Letter from America: From Nixon to Carter (1969-1980)

Pol Pot regime falls

12 Jan 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Cambodia's Pol Pot regime toppled by Vietnamese incursion.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who betwee...

White Christmas in Vermont

05 Jan 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Christmas holiday in Vermont, the state which knows how to cope with snow.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition of...

End of the year report, 1978

29 Dec 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Gloomy end of year report. Prices rising, Russia worried over the US's turn to China and the Middle East still in turmoil.The sound quality on this re...

Carter and Taiwan

22 Dec 1978

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter ends Taiwan defence treaty, recognising China. US conservatives unhappy with president's move.The sound quality on this recording is ...

Human rights and the UN

15 Dec 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Human rights and the not-quite United Nations - when oil comes before freedom.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two l...

Carter at the opera

08 Dec 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Jimmy Carter first sitting president to attend Met opera - for a party fund-raiser.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of ...

Jonestown massacre

01 Dec 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Jonestown massacre. 900 cult members die in Rev Jim Jones's jungle camp.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition of L...

Mid-term election, November 1978

24 Nov 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Mid-term election. Local issues skew public perception of Carter's term of office.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive ed...

Economic predictions, November 1978

17 Nov 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Economic predictions. Has Carter seen a recession looming? Link between decadence and Depression.This archive edition of Letter from America was recor...

NY newspaper strike ends

10 Nov 1978

Contributed by Lukas

New York newspapers back on the streets after three-month strike.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who...

Mid-term elections

03 Nov 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Local issues top vote-winners in coming mid-term elections.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who betwe...

Inflation fears rise

27 Oct 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Voters fear rising inflation as US business chiefs forecast recession.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners...

Carter's three bills passed

20 Oct 1978

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter's three main policy bills finally win Congress over.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners,...

Shevchenko's affairs

13 Oct 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Mistress of defector Shevchenko claims that she is being paid with CIA money.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two li...

Airlines back Laker

06 Oct 1978

Contributed by Lukas

US airline chiefs back Sir Freddie Laker. Cheap flights have boosted industry-wide sales.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by o...

Carter boosted by summit

29 Sep 1978

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter's popularity boosted by Egypt-Israel summit. Energy plans get more backing.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded b...

Muhammad Ali, September 1978

22 Sep 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Muhammad Ali on Dick Cavett show September 1978. Rising popularity of Edward Kennedy.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one o...

Camp David summit

15 Sep 1978

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter hosts Camp David summit with Israeli and Egyptian leaders.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two list...

New York's ethnic mix

08 Sep 1978

Contributed by Lukas

The delicate political balancing act between the ethnic minorities which make up New York.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by ...

Energy bill at risk

01 Sep 1978

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter's energy bill at risk once again from Congress veto.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition of Lett...

Carter vetoes defence bill

25 Aug 1978

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter vetoes defence bill. Objects to proposed $2 billion nuclear aircraft carrier.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.Thi...

Long Island life

18 Aug 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Long Island history and the north-south divide. Albert Einstein's wartime stay in a rented cottage there.This archive edition of Letter from America w...

Using the First Amendment

11 Aug 1978

Contributed by Lukas

When uses of the First Amendment perhaps allow freedoms which should be curtailed.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of t...

Joggers in Central Park

04 Aug 1978

Contributed by Lukas

New York's Central Park is filled with those joining the new keep-fit craze of jogging.

Billy Martin leaves Yankees

28 Jul 1978

Contributed by Lukas

NY Yankees manager Billy Martin quits. Lesson in where the buck stops in the Western world.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by...

Political prisoners

21 Jul 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Russia points the finger at US 'prisoners of conscience' following Ambassador Young's gaffe.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded b...

US foreign policy unclear

14 Jul 1978

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter sends out unclear messages on foreign policy. Ambassador Young's gaffe over political prisoners.This archive edition of Letter from A...

Fourth of July

07 Jul 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Workers claim an extra-long weekend break for this year's Independence Day celebration.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one...

Bakke case ruling

30 Jun 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Supreme Court ruling in Bakke case could make difficulties in future discrimination policy.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by...

Carter's civil defence policy

23 Jun 1978

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter backtracks on civil defence. Debate over US policy on USSR.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two lis...

Commencement

16 Jun 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Explaining Commencement, known outside the US as Degree Day.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who betw...

Cities' finance problems

09 Jun 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Many US cities face underfunding problems - as citizens revolt against local taxation.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one ...

The Grand Canyon

02 Jun 1978

Contributed by Lukas

The Grand Canyon and other tourist attractions - especially New York's eccentric inhabitants.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded ...

Proposition 13

26 May 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Californians to vote on Proposition 13 change to local taxation. Bakke case comes to court.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by...

News timing

19 May 1978

Contributed by Lukas

News events occur when they will - they rarely happen in time for a journalist's deadline.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor. Progra...

Murder of Aldo Moro

12 May 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Former Italian premier Aldo Moro murdered by extremist far left group, The Red Brigades.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by on...

Modern weddings

05 May 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Comparing two modern weddings to discover why it's best not to write your own order of service.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorde...

Protest and historical change

28 Apr 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Capitalism, communism and historical change, the slant that hindsight gives history - Eldridge Cleaver, and protest over the years by college students...

Panama treaty agreed

21 Apr 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Casting vote saves Panama treaty after 13 years of negotiation over future of the canal.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by on...

Inflation fears

14 Apr 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Americans believe inflation is the worst problem facing America.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who ...

New York financial crisis

07 Apr 1978

Contributed by Lukas

New York hoping for Washington aid to tackle city's mounting financial crisis.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two l...

Carter's broken promises

31 Mar 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Carter's poll rating slip as his broken election promises mount up.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, w...

Snow in Mexico

24 Mar 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Unexpected snow storm during a Mexican holiday. History of Mexico and the enduring hate of the Spanish Conquest.This archive edition of Letter from Am...

Holiday reading

17 Mar 1978

Contributed by Lukas

What to read on holiday. The A to Z of surprises in the Manhattan telephone directory.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one ...

From Mexico

10 Mar 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Why Letter from America can never be up to date anywhere in the world, and why US reports on Mexico are limited to jails and drugs.

Dollar slumps in Europe

03 Mar 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Dollar slump in Europe as Carter faces stubborn Congress over energy.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners,...

Ten years after Tet, February 1978

24 Feb 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Ten years after Tet offensive. US public opinion shifts over foreign affairs. Muhammed Ali defeated as reigning world heavyweight boxing champion by L...

Fighter planes for Egypt

17 Feb 1978

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter backs sale of US-built fighter jets to Egypt. Worst winter weather in north-east for decades.This archive edition of Letter from Amer...

Dr Strangelove and the Soviet spy satellite

10 Feb 1978

Contributed by Lukas

As a Soviet spy satellite fuelled by nuclear power plunges to earth above Canada, has military technology acquiring a momentum independent of human co...

Foreign correspondents

03 Feb 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Foreign correspondents' views may be skewed if they stick to their capital city bases.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one ...

Mayor Koch snowed under

27 Jan 1978

Contributed by Lukas

New York's Mayor Koch under attack after snow storms hit the city.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, wh...

Hubert Humphrey obituary

20 Jan 1978

Contributed by Lukas

Remembering former vice president Hubert Humphrey who recently died. A political life well lived.This archive edition of Letter from America was recor...

Radio City to close

13 Jan 1978

Contributed by Lukas

New York landmark and art deco 'jewel' Radio City is to close.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who be...

Domestic affairs

06 Jan 1978

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter may discover his foreign policy ambitions have left domestic duties undone.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded b...

Britons are too happy

30 Dec 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Survey finds Britons are happy - despite lack of national economic growth.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two liste...

Groucho Marx and Bing Crosby

23 Dec 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Two great talents who died in 1977 - remembering Groucho Marx and Bing Crosby.

Smallpox eradicated

16 Dec 1977

Contributed by Lukas

UN's World Health Organisation announces smallpox has been eradicated from everywhere in the world.This archive edition of Letter from America was rec...

National miners' strike

09 Dec 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Miners strike called as energy plans top national agenda. Middle East talks face crisis over securing oil supplies.This archive edition of Letter from...

US defence of Israel

02 Dec 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Middle East peace talks stumble over US's moral commitment to defend the state of Israel.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This arc...

Sadat in Israel

25 Nov 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Egyptian President Anwar Sadat is first Arab leader to visit Israel, speaks in Knesset.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one...

Armed service pregnancy

18 Nov 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Armed services expected to follow new air force ruling allowing pregnant servicewomen to keep posts.The sound quality on this recording is variable/po...

Local issues

11 Nov 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Vast difference between city and county issues come up during local elections campaign.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archi...

UN and plane hijacking

28 Oct 1977

Contributed by Lukas

UN to debate the global problem of plane hijacking, following pilots' union threat to strike.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded ...

The United Nations

21 Oct 1977

Contributed by Lukas

As the UN grows into a sprawling organisation, is it failing to achieve its original aims?The sound quality of this programme deteriorates heavily tow...

The World Series

14 Oct 1977

Contributed by Lukas

The US fascination with their 'World Series', the baseball champion play-offs.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two l...

The political filibuster

07 Oct 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Understanding the art of the political filibuster. Carter busts his own filibuster to force through energy policies.This archive edition of Letter fro...

Ralph Nader tackles sport

30 Sep 1977

Contributed by Lukas

US consumer champion Ralph Nader tackles sports organisers to ensure more say for fans.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one...

Arrival of autumn

23 Sep 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Myths and fallacies connected to the arrival of autumn.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between t...

Anti-Semitism and WASPs

16 Sep 1977

Contributed by Lukas

This episode contains references to racially offensive song lyrics.Looking back at historic anti-Semitism and the WASP community.This archive edition ...

The rat race

09 Sep 1977

Contributed by Lukas

How to quit the rat race and learn to live within your means.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who bet...

Panama Canal treaty

02 Sep 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Panama Canal treaty to be renegotiated. NY Mayor blamed for the city's economic problems.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This arc...

'Son of Sam' killer caught

26 Aug 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Son of Sam serial killer caught. Remembering the 1920s Sacco and Vanzetti case.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive editi...

Death of Elvis, August 1977

19 Aug 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Death of Elvis. Carter's move away from liberal promises. Disquiet among black voters about Carter.This archive edition of Letter from America was rec...

Carter's energy bill

12 Aug 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Carter's energy bill, aimed at reducing oil dependence, passed by Congress.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two list...

Media coverage of looting

05 Aug 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Suggestion that radio coverage during NY blackout fuelled outbreaks of looting.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two ...

Urban problems are universal

29 Jul 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Problems facing urban areas are not local, but universal.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between...

New York looting

22 Jul 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Unemployment and poverty underlying causes of New York blackout looting.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listene...

New York blackout

15 Jul 1977

Contributed by Lukas

New York blacked out during power outage. Shops looted in darkened streets.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two list...

SALT talks

08 Jul 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Strategic arms limitation talks with Russia. Carter announces go-ahead for Cruise missiles.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by...

Loss of sportsmanship

01 Jul 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Sporting behaviour worsens as big money and TV deals takes over the major games.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two...

New York car parking ban

24 Jun 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Daytime car parking ban bids to ease pollution in midtown New York.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, w...

Big cars are back

17 Jun 1977

Contributed by Lukas

US drivers want big-car status despite fuel fears.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them t...

Royal Jubilee

10 Jun 1977

Contributed by Lukas

US view of Queen's Jubilee. Mrs Carter visits Latin America. Anti-gay vote in Florida.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one ...

Frost/Nixon interview cut

03 Jun 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Perils of TV taping. Part of Frost/Nixon TV interview deleted from transmission.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edit...

Kingman Brewster

27 May 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Kingman Brewster leaves Yale to take up appointment as UK ambassador.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor. Programme recording incompl...

Health and safety

20 May 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Growing number of health and safety warnings make everyday life a potential minefield.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one ...

Carter on energy policy

13 May 1977

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter issues warning on the US's over-consumption of energy and what this means for future generations.This archive edition of Letter from ...

Frost/Nixon TV interviews, May 1977

06 May 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Frost/Nixon TV interviews. Compulsive viewing for massive US and UK audiences. Reveal Nixon's human failings.This archive edition of Letter from Ameri...

Carter's first Europe visit

29 Apr 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Carter to make his first official visit to Europe as US President.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, wh...

Corporal punishment ruling

22 Apr 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Landmark case sees Supreme Court allow teachers to use 'reasonable' corporal punishment.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by on...

Presidential expectations

15 Apr 1977

Contributed by Lukas

The high expectations we have of any president inevitably result in disappointment.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of ...

US-Soviet arms talks collapse

08 Apr 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Warnings over human rights abuses leads to abrupt collapse of SALT talks between US and Russia.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.Th...

Carter's popularity soars

01 Apr 1977

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter gets a 70 per cent popularity rating in the polls.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, w...

When fact becomes fiction

25 Mar 1977

Contributed by Lukas

One incident in a small Mexican town becomes a rumour which sees thousands of tourists cancel trips.The sound quality on this recording is variable/po...

Falling standards of literacy

18 Mar 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Students study esoteric courses while basic literacy standards fall.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition of Lette...

Carter cuts aid deals

11 Mar 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Russian reaction to Carter meeting dissident. President cuts aid over human rights abuses.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by ...

Equal Rights hold-up

04 Mar 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Constitutional amendment to give Equal Rights to both sexes held up by states legislatures.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor and th...

Collective bargaining law

25 Feb 1977

Contributed by Lukas

Labour and Carter row over change to collective bargaining legislation. Are US TV viewers seeing too much news?The sound quality on this recording is ...

Obscenity laws

18 Feb 1977

Contributed by Lukas

How to ensure freedom of speech is maintained while curbing obscene publications. Cooke recalls meeting Mrs Simpson for the first, and last, time.The ...

First weeks of Carter presidency

11 Feb 1977

Contributed by Lukas

The Carter family moves into the White House en masse. Changes made to the previous White House regime.The sound quality on this recording is variable...