SCOTUS Ruling Makes Bribing Easier | Sharon Lerner
SCOTUS Ruling Makes Bribing Easier | Sharon Lerner
2Digest
The Daily Show kicks off with a discussion about the Supreme Court's recent ruling that gifts to public officials can only be considered illegal bribes if they're given before the official act, not after. The show's host, Michael Costa, expresses his frustration with the ruling, arguing that it makes it easier to bribe elected officials. The show then moves on to the tech world and the growing controversy surrounding AI-generated music. Record labels are suing AI music-making companies for illegally using copyrighted sound recordings to train their AI, raising concerns about the impact on artists' rights and earnings. The show plays an example of an AI-generated Beatles song, highlighting the potential for AI to create music that is indistinguishable from human-created music. The show's host argues that AI should not be involved in art and that human artists should be the ones creating art. The show then discusses the delayed return of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft and its crew, which has been delayed due to helium leaks and thruster issues. The show's host jokes about the astronauts' predicament, suggesting that they should be dealing with more exciting space-related problems, like a quantum overload, rather than a leaky pipe. The show then moves on to the upcoming presidential election, interviewing a focus group of undecided voters. The host attempts to get the voters to make a decision, but they remain undecided. The show ends with a discussion about the importance of voting and the need for voters to make a decision, even if it's a difficult one.
Outlines
Supreme Court Ruling on Bribery
This Chapter discusses the Supreme Court's recent ruling that gifts to public officials can only be considered illegal bribes if they're given before the official act, not after. The show's host, Michael Costa, expresses his frustration with the ruling, arguing that it makes it easier to bribe elected officials.
AI-Generated Music Controversy
This Chapter discusses the growing controversy surrounding AI-generated music. Record labels are suing AI music-making companies for illegally using copyrighted sound recordings to train their AI, raising concerns about the impact on artists' rights and earnings. The show plays an example of an AI-generated Beatles song, highlighting the potential for AI to create music that is indistinguishable from human-created music. The show's host argues that AI should not be involved in art and that human artists should be the ones creating art.
Delayed Return of Boeing Starliner
This Chapter discusses the delayed return of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft and its crew, which has been delayed due to helium leaks and thruster issues. The show's host jokes about the astronauts' predicament, suggesting that they should be dealing with more exciting space-related problems, like a quantum overload, rather than a leaky pipe.
Interview with Undecided Voters
This Chapter features an interview with a focus group of undecided voters about the upcoming presidential election. The host attempts to get the voters to make a decision, but they remain undecided.
Interview with Sharon Learner
This Chapter features an interview with Sharon Learner, a ProPublica reporter who has written an article about 3M's use of forever chemicals. Learner discusses the dangers of forever chemicals and the company's history of covering up the truth about these chemicals.
The Daily Show Wrap-Up
This Chapter concludes the show with a discussion about the importance of voting and the need for voters to make a decision, even if it's a difficult one.
Keywords
Supreme Court
The highest federal court in the United States, responsible for interpreting the Constitution and federal laws. It consists of nine justices appointed for life by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Bribery
The act of giving or receiving something of value to influence a person's actions, especially in a position of authority. It is a crime in most jurisdictions and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
AI-generated music
Music created using artificial intelligence algorithms, which can learn from existing music and generate new compositions. This technology has raised concerns about copyright infringement and the impact on artists' livelihoods.
Boeing Starliner
A spacecraft developed by Boeing for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, designed to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station. It has experienced several delays and technical issues during its development and testing.
Undecided voters
Voters who have not yet decided which candidate they will support in an election. They are often the target of campaigns and political strategists, as their votes can be crucial in determining the outcome of an election.
Forever chemicals
A class of synthetic chemicals, known as PFAS, that are highly persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body. They are used in a wide range of products, including non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and food packaging.
3M
A multinational conglomerate headquartered in Minnesota, known for its wide range of products, including adhesives, abrasives, and industrial materials. The company has been involved in several controversies, including the production and use of forever chemicals.
Environmental crime
A crime that harms the environment, such as pollution, illegal dumping, or the destruction of natural habitats. It can have serious consequences for human health and the ecosystem.
International Space Station
A habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit, a joint project of several space agencies, including NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, and CSA. It serves as a research laboratory and a platform for international cooperation in space exploration.
Presidential election
An election in which voters choose the President of the United States. It is held every four years and is one of the most important events in American politics.
Q&A
What was the Supreme Court's ruling on bribery?
The Supreme Court ruled that gifts to public officials can only be considered illegal bribes if they're given before the official act, not after.
What are the concerns surrounding AI-generated music?
The concerns are that AI music-making companies are illegally using copyrighted sound recordings to train their AI, which could impact artists' rights and earnings.
What is the current status of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft?
The return of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft and its crew has been delayed due to helium leaks and thruster issues.
What are forever chemicals and why are they a concern?
Forever chemicals, also known as PFAS, are highly persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body. They are used in a wide range of products and have been linked to health problems.
What is 3M's involvement with forever chemicals?
3M has been involved in the production and use of forever chemicals for decades and has been accused of covering up the truth about their dangers.
What are some of the government failures related to forever chemicals?
The government has been slow to regulate forever chemicals and has not done enough to protect the public from their dangers.
What can individuals do to reduce their exposure to forever chemicals?
Individuals can reduce their exposure to forever chemicals by avoiding products that contain them, such as non-stick cookware, microwave popcorn, and certain food packaging.
What is the importance of voting in a presidential election?
Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility of citizens in a democracy. It allows individuals to have a say in who represents them and shapes the policies that affect their lives.
What are some of the challenges facing undecided voters in the upcoming presidential election?
Undecided voters may be struggling to choose between two candidates who they feel are not ideal choices. They may also be overwhelmed by the amount of information and misinformation circulating about the candidates and the election.
What is the role of investigative journalism in exposing environmental crimes?
Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in exposing environmental crimes by holding corporations accountable for their actions and informing the public about the dangers of environmental pollution.
Show Notes
Michael Kosta reports on the highs and lows of yesterday’s primaries, the Supreme Court’s ruling that makes it easier for politicians to accept bribes as “tips,” and AI’s effect on the music industry as record labels scramble to protect their artists from fake tunes. Plus, a helium-leaking spaceship from Boeing has left two astronauts stranded, and Ronny Chieng joins with updates from the ISS. Then, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog sits down with a group of undecided voters and tries a handful of tactics to get them to make up their damn minds, from sandwich comparisons to Cheesecake Factory metaphors. And ProPublica reporter Sharon Lerner sits down to discuss her latest piece in collaboration with The New Yorker on 3M’s use and concealment of forever chemicals.
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