BBC Radio Podcasts from Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: The Bush Jr Years (2001- 2004)
Alistair Cooke's Last Letter
In his last letter, Alistair Cooke examines Iraq’s influence on the Presidential Election.
How WWI turned slimming into a fashion
How slimming became fashionable during the food shortages of the First World War.
Encounters with Intelligence
Alistair Cooke remembers the time he was mistaken for a spy during World War II.
Was Saddam a Threat or Not?
Alistair Cooke discusses the resignation of the US chief weapons inspector, Dr David Kay.
The Day of the GP is Over
Alistair Cooke remembers when doctors used to make house calls.
Temperatures Drop
Alistair Cooke remembers a Palm Beach winter, as Arctic weather hits the northern states.
Not Worth Talking About
Alistair Cooke refuses to exhaust himself describing all the presidential candidates.
The Problem with Sport
Alistair Cooke wonders what makes people favour athletic prowess over academic skill.
Pork Barrel Politics
Alistair Cooke examines how congressmen secure re-appointments during an election year.
Birth of a Christmas Fairy Tale
Charles Dickens’ Scrooge reminds Alistair Cooke of the uniting force of Christmas.
Looking for an Anniversary
An anniversary gets Alistair Cooke out from a sticky broadcasting situation.
Why the War Couldn't Wait
Alistair Cooke examines why it is so difficult to establish democracy in Iraq.
Healthy Eating
In light of new concerns about healthy eating, Alistair Cooke reflects on Thanksgiving.
Chinese Textile Tariffs
Alistair Cooke compares Chinese import tax with the great depression Smoot-Hawley Tariff.
The Appetite for War
Alistair Cooke examines how casualty numbers influences the public's appetite for war.
Social Lion and Remarkable Architect
Alistair Cooke celebrates the architectural achievements of Stanford White.
Towering Glass and Steel
Forty years on, Alistair Cooke examines the effect of destroying the Pennsylvania Station.
The Pledge of Allegiance
Alistair Cooke examines the Pledge of Allegiance and its role in a secular society.
Separated by Language
Alistair Cooke muses on curious linguistic differences between America and England.
The California Election
Alistair Cooke contemplates Arnold Schwarzenegger's role as governor.
I am a Jelly Doughnut
Alistair Cooke pays tribute to Robert Lochner and Alexander Butterfield.
Why it Costs so Much to Rebuild Iraq
Alistair Cooke asks why it is costing so much to rebuild Iraq.
A Category Five Hurricane
Whilst waiting for hurricane Isabel, Alistair Cooke tells a few tales.
In Memory of Henry Longhurst
Alistair Cooke celebrates the life of golf commentator Henry Longhurst.
A Million Iraqis Will Get the Message
Alistair Cooke contrasts the "crisis" in the tennis world with the troubles in Iraq.
The Drastic Social Change in a Once Genteel Game
Alistair Cooke muses on Wimbledon's ability to reconcile historic tradition and modernity.
It Seemed like Doomsday at the Time
After recent power cuts, Alistair Cooke reflects on the importance of electricity.
Some Colourful Legends are Based in Fact
Alistair Cooke recalls some intriguing myths about Winston Churchill.
Healing the Alliance Against Terrorism
After a debate on tackling terrorism, Alistair Cooke reassesses his opinion of the UN.
The Original Fast Talker
Alistair Cooke pays tribute to Bob Hope and Lord Shawcross.
It's Dangerous for Journalists to Retire
Nonagenarian Alistair Cooke rejects any idea of retiring.
The Power of a Phrase
Alistair Cooke examines the power of the catchphrase "winds of change".
Americans Choose Tony Blair
Alistair Cooke reflects on why Americans seem to trust Tony Blair.
Meeting the Stars
Alistair Cooke remembers meeting Ronald Colman and Katherine Hepburn.
Were We Misled into War?
Alistair Cooke asks whether the invasion of Iraq was based on a false premise.
The Maddest and Most Criminal of Tyrants
Alistair Cooke examines tyrants who commit mass murder and compares Stalin with Hitler.
Dramatic Turns of History
Alistair Cooke analyses the consequence of Saddam Hussain's decision to invade Kuwait.
Who Shall Police the Policemen?
Alistair Cooke asks how we can police the world in a time of modern terrorist conflict.
Don't Pollute the Enemy's Water
Alistair Cooke questions how much confidence people should have in the President.
The Creator of the Talent Industry
Alistair Cooke pays tribute to the life and work of "the Oracle" Mark McCormack.
Tackling the Looters
Alistair Cooke contemplates how to prevent Iraq from descending into anarchy.
Today's News is Tomorrow's Collectors' Item
Alistair Cooke explains how Hungarian refugee, Leo Szilard, helped stop World War II.
No More Wine and Roses
Alistair Cooke reflects on how the desert town of Las Vegas became a big tourist trap.
Taking it to the Brink
Last minute negotiation talks blot out world catastrophes for Alistair Cooke.
The Lessons of Potsdam
Alistair Cooke considers how people become desensitised to the horrifying images of war.
Saint Carlo
Alistair Cooke pays tribute Dr. Carlo Urbani, the pioneer of Doctors Without Borders.
Senator Moynihan: A Social Conscience
Alistair Cooke pays tribute to the eccentric former senator, Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
The Anxiety of War
Alistair Cooke reflects of the casualties of war and losing friendships to time.
America invades Iraq
Alistair Cooke's Letter from America.
Avoiding the Scourge of War
Alistair Cooke considers the ineffectiveness of the UN as an enforcing power.
The Flaws of the UN?
Alistair Cooke reflects on Sir Alexander Cadogan, Philip Larkin and Mister Rogers.
The Secret of Life
Alistair Cooke looks at the discovery of the chemical structure of deoxyribonucleic acid.
A Planet of Snow
Alistair Cooke considers how cold winters affect New York's economy.
Nobody is Breathing Fire and Smoke
Alistair Cooke muses on the National Security threat level being set to 'imminent attack'.
John Glenn at the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster funeral
Alistair Cooke reflects on astronaut John Glenn's eventful earth landing.
Peace For Our Time
Alistair Cooke is troubled by similarities between the current crisis in Iraq and WWII.
Getting Away From It All
Alistair Cooke ponders on how to relax once physical exercise is no longer possible.
Sharing the Water
Amid California's drought scare, Alistair Cooke wonders how to share resources evenly.
Big Brother is Watching
Who’s watching you? Alistair Cooke muses on the personal files held by Homeland Security.
Security and Psychic Powers
Alistair Cooke considers security in Times Square on New Year's Eve.
Christmas Reflections
Three famous ghosts of Christmas past are remembered by Alistair Cooke.
The Daily Sweat of Politics
Alistair Cooke recalls President Lyndon Johnson’s struggle to create Medicare.
Remembering a Dear Friend
Upon the death of a dear friend, Alistair Cooke reveals a secret about President Kennedy.
The Marshall Plan
Alistair Cooke reflects on George W Bush's obsession with Saddam Hussein.
Patriotism, Thanksgiving - and Apple Sauce
Alistair Cooke recalls when Roosevelt named the 24 November as the day of Thanksgiving.
Armageddon Can Wait
After a turbulent few years, Alistair Cooke likens the yearly events to biblical stories.
Iraq's Midsummer Nightmare
Alistair Cooke considers the effectiveness of the UN resolutions on Saddam Hussein.
When the Miraculous Computer Fails
Alistair Cooke reveals the consequences of a polling computer crash.
All Politics is Local
Alistair Cooke recalls his very odd introduction to American politics.
Implement Me No Directives!
Alistair Cooke judges the language used by the Old Testament, Churchill and UN treaties.
Heaven on the Half Shell
Alistair Cooke reflects on the historical connection between China and California.
Protest for Peace
On hearing anti-war protests, Alistair Cooke recalls the American Civil War drafting riot.
What the American People Want
Alistair Cooke reflects on the opinion poll discoveries of George H Gallup.
Watch out for Isidore
It’s all in the name for Alistair Cooke as he ponders hurricane titles and biblical names.
President Kennedy had Just had a Nasty Shock
Alistair Cooke remembers the Cuban missile crisis and Nixon's golf club scandal.
It's Been Hard Convincing Allies that it's War
On first anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Alistair Cooke muses on a new type of warfare.
President Bush II has never been busier, 2002
Alistair Cooke reflects on President Bush's workload during the Iraq crisis.
Fireworks over Manhattan
Alistair Cooke reflects on the tribute to 9/11 heroes at the US Open.
If in Doubt, Find an Anniversary
Alistair Cooke explores the weird and wonderful anniversaries of 1902.
Cool it, Man!
Floods in Europe remind Alistair Cooke of the damage done to Dresden during WWII.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Alistair Cooke considers Europe’s reliance on the UN for dealing with Saddam Hussein.
Dead Cat Bounce
After news of a double-dip recession, Alistair Cooke discusses Pope John Paul II’s visit.
Am I My Brother's Keeper?
Alistair Cooke reflects on the generosity of Andrew Carnegie.
The Avenues to Express Greed had Grown
Alistair Cooke considers the language used by Alan Greenspan to calm the stock markets
Don't Name it, Cure it
Alistair Cooke examines what President Bush is doing about fraudulent financial deals.
The Old West
Alistair Cooke considers the argument that sweat shop work is good for the employees.
American Policy has One Main Aim
A letter from a student leads Alistair Cooke to consider anti-semitism in New York.
Goldfinger is Still Alive and Well
Alistair Cooke remembers Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the second Gulf War.
The Last of the Old Time Gangsters
Alistair Cooke remembers the life and death of infamous American Mafia boss John Gotti.
A Ruin Running to the Horizon
Alistair Cooke reflects on the removal of the Twin Towers debris from Ground Zero.
Fountains and Trade Wars
Alistair Cooke examines George Bush's visit to Europe in the midst of a trade war.
Secret of Eternal Youth
Alistair Cooke examines the alleged forewarnings of 9/11, and the new elixir of life.
Joy and Sorrow for the Libertarians
Alistair Cooke analyses why China's newfound capitalism is fully sanctioned by Marx.
Princes of the Church Live as Princes of the World
Alistair Cooke explores how the Roman Catholic Church uses canon law to defend its clergy.
New York: How are you Doing?
Alistair Cooke considers the psychological damage of the 9/11 attacks on school children.
The Catholic Church and Child Sex Abuse
Alistair Cooke on the scandals of child sex abuse by clergy in the Roman Catholic Church.
A Window of Relief
Alistair Cooke examines the political split over the attitude of Ariel Sharon.
Middle East: Mind Your Language
Alistair Cooke examines the US involvement in the Isreal and Palestinian conflict.
Medical Buzz Words
Alistair Cooke considers the use of medical buzz words such as virus and Alzheimer’s.
Persian Poets Need Not Apply
Alistair Cooke contrasting the ways in which English and American schools teach science.
The Unsung Heroes
Alistair Cooke praises unseen fighter pilots protecting New York.
Memory of a True Great
Alistair Cooke pays tribute to the champion golfer and lawyer Robert Tyre Jones.
The Day the Money Stopped
Alistair Cooke recalls the day in 1933 when every bank in America shut.
High Noon
Alistair Cooke considers the flawed ideology behind the idea of an "axis of evil".
Giuliani Receives Knighthood
Alistair Cooke reveals America's objections and misconceptions of honours.
The Next Step for the USA
Alistair Cooke expresses his concern about the US government's desire to invade Iraq.
Pork and Dogs
Alistair Cooke explains why we should all be interested in the President's budget.
Aftermath of War
Alistair Cooke examines the ever changing nature of war and the Geneva Conventions.
Batten Down the Hatches
Alistair Cooke examines the very real impact of inaccurate weather forecasts.
Living Like a Queen
Would you live like a Queen? Alistair Cooke examines the lifestyles of the Royals.
There's No Place Like Home
Alistair Cooke examines changes to US law making after 9/11 and Milosevic at the Hague.
Ringing the Changes
Alistair Cooke muses on George Bush's election and President Putin's visit to New York.
Tears and Anthems
Alistair Cooke reflects on why the national anthem is more emotive since the 9/11 attack.
The Messiah at Christmas
In the wake of 9/11, Alistair Cooke remembers introducing Bernstein to Handel's Messiah.
The Golden Gate
Alistair Cooke discusses the rumour of a potential attack on the San Francisco Bridge.
Security, Civil Rights and New Laws
Racial profiling at airports since 9/11 is an ethical dilemma for Alistair Cooke.
The Terrorists' Trojan Horse
Born in the USA? Alistair Cooke reflects on Al-Qaeda's use of home grown terrorists.
French forces in Afghanistan, November 2001
The assassinations of Lincoln and Kennedy. Plus UN debate on war with Afghanistan.
Project Space Guard
Extraterrestrial catastrophes remind Alistair Cooke of The Space Guard Project.
The Stars and Stripes
Alistair Cooke reflects on the outburst of flag hanging since the 9/11 attacks.
The aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks
Alistair Cooke reflects on how America is coping after the 9/11 terrorist attack.
Living with anthrax
Amid scares of anthrax in the post, Alistair Cooke considers the emotional effect of 9/11.
In The Olden Time: Before 11 September
Alistair Cooke reflects on how the September 11th attack has changed the American psyche.
Blair and Bush: The special relationship
Alistair Cooke reflects on Tony Blair's popularity ratings in America.
Civil Rights and Censorship
Alistair Cooke compares the UK government’s civil rights abuses with those of the USA.
The "Loss of Eden"
Alistair Cooke recalls Einstein’s warning letter to the US President about nuclear power.
America on Standby
In the 9/11 aftermath, Alistair Cooke reflects on Mayor Giuliani reaction to the attack.
America's Day of Terror, 9/11
Reactions to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11th 2001.
A Conference Against Human Prejudice
A UN convention on racism reminds Alistair Cooke of racism in professional tennis.
The Threat from Wobbling Warheads
Alistair Cooke reflects on President Bush's desire to build a defence missile shield.
Financial Wizards and Economic Prophecy
Alistair Cooke considers the worldwide pandemic of economic decline.
Life, Death and Medical Research
A coma patient makes Alistair Cooke consider the complex ethics of medical advancement.
Golf: It's a Very Difficult Game
A special mixed-couples golf match heightens Alistair Cooke's passion for golf.
East meets West
Alistair Cooke explores Europe's ignorance of America's long history with the Far East.
Policies and Popularity
Whilst poll ratings stagnate, Alistair Cooke considers George Bush's popularity.
Stem Cell Brain Drain
Alistair Cooke weighs up the political and ethical debates surrounding stem cell research.
Secret Service Secrets
Whilst Bush takes a vacation, Alistair Cooke considers the private life of the president.
Ringing the Changes!
Alistair Cooke reflects on the Independence Day celebrations and the Wimbledon finals.
Changing Tastes: 25 Years of Social Taboos
Alistair Cooke considers the changing social taboos and bigotries over the past 25 years.
Wake Up to Summer
Alistair Cooke considers how people alter their politics from a national to a local level.
Diplomacy and Public Relations
Alistair Cooke considers President Bush's European policy blueprints.
Prescription for a Pessimist
After a break from the news, Alistair Cooke reflects on how knowledge affects the psyche.
Life's a Gamble!
Alistair Cooke reflects on the political centrism occuring in both the US and the UK.
The City that Waits
Alistair Cooke examines how power supply issues in San Francisco now eclipse earthquakes.
California Dreaming
Alistair Cooke considers arguments surrounding the power failure crisis in California.
A Universal Shout
Alistair Cooke considers the anti-American sentiments being shouted from around the globe.
The Supreme Court
Alistair Cooke reflects on the Supreme Court and the way in which it makes its decisions.
The Media Just Love Anniversaries - However Grim
On the anniversary of the Columbine massacre, Alistair Cooke examines the media reporting.
Trilbies are Fashionable Again!
With a new trilby at the ready, Alistair Cooke considers the problem of CO2 emissions.
Déjà Vu All Over Again
Alistair Cooke reflects on the crash landing of an American spy plane on a Chinese island.
A Hero's Welcome: John McCain is Back!
Alistair Cooke considers Senator John McCain's campaign funding reform bill.
The Entire Civilised World is Shocked Beyond Civilised Expression
Alistair Cooke reflects on President Bush's decision not to support the Kyoto Treaty.
Bush Leads from the Right
Alistair Cooke considers the first two months of George W. Bush in the White House.
Sounding the Alarm to Farmers
Alistair Cooke reflects on the foot and mouth epidemic affecting Britain.
The Vice Presidency and a Precaution Against Death
Alistair Cooke considers the role of vice-presidents through history.
A Villain of American History
Alistair Cooke is shocked by the results of a recent poll to name the greatest presidents.
The Scandal of Pardons and White House Furniture
Clinton's White House departure inspires Alistair Cooke to explore past presidents' exits.
From Shirtsleeves to Shirt Sleeves in Three Generations
Alistair Cooke reflects on the rise and fall of wealth through three generations.
Famous and Good Intermediate Clowns
Alistair Cooke considers George W Bush's push to decentralise government.
How am I doing?
Working 9 to 5? Alistair Cooke investigates the quirky work habits of past US presidents.
A Precautionary Bit of Advice
Alistair Cooke compares the colourful characters of past US presidents.
Grandiose Inaugurations we Have Known
After George Bush’s inauguration, Alistair Cooke recalls Andrew Jackson’s rowdy induction.
First and Foremost Bureaucrats
Reports of pollution in the North Sea remind Alistair Cooke of a childhood fishing trip.
The Magic of the Internet?
Alistair Cooke debates whether the internet is the miracle cure for the US economy.