Letter from America: The Bush Jr Years (2001- 2004)
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
The Unsung Heroes
22 Mar 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke praises unseen fighter pilots protecting New York and examines the stepping-up of internal security and the publication of a list of nu...
Memory of a True Great
15 Mar 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke explores the difficult and exceptional life of champion American golfer, lawyer, scholar and engineer Robert Tyre Jones.
The Day the Money Stopped
08 Mar 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke recalls his personal experience of the day in 1933 when every bank in America shut and the lessons it taught him about how economies wo...
High Noon
01 Mar 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke offers his view of the flawed ideology behind the idea of an "axis of evil" and the US's relationship with its traditional allies and i...
Giuliani Receives Knighthood
22 Feb 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Why shouldn't Rudolph Giuliani receive a knighthood? Alistair Cooke reveals the historical objections and misconceptions of America's relationship wit...
The Next Step for the USA
15 Feb 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke expresses his concern about the US government's conception of an "axis of evil", their desire to invade Iraq and the possible restraini...
Pork and Dogs
08 Feb 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke explains why we should all be interested in the President's budget; the new found importance of US homeland defence and the pork barrel...
Aftermath of War
01 Feb 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke examines the ever changing nature of war, the history of four Geneva Conventions and argues the case for a new convention for a new typ...
Batten Down the Hatches
25 Jan 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke examines the very real impact of inaccurate weather forecasts; the fall of Enron and the new US foreign policy being enacted at Guantan...
Living Like a Queen
18 Jan 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke wonders, upon considering the reality, why anyone would want to live like a Queen and examines the lifestyles of US presidents.
There's No Place Like Home
11 Jan 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke on how an unlikely political allegiance is transforming American education, the altered state of US law making after September 11 and M...
Ringing the Changes
04 Jan 2002
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke considers change, the election of George W Bush, the transformation of Rudolph Giuliani after September 11 and Russian President Vladim...
Tears and Anthems
28 Dec 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke questions why hearing the American national anthem should be uniquely affecting since the attacks on September 11th.
The Messiah at Christmas
21 Dec 2001
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of 9/11, Alistair Cooke remembers introducing Bernstein to Handel's Messiah and admires the generosity of Tiger Woods. First broadcast 21 ...
The Golden Gate
14 Dec 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke discusses the rumour of a potential attack on the San Francisco Bridge and the warnings by scientists about global warming.
Security, Civil Rights and New Laws
07 Dec 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke considers the political and ethical dilemmas of "racial profiling" at airports since September 11th.
The Terrorists' Trojan Horse
30 Nov 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on the horror of home grown terrorists used by al-Qaeda and other terrorist cells.
French forces in Afghanistan, November 2001
23 Nov 2001
Contributed by Lukas
The coincidences between the assassinations of Abraham Lincoln and John F Kennedy. Plus, the UN debate on war with Afghanistan.
Project Space Guard
16 Nov 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke discusses the creation of The Space Guard Project, invented to eliminate potential extraterrestrial catastrophes.
The Stars and Stripes
09 Nov 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on the outpouring of patriotism and the outburst of flag hanging in response to the September 11th attacks.
The aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks
02 Nov 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on how America is coping in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on September 11th.
Living with anthrax
26 Oct 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Whilst coping with the daily threat of possibly finding anthrax in the mail, Alistair Cooke reflects on how hope and fear are wrapped up within the 9/...
In The Olden Time: Before 11 September
19 Oct 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on how the September 11th attack has changed the American psyche, and considers how letters filled with anthrax are exacerbati...
Blair and Bush: The special relationship
12 Oct 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke questions the use of anxiety inducing warnings from the FBI of imminent terrorist attacks, the partiality towards singing the national ...
Civil Rights and Censorship
05 Oct 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke compares the uses and abuses of civil rights and censorship by UK and US governments during wartime.
The "Loss of Eden"
28 Sep 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke considers the lifespan of a letter written by Einstein to warn the President of the power unleashed by nuclear reactions, and how terro...
America on Standby
21 Sep 2001
Contributed by Lukas
In the aftermath of September 11th, Alistair Cooke considers how the actions of New York City Mayor, Rudolph Giuliani, compare with the activities of ...
America's Day of Terror, 9/11
14 Sep 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on how he and the rest of the American population reacted to the World Trade Center terrorist attack on September 11th 2001.
A Conference Against Human Prejudice
07 Sep 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke likens the problems arising from the UN Convention on racism to those found on and off the professional tennis court.
The Threat from Wobbling Warheads
31 Aug 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on President Bush's determination to build an all-embracing defence missile shield.
Financial Wizards and Economic Prophecy
24 Aug 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on the worldwide pandemic of economic decline.
Life, Death and Medical Research
17 Aug 2001
Contributed by Lukas
A coma patient kept on life support for 22 years makes Alistair Cooke consider the complex political and ethical issues of medical advancement.
Golf: It's a Very Difficult Game
10 Aug 2001
Contributed by Lukas
An special mixed-couples golf match that paired Tiger Woods with Annika Sorenstam, and David Duval with Karrie Webb, inspires Alistair Cooke to reflec...
East meets West
03 Aug 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke explores Europe's ignorance of America's long and continuous concern with Pacifica and the Far East.
Policies and Popularity
27 Jul 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Whilst Presidential poll ratings stagnate, Alistair Cooke considers the affect of policies on George Bush's popularity.
Stem Cell Brain Drain
20 Jul 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke debates the ethical and political difficulties surrounding human embryo stem cell research.
Secret Service Secrets
13 Jul 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke considers the private and public life of a President as George Bush takes his presidential vacation with a small army of domestic and o...
Ringing the Changes!
06 Jul 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Whilst fireworks burn brightly in the sky, Alistair Cooke reflects on the celebrations that take place every 4th of July to commemorate US independenc...
Changing Tastes: 25 Years of Social Taboos
29 Jun 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on the changing social taboos and bigotries over the past quarter of a century.
Wake Up to Summer
22 Jun 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on how people switch their political interests from the national to the local and the talents of the mocking bird.
Diplomacy and Public Relations
15 Jun 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke considers President Bush's political blueprints for his European policy discussions.
Prescription for a Pessimist
08 Jun 2001
Contributed by Lukas
After taking a break from the news in an attempt to remain light-hearted in the face of huge world problems, Alistair Cooke reflects on his timeout, a...
Life's a Gamble!
01 Jun 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on the political centrism occuring in both the US and the UK. He considers the new conservatism of the Labour party in Britain...
The City that Waits
25 May 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke examines how earthquakes in San Francisco are over shadowed by power problems, and reflects on President George W. Bush's reduction in ...
California Dreaming
18 May 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke considers arguments surrounding the power failure crisis in California and explores the deregulation of resources.
A Universal Shout
11 May 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on how the credibility of the United Nations has been eroded, and how a "universal shout" of anti-Americanism has echoed aroun...
The Supreme Court
04 May 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on the Supreme Court and the way in which it makes its decisions.
The Media Just Love Anniversaries - However Grim
27 Apr 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke examines the media depiction of violence and reviews the coverage of the second anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting.
Trilbies are Fashionable Again!
20 Apr 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke considers the unfashionable problem of carbon dioxide emissions and the renewed amour for trilby wearing.
Déjà Vu All Over Again
13 Apr 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on the crash landing of an American spy plane on a Chinese island.
A Hero's Welcome: John McCain is Back!
06 Apr 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke considers Senator John McCain's campaign funding reform bill.
The Entire Civilised World is Shocked Beyond Civilised Expression
30 Mar 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on President George W. Bush's decision not to support the Kyoto Treaty.
Bush Leads from the Right
23 Mar 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke considers the first two months of George W. Bush in the White House.
Sounding the Alarm to Farmers
16 Mar 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on the foot and mouth epidemic affecting Britain, and the ban implemented by America on all living animals imported from Europ...
The Vice Presidency and a Precaution Against Death
09 Mar 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke considers the health of the American vice-president, Dick Cheney, and wonders whether the Senate could pass President Bush's tax bill a...
A Villain of American History
02 Mar 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke is shocked by the results from a national poll asking US citizens to name the four greatest presidents in American history.
The Scandal of Pardons and White House Furniture
23 Feb 2001
Contributed by Lukas
The controversial Clinton exit inspires Alistair Cooke to investigate past presidents' departures from the White House.
From Shirtsleeves to Shirt Sleeves in Three Generations
16 Feb 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke reflects on the generations of wealthy families who prosper or loose it all.
Famous and Good Intermediate Clowns
09 Feb 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke remarks on the cynicism of old motion picture comic WC Fields and considers George W Bush's push to decentralise government.
How am I doing?
02 Feb 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke investigates the quirky work habits of past US presidents, including Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan and Calvin Coolidge.
A Precautionary Bit of Advice
26 Jan 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke compares the colourful characters of past US presidents, including Franklin Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and Harry S Truman.
Grandiose Inaugurations we Have Known
19 Jan 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke compares Andrew Jackson's rowdy inauguration with that of George W Bush.
First and Foremost Bureaucrats
12 Jan 2001
Contributed by Lukas
A childhood fishing trip becomes more poignant to Alistair Cooke after discovering that the North Sea is falling victim to water pollution.
The Magic of the Internet?
05 Jan 2001
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke contemplates whether the internet really is the miracle cure for the US economy.