Ep 21. August 16, 2020

On the 21st episode of the seventh season of the Emmy-winning show "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver", which aired on August 16, 2020, John Oliver dives into the ongoing issue of the United States Postal Service (USPS), which has been in the news largely due to allegations of interference with its operations and funding ahead of the 2020 presidential election.

Oliver discusses the critical role the USPS plays in delivering mail and packages, especially in rural areas, and highlights the potential consequences of the ongoing controversy surrounding the postal service and mail-in ballots for the upcoming election in November.

The host also sheds light on the history of the USPS, its unique financial structure, and the various challenges the institution faces in the current political climate. He examines the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, which required the USPS to pre-fund retiree health benefits for the next 75 years, a mandate that no other government agency or private company is subject to, and which has put a significant financial strain on the USPS.

Oliver also discusses the potential consequences of the current administration's efforts to limit the USPS’s ability to function effectively, such as the removal of sorting machines and mailboxes, and the recent appointment of a new postmaster general with financial connections to private competitors of the USPS.

The episode also features interviews with postal workers, small business owners who rely on USPS services, and experts in the field. Oliver explores potential solutions for the USPS's financial woes and calls on viewers to support the institution and its workers in these challenging times.

In addition to the main segment on the USPS, the episode also includes a recap of news highlights from the past week, including updates on the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing protests against police brutality and racial injustice, and a controversial statement made by Jerry Falwell Jr., the former president of Liberty University.

Throughout the episode, John Oliver's signature humor and wit are on full display, making this informative and thought-provoking show an entertaining and engaging watch.