Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: The Clinton Years (1993-1996)

BBC Radio 4

4.0 (9)
SOCIETY & CULTURE

Bill Clinton’s first term encompassed controversies from the Israeli-Palestinian Oslo accords and gays in the military to the North American Free Trade Agreement and an attempt at healthcare reform. A fascinating social, cultural and political history of American life, through the words of British-American journalist and broadcaster, Alistair Cooke (1908 – 2004).

12/27/1996

A history of Father Christmas

Santa Claus or Father Christmas? The origin of the Patron saint of Christmas is explored. Plus, the surprising popularity of a Tickle Me Elmo toy has caused prices to skyrocket.

13 min
12/20/1996

UN Leader Mr Boutros Boutros-Ghali

A tribute to Mr Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former leader of the UN General Assembly, whose peacekeeping skills were put to the test during the Rwandan Genocide.

14 min
12/13/1996

Gulf War Syndrome

Madeleine Albright becomes the first Secretary of State in America, and investigations reveal a possible chemical cause of Gulf War Syndrome.

14 min
12/06/1996

Permissive California

Cults of California, tolerance in San Francisco, and the permissive parenting backlash are discussed by Alistair Cooke in this week's Letter From America.

13 min
11/29/1996

Thanksgiving in California

From California, Alistair Cooke examines the un-politicised institution of Thanksgiving and the changing face of US politics.

13 min
11/22/1996

Sexual harassment in the armed forces

After public revelations of cases of sexual violence in the US Army and Navy Alistair Cooke examines the scandal of the sexual harassment of women in America's armed forces.

14 min
11/15/1996

US intervention in Rwanda

US intervention in the Rwandan refugee crisis and the history of President Clinton's press conferences.

14 min
11/08/1996

The 1996 presidential election

The results of the presidential elections and how technology is turning busy television studios into silent cathedrals, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

14 min

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Bill Clinton’s first term encompassed controversies from the Israeli-Palestinian Oslo accords and gays in the military to the North American Free Trade Agreement and an attempt at healthcare reform. A fascinating social, cultural and political history of American life, through the words of British-American journalist and broadcaster, Alistair Cooke (1908 – 2004).