BBC Radio Podcasts from Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: The Reagan Years (1981-1988)
Gorbachev's perilous experiment
Soviet leader addresses UN as first cracks widen in the Eastern bloc.
Yasser Arafat's speech at the UN, 1988
A milestone in Middle Eastern politics as Yasser Arafat is invited to speak at the UN.
Fears over US deficit
Greenspan warns that Bush will face economic woe.
A dirty campaign
Commentators agree the campaign was the dirtiest 'in living memory'.
The 1988 presidential election
George Bush's victory in the 1988 election, and the complexity of a modern ballot paper.
George H W Bush vs Michael Dukakis
A profile of the Democratic and Republic contenders for the White House in 1988.
The Bess Myerson trial begins
The Bess Myerson trial, often referred to as "the Bess mess", begins in New York.
Baseball and politics in 1988
Do the baseball metaphors of the 1988 presidential candidates endear them to the public?
Testing public opinion
Vice-presidential debate could sway public opinion on main candidate.
1988 televised debates, and Thatcher in 1979
Has the campaign for the 1988 presidential election become too sterile?
Looking good on TV
Forget the issues, the most important political feat is to look good on television.
Hurricane Gilbert
The destruction caused by Hurricane Gilbert, and the Great New England Hurricane of 1938.
The Democratic outsider
Could Michael Dukakis learn from Jimmy Carter when campaigning for the 1988 election?
Yellowstone National Park, 1988
Yellowstone centre is saved from wildfires which have destroyed a million acres.
Etiquette for presidential candidates and the heat wave of Summer 1988
When presidential candidates only talked policy, and when Adlai Stephenson broke the rule.
Dan Quayle for vice president
George H W Bush chooses Dan Quayle as Vice-Presidential candidate.
President Reagan’s final Republican Convention
President Reagan gives his farewell address at the Republican convention in Kansas.
Ed Koch, Mayor of New York
A look at the daily tasks and problems faced by New York's mayor Ed Koch.
Day care and recreation
The unexpected success of the newspaper USA Today; day care becomes an election issue.
America's polluted waters
The polluted state of America's waters, coastline and lakes.
Democratic National Convention, 1988
Michael Dukakis is nominated as presidential candidate at the 1988 Democratic convention.
Indict and remand
The purpose and history of the US Grand Jury, the meanings of indict and remand.
Iran Air Flight 655
An Iranian civilian airliner is shot down by US missiles killing all on board.
Seeing justice done
Television simplifies court cases to a point where they are seen as a sports contest.
Goodbye to men's clubs
Supreme Court rules that all-male clubs discriminate.
The Stand in the Schoolhouse Door of 1963
The 25th anniversary of the desegregation of the University of Alabama.
Bush will win it
Dukakis faces too many hurdles to overcome the Reagan feel-good factor.
Golf in Russia
Never mind the summit, the news is out that golf is coming to Russia.
Nancy Reagan's astrologer, 1988
New book exposes First Lady's use of astrologer to dictate the president's diary.
Lame duck President Reagan, 1988
What power does the outgoing President Reagan really hold?
The forgotten William Le Queux
The death of Kim Philby and the influence of Edwardian spy writer William Le Queux.
Irving Berlin turns 100, 1988
A look at the life and career of songwriter Irving Berlin at the age of 100.
George H W Bush nominated
The background of George H W Bush, the new Republican presidential candidate.
Stanton Delaplane (1907-1988)
Memories of a travel writer and Pulitzer prize-winning San Francisco Chronicle columnist.
The Augusta National, 1988
Getting away from it all, at America's most beautiful golf course.
Correspondents answered
Correcting mistakes, and also misinterpretations.
Democrat agony
Jesse Jackson tops up support as Democrat selection goes on.
Warnings for Gorbachev
Observers fear that Gorbachev's reforms could end in a coup.
California public health laws
Drought, new rules on illegal immigrants in California, the rise of the super computer.
1988 presidential primaries
As the primaries begin, the Democrats are still ambivalent about their contenders.
Black Monday remembered
Memories of the global stock market crash of 19th October 1987.
Serious Money
Broadway failure of a sermon for our time.
New Hampshire
The state still living in what it deems to be Reagan's golden age.
Caucus system
What is the caucus system of nominating candidates for public office?
McCarran-Walter Act repealed
Odious law quietly repealed after 35 years.
Missile treaty questioned
INF treaty to end medium-range nuclear weapons may leave Europe defenceless say critics.
The Democrat Convention of 1924
The disordered state of the Democrat campaign and their chaotic convention of 1924.
Gary Hart confesses
Admission of affairs sink Hart's chances of the Democrat nomination.
Gorby mania
The INF treaty signing and Mikhail Gorbachev's popularity in the US and Europe.
INF Treaty
The summit for the INF to limit nuclear armaments.
Thanksgiving 1987
Thanksgiving Day past and present, and rioting by Cuban prisoners.
Iran-Contra reports
The reports from the investigating committee into the Iran-Contra scandal.
Black Monday
Black Monday, and the need for radical federal deficit cuts.
Gorbachev wants economic change
West startled by revisionist speech from Soviet leader.
Time for more taxes
Balancing the books may mean it's time to increase consumption taxes.
Black Monday 1987, Black Tuesday 1929
How does the stock market crash of October 1987 compare to the 1929 Wall Street Crash?
Peace prize for Sanchez
Costa Rican president wins Nobel prize for his Central American peace plan.
Off the hook?
The one question which might prove the Iran-Contra deal broke no law.
Oliver North’s diminished popularity
Colonel Oliver North's brief moment as a popular hero to a minority in the US.
Robert Bork’s Supreme Court nomination
President Reagan's controversial nomination of Judge Robert Bork to the Supreme Court.
Papal visit, September 1987
The Pope visits a nation where one in four is a Catholic - America.
The meaning of Labor Day
The origins of the Labor Day holiday and the role of trade unions in the US.
Pat Schroeder pitches in
New entry for the Democratic presidential nomination is the only woman so far.
Anniversary mania
When there's little news about, look for an anniversary.
What's in a catchphrase?
How catchphrases become part of the American language.
Inflation rising again
Inflation figures show rise as US becomes entangled in Persian Gulf naval moves.
Forget the smoking gun
Presidential accountability should be the aim of the Iran-Contra hearings.
UN unanimous on Iran-Iraq
Rare agreement of UN security council ends swiftly.
The national anthem, 1986
Time to change the national anthem?
An overnight hero
Fan mail by the sack for Colonel Oliver North.
Oliver North’s role in Iran-Contra, 1987
Colonel Oliver North gives evidence about his involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal.
A surfeit of scandal
American public is suffering from an overdose of deceit and financial fiddles.
Fred Astaire, 1987
Remembering the man who 'could dance a little'.
2000th Edition
Testing immigrants for disease, the spread of AIDS, and the rise of skin cancer.
Alan Greenspan
The next chairman of the Federal Reserve - Alan Greenspan.
Election envy
US looks in envy at the ease - and cheapness - of a British General Election.
The return of Richard Nixon, 1987
The re-emergence of Richard Nixon into public life after the Watergate scandal.
In the money
Will the sky really prove the limit when it comes to ever-expanding amounts of money?
Garbage disposal
Time to call a halt to the practice of using landfill to dispose of our rubbish.
Ethics in government
Personal gain - the reason why so many politicians fall foul of corruption.
Playing nuclear chess
Chess strategy and the nuclear arms limitation talks.
US-Canada relations sour
Continuing problem of acid rain from US industry hitting Canada's natural resources.
Surveillance and espionage in the Cold War
Security concerns at the US embassy in Moscow and at the founding of the UN in 1945.
Farewell to stereotypes
Cultural exchanges usher in a new era of Soviet-American relations.
Presidential press conferences
The insatiable demand for us all to know everything, now.
Reagan and the Iran-Contra scandal
The effect of the Iranian arms for hostages deal on President Reagan's popularity.
Economic variations
Economics guru Galbraith warns of parallels with 1929 crash.
Dairy buy-out
Milk glut results in federal buy-out of herds.
Presidential memory loss
Doctor queries whether Reagan is telling the truth - and simply doesn't remember.
Mayor Clint Eastwood
The Carmel mayor who's keeping the bad guys off the streets.
Voters believe Reagan lied, December 1986
Poll shows half of Americans believe President Reagan knew about money for Contras.
The credibility gap
Work begins to rebuild the president's credibility.
An unhappy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving holiday soured by ongoing revelations over Iran-Contras deal.
The Iran-Contra scandal revealed, 1986
America reacts to revelations of a US arms for hostages deal with Iran.
Teflon President on sticky ground
Reagan admits to Iran arms deal as hostage is freed.
Democrats take Senate
Close call in off-year Senate elections, but Democrats win the day.
A Boston wake
Celebrating the Boston Red Sox's non-victory.
James McGill Buchanan
Nobel economist James McGill Buchanan and his self-interest theory.
Reykjavik Summit, October 1986
Reagan and Gorbachev's disarmament summit in Reykjavik ends in failure.
The Third Man
The resignation of Bernard Kalb, a man of principle.
US interference in UK politics
Badly-timed statement from US defence secretary upsets Labour Party conference.
United Nations in decline
Once the hope of the world, the UN is now toothless - and broke.
Tougher drug laws
Congressmen back House bill for tougher drug laws as Reagan crusades against misuse.
Labor Day parades end
Labor Day parades become a thing of the past as US workforce turns away from unions.
Keeping secrets
Some decisions governments make are best not known.
Hotels for the homeless
Koch ponders using hotels for NY's homeless.
Drought hits farmers
Severe weather threatens livelihoods of thousands of farmers in the Midwest.
A small earthquake
The economic effects of a small quake on a small community.
Averell Harriman (1891-1986)
A tribute to politician and diplomat Averell Harriman who served five presidents.
Drug addiction spreading
New figures show drug addiction has spread across American society.
A popular president
Why Reagan's popularity booms while his policies flounder.
Independence Day celebrations, 1986
Celebrating the 4th July and the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty.
Sounding American, 1986
The language divide - American or English?
Supreme Court changes
New Supreme Court appointments could alter political balance.
Ozone loss and cancer
Senate report links growing number of skin cancers with ozone loss.
Americans fly abroad again
US holidaymakers return to Europe after terrorism scares.
Yakima Canutt, 1986
Remembering the king of the stunt men, Yakima Canutt.
Chernobyl nuclear disaster, 1986
What can be learned from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 26th April 1986?
Michael Deaver case
Allegations that former top Reagan aide Michael Deaver used 'insider' lobbying.
Growing US deficit
National debt growing alarmingly, despite Reagan's promises to balance the budget.
Ukraine nuclear disaster
Russia clamps down on details of Ukraine nuclear accident.
US bombing of Libya, 1986
The aftermath of the US air-strikes against Libya on 15th April 1986.
US attack on Libya
American air forces bomb Libyan leader Gaddafi's terrorist headquarters.
TV violence
Does watching violent television or film lead to real acts of violence?
Americans stay at home
Terrorism fears trigger fall-off in US travel abroad.
US-Libya missile battle
Gulf of Sidra missile battle between US and Libya during navy manoeuvres.
Loving Los Angeles
Learning to love the city of the angels.
International airlines in trouble
Cut-throat competition sees airlines facing bankruptcy or buyouts.
Floods in California
Northern California flooded after a year's rain falls in just over a week.
Marcos overthrown by people power
Philippines president ousted from office after election scandal.
Reagan blunders over Marcos election
President's 'enormous' blunder over Marcos election result shocks American press.
Philippines election queried
US troubleshooter Habib holding post-mortem on Philippines snap election.
The US budget
Who controls the spending budget in the US - the president or Congress?
Christa McAuliffe and the Challenger disaster, 1986
The death of space shuttle Challenger astronaut and school teacher Christa McAuliffe.
Loans warning on economy, January 1986
Top economist warns that loans could prompt financial crash.
Martin Luther King day
National holiday to honour Martin Luther King observed for the first time.
Sanctions against Libya
US imposes sanctions against Libya for its support of airport attackers.
Reagan's Russian broadcast
US and Soviet leaders in dual New Year greetings broadcasts.
Paul Castellano shot dead
Leader of Mafia family shot dead on New York street.
Some stories don't date
Is there any such thing as 'today's news'?
Making assumptions
We think we know what's true - but surveys often prove otherwise.
The computer age, 1985
Entering the age of the computer, from MRI scans to word processors.
California's sea otters
Return of California's hunted sea otters.
Old hatreds
How long does it take before old foes can become friends?
Tennessee jails crisis
Overcrowded jails in Tennessee lead judge to refuse prison sentences.
US labour unions
The Welsh miner who changed the face of US labour unions.
Limousine envy, 1985
UN's birthday party creates a limousine jam in New York.
Cholesterol discovery wins Nobel prize
American discoveries about cholesterol could lead to new drug treatments.
Achille Lauro hijack
Israel strikes back after cruise ship hijacking and murder.
Hurricane Gloria
Be thankful for today's weather forecasting when it's hurricane season.
1985 Mexico City Earthquake
The alleged corruption stalling the recovery of Mexico City after a ruinous earthquake.
On the 40th anniversary of the United Nations
The closure of the East River Drive ahead of the meeting of the UN in New York.
Summer's end, September 1985
As the summer folk depart coastal places can settle back into normal life.
Hurricane Elena, 1985
An increase in the legal drinking age to 21, and the path of Hurricane Elena.
Kevin Curren and Flushing Meadows
A grey cloud hangs over the career of tennis player Kevin Curren.
Moscow's spy dust
Uproar over Soviet use of 'spy dust' to keep track of Americans in Moscow.
General Douglas MacArthur and the Japanese surrender
A recollection of the end of the conflict in the Pacific during the Second World War.
The president's nose
President Reagan admits to having skin cancer removed from nose.
Francis Perkins and the US deficit
Francis Perkins memoires, and an analysis of Reagan's plan to reduce the deficit.
South Africa boycott
Arguments over whether to pull out US companies from South Africa.
Reagan has surgery
When you're the president, your health is everyone's concern.
Sport and tax avoidance
Winners with a sporting chance of tax avoidance.
TWA hostages released
The deal that never was but which helped release the hostages.
No comment
When the president's 'No comment' is the right reply.
TWA plane hijack
Outrage over Middle East hijacking of TWA plane.
Being a good politician
Magnanimity, the gift which makes a good politician.
Hotel strike in New York
New York hotel workers strike over new pay structure.
Simpler taxes suggested by president, 1985
Reagan outlines plan to simplify America's tax structure.
Defining death
New definition of when death occurs will assist medical staff.
Trade deficit with Japan
Strong dollar sees trade deficit soar as US shoppers buy Japanese.
Voters back Bitburg visit
Fears over president's visit to Bitburg military cemetery unfounded.
Contra aid cut off
Blow to Reagan as House ends aid to Nicaragua's Contras.
Senator Sam Ervin
In praise of Sam Ervin, the Southern senator who chaired the Watergate hearings.
Anniversaries to remember
Presidential gaffe over wartime anniversary.
Politicising the dictionary
Politically-slanted definitions have appeared in a new Oxford dictionary.
Street crime fears
Self-defence fears over rising street crime.
MX funding agreed
Reagan wins plan to build more MX missiles.
Strong dollar hits jobs
Exports down as strong dollar sees buyers seeking cheaper producers.
Reagan budget defeated
President's campaign pledge of 'no more taxes' unlikely to be upheld.
America's acid rain
Canada suffering from acid rain produced by the US.
Meese takes oath of office
Edwin Meese finally appointed as attorney general.
General Westmoreland libel case
Vietnam general sues TV network over accusatory programme.
US farming in crisis
Farmers plead for more help as farming subsidies face cuts.
New Zealand bans US navy
American destroyer refused New Zealand port call over nuclear ban.
Defending Kingsley Amis
In defence of Kingsley Amis, whose new novel has caused a storm among feminists.
Inauguration parade cancelled
Freezing weather forces cancellation of inauguration parade.
The strong dollar and Lindsay Wellington
A eulogy for Lindsay Wellington, who first commissioned Letter from America.
Budget cuts continue
Congress will trim president's budget despite election promises.
Cholesterol-free Christmas, anyone?
Just in time for the festive season, a new health warning on diet.
China denies move to capitalism
Editorial suggesting China's move to a capitalist economy 'flawed', says official.
Texas A&M University
Visit to the A&M university - a place built in that typically Texan grand scale.
George Aiken of Vermont
Remembering Vermont's longest-serving Senator, George D. Aiken.
Senator Jesse Helms
The anti-abortion, pro-smoking Senator who may be the man who shapes foreign policies.
George Gallup (1901-1984)
The achievements of George Gallup, inventor of the Gallup poll of public opinion.
Bodyguards and personal security
Indira Gandhi's assassination, security for public figures and the role of bodyguards.
Being 'on welfare'
Headline writers confusing welfare payments with poverty.
Political TV commercials
Selling politics in a 30-second TV advertising slot.
Old Man Reagan, 1984
How President Reagan's advanced age of 73 has affected the 1984 election debate.
Gangsters in Chicago
Mafia involvement in alcohol during prohibition and in the heroin trade today.
Reagan meets Gromyko
First face-to-face meeting between President Reagan and top Soviet leader Gromyko.
Oklahoma ends liquor ban
Last state to end prohibition will now allow liquor to be openly sold.
Mondale gets mad
Presidential hopeful Mondale gets fighting mad in the campaign.
Car workers to strike
Workers who took pay cuts to help ailing car industry to strike as profits rise.
Alfred Knopf (1892-1984)
The life of Alfred Knopf, "simply the best publisher of the twentieth century".
Mondale's wobbly leadership
Democrat leader Mondale under fire as the Republican convention opens.
Republicans head for Texas
Dallas prepares for the Republican convention.
James Mason remembered, 1984
The actor I wouldn't give a part to - James Mason remembered.
Fishing for votes
Candidates' fishing skills can win votes.
Ferrero nominated
Geraldine Ferraro is Democrats' choice for vice-president nomination.
Reporting party conventions
The dramatic 1940 Republican Convention where outsider Wendell Wilkie beat the favourite.
Convention histories
When political conventions used to be full of surprises.
Rise in drinking age
President backs raising drinking age to 21 in all states.
Jesse Jackson in Cuba
Jesse Jackson meets Fidel Castro in Cuba and negotiates the release of 22 US prisoners.
Misleading headlines
Newspapers mislead readers over support for Reagan's policies.
D-Day anniversary
American view of the D-Day 40th anniversary.
Democrat prospects dim
Democrat in-fighting has weakened the party's chances.
Beware stereotypes, 1984
Relying on our ideas about stereotypes can cause misunderstandings.
Tougher smoking warnings
Tougher health warnings to be used on cigarette packaging.
Ed Meese investigation
Reagan's chosen attorney general, Ed Meese, to be investigated by special prosecutor.
CIA mines Nicaragua ports
Reagan snubs claims that CIA mined Nicaraguan ports.
Argentina bailed out
Emergency package helps Argentine avoid default on loans.
Holiday in San Francisco
Cooke visits San Francisco, his honeymoon destination during the Alcatraz mutiny of 1946.
No school prayers
School prayers amendment fails to win Senate approval.
'Where's the beef?'
Ad campaign slogan becomes a political statement.
Smiley Ratliff's escape bid, 1984
American millionaire Smiley Ratliff tries to buy Pacific island to get away from it all.
John Glenn and the presidency
Senator John Glenn tries for the Democrat nomination in the presidential race.
Americanisms
Translating American words across the Atlantic, how English language changes over time.
Chernenko is Soviet leader, 1984
Soviets choose 72-year-old Chernenko as their new leader.
Reagan wants second term
Reagan announces his intention to run again for president.
Do Russians want Reagan out?
Would the Russians prefer to see a Democrat in the White House this year?
Home videotaping gets the OK
Supreme Court upholds home taping of videos.
Charles Wick's secret tapes
Head of government information agency secretly recorded conversations.
Syrians free US soldier
Jesse Jackson helps free US solider held by Syrians.
1984 and the nuclear threat
Opinion polls reveal the American public's fear of nuclear war with the USSR.
NORAID and the Harrods bombing
The Irish Northern Aid Committee and the 1983 bombing of Harrods by the Provisional IRA.
President Alfonsin of Argentina
President Alfonsin, Argentina's first democractically elected leader.
Joe Polowsky's funeral, 1983
Peace-loving veteran's wish is granted with East German funeral.
The Day After
The first screening of The Day After, and the response of the television audience.
Defending freedom
Reagan claims Grenada invasion was to defend freedom.
Martin Luther King Day
The events that led to the recognition of Martin Luther King Jr Day.
Grenada press ban lifted
Press begins to uncover the fuller, and more complex, story of the Grenada invasion.
Invasion of Grenada
UN shocked at US invasion of Grenada.
Barbara McClintock
Barbara McClintock's research into genes, and her acknowledgement as a great scientist.
Boycotts can backfire
Economic sanctions can adversely affect the country imposing the boycott.
Andrei Gromyko and the United Nations
The tensions within the UN following the shooting down of Korean Airlines flight 007.
The America's Cup
Australia wins the America's Cup.
Fear of Russia returns
In the aftermath of the shooting-down of the Korean airliner, fear of Russia returns.
US troops in Lebanon
Continued presence of US troops in Lebanon queried.
Korean Airlines flight 007
An escalation in tension during the Cold War, as an airliner is shot down over Russia.
Reverend Jesse Jackson
Jesse Jackson steps into the political spotlight.
Benigno Aquino assassinated
Shocking murder of Benigno Aquino leaves US facing policy dilemma.
Andrei Berezhkov's non-defection
Teenager Andrei Berezhkov asks for help to defect - then changes his mind.
The arrest of Dave Winfield
The desires of American women in 1983, and the law on home video taping.
Equal rights crusade goes on
Despite years of stalemate, the Equal Rights Amendment crusade continues.
Intervention in Central America
President Reagan's dilemma over the mounting tensions in Central America.
President Reagan's social programmes
The diverse support for Ronald Reagan and a rise in welfare spending.
Chrysler repays loan
Motor company Chrysler repays government loan.
Briefing-gate to be investigated
Reagan orders inquiry into Carter's stolen briefing papers.
Connecticut bridge collapse
Concerns over nationwide infrastructure after bridge collapse in Connecticut.
Paul Volcker, head of the Fed
The second most important man in America - Paul Volcker.
Sally Ride, new role model
America's first female astronaut Sally Ride.
Margaret Thatcher's re-election and the 'special relationship', 1983
An American perspective on the re-election of Margaret Thatcher.
Thatcher plans second term
As Britain faces a General Election, questions over possible Reagan second term.
Bishops call for nuclear ban
Catholic bishops publish anti-nuclear war letter.
Mayor Feinstein to stay
San Francisco's mayor wins battle against ejection.
Williamsburg summit
Arms policy endorsed by France at Williamsburg summit.
Literacy rates falling
National commission finds literacy rates are falling across the US.
El Salvador crisis
President ponders assistance for embattled El Salvador.
Slimmer social security
President signs new bill aimed at slimming down social security costs.
Chicago's first black mayor
Democrat Harold Washington is elected Chicago's first black mayor.
Intelligent computers
Looking forward to intelligent computers.
Reagan's 'Star Wars' speech
President Reagan proposes a space-based missile platform.
The Squeal Rule
Goverment proposal to tell parents of contraceptive use in minors.
Reagan being Reagan again
President begins to move back to his original right-wing ground.
Queen Elizabeth and Pope John Paul II
Queen Elizbeth's trip to California and the Pope's visit to Central America.
Financial crisis of 1933
The 1933 financial crisis that led to a closure of all American banks.
Who's next for President?
Looking ahead to the next race for the White House.
China-US relations
Relations between US and China depend on where you're viewing from.
Fear of appeasement, 1983
Appeasement fears are stumbling block to arms control.
Reagan u-turn on economy
Reagan says government must help economy in State of the Union address.
Florida's changing fortunes
Tourist numbers to Florida fall as holiday money gets tight.
Satellite communication
Global communication using the new satellite technology.
Puerto Rican bombing in NY
New York bombs came from Puerto Rican terrorist group.
China's spoilt brats
China's 'one child' rule leads to spoilt only children.
The Dull Men's Club, 1982
Founder of Dull Men's Club claims it's OK to be boring.
The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930
The protectionist Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930.
Congress vote on MX missile
More research funding agreed for MX missile.
Kennedy quits presidential bid
Senator Kennedy bows out of next presidential election.
Airline cartel claim
Law suit claims airlines fixed transatlantic prices.
Voting for equal rights
Loss of Equal Rights Act blamed for anti-Reagan voting.
Vietnam veterans' memorial, 1982
Poignant memorial to Vietnam vets is unveiled in Washington.
Mid-term elections
Mid-term elections leave Reagan without back-up.
Reaganomics 'a gimmick'
Nobel Prize winner labels Reagan's economic plans as 'a gimmick'.
Jobless are main elections issue
Reagan woos the farmers but unemployment remains main election isue.
National Football League strike 1982
A pay dispute over NFL television rights, and an overview of the sport.
New York immigrants
New figures show massive increase in immigration into New York.
US impotent in Lebanon conflict
Nuclear deterrent no longer holds power in conflicts such as the Middle East.
Labor Day parade
New York workers out in greater numbers for traditional parade.
Reagan backs Palestinian autonomy
Israeli anger as Reagan backs autonomy plan for Palestinians.
Reagan's 'revenue' increases
President Reagan wins 'revenue' - not tax - increases.
Hinckley insanity defence
Lawyers argue over use of insanity defence in Hinckley case.
White-collar unemployment
Recession-hit firms lay off white-collar workers.
Fourth of July
Celebrating the Fourth of July.
Falklands surrender
Reactions to Argentine surrender of Falklands.
Reagan's Europe tour
President prepares for grand tour of Europe.
Reagan silent over Falklands
Reagan notably silent about Falklands campaign.
Nuclear reduction talks suggested
Reagan suggests arms limitation talks.
The Falklands, the BBC and censorship, 1982
An examination of the reporting of the conflict in the Falklands.
Falklands casualties
Lessons from Falklands naval warfare.
Hinckley trial opens
Would-be assassin of President Reagan finally comes to trial.
Argentina invokes security pact
Call from Buenos Aires for support from neighbours against British 'aggression'.
Haig's shuttle diplomacy over Falklands
Secretary of State Haig negotiating with both sides in Falklands dispute.
The invasion of the Falkland Islands
The American interest in the Argentinian invasion of the Falkland Islands.
El Salvador elections
Voters turn out for El Salvador elections amid turmoil.
Soviet-China peace request
Brezhnev requests peace talks with China.
St. Patrick's Day 1982
President Reagan's views on Northern Ireland and the appeal of Ed Koch
The real Florida
The real Florida is not all sun and sand.
The Moral Majority
Civil liberties rally brings together left and right protesting against evangelicals.
Winter deepens recession
Big freeze hits farming and housing as economic recession continues.
President Truman and Dr Arthur Barsky
The life and work of Dr Arthur Barksy, and a change in presidential security.
Roosevelt 100th anniversary, 1982
White House marks Roosevelt's centenary.
Franklin D Roosevelt and the New Deal
A recollection of FDR's re-evaluation of the need for social reform.
Reagan faces reality
Low ratings reflect the president's change of heart over many electoral promises.
Polish propaganda
Reading between the lines of news from Poland.
President Reagan and the Middle East
A review of Ronald Reagan's concerns in the Middle East.
US budget deficit
Reagan's economic plans result in massive budget deficit.
Martial law in Poland
US impotent as martial law imposed on Poland.
US-China relations
Special relationship between West Coast Americans and the Chinese.
Video games craze
Newest craze in US is for Japanese video games.
Reagan vetoes budget
Presidential veto over budget sees government workers sent home.
Reagan backtracks on missiles
President suggests US and Soviet re-think on land-based missiles.
Abortion an issue again
Attorney General suggests making abortion illegal.
Video tape copyright claim
Film studios win copyright claim against video taping.
Death of Anwar Sadat (1918-1981)
President Sadat of Egypt is assassinated in a year of political assassination attempts.
US reviews Soviet military strength
Soviet military strength ahead of US, report finds.
Illegal immigration, 1981
Huge increase in illegal immigrants from Mexico entering the US.
First woman Supreme Court judge
Sandra Day O'Connor becomes first woman Supreme Court judge.
Inner city decay
Power outage highlights problem of urban infrastructure decay.
Fruit fly battle
California under siege by fruit flies.
Libyans challenge US aircraft
Reagan talks tough over Libyan intercepts of US airplanes.
Neutron bomb backlash
Europe reacts angrily to Reagan's announcement of new bomb programme.
Reagan breaks air strike
Air controllers strike broken by President Reagan.
Baseball strike, 1981
The 1981 Major League Baseball strike comes to an end.
Royal wedding spectacle
US audiences applaud the theatre of the royal wedding.
Ottawa economic summit
Secrecy surrounds Ottawa summit talks.
British city riots
America shocked by violence erupting across the UK.
Reagan wins budget cuts
Surprise as House clears suggested budget cuts on single vote.
US-China relations warm
Arms deal announced as US relations with communist China warm.
Surgeons' insurance costs soar
Rising cost of malpractice insurance sees surgeons quitting.
Reagan's policies stalled
Election promises fade as reality scuppers new administration's plans.
Reagan at West Point
President Reagan addresses graduates at West Point.
New York bomb threats
Mystery blitz of bomb threats after Kennedy Airport device kills man.
Grain embargo stalls
Embargo on grain exports to Russia fails.
Remembering Jack Thum, 1981
Mickey Rooney portrays professional clown Jack Thum.
Reagan budget-cutting campaign, 1981
Axe falls on government spending as Reagan's budget cuts begin.
Columbia space shuttle, 1981
Space shuttle Columbia makes first return landing.
Protecting the president
Calls for better protection after Reagan assassination attempt.
Assassination attempt on Reagan
President Reagan survives an assassination attempt by John Hinckley on 30th March 1981.
US looks to Far East
Moves for better US-Far East relations.
Meet the neighbours
President Reagan to visit Canada amid fears over environment.
Inflation dips slightly
Public excitement over drop in inflation rate - but economists show less enthusiasm.
A meeting of minds, 1981
Thatcher's visit to the new president is anticipated as a love-fest.
The new First Lady
Nancy Reagan is copied - and cartooned.
Press overkill on hostages return
Saturation coverage by TV networks as the hostages return from Iran.
President Reagan’s inauguration, 1981
As President Reagan's inauguration takes place, 52 US hostages are released in Iran.
Haig questioned by Senate committee
Haig's fitness as Secretary of State questioned by Senate committee.
Reagan chooses cabinet, 1981
Reagan's cabinet choices mean a slow start.
Winter in Vermont
Everyday life in the deep snow of a Vermont winter.