Ep 19. August 4, 2019

On August 4, 2019, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver aired their nineteenth episode of season 6. The show, hosted by British comedian John Oliver, is a satirical news program that covers current events and political issues in the United States and around the world.

In this episode, Oliver kicked things off by discussing the latest news on the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. He criticized President Trump for his inconsistent statements regarding Iran and for pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal without a clear plan for what comes next. Oliver also highlighted the dangers of a potential war with Iran, including the impact it could have on civilians and the economy.

Oliver then shifted his focus to the controversial practice of dialysis treatment centers using charities to steer patients towards more expensive treatment options. He exposed the financial incentives behind this practice, with some charities receiving kickbacks from dialysis companies. Oliver argued that this practice is taking advantage of vulnerable patients and called for more transparency in the healthcare industry.

Next, Oliver discussed the ongoing issue of the lack of public defenders in the United States. He explained that many people facing criminal charges cannot afford a private attorney and rely on public defenders to represent them in court. However, public defenders are often overworked and underfunded, which can lead to inadequate legal representation for defendants. Oliver called for more investment in public defender systems and highlighted the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to legal representation.

In a lighter segment, Oliver turned his attention to the rising popularity of conspiracy theories. He acknowledged that conspiracy theories can be entertaining and even tempting to believe, but cautioned against their potential harm. Oliver highlighted some of the most popular conspiracy theories today, including QAnon and the Flat Earth theory, and explained their dangerous implications. He urged viewers to approach conspiracy theories with skepticism and critical thinking.

Finally, Oliver ended the show by discussing the ongoing protests in Hong Kong against the Chinese government. He explained the history of Hong Kong's relationship with China and the concerns that many Hong Kong residents have about China's increasing control over the territory. Oliver also criticized the lack of coverage of the Hong Kong protests by American news outlets and highlighted the bravery of the protesters who are standing up for their rights and freedoms.

Overall, the August 4, 2019 episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver covered a range of important and timely issues, from the threat of war with Iran to the lack of access to legal representation in the United States. Oliver's unique blend of humor and satire made these topics more accessible to viewers, while also highlighting their serious implications.