Last Week Tonight With John Oliver: Government Surveillance

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver devoted last week’s episode to U.S. government surveillance programs, including an interview with Edward Snowden in Moscow. It’s been widely linked, so I’ll bet you’ve already heard about it. It’s really good. Yes, it’s funny — but it’s also truly excellent journalism, and they’ve figured out a way to frame the issue that resonates with regular people. If you haven’t watched it yet, make time for it. You won’t regret it.

It’s important not only because civil liberties are important, but because the law that enables these programs — section 215 of the Patriot Act — is up for renewal this year, and it’s urgent that we press lawmakers not to.

★ Thursday, 9 April 2015