Ep 14. June 7, 2020

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is a satirical news program that offers humorous commentaries on current events, politics, and popular culture. In episode 14 of season 7, which aired on June 7, 2020, John Oliver tackled issues surrounding police brutality and racism in the wake of George Floyd's death.

The episode kicks off with a recap of the protests that have been taking place across the United States in response to Floyd's death, and how Trump has responded to these protests. Oliver dives deep into the problem of police brutality and discusses the systemic issues that have led to it.

Oliver starts by examining the role of police unions in protecting officers accused of wrongdoing. He argues that police unions have too much power and influence, making it difficult for citizens to hold officers accountable for their actions. He points out that police unions have successfully lobbied for laws that make it nearly impossible to remove officers for misconduct, even when it is clear that they have crossed the line.

Oliver then moves on to discuss the notion of "qualified immunity," which shields police officers from being held accountable for their actions in many cases. He highlights several instances in which officers have been protected by qualified immunity, even when their actions were clearly unjust.

The host also examines the problem of racial bias in policing, pointing out that Black Americans are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement and more likely to be killed or injured by police than white Americans. He praises the protesters who have taken to the streets to demand change, but cautions against using violence and looting as a means of achieving this change, as it can undermine the overall message of the protest and gives opponents an excuse to criticize the movement.

Oliver concludes the episode by discussing the need for systemic change, including reforming police unions, changing laws around qualified immunity, and addressing racial biases in policing. He also encourages viewers to vote in local elections and get involved in community policing efforts, saying that citizens can play a critical role in advocating for change.

Overall, this episode offers a critical and insightful look into the problems of police brutality and systemic racism that have sparked protests across the United States. Through his signature humor and wit, John Oliver tackles complex issues and sheds light on the urgent need for change.