Letter from America: The Reagan Years (1981-1988)
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
Oklahoma ends liquor ban
21 Sep 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Oklahoma - where prohibition ruled until 1959 - to finally allow liquor to be openly sold.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by ...
Mondale gets mad
14 Sep 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Democrat nominee Mondale gets fighting mad over unemployment and national debt - but the polls still show his support is slipping away. The sound qual...
Car workers to strike
07 Sep 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Strike calls as car company bosses pocket bonuses while the workers still suffer from pay cuts.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorde...
Alfred Knopf (1892-1984)
31 Aug 1984
Contributed by Lukas
The life of Alfred Knopf, publisher of, among others, Thomas Mann and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and according to Cooke "simply the best publisher of the...
Mondale's wobbly leadership
24 Aug 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Walter Mondale's wobbly leadership a talking point as the Republicans' glitzy convention takes over Dallas.This archive edition of Letter from America...
Republicans head for Texas
17 Aug 1984
Contributed by Lukas
How will the new ethnic mix of Dallas react to the influx of Republicans when the convention comes to town?This archive edition of Letter from America...
James Mason remembered, 1984
10 Aug 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Remembering James Mason, the character actor who wouldn't play the Hollywood game.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of t...
Fishing for votes
03 Aug 1984
Contributed by Lukas
When being poor at sports can help a man who's fishing for votes.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who...
Ferrero nominated
27 Jul 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Democrat convention ends with Mondale-Ferraro as running mates for the forthcoming presidential elections. The sound quality on this recording is vari...
Reporting party conventions
20 Jul 1984
Contributed by Lukas
The dramatic 1940 Republican Convention where outsider Wendell Wilkie beat the favourite, and the advantages to reporters of live television coverage ...
Convention histories
13 Jul 1984
Contributed by Lukas
As the Democrats get ready to crown their chosen leader, look back to a time when political conventions were full of surprises.This archive edition of...
Rise in drinking age
06 Jul 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Raising the drinking age to 21 across the states will help to cut drink-driving deaths, says President Reagan.This archive edition of Letter from Amer...
Jesse Jackson in Cuba
29 Jun 1984
Contributed by Lukas
The Reverend Jesse Jackson meets Fidel Castro in Cuba and negotiates the release of 22 US prisoners from Cuban jails, much to the embarrassment of the...
Misleading headlines
22 Jun 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Misleading headlines skew findings of support for the President's policies in Central America.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded...
D-Day anniversary
15 Jun 1984
Contributed by Lukas
One-sided remembrance of the 40th anniversary of D-Day reflects President Reagan's chauvinistic view of foreign affairs.This archive edition of Letter...
Democrat prospects dim
08 Jun 1984
Contributed by Lukas
In-fighting between Democrat candidates has weakened the party's chances in the coming presidential election.This archive edition of Letter from Ameri...
Beware stereotypes, 1984
01 Jun 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Latest national statistics prove that basing our assumptions on stereotypes will inevitably prove us wrong.This archive edition of Letter from America...
Tougher smoking warnings
25 May 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Cigarette packaging to carry tougher health warnings as more research is publicised into the effects of passive smoking.This archive edition of Letter...
Ed Meese investigation
20 Apr 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Special prosecutor appointed to look into financial background of Ed Meese, the president's choice as next attorney general.This archive edition of Le...
CIA mines Nicaragua ports
13 Apr 1984
Contributed by Lukas
President Reagan snubs claims that the CIA mining of Nicaraguan ports has damaged shipping from around the world.This archive edition of Letter from A...
Argentina bailed out
06 Apr 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Consortium's backing will aid new Argentine government's attempts to rebuild the country's floundering economy.This archive edition of Letter from Ame...
Holiday in San Francisco
30 Mar 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Cooke visits San Francisco, where he spent his honeymoon during the Alcatraz mutiny of 1946, and the destination of a recent visit by French President...
No school prayers
23 Mar 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Senate fails to support suggested constitutional amendment which would have ushered in school prayers across the US.This archive edition of Letter fro...
'Where's the beef?'
16 Mar 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Advertising slogan 'Where's the beef' is taken up by Democrats in the race for the presidential nomination.This archive edition of Letter from America...
Smiley Ratliff's escape bid, 1984
09 Mar 1984
Contributed by Lukas
British government foils attempt by US millionaire Smiley Ratliff to buy his own Pacific island.This archive edition of Letter from America was record...
John Glenn and the presidency
02 Mar 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Astronaut Glenn comes down to earth after poor showing in first vote for Democrat presidential nominations.This archive edition of Letter from America...
Americanisms
24 Feb 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Alistair Cooke examines the Indian roots of some American vocabulary and the variations between some American words and their English usage.
Chernenko is Soviet leader, 1984
17 Feb 1984
Contributed by Lukas
New Soviet leader Chernenko described as in poor health even as he assumes office.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of t...
Reagan wants second term
03 Feb 1984
Contributed by Lukas
President Reagan announces he will join the race for a second term in the White House.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one ...
Do Russians want Reagan out?
27 Jan 1984
Contributed by Lukas
As the race for the White House begins in earnest, would the Soviets prefer to deal with someone other than Reagan?This archive edition of Letter from...
Home videotaping gets the OK
20 Jan 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Movie makers lose court action against home video taping. Supreme Court rules no copyright law has been infringed.This archive edition of Letter from ...
Charles Wick's secret tapes
13 Jan 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Reagan buddy Charles Wick, head of the US information agency, found to have made secret tape recordings of phone calls.This archive edition of Letter ...
Syrians free US soldier
06 Jan 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Rev Jesse Jackson persuades Syrians to release captured US soldier after official channels fail.This archive edition of Letter from America was record...
1984 and the nuclear threat
01 Jan 1984
Contributed by Lukas
Opinion polls reveal the American public's fears over inflation, unemployment, the corporate and governmental use of new technology and an imminent nu...
NORAID and the Harrods bombing
23 Dec 1983
Contributed by Lukas
The American contributions to NORAID, a fund set up to fund arms and provide financial assistance to IRA members in jail, and the aftermath of the Har...
President Alfonsin of Argentina
16 Dec 1983
Contributed by Lukas
US hopes of new talks follow installation of Argentina's first democratically-elected president, Alfonsin.This archive edition of Letter from America ...
Joe Polowsky's funeral, 1983
02 Dec 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Old soldier wanted to be buried where his band of brothers met up with the Russians in 1945 - when they were our allies.This archive edition of Letter...
The Day After
25 Nov 1983
Contributed by Lukas
The Day After, a television movie depicting the effect of a nuclear attack on Kansas City, and the anticipation of and reaction to the first screening...
Defending freedom
18 Nov 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Anxiety after Grenada invasion as it becomes clear that US forces are now thinly stretched across the globe.This archive edition of Letter from Americ...
Martin Luther King Day
11 Nov 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Rosa Parks' refusal to recognise segregation, the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955, and the passing of a bill to recognise Martin Luther King Jr Day as ...
Grenada press ban lifted
04 Nov 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Press begins to uncover the fuller, and more complex, story of the Grenada invasion.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of...
Invasion of Grenada
28 Oct 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Reagan facing serious questions over decision to invade Grenada, a member of the British Commonwealth.This archive edition of Letter from America was ...
Barbara McClintock
21 Oct 1983
Contributed by Lukas
A profile of Nobel Prize winning scientist Barbara McClintock, and her biological and biochemical research that lead to an advanced understanding of t...
Boycotts can backfire
14 Oct 1983
Contributed by Lukas
When the oldest form of retaliation - the boycott - turns out to have unforeseen consquences which hit home markets hardest.This archive edition of Le...
Andrei Gromyko and the United Nations
07 Oct 1983
Contributed by Lukas
The end of a boycott against Aeroflot after the shooting down of Korean flight 007, the absence of Andrei Gromyko at the UN, and the plan to install U...
The America's Cup
30 Sep 1983
Contributed by Lukas
America's Cup won by the Australians - and the members of the New York Yacht Club get the news second-hand.This archive edition of Letter from America...
Fear of Russia returns
23 Sep 1983
Contributed by Lukas
President Reagan under pressure as fear of Russia returns following the shooting-down of the Korean airliner.This archive edition of Letter from Ameri...
US troops in Lebanon
16 Sep 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Congress queries continued presence of US troops in Lebanon. President requested to invoke War Powers Act.This archive edition of Letter from America ...
Korean Airlines flight 007
09 Sep 1983
Contributed by Lukas
The shooting down of Korean Airlines flight 007 by the Russian military, the escalating Soviet presence in Scandinavia, and questions over the ability...
Reverend Jesse Jackson
02 Sep 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Reverend Jesse Jackson steps into the political spotlight by trying for the Democrat nomination.This archive edition of Letter from America was record...
Benigno Aquino assassinated
26 Aug 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Shocking assassination of Benigno Aquino presents President Reagan with dilemma over Philippines bases.This archive edition of Letter from America was...
Andrei Berezhkov's non-defection
19 Aug 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Was Russian teenager Andrei Berezhkov persuaded to withdraw his pleas for help to defect to the West?This archive edition of Letter from America was r...
The arrest of Dave Winfield
12 Aug 1983
Contributed by Lukas
The difficulty in legislating against home video taping, the arrest of New York yankee Dave Winfield for killing a seagull, and the marital aspiration...
Equal rights crusade goes on
05 Aug 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Senator Sam Ervin becomes new opponent in ongoing fight for Equal Rights Amendment. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive ...
Intervention in Central America
29 Jul 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Public opposition to an increased military presence in El Salvador and Nicaragua, the manoeuvres of American troops in Honduras, and the US desire for...
President Reagan's social programmes
22 Jul 1983
Contributed by Lukas
A switch from Democrat to Republican in the southern states, the gender gap in the support of President Reagan, and the rise in government spending on...
Chrysler repays loan
15 Jul 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Chrysler startles US by repaying government bail-out loan in record time.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listen...
Briefing-gate to be investigated
08 Jul 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Reagan's popularity rating could be hit by criminal investigation into who stole Carter's briefing papers.This archive edition of Letter from America ...
Connecticut bridge collapse
01 Jul 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Following a fatal bridge collapse in Connecticut, US faces massive bill for rebuilding as major faults are found in ageing infrastructure.This archive...
Paul Volcker, head of the Fed
24 Jun 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Volcker, head of the Federal Reserve, and the second most important man in the US. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This arch...
Sally Ride, new role model
17 Jun 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Sally Ride, America's first female astronaut, becomes an unwilling role model. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive editi...
Margaret Thatcher's re-election and the 'special relationship', 1983
10 Jun 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Margaret Thatcher's dedication to the 'special relationship' between Britain and America, and journalist James "Scotty" Reston's correct prediction on...
Thatcher plans second term
03 Jun 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Mrs Thatcher hopes for a second term - eyes are now on Reagan to see if he will do the same.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded b...
Bishops call for nuclear ban
27 May 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Reagan faced with Catholic anti-nuclear vote after bishops call for ban. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition of ...
Mayor Feinstein to stay
20 May 1983
Contributed by Lukas
San Francisco mayor Diane Feinstein holds on to her post after handgun row ends in vote. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This arc...
Williamsburg summit
13 May 1983
Contributed by Lukas
International monetary conference plan comes after French endorsement of arms policy at Williamsburg summit.The sound quality on this recording is var...
Literacy rates falling
06 May 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Immigration may be to blame for falling literacy rates highlighted by new national commission report.This archive edition of Letter from America was r...
El Salvador crisis
29 Apr 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Fears of Soviet aid for opposition prompt US to consider assisting El Salvador's embattled government.This archive edition of Letter from America was ...
Slimmer social security
22 Apr 1983
Contributed by Lukas
President Reagan signs new social security bill despite his original claims of harder cuts.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by...
Chicago's first black mayor
15 Apr 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Democrat candidate Harold Washington is elected Chicago's first black mayor in undeclared race battle for votes.This archive edition of Letter from Am...
Intelligent computers
08 Apr 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Intelligent computers - looking to a future of seriously smart machines.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listene...
Reagan's 'Star Wars' speech
01 Apr 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Reagan's rhetoric reaches new heights with his bid for a 'Star Wars'-style missile platform.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded b...
The Squeal Rule
25 Mar 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Proposal to inform parents of contraceptive use for minors is nicknamed the 'Squeal Rule'.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by ...
Reagan being Reagan again
18 Mar 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Economic recovery sees Reagan shift his rhetoric back to the right-wing after 'Let Reagan be Reagan' calls.This archive edition of Letter from America...
Queen Elizabeth and Pope John Paul II
11 Mar 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Press coverage of Queen Elizabeth's sightseeing tour of California is dwarfed by that of Pope John Paul II's visit to Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicar...
Financial crisis of 1933
04 Mar 1983
Contributed by Lukas
The 50th anniversary of the financial crisis of 1933 that caused President Roosevelt to demand that all of the banks across the United States close th...
Who's next for President?
25 Feb 1983
Contributed by Lukas
As Reagan enters his third year, it's time to look at possible contenders for the next election.This archive edition of Letter from America was record...
China-US relations
18 Feb 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Why the West Coast view of China differs from the capital's.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who betw...
Fear of appeasement, 1983
04 Feb 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Fears of a return to 'Munich mentality' block genuine talk on arms control.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two list...
Reagan u-turn on economy
28 Jan 1983
Contributed by Lukas
President changes tack about economy and says government must take the lead in boosting growth.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorde...
Florida's changing fortunes
21 Jan 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Florida's dependence on the service industries sees a change in fortune as tourist figures drop. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor....
Satellite communication
14 Jan 1983
Contributed by Lukas
The future of global communication via satellite - and the man who foresaw it all, Arthur C. Clarke.This archive edition of Letter from America was re...
Puerto Rican bombing in NY
07 Jan 1983
Contributed by Lukas
Puerto Rican terrorist group wanting independence claim New York bombings.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two liste...
China's spoilt brats
31 Dec 1982
Contributed by Lukas
China admits its 'one child' rule has led to a generation of - mainly male - spoilt brats.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by ...
The Dull Men's Club, 1982
24 Dec 1982
Contributed by Lukas
Forget chic or trendy, the founder of the Dull Men's Club says we should be proud of being boring.This archive edition of Letter from America was reco...
The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930
17 Dec 1982
Contributed by Lukas
The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which forced foreign automobile manufacturers to build their models for export to America in America, with American parts...
Congress vote on MX missile
10 Dec 1982
Contributed by Lukas
Extra funding for MX missile gets Congress go-ahead despite fears over bases. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive editio...
Kennedy quits presidential bid
03 Dec 1982
Contributed by Lukas
Edward Kennedy decides against running as Democrat candidate in the next presidential election.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorde...
Airline cartel claim
26 Nov 1982
Contributed by Lukas
Transatlantic price-fixing between major airlines put Laker out of business claims law suit.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded b...
Voting for equal rights
19 Nov 1982
Contributed by Lukas
Women vote against Republicans following loss of Equal Rights Act.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, wh...
Vietnam veterans' memorial, 1982
12 Nov 1982
Contributed by Lukas
Washington opening of new memorial which speaks volumes about the war America did not win.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by ...
Mid-term elections
05 Nov 1982
Contributed by Lukas
Mid-term elections see Reagan lose support in the House - so a more pragmatic approach to bills is likely.This archive edition of Letter from America ...
Reaganomics 'a gimmick'
29 Oct 1982
Contributed by Lukas
Democrats' delight as Nobel Prize winner writes off the president's economic plans as 'a gimmick'. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poo...
Jobless are main elections issue
22 Oct 1982
Contributed by Lukas
While the president crosses the US to woo voters, unemployment remains the main issue in local elections. The sound quality on this recording is varia...
National Football League strike 1982
08 Oct 1982
Contributed by Lukas
The complex rules and tactics of American football, and how a pay dispute led to the 1982 strike by the players of the National Football League, as di...
New York immigrants
01 Oct 1982
Contributed by Lukas
Massive increase of immgrants arriving into New York widens the ethnic mix of the city.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one...
US impotent in Lebanon conflict
24 Sep 1982
Contributed by Lukas
US recognises its impotence in the Middle East as a nuclear deterrent can not impose demands on warring sides; a large standing army would have more p...
Labor Day parade
10 Sep 1982
Contributed by Lukas
President should take note of huge turnout which demonstrated workers' frustration over tax and jobs. The sound quality on this recording is variable/...
Reagan backs Palestinian autonomy
03 Sep 1982
Contributed by Lukas
President appears on TV to assert his belief that Palestine needs to become autonomous. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This arch...
Reagan's 'revenue' increases
27 Aug 1982
Contributed by Lukas
How the new flexible president won his 'revenue' increases which will help balance the books.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded ...