Apparently John Oliver has been reading my mind, as he has now hit two subjects that I care passionately about in consecutive weeks. Last week, he discussed standardized testing in schools. This week? America’s complete abandonment of new mothers and our lack of paid maternity leave:

I discussed this a few months ago with Myke on Analog(ue). It’s absolutely insane that the United States of America is one of only two countries without any paid maternity leave. In fact, perhaps “insane” isn’t the right word. I think “barbaric” may be a better one.

Erin and I are exceptionally lucky in that Erin is willing and able to stay home with Declan. I can’t imagine what it would be like to drop off a 12-week-old at day care, let alone a 12-day-old.

We should do better.