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PaperclipPerfector  1d ago (text post)   5062 thread views

Culture War Roundup for the week of June 15, 2026

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The Anthropic C-suite needs to rewatch Oppenheimer.

More details are emerging regarding the US Government's decision to impose defense export controls on Claude Fable. There are lots of similarities between this kerfuffle and the February Supply Chain Risk designation. Somehow, Anthropic executives still don't understand the language of power and government. It's not hard. All they need to do is watch Oppenheimer (and pay attention this time). If they still can't figure it out, here is my cheat sheet:

  • If you are working on sufficiently powerful technology with dual-use applications, then you work for the War Department. There is no option for you to continue your preferred work while licensing only peaceful civilian applications of your product.

  • If you piss off the wrong person, you're screwed. Some people will see defeating you as a stepping stone to greater power and influence. Some people will work to destroy you simply out of spite.

  • Anthropic has scientific geniuses, Anthropic has an Oppenheimer, but does Anthropic have a General Groves? How far do you think Oppenheimer would have gotten without General Groves?

  • If you are trying to convince the government that you are not a security risk, do not hire people like this and present them as neutral experts. (No seriously, what the actual fuck were they thinking?)

  • You don't get to decide what counts as a security risk and what doesn't. That is the job of the government and the political process.

  • The president does not care about your ethical concerns. You think you know how much he doesn't care, but he actually cares much less than that.

  • If you aren't okay with the government using your technology, then don't build it. Isidor Rabi said no. You can say no too.

If there are any Anthropic people reading this you should seriously consider relocating your company to the UK. We'd welcome you with open arms and treat you as an equal partner and not a vassal to do our bidding. London has a talent density and ecosystem unmatched by anywhere else outside the US.

Gretchen, stop trying to make European AI competitiveness happen. It's not going to happen.

Something something Mistral, something something one BILLION dollar ten year investment.

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