Overtime: Nancy MacLean, David Leonhardt | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)

[@michelangelobuonarroti916]

Bill doesn't understand that he pays so much more in taxes than many of the uber-wealthy because his income is earned income. If he's in the 39% bracket, congratulations to him. Most of the wealthy get their money from capital gains, which is taxed at a much lower rate. Add to that that Bill lives in CA, a state with a high state income tax. Other states, like TX as an example, have no state income tax, but they do have high property taxes (a wealth tax). Capital gains should be taxed at the same rate (or even higher) than the rate at which we tax someone's labor. If we did that, we could lower taxes on earned income. Dumb voters don't seem to get this. Instead, they are still waiting for the trickle down they were promised.

[@terry2346]

That trickle down crap was wrong when Reagan said it and has been proven so over the last 50 years.

[@G7VFY]

Well said!

[@ReflectionTool637]

Also don't forget that lots of wealthy people find ways to skirt and break the law in all sorts of ways (depending on their unique financial situation) to better their financial status. Tax fraud is rampant. It isn't just the grifter ex-prez who chooses valuations based on what is best for them at the moment. Every person I know that runs their own business cheats on their taxes - every one of them. As for Mr. Maher paying such a high percentage - well duh - that is what a progressive income tax is supposed to do. Remember he only pays over 31% on the money he makes above ~$165K or so. Close all the loopholes and triple the IRS budget.

[@kevinbossick8374]

He is also a single filer.

[@rationalpear1816]

Texas doesn’t have higher property taxes or sales tax than California, but I agree on the more important point. All income should be taxed the same. Income is income is income. All forms should be taxed the same, including un-capped payroll taxes. I even think un-realized cap gains should be taxed.

[@cheesedude1733]

Spanish Flu did not start in Spain. Spain was neutral in WWI and reported on conditions at the war front lines in the trenches without government censorship, so they were the first to report massive numbers of soldiers getting the flu and dying. It got named for Spain merely because they were the first to report it. Best guesses put the first cases in France in 1916, or Kansas in early 1917. But it may also have started in China or Viet Nam. It is an avian flu, and most of those originate in S.E. Asia, the original home of chickens and most ducks.

[@julessaviour5931]

But bill assumed it came from Spain which is ironic because that's basically the exact opposite of what he was arguing.

[@risitas5874]

They are often named after the place where they are first discovered or reported, even it it later turns out to have originated elsewhere. I think the main point here was that nobody has ever considered it racist before.

[@jmc5910]

granted no one objected to the name

[@cheesedude1733]

@@jmc5910 How many Spanish citizens have you polled in your extensive research on people that object to the name "Spanish Flu"? ;-)

[@lindafoss3823]

Also, people didn't go around attacking Spaniards.

[@rnrtruestories]

Wow Nancy was unbearable on the show yesterday

[@earlmcclung9573]

She was an absolute t**t! I will give Bill his due, he really did push back on her bullshit.

[@grokeffer6226]

Extremes on either side of the political spectrum tend to polarize our country and cause more harm than they could ever hope to end.

[@willease]

Tell that to the jackass writers of this show.

[@jackhammer7824]

Humans not on drugs what to go to extremes, flying suits, dare devils ,suba, Para gliders, Rock climbers , their all adrenaline junkies.

[@benbunyip]

Not wrong. For example, if white people are so racist why are we embracing black moderates like Coleman Hughes or Aba and Preach and so on.

[@RosieRoserules]

Politicians forget that only four out of 10 people even vote. And those four maybe one is far left one is far right the other two are center or independent. When people talk about civil war I laugh because six out of 10 people are not political but they have guns and they're not going to let you disrupt the world over your nonsense.

[@koolaid2278]

Agreed. Also people who simply beat the drum for their party no matter what. Just my opinion, but I didn’t like this lady Nancy in this segment. Every single time she spoke she slung some kind of mud at the other side. Says she’s in the party of ideas, but just like the right spewed hateful rhetoric the entire segment. I think Bill caught wind of it and didn’t like it. Just my thoughts

[@uzomanwosu]

This was one of the best Overtimes in a long while. I really feel like there was some substantive conversation here. David leonhardt did a masterful job of reeling the topic in between Bill and Nancy.

[@lynncarter4964]

David was masterful at smoothing out the bullshit coming out of Nancys mouth. But he was also full of shit. He is just better at serving it up to make it more appetizing.

[@redlightmax]

"I really feel like there was some substantive conversation here." Yep - the fewer the guests, the better the Overtime.

[@mavigogun]

@@redlightmax strange- I feel just the opposite, as the smaller the panel, the greater the chance all perspectives will be more or less aligned.

[@BigSnipp]

Did you care that Bill lied about the origin of the Spanish flu?

[@uzomanwosu]

@@mavigogun I can see that concern. But when there are more guests it feels like it's harder for a single thought to be fleshed out. I think that would be solved if Overtime was a full 30 minutes or longer.

[@Sunnysunflower333]

Respect to a man who defends reality from the guests that he invites onto his show! Xo

[@kylewait2690]

That women is a nut case

[@daveruda]

yeah Bill sure like reality to fit into his rightwing libertarian narratives

[@lerouxhugo384]

Bill I respect you for your defense of free speech, even if it's speech you do not agree with.

[@irishlady30]

Absolutely but big tech is considered private company, so the owner can refuse service to anyone.... Capitalist and civilization in society do not go together...

[@bipolarminddroppings]

Defending speech you disagree with is the most important part of freedom of speech. As the saying goes: I think what you are saying is abhorrent but I will defend your right to say it with my life.

[@Donkeykongington]

@@irishlady30 banning someone from Twitter is akin to cutting someone's phone service because you don't like what they are saying on it. Just like you can start your own phone company or social media site, most people don't have the resources

[@lynncarter4964]

@@irishlady30 your ability to comment here and now is brought to you by Capitalist ventures. Irony?

[@haroldbrown893]

@@Donkeykongington you don't pay for Twitter

[@AaronYogi]

Great conversation. One of the best overtimes. I just love David. I read his daily every single morning.

[@jbarton1541]

Let's get something straight about Ivermectin. The only place it was used to treat humans was in the third world when there was no other option. Ivermectin was less effective in treating COVID than the vaccine was ineffective. It is great for treating worms but it will not fix the worms in the heads of IDIOTS that would reject a FREE VACCINCE but pay over $500 to some quack on the internet get an Ivermectin prescription. You got this one WRONG Bill, very very WRONG.

[@Donkeykongington]

I like his take on the observation that there are truths and craziness on both the right and left. Seems like an honest take. 🤔

[@christopheroswald3419]

These guests really sucked. As the segment wore on it was more and more obvious that they are living in a world of their own biases and nowhere close to reality. Started off with the woman saying the cure to our out of control spending was to pass BBB and it just got worse. So bad that by the last few minutes the guests were so tired of hearing Bill call out their BS that they just ignored him and talked to each other.

[@christopheroswald3419]

@@trevorcarey3997 - Ebola is a river region in Africa, so your point is stupid.

[@user-nc9pc3gr4c]

Are you serious? You and Bill didn't believe the Woke culture and Cancel Culture was real 2 years ago, and now you are trying to tell me that you demorcrats are not massaging kids towards Trans culture? That is pedophilia. Florida just passed a bill that would not allow teachers to convince little kids that they were a different gender, and the left explodes. You are sick.

[@stephenhampton7320]

Never been more proud of Maher. Staying on principal and destroying the marketing message. He is fair if nothing else.

[@garryshea4945]

he's trying too, remember once Trump got in 2 office, Bill said and I quote "Now the gloves have to come off"

[@garryshea4945]

not sure who I quoted but that's what he meant.

[@dr.h.e.sawyerjr.9984]

Hey, Stephen. It;s PRINCIPLE. ( I recommend Junior College )

[@daveruda]

he stays on the rightwing libertarian path like usual with his delusional free speech arguments trying to legitimise the covid conspiracies. Very dissapointing

[@jayray448]

Principle. Principal is the head of a school.

[@someguy4645]

Bill, it's based on the type of income you receive. That's why you pay more. Billionaires have passive income that flow through partnerships after many business deductions and credits. Their income isn't classified as ordinary income, like you see on your W-2. Their capital gains have a discounted tax rate as well. They also setup shell companies that operate out of countries like Ireland and use transfer pricing techniques to further lower the tax burden to low income tax rate countries.

[@grobble8954]

True, but there is no chance he doesn't have investment income. Also, reportedly his hbo salary is 10M/yr. The top federal statutory rate is 37% not 39%, which he said & the only way he actually pays 37% is if he took a standard deduction(12,500 for individual) , which he surely doesn't, he itemizes.

[@TruthrConsequences]

@@grobble8954 He added state income tax to his equation.

[@someguy4645]

@@grobble8954 I have a feeling he is using pre-TCJA tax rates (2016 and earlier) and giving us the top bracket. Suppose he makes 10M as ordinary income, files single, and is limited by the TCJA 10k itemized deductions for state, with no credits or other adjustments. That is an effective rate of 36%, which is only a 3% difference. However, he definitely owns the Mets, and will be able to write off a lot on that ownership through partnership tax, but not sure how much of that income is realized.

[@robinsss]

@@TruthrConsequences other wealthy people have to deal with state taxes too and still end up paying 16% i think state taxes also have loopholes very few are flat

[@robinsss]

the burden isn't moved to other countries it's nullified by shelters how are capital gains discounted?

[@markcollins5464]

What Bill had to say about comedians, George carline and Jada smith situation, he was fucking spot on‼️‼️

[@terry2346]

Agree totally!

[@jannichi6431]

Yes and more YES, those accusing 'cancel culture' are same those wanting and committing. Blatant Projection. Polite decorum different than Constitutional Civil Rights violations with new laws. I like the word Gay!

[@rociobany290]

Fuckin 💯 right on !!

[@michaelturnblom9585]

Nancy MacLean says "Elon Musk shuts down conversations." I reply rolling my eyes, "She lives in such an echo chamber." Bill follows up with "It sounds like you only read publications that you agree with." Thank you Bill, for keeping it real. That's why we watch!

[@jegca]

It is documented that Elon musk has tried to sue bloggers critical of his company and also his employees. Are you disputing that, because that’s what she was saying.

[@shacharrachmany1102]

And then she adamantly supported Twitter shutting down conversations 🙄

[@alfonsesharpenstein3078]

Totally...right on!

[@jegca]

@@shacharrachmany1102 I believe you got it backwards. Musk is the hypocrite first for questioning a company’s free speech policies while himself suppressing free speech in his own company. She’s not the one arguing that all speech should be free.

[@pupyherrera3178]

@@jegca that's not shutting down conversations, wake me up when he Sues someone for saying men cant menstruate and for having the audacity of talking about hunter Biden laptop

[@BichaeldeAngelo]

I loved when Bill said “Who decides that…you?” Because that is exactly what I was thinking

[@pupyherrera3178]

He sets her up straight a bunch of times

[@vforwombat9915]

"I loved when Bill said “Who decides that…you?” " the owners of the companies decide. he didn't set her straight, she didn't answer right. his assertion that Twitter is the public space is wrong. it's a private company letting the public use its space. it's still their property. if you don't like their censorship, go to facebook or youtube or reddit, or post on your own webpage, or carry a sign on public property. Maher, who is generally a libertarian on speech issues, wants the government to be able to force private companies to carry messages they disagree with. he's not against government regulation here, he is against capitalism. what's more, virtually every regulation they have proposed would INCREASE company censorship.

[@BichaeldeAngelo]

@@vforwombat9915 I have always found it incredibly problematic to label companies as citizens- as such, they can donate nearly untold amounts of political campaign money, engage in censorship, etc. Truthfully, capitalism was never intended to grow companies so large and global that they could suppress and subjugate the common people. I’ve read Adam Smith’s treatise, and it’s very clear that in his time, that sort of mega-corporation and level of surveillance was unfathomable. It’s a different world we’re living in than what he imagined.

[@KillerBebe]

She seems delusional

[@vforwombat9915]

@@BichaeldeAngelo "companies as citizens" yeah, it was stupid. " suppress and subjugate the common people" well, that's been happening since the 1850s at least. one of the big reasons ppl turn to communism. as for twitter, seems to me that some sort of public sphere social media would be a good alternative. but back in the 90s, cities tried to offer free internet access to their citizens, and courts ruled it unfairly impinged on business. you'd have to work around that. apparently making money is now a right.

[@tl2978]

She’s so smart she should be on “The View” alongside other geniuses.

[@maxryder995]

Don't Be A DumbAss!

[@Radjammin]

She sounds like she is an Avid "the view" watcher.

[@ABC-yt1nq]

@@Radjammin - so is the collective noun for the people on the View a Karen?

[@Stew_Pid]

@@ABC-yt1nq no, it’s another word that you’re not supposed to say. It does sound like it starts with a K though.

[@justinreilly1]

Exactly! She was horrific!

[@oldchunkocoal2781]

This lady is like a giant strawman. "You can't force me to buy your book!" Literally nobody is arguing that.

[@BigSnipp]

Right wingers are arguing that.

[@dreamcoyote]

They are arguing that Twitter "has to by your book" and put it in the shop they pay for. You have zero right to force your book on anyone or any business.

[@jacobwatson1818]

I think was she was saying is if Twitter says you can't post, they can since it's a private business. There is no free speech issue. I didn't see the strawman argument.

[@callmebyyourname8332]

I think Bill hit on something important when he said being blocked on Twitter in today's society is like having your free speech right taken away. But when someone lies so incessantly online aka please make it stop (like you-know-who did before he lost re-election), then they should lose their online free speech right for a periodof time. We need to modernize free speech laws for an online age.

[@jacobwatson1818]

@@callmebyyourname8332 it's weird that Bill basically wants people to not just lie, but get to the level right before violence.

[@0612Devil]

Nancy Maclean was tripping over herself just trying to spew the party line

[@Da1PrettyT]

She was spot on

[@kalplays9922]

@@Da1PrettyT If by spot on you mean that she did a good job of spewing the party line, then sure. lmao

[@nathwest3821]

@@Da1PrettyT she and her ilk are church ladies of today, no brain all dogma

[@kandl2996]

@8gauge212 She was shit on several times

[@ambroseburnside5764]

That's what it is about my friend, the party line......and the money.

[@JulieMLewis]

Yes Bill look into 'right to work' states. You can get fired without cause and unless it was proven discrimination (which is difficult) there is nothing you can do.

[@Tom-oz7iy]

Bill is ignorant on so many topics. He is also no scientist so I really wish he would stop harping on obesity as the Covid killer. When the majority of the population is over weight of course it is going to appear that obesity is a key component. Covid attacks the lungs and pulmonary which is not good for older folks, it is just part of old age. Bill has this massive hang-up with people who don't see the light just like him, he is quite authoritarian on the point.

[@holycrapchris]

You're describing at-will employment, which exists pretty much everywhere. Right-to-work states allow for employees to work for unionized employers without joining the union.

[@victorpradha9946]

@@holycrapchris right to work states means that unionization does not change the at-will arrangement between employer and employees. Unionization only affords conditions of employment protections (safety, work schedules, overtime pay, equipment and supplies provisions etc) but will not alter the at-will dynamic.

[@ramonmoreno8014]

fire at will

[@rabbit251]

@@holycrapchris The result of this is that it decimates the power of the unions. What effect can a union have if it doesn't have any power? Amazing that people are basically sold poison, told it's good for them and they buy it up without fully understanding the implications.

[@thehunt098]

I really enjoyed both of these guests.

[@angryagain3801]

I can't believe Bill doesn't think an employer can't fire you for anything at any time. They most certainly can. Only a union can protect the individual employee and there's very few of those.

[@toddjones5742]

states, like California, require 'cause'

[@Rogue-bt4wp]

Absolutely...in NJ you can fire someone at will ..they don't have to give you a reason.

[@user-xe5cz3dw8m]

Those are only in state's that have "at will" employment and only then those companies that are based on "at will" employment which are ususually for only entry level or considered non-professional (licensed or certified) posititions.

[@oldtimer7635]

Well, he didn´t insist it, he just said it without better knowlegde. Let´s not forget, he´s just a comedian, with some strong opinions. I would be very surprised, or even concerned, if he would know every f-ing law in USA conserning employment.

[@poohbeartube]

​@@user-xe5cz3dw8m Are you serious?! So yes *"only"* in 49 of 50 states that have at-will employment. It seems to me that you're grossly distorting the facts or at least providing inaccurate information based on your opinion. What do you mean "Those are only in state's that have "at will" employment *and only then those companies that are based on "at will" employment which are ususually for only entry level or considered non-professional (licensed or certified) posititions."* What company is not *based on "at will" employment?* What are considered professional (licensed or certified) positions which are exempt?. I have a degree and 11 certifications (I work in IT) and have always been an at-will *employee* (except for self-employed, consulting work). I realize that is anecdotal (even though it also applies to hundreds of IT employees I've collaborated with) so I researched nursing and found that a Nursing assistant (CNA), a Licensed practical nurse (LPN), a Registered nurse (RN), and even Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are at-will employees. Montana is the only state in the U.S. that is completely not at-will. All other states recognize at-will employment. However, some states place limitations on it. These limitations are in addition to the ones that federal laws apply to all states. At-will employment means that an employer can fire an employee for any reason (if it's not illegal), or no reason, with no warning, and without having to establish just cause. About 74% of U.S. workers are considered at-will employees. All states in the U.S., excluding Montana, are at-will. Most do have exceptions, but the states of Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Nebraska, Maine, New York, and Rhode Island do not allow any exceptions. Common Exceptions to At-Will Employment: 1. Public sector employment. Public workers are not typically subject to at-will employment. 2. Unionized jobs. Union workers may have collective bargaining agreements that exempt them from at-will employment. 3. Contract basis employment. Contract workers may have a contract with their employer that exempts them. 4. An employee refusing to violate public policy. At-will does not apply when employees refuse to violate public policy or take action that is protected by public policy. The exception does not apply in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Nebraska, New York, Rhode Island, and Florida. 5. An employee taking actions protected by public policy. At-will does not apply when employees take action that is protected by public policy. This includes whistleblowing or reporting of unsafe or illegal activity. The exception does not apply in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Nebraska, New York, Rhode Island, and Florida. 6. An employer implying that there is a contract. In all but 14 states employees may not have at-will status if the employer implies a contract. The 14 states include Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia. 7. A breach of good faith by the employer. At-will does not apply if there has been a breach of good faith by the employer. For example, firing someone to deny a retirement package. This applies in 11 states. The 11 states include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Delaware, Idaho, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. 8. An employer discriminating. At-will employment does not apply if an employee is terminated due to discrimination. 9. An employee refusing to do something illegal. At-will employment does not apply if an employee is terminated for refusing to do something that is illegal. 10. An employer retaliating against union members. If an employer terminates employees for union activity, at-will employment does not apply.

[@moralfuxery]

Great overtime 👍. Bills usually got some good convos but this week was good.

[@zoobrizz]

Yes. Isn’t become obvious? . Things have changed since Biden 🤡 came into office.

[@elihathaway6784]

@Daniel Drader - I think he's just pointing out that everything went to s#!t when Brandon took office.

[@elihathaway6784]

@Daniel Drader - I consider myself in the middle but inflation and gas are setting records and we don't know how long they'll keep soaring. We also have war in Europe and are setting records at the southern border. But yea, other than the economy, immigration, foreign policy Brandon is doing great!

[@MrRichDavid]

Go Nancy! Loved your comments!

[@habershamjim]

I loved what he said................ Real communication can break down division.

[@theclamhammer4447]

That lady is insufferable.

[@kristycross]

The Spanish Flu was named so because although the US had first reported cases in Kansas, and other European countries all had cases, Only Spain's press reported the severity of it. When the news form those papers got back to the US it got it's name.

[@ericwilper3763]

So? Bill's larger point still stands. Diseases were named after locations forever. Suddenly, the whining leftists wanted to change the game due to a group of idiots.

[@bladestratford]

Regarding Income tax - "Billionaires" keep the majority of their wealth in stock and then borrow against it as needed. This method allows for very favorable tax rates compared to Bill who is paying tax on "earned income" with his HBO paychecks and comedy tours. Two different worlds when it comes to our Fed tax system. The fairness of our current tax system always creates an interesting debate.

[@lizannewhitlow1085]

At will employers CAN fire you for no cause.

[@thrawncaedusl717]

Unless it is a specifically protected reason (race/gender/sexuality). I have heard some states (including California) have added partisan affiliation to that list, and I think that needs to become every state. If you can be fired for voicing support for a legitimate political candidate, then that is not a functional democracy.

[@eggnogaddict6287]

That’s good, because if employment is like a marriage, it’s harder to get hired. Remember: if an eMployer can’t fire you, he’s going to be far more particular on who he is hiring, right?

[@__-us3ou]

@@thrawncaedusl717 Do you work in law? The only right an employee has is the right to sue. An employee can file a claim with one of the agencies which determines if he or she has a right to sue based on discrimination. That has to be filed in a specific time. If the agency gives what is called "A right to sue" then the employee can proceed to sue the employer. Many corporations push their employees to vote the way the corporation wants.

[@KitC916]

Bill's so out of touch that he doesn't know this. Libertarians are Republicanns Lite.

[@jannichi6431]

More common in Right to work states. Biden and Bernie know labor relations and support Unions.

[@Jeroen1983]

You're right, Nancy. You have the right not to be exposed to things you don't want to see or read. But you don't have the right to shut it down and remove others' rights to tune in or read the same works you don't want to be exposed to. This is what we in the sanity business call: the point.

[@Tom-oz7iy]

In the current age of ignorance we really do not want to have people making sh-t up and then it becomes a mainstream fact/untruth. This is the problem and why Trump was booted along with the fact that he was using Twitter to over throw the US government. Twitter is a private company and you 1st amendment rights do not apply.

[@deborahfreedman333]

True, but private companies have the right to only publish what they want. She's bitching about a rich man becoming the main shareholder in a company, because he might not choose to publish the stuff she likes. That is his right too. She wants it both ways.

[@rustybarrel516]

This is the same kind of stuff people like Jerry Falwell were rightly roasted for in the 80s. Now the people with the censorious instincts are on the other side. It will continue go back and forth. This is why it is important to uphold the principle of free speech in the non-government realms of public life. If we don’t, the desire to restrict free expression will gain a foothold in the public conscience. Then it’s a much smaller step to say the government should do something to control “misinformation.” It is legitimate to ask ourselves today if we’re already past that point.

[@nicklausoliphant]

@@deborahfreedman333 then they should be treated as publishers and held responsible for any/everything on their platforms.

[@MsThebeMoon]

At will work states - that includes NY - such companies can fire someone for ANYTHING. That is true, Bill. Yes, it happens today. There are protective categories but even within that, it is nearly impossible to prove discrimination or unfair treatment in the work place.

[@pj361]

Absolutely correct, Bill is far removed in that respect. Thanks for restating the facts. It is also the consensus that the "Spanish Flu" originated in the US and then transported to Europe via American troops, it was identified in Spain...hence the "Spanish Flu"

[@lisastaubly]

I live in WV, an "at will" state, where you can be fired, at a moments notice, for any reason, or *no* reason. Unless you are a government employee, you are employed at the whim of your boss/ company with no recourse.

[@harvardbig5887]

In MI, they call it "right to work" which means no reason is required to release an employee unless it's specifically protected by law. Politicians are masters at naming legislation that does the exact opposite of its name, the Patriot Act is another example.

[@trevorcarey3997]

Bill must be delutuonal to say it was'nt racist to say China virus instead of Corvid 19, it's like saying the Ebola virus the African virus or the Spanish flu the America virus, people are just mean. Sad 😩

[@calebpaddack7450]

Only 14 states are "at will" in America

[@tekkhanal5005]

As a conservative Immigrant i always watch real time !! because Bill is neutral liberal!

[@bocephus3068]

He is a "classic liberal". I am a conservative as well, and probably besides the second amendment and abortion, Maher and I agree on everything else. It is the far left progressives that ruin this country. Teachers... my kids are not your kids... they are your students. I do not want my children hearing anything about sex. Reading, writing and arithmetic only please. I got the rest.

[@daveruda]

that just means he is a conservative liberal

[@jutsu1]

Nope, he is not, he hates conservatives like you.

[@WillSmith-or3gt]

You mean Bill Maher is a traditional Liberal. Bill agrees with all the values that the Liberals used to agree with 10 years ago - free speech, equal rights, rule of law, etc. When the Democrats went full woke in 2015 and began supporting radical Leftist values (racial discrimination, racial equity, cancel culture, censorship), traditional Liberals like Bill where pushed to the right and their values became Conservative values.

[@ThePoliticrat]

@@daveruda In 2022, yeah. Honestly, I’m quite literally at the point where I’d be comfortable calling myself a “right wing liberal”.

[@slikskils1603]

I just got fired for advocating for ventilation and masks/respirators working over open vats of carcinogenic chemicals. osha said theres no case because I was temp. bill, how out of touch of you?

[@josephtransue9132]

Her Wikipedia says she's a historian....you wouldn't know from this conversation

[@anneb889]

I can’t believe such a closed minded, brainwashed person is a college professor. My gosh, she was a horrible guest. I’m glad Bill pushed back with her more during overtime.

[@MetalMike56]

She’s awful

[@LordIstar]

I'll say this, I love this show and have been watching it since I was in high school over a decade ago, so I naturally hate any weeks when it's not on, but I am really looking forward to Bill's special next week. I was mean't to be at the live show but a cancelled flight meant I had to miss it. It should be great. I also really enjoyed this episode. I think the reason why most Americans lie in the middle of the political spectrum is that we know the smell of bull shit, and we know it reeks from both side, not always with the same intensity, but none are free from the pandering and meandering flip-flopping, crowd pleasing rhetoric, with almost zero substance, and mostly distraction from the fact that they get so little of importance actually done, compared with the power and potential they actually posses.

[@jannichi6431]

Afraid of Primaries that voters won't show up to. Will be interesting to hear Bill's return from Sugarland, home of Teddy Bear Cruz.

[@everydaypancakemix]

Well put.

[@bafflezbiz]

Well poot.

[@bafflezbiz]

Haha, sorry, your analogy to excrement poot me off but I hear your point. Sorry you'll have to miss the show. Fortunately technology allows us to hear every word. ;)

[@annieonymouse4467]

I'd rather it weren't an either/or thing. I'd like the special and to have the show on next week.

[@GoogleAccount-ku4yu]

we are in the middle of a pandemic.....3 seconds later, well we're not????? which one almighty Duke professor 😂

[@G7VFY]

Spanish flu, did not originate in Spain, but it was the first country to publicly warn people (this is simplified). When the pandemic started, nobody wanted to admit/discuss it.) But to clarify, the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 did not originate in Spain.

[@brandoncaudill6864]

But it was the same idea. The public naturally assumed it was mostly concentrated in Spain, so they gave it that name.

[@johnmcmillion876]

@@brandoncaudill6864 ironically, the majority opinion now centers the spanish flu as originating in kansas at an army base. There are some interesting docs on the subject.

[@brandoncaudill6864]

@@johnmcmillion876 I understand the Flu came from Kansas. Again, that doesn't really address Maher's point. Viruses are often named after their supposed origin. The fact that the public was misinformed in 1918 has no bearing on this point.

[@piper998877]

@@brandoncaudill6864 The point she was making was that Asians starting getting assaulted because they are noticeable targets.

[@LyndaHill]

@@piper998877 When the lab was funded by the US.

[@PabloIzurieta]

Funny how a question about economics quickly turned into proselytizing. If the economy is of interest, Bill should get some real economists to debate this question.

[@randpherigo9724]

Exactly.. but he needs to look smart on tv.. so that'l never happen

[@rabbit251]

Economics is not a true science. There are some basic rules of supply and demand, but beyond that much of it is theory. (Take the theory of "Trickle Down" which on paper proves to work, but in reality it never has.) Where is economy headed? Good question. But we're trying to divine the future from the past and we can make a forecast based on numerous incidents from the past. And it is incredibly complex taking in so many factors it's impossible for the regular person to understand. So often today it gets put into a meme or how it affects a person personally and that is as far as their understanding goes. The point about rich not paying taxes was glossed over but has a big impact on the economy as the US government now makes up 1/3 of it.

[@NorRepor]

The audience asked the question, Bill just read it. Maybe they need to think about who they're asking?...

[@Sdewebb]

Absolutely agree with the sentiment that this was a great overtime. Reasonable people who aren't so arrogant that they can listen to the otherside. I'm a moderate so I think both sides are not completely right or completely wrong. Let's see some middle the road thinkers.

[@elizabethstanley7137]

Trump always donated to politicians on both sides of the aisle because he's not ideological. His policies are middle of the road common sense policies.

[@Sdewebb]

@@elizabethstanley7137 lol Trumps policies are not reasonable. He's a wannabe tyrant who literally tried to take over after losing in a legitimate election.

[@xaspirate8060]

Too hard to find. Not sure about your observations on the Overtime though. I thought the show was far below average for Real Time.

[@elizabethstanley7137]

@@Sdewebb How were his policies unreasonable? How did he govern like a tyrant? Just saying that without backing it up with an example tells me you are just repeating what you hear from fake news The election was not legitimate. It's obvious dementia Joe who has done nothing as a public servant other than enriching himself and his family with corrupt business dealings in Ukraine Russia and China. That information was suppressed. So was his obvious mental decline. Biden was a liability as VP with his constant gaffes. He had to stay hidden and got the nickname Hiden Biden....so I find it hard to believe even one person would ever vote for a weak feeble mentally impaired man given the dangerous world we live in. If the corrupt media and big tech didn't collude with the Democrats Trump would have won in a landslide. An incumbent ALWAYS wins reelection when they get more votes the second time around. Trump had 11 MILLION more votes and that is a huge difference. Most states didn't allow people to vote in person and the best way to cheat is with mail in ballots. Trump never told anyone to storm the Capitol. He specifically told them to protest patriotically and peacefully which they always do. Somehow the crowd got out of control with little security in place. Cops waved people into the building and allowed a few guys to break windows. January 6 was a lack of security issue on a day when a massive crowd was expected. I'm sure lessons were learned and proper security will be put in place the next time an enormous crowd is expected.

[@daveruda]

So Trump kinda won the election and the vaccines kinda makes you magnetic then?

[@nancychilton2366]

It’s how they get around paying taxes. They take loans against their stock options which is not taxable.

[@rabbit251]

This is very true. If anyone wants to read the details of how it's done check out Pro Publica which did a series on it. Not is what Nancy said is true, but because it is a "business loan" (but used in part to fund their lifestyle), the interest they pay is tax deductible. Or here's a fun one. I have an attorney friend who set up a dummy corporation for a rich person to loan himself money at an outrageous rate so he could buy a mansion. Not only was the exorbitant interest deductible, but he also got a deduction for running the dummy corporation which operated at a loss.

[@TheMonkdad]

This hypocrisy is insane. Twitter is a private company. Nobody has to participate for fear of survival. It’s their platform and they can do what they want.

[@mistuhgee]

All that means is that you don't really believe in free speech.

[@kevdaag2523]

It's clear that the 1st amendment does not require Twitter to publish every Tweet or every Tweeter. Should it? I don't think so.

[@elihathaway6784]

The problem is banning people and stories along party lines to further a political goal. Those of us not on the extreme end of either side can see it clearly.

[@kevdaag2523]

@@elihathaway6784 so you agree there is no first amendment issue. But otherwise you claim that people who don't agree with you are extremists.

[@elihathaway6784]

@@kevdaag2523 - Twitter isn't breaking the law but it certainly is a 1st amendment issue. Twitter is the new 'town square', and denying people access along party lines is just poison for this country. If you can step out of your partisan bubble for a minute you will see the problem very clearly!

[@lincoln5016]

I saw Bill live in Houston last night. Keep up the good work! We need more sensible liberals holding the left accountable in an attempt to get them back on track.

[@j.ericsandoval566]

“Deficits don’t matter…” Dick Cheney I don’t mean that in a bad way, I’m just saying.

[@drylooped]

I have seen videos from an economic standpoint about deficits, and they really don't do much other than cause those in charge to rethink before agreeing to spend absurd amounts of money that the country doesn't have. Too bad we are now in an age that much like Bill stated, people no longer care about the dollar amount or things like debt.

[@j.ericsandoval566]

@@drylooped ain’t that the truth!

[@jamesklassen5285]

Another great economic statement-"The budget will balance itself"-Justin Trudeau, dipshit Prime Minister of Canada..

[@nimrowd2023]

Great point at the end.

[@marcshuter5187]

I'm particularly unimpressed with this woman. Her answers were off-point at best. I'm glad she was there to set Bill up for some fantastic dunks. .

[@justinreilly1]

Exactly!! She was horrific. Glad Bill was so on point.

[@anneb889]

I think this may have been the weakest show so far this season. Yes she was off point, and just seemed to repeat media talking points….she didn’t even seem to agree cloth masks were more for show and don’t really do anything.

[@davidleigh443]

@@anneb889 True. The CDC has tested those ever-present blue cloth masks against the Corona Virus and all its variants thus determining they were ineffective. I wonder who bought stock un the companies that manufacture those masks.

[@JonClash]

In all my disagreement with Bill… I have really been enjoying him lately

[@JellyBean-lo4sl]

The U.S. economy is based on consumer spending. Once that slows the economy slows. As long as we have consumers willing to overspend the economy will be fine. If companies are having record profits, that's company greed not inflation. They are raising prices because they want to not because they have to.

[@toddjones5742]

the fight against raising wages is a huge mistake as it will undermine the ability of people to buy stuff. All the profits that go to shareholders of Amazon and Walmart, used to recirculate in communities. Now it's hoarded. 70% of Walmart products are made in China. Probably similar at Amazon.

[@Buttlather]

I don't think you understand how money works based on your comment... Why didn't companies like Starbucks and chipotle starkly raise their prices in 2019, were they just not greedy back then?

[@JellyBean-lo4sl]

@@Buttlather - "Record profits" IS company greed. THAT is what we are seeing now in 2022. They are raising prices well OVER the actual cost to get record profits which IS just plain greed and then hiding behind "inflation" that they themselves are causing.

[@Buttlather]

@@JellyBean-lo4sl Answer the question of why they weren't just doing that before.

[@capslockculture6223]

Yes, Bill. In a right to work state employers can fire you whenever they desire. But that's not a secret---I was surprised by your reply to her when she stated that fact.

[@colleenmardis2206]

True but you get unemployment benefits which companies hate so they go by the laws. I'm living in right to work state for 20 years and had to move here because no jobs in my state. Plus rents are too high back home. Crime was and still is terrible.

[@capslockculture6223]

@@colleenmardis2206 I've been denied unemployment in my state,which is a right-to-work state, as have many others. So it's not absolute that you would bet benefits. Even if you get unemployment it's only a fraction of your pay and since most jobs with higher turnover are typically low-paying to begin with then the benefits most people in that situation would receive are laughable. Rent is low in my state, yes...however, we are a bottom 10 state in rates of crime, poverty, spousal abuse, child abuse, child neglect, bad infrastructure, poor education...on and on it goes. And I don't even live in Arkansas ! I live in a city w/ 350,000 people and it's still a cultural wasteland out here...well.. unless you like a bizarre mix of white-christian hegemony and federally protected Indian Casinos. Then this is your disneyland.

[@colleenmardis2206]

@@capslockculture6223 Well I lived in two aweful states and love were I am now for 20 years. But that's also do to my experiences. Not everyone would be happy here. Depends on your views and type of job. Also liked the schools because of low crime and taught manners ect... I believe in living where you're the happiest.

[@phriedokra6158]

hes not as knowledgeable about the streets since the 80s...

[@리주민]

I love how those that advocate right to work still defend HOAs. How about right to live??? Same concept. You don't have to live there (HOA). You don't have to work there (union). You signed the deed. (HOA) You signed the employment contract (union). Etc HOA is a closed shop, and that has been ruled unconstitutional for unions. It should be so for HOAs too

[@miketemple7]

Just my 2 cents, but Biil, I think you are a genious!!!!! You really know what is and what isn't, and you are'nt afraid to speak the truth and obvious!!!!

[@thrillhouse4784]

you probably fell for any girl that gave you attention

[@EricMineer]

@@thrillhouse4784 no way he is a genious.

[@jannichi6431]

Biden too old to take a lesson on how to be CLEAR CONCISE and Funny. Obama and JFK got it naturally. 📢

[@MICHAEL_MAY_8]

*Genius

[@RiotNrrrdUTube]

A “genious” would probably have known that the Spanish Flu was not named for where it originated, like Bill claimed. (I believe it originated in Kansas.)

[@annieshedden1245]

Twitter is not publicly content-regulated therefore not under 1A. But publishers like Twitter should be held responsible for false, hateful, or inciting content.

[@kingovo1687]

Bill was on fire this ep

[@irisalan3018]

Economy is going down all over the world not only America ! Have you seen the inflation in the UK & Australia?!

[@cameronmiles645]

Australia’s inflation is sitting at 3.5%, not bad, although the uk at 6% is more comparable

[@afridgetoofar1818]

It's even worse in Germany

[@markcollins5464]

Don’t forget about corrupt crime Minister Castro Trudeau killing Canada…

[@marcushalberstram9609]

The liberal world order is dying

[@terry2346]

Wonder what it is in Russia? Couldn't be high enough as far as I am concerned. Just too bad that they aren't getting the true horror of what their troops are doing in Ukraine. Talk about lack of free speech!!

[@gutz1981]

After talking to my friend who is a government accountant, its not that the poor pay more. It has more to do with what you can and cannot claim on tax. If you are rich, it is more likely you own and pay for more things if you own a business. Building tax, employee pensions, equipment, transportation and so forth. You would be amazed how much you can claim, even on down to paper clips and phone bills and hotels and so on. If you work a 9-5 job, you basically pay nothing to work cause all you need to do is show up. When you are rich or self employed or own a business, you pay for a lot of things that are LEGALLY allowed to be tax write offs. Plus, you also contribute more to the economy than if you just consume everyday goods. You are taxed "more" when you don't make much, because you offer less. And no, I am not rich. But I have been self employed for a few years now.

[@ljss6805]

Love that Leonhart is saying college professors are doing fine, when 2/3 of them live below the poverty line. LOL.

[@ramonmoreno8014]

teach harder

[@MarkMartiak]

David feels the wealth gap will cause the economy to deteriorate however he doesn’t want to forecast it verbally.

[@jannichi6431]

Had no idea of Mamet! Glengarry(sp) Glen Ross top fav movie. Can't wait to Google movies on Netflix/Prime for tonight. Recession? sounds interesting. Don't hear Maher gush often and he's met 'em all being in Vegas all these years.

[@KitC916]

Widespread inequality and deprivation doesn't bode well for having a democracy. How free are you under capitalism as it currently is when your healthcare is keeping you stuck in a job you hate?

[@acbower4468]

@@KitC916 so is the opposite true? Are there Europeans who don’t hate their jobs because healthcare isn’t part of a benefit package?

[@davidbrowne6371]

@@acbower4468 I’m sure it’s not. America’s Euro cousins just grasp another irritable topic to grovel abt to their individual gov’t reps much like most Americans do. I think all the viral triggered supply chain issues & subsequent inflation was their main gripe .. (pre-Putin’s desperation invasion on their back stoop) I honestly don’t know what it wld be today but, I’m sure it depends on whom you ask & their proximity to Ukraine and/or the millions of newly created war refugees evacuating ahead of the bombing. Many of whom started heading west ahead of Putin’s ultimatum countdown months ago.

[@bzbz7932]

The USA decided to become a nation of rent seeking/servant class instead of keeping a middle class. Wealth gap was planned by those that benefit.

[@a.somerset7393]

I just finished reading Nancy MacLean’s book “Democracy in Chains.”Great read, very informative.

[@yangbomb2]

Way to go bill. I love he brings counter arguments about half truth. What's up with this bs notion that liberals are the only ones that believe science? This self-righteous bs makes me lean towards center more than ever. Geez.

[@royw-g3120]

A majority of conservatives reject evolution and and a large minority of them reject Big Bang theory , carbon dating and the age of the earth, those are the foundational theories behind cosmology, chemistry, geology, biology and geophysics. Medicine used to be safe but now they are anti-vaxx too. The root cause is a hatred of “experts” and education in general.

[@royw-g3120]

Clarify “conservatives in the US” Other countries right winger do not have this kneejerk rejection of evidence.

[@joebarr725]

Not all science acceptance comes from the left. But all science denial comes from the right.

[@royw-g3120]

@@joebarr725 almost the OG anti vaxxers were kale eating well off liberals on the west coast. Some of the worst vaccination rates were in some very prestigious private schools. This was all pre COVID of course.

[@BigSnipp]

His remark about the Spanish flu was false.

[@littlecarrey9887]

Sorry Bill but seeing how you've never held an honest 9-5 job you don't understand that you can be terminated for lots of reasons in the real world because at work you lose certain freedoms, like freedom of speech/expression. I hear the same calibre of thing from an older family member who hasn't had a job since the 80's yet debate about the work world of 2022 with younger people and pretend they understand it.

[@conkyvsricki4710]

you don't lose freedom of speech because the amendment doesn't protect you from a job firing you for what you say. it is sad how poorly people understand the constitution.

[@totalcfh]

Bill's wisdom only raises with age. Keep defending logic and truth. It's not you who changed, they are the ones going nuts. GO BILL!

[@MADDcartman]

That lady made the laziest arguments on one of the biggest shows on tv. Yikes. She obviously didn’t listen to the opening interview.

[@judyhansel8000]

She is a old school feminist who got brainwashed back in the '70's. No new info added to brain since then

[@Buttlather]

Lazy, perfect adjective. It was almost embarrassing

[@achaindia]

This women is showing why Dem will lose big in the mid term.

[@omadayusjones6414]

THANK YOU Bill for staying true to your principles regarding free speech. This was the most informed discussion about the relationship between social media and free speech that I’ve heard in a long time. As a longtime conservative leaning more libertarian every day, I have grown from dismissing Bill to embracing him in spite of not agreeing with everything he says. Thanks again for keeping this dialogue open to all points of view.

[@its_rick_james_bich2575]

The lady is wrong!!!! Twitter and Facebook claim to be “Platforms” only, and not “PUBLISHER’s!!! However, once they make decisions on what content can be published on their site…they are in fact publishers, not merely a platform! This is an extremely important distinction!! They incorrectly label themselves as platforms so they can be protected by section 230 of the Communication Decency Act. They can’t be sued, for example, if any slanderous content appears on their website. While tech companies still have a responsibility of care and duty to remove any content that violates federal criminal laws, they can’t be held be responsible if some crazy guy or gal starts spreading misinformation or trafficking in conspiracy theories. However, POOF! All of the legal protections are removed once they are considered to be publishers and not platforms.

[@rabbit251]

Easy solution. Remove their immunity and make them liable for content like any other media source.

[@Userick10]

Nancy McClean is what I call Blue MAGA.

[@chillones9574]

haha I get it :)

[@nicki4515]

I’m surprised I haven’t heard the phrase “Blue MAGA” before because that’s a perfect term to summarize this eye roll of a person.

[@nly4607]

She has a face for radio and opi ions that belong on Dr Phil lol

[@jefft4966]

Spot on. I was thinking of the words to describe her and the absurd comments she was making, but you did it perfectly. I wonder if she really believes what she's speaking about or if she was brought on to spew state propaganda talking points. Bill has these types of guests on all the time unfortunately and they are never constructive. Always blue vs red when it should be the working class vs. the state.

[@nly4607]

@@jefft4966 The 2 groups of people in this country are the people who pay taxes and actually chip in and the people who just get gimmes

[@patchampagne1]

Impressed by Nancy Maclean 🙏🏻🧐

[@aegilmoth]

We need more Maher when he is like this - if only he could get over his TDS.

[@chillones9574]

Nancy is the aunt I glad I never had.

[@user-tp6sb6lq5f]

Bill !!! Speaking for the people

[@charlesciriello4014]

This woman is the perfect example of what’s wrong with people today.

[@rustybarrel516]

I don’t think she covers everything wrong with people, but it’s not for a lack of effort on her part.

[@humanonearth1]

7:49 "I'm not sure they can do that anymore." - This is how out of touch Bill is with everyday people. It's pretty ironic considering his brand. Bill is rich as he admits earlier in the show. He absolutely understands how an employer can fire someone for anything, they just have to spend a couple minutes thinking about a creative excuse that protects them legally. If Bill doesn't know this he's a moron. If he does and is just being argumentative, than he's a dishonest douche. Either way it's not great for Bill. He's funny but man he's getting worse and worse each passing day with this anti woke bs. He gets such a wood for it it's cringe.

[@csircy]

Bill is a bit out of touch with modern medicine as well.

[@snuffeldjuret]

can you fire someone for being gay?

[@faceplants2]

In California, you can't fire someone without "cause" after x days (I think it's 30). Several states have similar laws on the books

[@Joe-ij6of]

@@faceplants2 "cause" is so vague that, yes, the OP is correct in saying that you just need a creative excuse. The employment issue is really tricky, but it gets a lot less tricky if we had universal healthcare, some sort of trade school/college retraining credit, and some protections against W2/1099 misclassification.

[@tatendamhuriro2735]

These two guests were owned. The rubbish they spew from their mouths

[@jacklund9366]

I'm sorry but Bill is wrong, Twitter is still voluntary and a private company. They have the right to remove anyone they want. Surprisingly SOME of us don't have a Twitter account 😲

[@anabaird3835]

ABSOLUTELY AGREE!! I cant fathom how anyone can see it otherwise.

[@mikestevenson576]

She doesn't help herself with that snort of self-satisfied laughter after every few words she says.

[@rustybarrel516]

Yep. That is a preemptive defense mechanism that is meant to signal to uninformed listeners that they would be a fool to challenge the brilliant “point” they just uttered.

[@CMontgomeryBurns09]

Good discussion!

[@eaglesfan4207]

Bill was feeling himself this week, good stuff

[@jrraven3230]

Trumpus has his own social media platform and apparently in the rules you cannot voice your opinion, unless it matches their opinion 😇🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@anabaird3835]

Of COURSE. A given.

[@philoz08]

I knew he was gonna add the spanish flu to the list, although he's wrong. Was just waiting for it. LMAO

[@AnthonyDD]

Wow! Nancy completely lost her mind during the show. Full blown branch-covidian.

[@twilliamsjr23]

This was a great show! It gave perspective to both sides of our major political parties views on the other sides, while also showing how we can meet in the middle for some good old fashion compromise and civility! Great job Bill!

[@irishlady30]

Look for truth, we're not enemies, I'm not mad at anyone except the people who took an oath to serve the people of this country, both sides only serving a small percentage of us....

[@earlwescombe1640]

3 liberals talking = both sides ?? I like Vill. Bit just think about your comment for a minute

[@JakobNoone]

@@earlwescombe1640 I hear ya. But the non-crazed, non-shouting, non-conspiracy theory, non-hate-mongering conservatives need to take back the public voice of conservativism or, free speech or not, no one is gonna want to hear it. And we all have a right to not be forced to listen to lies like Stop the Steal or Jan. 6th was legitimate political discourse, etc. So when conservative voices that tell the truth are drummed out of the party, called RINO's, and absolutely provably false statements are shouted as if that will make them true, etc... who precisely are the conservative voices a responsible discussion show should have on? Bill has had Ben Shapiro on. And Steve "Lie Master #1" Bannon on at various times. So... think about your comment, also. And now give me some names because I've been yearning for 15 years or more for Republicans to be civil and actually discuss issues again, not how certain groups of people are to blame for everything wrong in every conservative's life because they're victims and there's a war on Christmas by gay African-Americans and Hollywood or whomever else they're choosing to villainize and blame today. Seriously, I'd love to hear some names of sane conservatives like Bill Kristol or David Brooks or Michael Steele. Cuz I only hear such voices on 'liberal' media which seems to stand in contrast to what point I think you were making here.

[@retiredby3570]

Where was the other side? Totally delusional

[@thebluntreport8850]

@@retiredby3570 fu#k the other side, good should never unite with evil

[@mikevieira6041]

Bill Maher rocks!!!

[@spencerbissett3417]

Content aside, I gotta say that I'm really damn tired of people using "right?" as a punctuation mark. Leonhart was so bad about that.

[@stonerubber]

Yes! It manages to be condescending and presumptuous at the same time. And usually follows some half-baked idea.

[@deborahfreedman333]

It's far less annoying than "OK?"

[@joshuafouse2993]

As long as it's not "like". I want to punch people in the face when I hear it. Male or female, punch to the piehole.

[@stonerubber]

@@deborahfreedman333 "So..."

[@rustybarrel516]

It started replacing “ya know” about 10-12 years ago. Eventually it will be replaced by some equally obnoxious throwaway word(s).

[@moffjendob6796]

"If I don't like a book, I don't have to buy it." But Bill's point is you also cannot order the bookstore to BURN IT. You can decide not to consume it; you cannot forbid OTHERS. But Twitter and Facebook ARE private companies.

[@acbower4468]

The problem is these companies aren’t publishers but somehow act like editors, and it makes for a very weird situation. I mean it’s a private company where politicians communicate with their constituents…it’s a very weird situation and one where, as an American company, one would think the “spirit” of free speech would be applied as broadly as possible.

[@judyhansel8000]

Book censorship happens at the publishing house. We don't know what we aren't allowed to know

[@bigseltzer5442]

Most Americans don't look at Twitter over the coarse of a year it just narcissistic shit to make y'all feel self important. Twitter doesn't matter it's not a news channel it's an app like candy crush

[@LordIstar]

@@acbower4468 The thing is that there are limits to free speech as well. These limits are meant to serve public good and prevent harm. I agree that on philosophy and expression, freedom must be king, but when someone chooses to utilize those platforms to spread misinformation, often rising to the level of disinformation, and that messaging causes very real harm to real human beings, a private company that provides that platform has every right to protect its brand, if not the users, members of the public, of said platform. They also have polices and standards that everyone agrees to. You have the right to break them. They have the right to remove you. Freedom on both sides. What we can't allow is for bad agents to use our own rights and freedoms to goad and incite us to attack each other and self-destroy. No one has that supreme right to the detriment of all others.

[@jannichi6431]

@@acbower4468 Read Amy Klobucher Antitrust book with solutions. She's a smart one.

[@gigaus0]

3:45 You're doing it wrong then. Between business, law, and union experience, if you have a large percent like 50%, you have options to bring that down to 0%. Just because you're not willing to manipulate the system doesn't mean everyone else isn't.

[@silentlou4375]

Excellent conversation that gets to the heart of today’s insanity.

[@yotmb]

I keep asking myself the same Bill asks… I wouldn’t mind the 50% of taxes I pay on my income if it helped, but it feels like we don’t have social safety measures to just make sure that people have enough food, a roof over their heads, and proper medical care. Just basic safety nets, not handouts or incentives for lack of productivity… just safety nets.

[@dreamcoyote]

I've thought for a while that we need to go back to that term. Social safety nets were controversial 40 years ago but more people think they make sense now. You can also build/change them for specific purposes and they don't have to be all-encompassing. They reduce crime and community damages from crimes. They reduce overall costs as minimal maintenance is usually cheaper than dealing with outright crisis/crashes/bankruptcy/etc. They retain people in a state where they can quickly shift to growth spurts in available jobs allowing industries to grow more quickly as there is a ready workforce at hand. Lots of pros and I'm not even getting into moral aspects. It's just smart governance.

[@yotmb]

@@dreamcoyote Exactly!! Just smart governance, even without getting into the moral aspects. Also, didn’t know social safety nets were controversial 40 years back, I’ll read into that. Thanks for teaching me something today 🙂.

[@dreamcoyote]

@@yotmb I was starting to learn about govt when Reagan was elected so.. He closed down the asylums (which were admittedly in poor condition but should have been replaced, not eliminated, which put people with mental health issues on the street). A few other Reagan "small govt" cuts to social programs, the "Welfare Queens" lie. Clinton + GOP congress limited welfare to 2 years (w/ exceptions but most ppl had to try to work or get booted). Of course any program that we would consider a social safety net was considered outright socialism. They were starting to really push to privatize social security/retirement and birthed the 401k, IRA, etc. They wanted SS gone though and everyone would be on Wall Street :/. Thankfully that never came to fruition.

[@PatMachowski]

Bill Wins. Flawless Victory.

[@BattousaiZ]

Listening to Nancy reminds why I am glad to leave the left and their bubble

[@astrosci8864]

Believe me: Elon Musk will fix nothing on Twitter.....that ship had sailed long ago.....

[@psongman9536]

Yeah, good example, Trump should never have been allowed to use Twitter. We studied this necessity in Communciations Law. One of my professors who is a Republican couldn't believe they allowed him access as he is a person ina position of power, actually the most. Well, they finally figured it out and banned him and if you noticed, the daily chaos went away and our country righted itself!

[@svscared]

Yeah especially because he's never cared about free speech himself.

[@astrosci8864]

@@psongman9536 I would go one further and maintain that NO government member should EVER be allowed to directly communicate via Social Media. This is for the protection of these members as well as the public.

[@astrosci8864]

@@svscared This is likely true.

[@davecape5955]

So Bill, are we supposed to give up, and succeed the air to the idiots?

[@mrrational2046]

The best OT of the season, thanks for doing a debate Bill🤝

[@davidmcdonald1898]

The Spanish Flu originated in Kansas.

[@afridgetoofar1818]

your point?

[@terry2346]

@@afridgetoofar1818 They don't always label it from whence it comes I guess he is saying.

[@afridgetoofar1818]

@@terry2346 True, but it’s pretty evident this one began in China 🇨🇳

[@brandoncaudill6864]

@@terry2346 it was believed to have mostly afflicted Spain at the time, hence why it was given that name.

[@JSilb]

I just read on History that there is evidence that one might also be from China. But whatever, it could have been the Kansas flu. This is just about playing control games and that liberal reflex to try to tell everyone how to speak.

[@mikestaihr5183]

The Spanish Flu did not originate in Spain. That was propaganda. That was a bad example.

[@JRZTXN]

It goes to our "defense' spending Bill. I think if we did still gather in a public square and people said some of the dangerous things they say on Twitter they probably would be shunned.

[@phil5569]

"Sounds like you only read publications you already agree with" ~Bill Maher ...THIS IS WHY WE LOVE YOU BILL.

[@cyborggrizzly4577]

Bill is ignoring the fact that twitter isn’t a “town center” and it’s a private business that you have to agree to terms and conditions to use it and there is consequences if you break them

[@shadolson189]

Social media has become the public square by dominating and steering the public discussion. I realize that their unilateral censorship favors your team's push for single party rule, Pinky, but it doesn't make it morally correct or defensible. Also, having failed baristas pushing the delete button on topics of phylogenic mutagenesis and phylogenic gene therapy is deserving of a throat punch just on principal. Western civilization reached apogee of prosperity on basis of unfettered competition of ideals. Destroying that competition will have precisely the opposite effect. Enjoy your $10 gasoline.

[@williambartholmey5946]

The argument is not that it is a literal town center, but effectively is.

[@dungbeetle5313]

Exactly. ALOT of people are ignoring that very FACT. You agreed to it when you made your account that you didn’t read but hit I ACCEPT

[@doramaar123]

Re : Nancy on Elon Musk. I live in SF and work in tech. I have friends that worked for Tesla and had contact with EM. He is hard to work for and the company culture is toxic. He's the boss and it's his company - they didn't like it and moved on. So yeah, if you don't like EM's impact on Twitter (I don't think there will be any), just move on.

[@doramaar123]

@Yuri I don't think they expected rainbows, there's always room for middle ground. That's what I've been told. If you work for Tesla and have a different opinion, I accept yours, too.

[@doramaar123]

What I said doesn't diminish his achievements.

[@thurstonwilliams824]

As a North Carolinian I want to apologise for this Nancy MacLean. I’ve never seen someone talk so much and say so little.

[@BishopWalters12]

I'm also from NC and she's one of the biggest dips@@@s around.

[@eclass96]

This was 🔥🔥🔥

[@stefaniejordan3557]

Bill seems to be making an effort to be impermeable to information that is different from what he believes. Nancy talks about employers practices and he dismisses those facts saying "I don't think so", and then starts rambling about half truths? It always baffles me how he became that fossilized charicature just to keep the "controversial" seal.

[@JLMODELTEKKEN]

Florida. Right to work state. You can be fired for anything. Come on Bill 🤣

[@linguaphile42]

That's just what I thought. He needs to google "right to work state." More like "right to be fired at any moment for absolutely no reason."

[@JLMODELTEKKEN]

@@linguaphile42 - Exactly. I agree 100%.

[@Tricklarock]

RIGHT?!?! Some of what Bill has been saying recently seems a bit off. Kind of like he's saying stupid (for lack of a better word?) shit, just to prop up whatever point he's trying to make at the time. For example, when he starts going on about Ivermectin, acting like he was actually thinking of trying it?!

[@JLMODELTEKKEN]

@@Tricklarock - Yeah when he made that ridiculous remark I was like "what!" 🤣😭 WTF is this dude talking about 🤣

[@bzbz7932]

Thats how it should be.

[@tracybenson6364]

This was such an excellent conversation. Thank you!

[@noeldivad]

one of the smartest conversations i've seen in quite some time. bill doesn't always get it right, but he knocked it out of the park on this one