Letter from America: The Bush Jr Years (2001- 2004)

Alistair Cooke's Last Letter

20 Feb 2004

Contributed by Lukas

In Alistair Cooke's last letter, he considers how the war in Iraq is a key element in the run-up to the US Presidential Election.

How WWI turned slimming into a fashion

13 Feb 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke recalls how slimming became fashionable during the food shortages that followed the First World War.

Encounters with Intelligence

06 Feb 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke looks at the meaning of 'intelligence' and recounts how he was mistaken for a spy during World War II.

Was Saddam a Threat or Not?

30 Jan 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke discusses the resignation of the US chief weapons inspector, Dr David Kay.

The Day of the GP is Over

23 Jan 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke remembers the days before specialisation when doctors in the USA used to make house calls.

Temperatures Drop

16 Jan 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke thinks back to a winter in Palm Beach, as Arctic weather hits the northern states.

Not Worth Talking About

09 Jan 2004

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke refuses to join the throng of commentators writing themselves into exhaustion about the presidential candidates.

The Problem with Sport

02 Jan 2004

Contributed by Lukas

With the New Year unfolding, Alistair Cooke wonders what makes people favour athletic prowess over academic skill.

Pork Barrel Politics

26 Dec 2003

Contributed by Lukas

As the United States enters an election year, Alistair Cooke describes how congressmen will be trying to secure re-appointment.

Birth of a Christmas Fairy Tale

19 Dec 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke recalls the circumstances that led to the creation of Charles Dickens' most famous story.

Looking for an Anniversary

12 Dec 2003

Contributed by Lukas

If in doubt, find an anniversary! Alistair Cooke remembers when the centenary of Queen Victoria receiving the Koh-I-Noor diamond helped him out of a t...

Why the War Couldn't Wait

05 Dec 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines why it is so difficult to establish democracy in Iraq.

Healthy Eating

28 Nov 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke looks back at the history of Thanksgiving in the light of modern concerns about healthy eating.

Chinese Textile Tariffs

21 Nov 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke compares tariffs set on Chinese imports with similar attempts to protect America's home economy with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff during the...

The Appetite for War

14 Nov 2003

Contributed by Lukas

In anticipation of George Bush's visit to Europe, Alistair Cooke examines how the announcement of casualty numbers influences the public's appetite fo...

Social Lion and Remarkable Architect

07 Nov 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke celebrates the architectural achievements of Stanford White, amongst them Madison Square Gardens.

Towering Glass and Steel

31 Oct 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Forty years on Alistair Cooke examines the knock on effect of the destruction of the original Pennsylvania Station.

The Pledge of Allegiance

24 Oct 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines the Pledge of Allegiance and its role in an increasingly secular society.

Separated by Language

17 Oct 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke was unable to give his talk. In this repeat, from October 1998, Alistair Cooke muses on curious linguistic differences between America ...

The California Election

10 Oct 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke contemplates the result of the Californian Election and Arnold Schwarzenegger's role as governor.

I am a Jelly Doughnut

03 Oct 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines the roles Robert Lochner and Alexander Butterfield have played in American state affairs over the past four decades, including...

Why it Costs so Much to Rebuild Iraq

26 Sep 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke asks why it is costing so much to rebuild Iraq and seizes the launch of a four-bladed razor to analyse the process of shaving.

A Category Five Hurricane

19 Sep 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke tells us two stories because in times of great stress - and waiting for hurricane Isabel is stressful - people have told stories.

In Memory of Henry Longhurst

12 Sep 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke celebrates the life of golfing correspondent and commentator Henry Longhurst.

A Million Iraqis Will Get the Message

05 Sep 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke contrasts the "crisis" in the tennis world with that in Iraq and bemoans the lack of sports stars who can put their troubles in perspec...

The Drastic Social Change in a Once Genteel Game

29 Aug 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines why how tennis at Wimbledon and across the globe reconciles traditional values with the modern world.

It Seemed like Doomsday at the Time

22 Aug 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke contemplates the importance of electricity in the light of recent power cuts in New York and Baghdad.

Some Colourful Legends are Based in Fact

15 Aug 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Upon receiving a letter containing a Winston Churchill legend, Alistair Cooke remembers some more myths surrounding other famous characters.

Healing the Alliance Against Terrorism

08 Aug 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Given the failure to reach consensus at the UN on how to tackle terrorism, Alistair Cooke reassesses his letter of 1998 discussing Bill Clinton's fail...

The Original Fast Talker

01 Aug 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Following the death of two centenarians, Alistair Cooke discusses Bob Hope and Lord Shawcross and how their longevity relates to the pensions crisis.

It's Dangerous for Journalists to Retire

25 Jul 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke rejects the thought of retirement but contemplates the pastime of golf in the light of recent scientific studies.

The Power of a Phrase

18 Jul 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines the power of the catchphrase whether it be "uranium from Africa"; "winds of change"or "I was brainwashed".

Americans Choose Tony Blair

11 Jul 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on why Americans seem to trust Tony Blair more than their own president, George Bush.

Meeting the Stars

04 Jul 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke remembers meeting Ronald Colman and Katherine Hepburn.

Were We Misled into War?

27 Jun 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke asks whether the invasion of Iraq was based on a false premise: the existence of hidden weapons.

The Maddest and Most Criminal of Tyrants

20 Jun 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines tyrants who commit mass murder and compares Stalin with Hitler.

Dramatic Turns of History

13 Jun 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke contemplates how some political decisions change the entire course of world history by examining Saddam Hussain's decision to invade Ku...

Who Shall Police the Policemen?

06 Jun 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke asks how we can police the world in a time of modern terrorist conflict since America's founding fathers never legislated for an "undec...

Don't Pollute the Enemy's Water

30 May 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke questions how much confidence people should have in the military, the President, and in Congress.

The Creator of the Talent Industry

23 May 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke pays tribute to the life and work of "the Oracle" Mark McCormack.

Tackling the Looters

16 May 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke contemplates how to prevent Iraq from descending into anarchy.

Today's News is Tomorrow's Collectors' Item

09 May 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke explains how Leo Szilard, a little know Hungarian refugee, helped stop World War II.

No More Wine and Roses

02 May 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on how the desert town of Las Vegas became the biggest tourist honey trap.

Taking it to the Brink

25 Apr 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Unions, strikes and last minute negotiation talks blot out world catastrophes for Alistair Cooke.

The Lessons of Potsdam

18 Apr 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers how people can become desensitised to the horrifying images of war, using Winston Churchill's Potsdam experience for referenc...

Saint Carlo

11 Apr 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers how to grow old successfully and pays tribute Dr. Carlo Urbani, the man who pioneered Doctors Without Borders.

Senator Moynihan: A Social Conscience

04 Apr 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke pays tribute to the brilliant and eccentric former senator, Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

The Anxiety of War

28 Mar 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects of the casualties of war and losing friendships to time.

America invades Iraq

21 Mar 2003

Contributed by Lukas

36 hours into the war with Iraq, Alistair Cooke considers the public and political support for the war and George Bush's lack of diplomacy.

Avoiding the Scourge of War

14 Mar 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the ineffectiveness of the UN as an enforcing power and retells the history of Washington DC.

The Flaws of the UN?

07 Mar 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on the lives of three extraordinary men; Sir Alexander Cadogan, Philip Larkin and Mister Rogers.

The Secret of Life

28 Feb 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke looks back to the discovery of the chemical structure of deoxyribonucleic acid - slangily known as DNA.

A Planet of Snow

21 Feb 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers how cold winters affect New York's economy and reflects on his experience of 26 inches of snow on Boxing Day 1947.

Nobody is Breathing Fire and Smoke

14 Feb 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers how much caution should be taken when the National Security threat level is raised to 'imminent attacks'.

John Glenn at the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster funeral

07 Feb 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on astronaut John Glenn's eventful earth landing in his Mercury capsule, Friendship 7.

Peace For Our Time

31 Jan 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke explains how he is haunted by the similarities between the beginnings of World War Two and the current crisis in Iraq.

Getting Away From It All

24 Jan 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke ponders on how to relax when the body can no longer use physical exercise as a release.

Sharing the Water

17 Jan 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers California's drought worries and contemplates how to split resources like water equally.

Big Brother is Watching

10 Jan 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke explores the branch of the US Homeland Security System which has the power to keep files on anybody in the country who gives off even a...

Security and Psychic Powers

03 Jan 2003

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers security in Times Square on New Year's Eve, a Chinese immigrant who took a prophet to court, and the apparent lack of profess...

Christmas Reflections

27 Dec 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke contemplates the meaning of Christmas as it is celebrated now, and remembers the Christmases' of three famous men.

The Daily Sweat of Politics

20 Dec 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke ponders the daily grind of politics, and the struggle of President Lyndon Johnson in getting the whole idea of Medicare turned into law...

Remembering a Dear Friend

13 Dec 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Upon the death of a dear friend we are told a secret about President Kennedy that Alistair Cooke has kept for a lifetime

The Marshall Plan

06 Dec 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke ponders Britain's anti-American feelings and George W Bush's obsession with Saddam Hussein.

Patriotism, Thanksgiving - and Apple Sauce

29 Nov 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke looks back to the origins of the festival and remembers the day in 1938 when Franklin D Roosevelt declared 24 November to be "a day of ...

Armageddon Can Wait

22 Nov 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke contemplates what he considers to be; 'the striking resemblance of the events of the past year or so to the chronicles of the Bible'.

Iraq's Midsummer Nightmare

15 Nov 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the US congressional elections and the passing of the United Nations Security Council resolution of warning to Saddam Hussein...

When the Miraculous Computer Fails

08 Nov 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke explains why 31 small and rarely mentioned American political parties can be all important in US elections and what happens when the po...

All Politics is Local

01 Nov 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke recalls his very odd introduction to American politics; explains why Boston's top politicians have always been Irish and why all politi...

Implement Me No Directives!

25 Oct 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke contemplates the excellence of the Old Testament as a work of literature, Churchill's use of language and the wording of UN treaties.

Heaven on the Half Shell

18 Oct 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke ponders the topics he chooses for his essays, his memories of San Francisco and the historical connection between China and California.

Protest for Peace

11 Oct 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers drafting during the American Civil War, anti-war protesters, rioting and the history and nature of Al Qaeda .

What the American People Want

04 Oct 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines the relationship between politicians and public opinion, as well as the life and polling discoveries of George H Gallup.

Watch out for Isidore

27 Sep 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke ponders names - the names of hurricanes, black Christian names and biblical names, as well as phonetics and the recital alphabet.

President Kennedy had Just had a Nasty Shock

20 Sep 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the Cuban missile crisis, weapons inspections in Iraq and the scandal of Richard Nixon's membership of an all white golf club...

It's Been Hard Convincing Allies that it's War

13 Sep 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks and considers a type of warfare so new that some European generals can't be con...

President Bush II has never been busier, 2002

06 Sep 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on President George Bush's recent holiday and considers the workload of "the most powerful man in the world" with reference to...

Fireworks over Manhattan

30 Aug 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke talks about the US Open tennis championships ceremony paying tribute to heroes of 9/11 and how former NY mayor David Dinkins loved tenn...

If in Doubt, Find an Anniversary

23 Aug 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke explores the weird and wonderful anniversaries of 1902, including how the teddy bear was named, the zipper and American slang.

Cool it, Man!

16 Aug 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke talks about floods in Europe; Dresden damage during WWII; air conditioning & the heatwave; forest fires; floods in Mississippi.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

09 Aug 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Whilst the warship, Monitor, is dredged out of the Atlantic Ocean, Alistair Cooke reflects that Europe’s reliance on the UN for sanctions against Sa...

Dead Cat Bounce

02 Aug 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke on the US stock market; the trapped Pennsylvania miners; troops required for invasion of Iraq and Pope John Paul II's visit to Toronto.

Am I My Brother's Keeper?

26 Jul 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on the generosity of Andrew Carnegie, and the vice of greed within philanthropy.

The Avenues to Express Greed had Grown

19 Jul 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Whilst corporate fraud and greed hit the news headlines, Alistair Cooke considers the complicated language used by Alan Greenspan to calm the stock ma...

Don't Name it, Cure it

12 Jul 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers his shifting habits and examines what President George W Bush is doing about fraudulent financial deals by corporations and, ...

The Old West

05 Jul 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke on why Deadman Flat is the closest the public can get to the G8 conference; why sweat shops are good for their workers; the Duke of Nor...

American Policy has One Main Aim

28 Jun 2002

Contributed by Lukas

A letter from a student leads Alistair Cooke to consider anti-semitism in New York, and the ramifications of President Truman's decision to help found...

Goldfinger is Still Alive and Well

21 Jun 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke remembers Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, the second Gulf War and the brutal repression of the Kurds and considers the continuing threat pos...

The Last of the Old Time Gangsters

14 Jun 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the life and death of infamous American Mafia boss John Gotti.

A Ruin Running to the Horizon

07 Jun 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on the wreckage of the Twin Towers, a vast canyon in the heart of Manhattan and how the ramifications of 9/11 stretch from sch...

Fountains and Trade Wars

31 May 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines George Bush's visit to Europe in the midst of a trade war and reflects on why you can't have plastic surgery if you want a per...

Secret of Eternal Youth

24 May 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke on the elderly residents of Florida who think they've discovered the state's legendary fountain of youth and the alleged forewarning of...

Joy and Sorrow for the Libertarians

17 May 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke on the libertarian Cato institute, economist Milton Friedman, why China's newfound capitalism is fully sanctioned by Marx and the massi...

Princes of the Church Live as Princes of the World

10 May 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke talks about airport security on a war footing; deep vein thrombosis, and how the Roman Catholic church uses canon law to protect its cl...

New York: How are you Doing?

03 May 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke on the psychological damage done to New York school children by the September 11 attacks and the prevalence of al Qaeda cells in countr...

The Catholic Church and Child Sex Abuse

26 Apr 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the scandals of child sex abuse by clergy in the Roman Catholic church and the role of bishops and cardinals in enabling abus...

A Window of Relief

19 Apr 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke explains the exhausting effects of transcontinental flight and examines the split between the Democrats and Republicans over the attitu...

Middle East: Mind Your Language

12 Apr 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke examines the historical roots of US involvement in the conflict between Isreal and the Palestinians and why, when it comes to treaties,...

Medical Buzz Words

05 Apr 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the use of medical buzz words such as virus and Alzheimer’s.

Persian Poets Need Not Apply

29 Mar 2002

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke considers the contrasting ways in which English and American high schools teach science and the difference a scientific education makes...