically. When they’re “right” it’s because correct things are often written down, so those patterns are frequent. That’s all.
June 19, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Chatbots — LLMs — do not know facts and are not designed to be able to accurately answer factual questions. They are designed to find and mimic patterns of words, probabilistically. When they’re “right” it’s because correct things are often written down, so those patterns are frequent. That’s all.
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
Zohran Mamdani is so charismatic and polished that it's genuinely unsettling to see his composure break while he reflects on the Islamophobic attacks and death threats he's faced during the campaign: www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Mamdani on threatening messages: ‘It takes a toll’
The mayoral candidate choked up Wednesday as he described how he’s dealt with Islamophobia and accusations of antisemitism.
www.cityandstateny.com
June 19, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Zohran Mamdani is so charismatic and polished that it's genuinely unsettling to see his composure break while he reflects on the Islamophobic attacks and death threats he's faced during the campaign: www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
The anti-abortion movement and what it has wrought is more horrifying than any horror movie. It is a rejection of the dignity of life and a mockery of human wellbeing
June 17, 2025 at 10:30 PM
The anti-abortion movement and what it has wrought is more horrifying than any horror movie. It is a rejection of the dignity of life and a mockery of human wellbeing
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
Perhaps the City Council speaker now understands why Mamdani called for abolishing ICE.
The arrest of @nyccomptroller.bsky.social and continued attacks on New Yorkers by ICE are unacceptable and an abuse of power.
Comptroller Lander should be released and ICE should stop undermining public safety in our city by targeting New Yorkers going about their lives.
Comptroller Lander should be released and ICE should stop undermining public safety in our city by targeting New Yorkers going about their lives.
BREAKING: New York City's comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander has been arrested while visiting an immigration court.
June 17, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Perhaps the City Council speaker now understands why Mamdani called for abolishing ICE.
Reposted by Hannah Pullen-Blasnik
A major danger of LLMs is that humans are SO predisposed to attribute knowledge to any entity that uses natural language fluently. We cannot imagine that a machine that outputs natural-seeming speech/text doesn't have cognition. Brilliantly articulated by @emilymbender.bsky.social et al. (2021).
![Text generated by an LM is not grounded in communicative intent, any model of the world, or any model of the reader’s state of mind. It can’t have been, because the training data never included sharing thoughts with a listener, nor does the machine have the ability to do that. This can seem counter-intuitive given the increasingly fluent qualities of automatically generated text, but we have to account for the fact that our perception of natural language text, regardless of how it was generated, is mediated by our own linguistic competence and our predisposition to interpret communicative acts as conveying coherent meaning and intent, whether or not they do [89, 140].”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:uj2g526vwfe3qnpuskjexeyp/bafkreiappchidtcrrumnegykz4uq6chvznuu6fg4pbutw5y7yjaab2iczu@jpeg)
June 17, 2025 at 3:33 PM
A major danger of LLMs is that humans are SO predisposed to attribute knowledge to any entity that uses natural language fluently. We cannot imagine that a machine that outputs natural-seeming speech/text doesn't have cognition. Brilliantly articulated by @emilymbender.bsky.social et al. (2021).