Just a day after Jimmy Carter's inaguration, he followed through on a contentious campaign promise, granting a presidential pardon to those who had avoided the draft during the Vietnam war by either not registering or traveling abroad.
This episode of the Robert MacNeil Report looks at Pringles and American potato chips in general. MacNeil and Lehrer speak with food industry experts and representatives about how the combination of airtight, tubular cans and the saddle-shape of each Pringle made it a phenomenon that threatens to monopolize the potato chip industry.
This episode features a discussion of the Israeli commando raid on Entebbe airport in Uganda. The guests are Zbigniew Brzezinski, Simche Dinitz, William Quandt. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
Robert MacNeil and Jim Lehrer host a discussion about recent, controversial Supreme Court decisions for The Robert MacNeil Report. Important rulings for the discussion are the death penalty decision ruling that some State's automatic capital punishment laws were unconstitutional, and others were not and the abortion decision guaranteeing a woman's right to an abortion without veto power from her husband or parents, in the case of a minor. Panelists also discuss the overall atmosphere of the Supreme Court, and how they are likely to rule in other cases.
This episode features a discussion on a mystery illness at the American Legion convention in Philadelphia. The guests are John Stafford, Henry Waxman, Leonard Bachman. Byline: Jim Lehrer
The main topic of this episode is The Mafia After Gambino. The guests are Nicholas Gage, Dennis Dillon, Peter Maas, Jay Waldman. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
The main topic of this episode is Violence on Television. The guests are Les Brown, Bob Donath, James McAdams, Nicholas Johnson. Byline: Robert MacNeil
This episode features a discussion on Nazis In America The guests are Tscherim Soobzokov, Michael Dennis, Tony Devito, Vincent Schiano, Howard Blum, Joshua Eilberg, Jim Wesley. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
This episode features a discussion on Hustler Magazine The guests are Mary Calderone, Larry Flynt, Larry Parrish, Herald Price Fahringer, Anita Harris. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
Robert MacNeil hosts a discussion on Idi Amin, President of Uganda, and his allegedly violent regime for The MacNeil/Lehrer Report. Following a speech by President Jimmy Carter in which he spoke out against Amin's rule, President Amin closed his borders to prevent about 200 Americans from leaving Uganda. The borders were reopened days later, but this event called Amin's politics into question worldwide. Discussion focuses on allegations against Amin, including previous allegations of genocide and politically-motivated murders. Two of the three panel members are convinced that these allegations are true, based on their experiences in Uganda, the third member, a reporter who was invited on a special press trip to Uganda, remains convinced that Amin is not guilty.
Authors of the book "The File on the Tsar" Anthony Summers and Tom Mangold discuss evidence about the fate of the Romanov family during the Russian Revolution. A mystery has existed for years about what happened to the Tsar and to his family. Evidence of suppressed documents and a coverup raise questions about what happened and when. There were multiple relationships between the Romanovs and German royalty and with British King George V. The guests discussed the validity of Anna Anderson's claim to be the Tsar's daughter Anastasia, but reach no conclusion.
The campaign to decriminalize the use of marijuana is gaining strength. The guests this episode are Lester Grinspoon, Herman Graber, Sterling Johnson, Robin Beard. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
This episode features a discussion on legalizing heroin. The guests are Amos Henix, Robert DuPont, Richard Hatcher. Byline: Robert MacNeil
Robert MacNeil hosts a discussion about the ongoing search for the Son of Sam serial killer for The MacNeil/Lehrer Report. The discussion takes place on the anniversary of the first attack attributed to the Son of Sam who has killed five and wounded six, up to this point. Following a series of clips from interviews with members of the New York Police Department and the public, the chief of the NYPD and a criminal psychologist discuss the ongoing investigation and some aspects of the psychological profile that has be attributed to the killer.
This episode of the MacNeil/Lehrer Report covers the recent American Indian sovereignty movement, focusing on tribal activism and new developments in the political and legal rights for Native American communities. The segment begins with an overview of various sovereignty news for local tribes across the country, and continues with a focus on the upcoming convention for the National Congress of American Indians in Dallas. Interviewees include representatives from the National Congress of American Indians and the National Tribal Chairmens Association, as well as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs. The episode also covers government backlash to the sovereignty movement.
This episode features a discussion on Arms Sales. The guests are Steven Lydenberg, Herbert Schandler, Jessica Tuchman, Jim Wesley. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
This episode features a discussion on The CIA. The guests are William Colby, Herbert Scoville, Harry Rositzke, Monica Hoose. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
This episode features a discussion on The ACLU And The Nazis. The guests are Will Maslow, Charles Whelan, Ralph Temple, Anita Harris. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
The main topic of this episode is People's Temple. The guests are Irving Zaretsky, Joe Holsinger, Phil Tracy. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
The main topic of this episode is Religious Cults and Government. The guests are Robert Dole, Richard Delgado, Jeremiah Gutman, J. Stilson Judah. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
The main topic of this episode is Computer Crime. The guests are Donn Parker, John O'Mara, Philip Manuel. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
The main topic of this episode is Supreme Court Decision on Freedom of the Press. The guests are Jonathan Lubell, Floyd Abrams, Benno Schmidt, Jack Landow. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
This episode of the MacNeil/Lehrer Report looks at how America's public school system treats gifted children, and what measures should be taken to ensure that gifted children receive an appropriate education. Those advocating for special gifted education programs discuss the importance of giving exceptionally bright children a challenging education, arguing that student boredom can lead to underachievement and loss of potential. Others propose that such programs are elitist, unnecessary, and unfair to other students. Guests include both children and adults.
The massive and explosive eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington state followed weeks of earthquakes, ash and steam. There is a rising death toll and uncertainty about further eruuptions. Experts and government officials discuss the impacts on weather, climate, recreation, agriculture and transportation. Scientists put this eruption in context with prior eruptions which have helped them develop predictions about how volcanos evolve.
The main topic of this episode is Robotics. The guests are Paul Aron, Joseph Engelberger, Harley Shaiken. Byline: Jim Lehrer, Charlayne Hunter-Gault
This episode of The MacNeil/Lehrer Report looks at the new technology of microelectronics. Prophets claim these smaller computers will usher in a second industrial revolution, while critics argue the new golden age of electronics will happen at a much slower pace. Robert MacNeil and Jim Lehrer interview chip manufacturers, business executives, industry experts and researchers on the potential impact of microelectronics over the next decade.
This episode features a discussion on the Changing Climate on Gun Control. The guests are Mark Benenson, Pete Shields, John Anderson, John Ashbrook. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
Ronald Reagan is shot by John W. Hinckley Jr.of Evergreen, Colorado, undergoes 2 hour operation to remove a single bullet in his left lung. He is in stable condition; full recovery is expected. Experts (Robert Steele, Eleanor Clift, James King) disagree whether security has gotten lax since Johnson and Nixon presidencies, after the Kennedy assassination. How can security be improved, given the political realities and available technologies?
Robert MacNeil and Jim Lehrer host a discussion addressing the aftermath of the assassination attempt on President Reagan for The MacNeil/Lehrer Report. A press conference from George Washington University Hospital where the president is being treated - is first presented, followed by a discussion by other experts. Discussion includes the president's condition, the effect on the government proceedings, and security issues.
Robert MacNeil and Jim Lehrer conduct an interview with Edwin Meese concerning the aftermath of the assassination attempt on President Reagan for The MacNeil/Lehrer Report. Meese, a White House advisor, says that the president being hospitalized has had little effect on governmental proceedings and that Reagan is able to continue his duties while in the hospital. The issue of gun control, including public opinion and criminal punishment, is also addressed.
This episode features a look at John Hinckley Jr.'s Profile. The guests are Sidney Bernstein, Kurt Andersen, Irving Harris, Stanley Gochman. Byline: Robert MacNeil
The main topic of this episode is Pope Assassination Attempt. The guests are Altemur Kilic, Isadore Kreel, Joseph A. Ohare. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
The main topic of this episode is Arms Sale Policy. The guests are Jacques Gansler, James Buckley, Alan Cranston. Byline: Robert MacNeil
This episode features a discussion on Insanity Defense for John Hinckley. The guests are Abraham Halpern, Henry C. Weinstein, alan dershowitz, david robinson. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
The main topic of this episode is Why Computers Don't Work. The guests are Charles Leght, Tom Drewes, Thomas Christo, Vico Henriques. Byline: Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer
This episode's headline: High Tech Heist. The guests include HARRY ROSITZKE, Former CIA Agent LAWRENCE BRADY, Assistant Secretary of Commerce; In San Francisco (Facilities: KQED-TV): HAROLD SELLO, American Electronics Association; DONALD KENNEDY, President, Stanford University. Byline: In New York: ROBERT MacNEIL, Executive Editor; In Washington: JIM LEHRER, Associate Editor; KENNETH WITTY, Producer; MAURA LERNER, Reporter; BILL McGOWAN, Researcher
This episode's headline: High-Tech Censorship. The guests include GEORGE DAVIDA, Cryptographer; DANIEL SCHWARTZ, Former General Counsel, National Security Agency; STEPHEN BRYEN, Defense Department; WILLIAM CAREY, American Association for the Advancement of Science. Byline: In New York: ROBERT MacNEIL, Executive Editor; In Washington: JIM LEHRER, Associate Editor; KENNETH WITTY, Producer; MAURA LERNER, Reporter; MICHAEL SCHREIBMAN, Researcher
This episode's headline: School Prayer. The guests include Rev. DEAN KELLEY, National Council of Churches; EDWARD McATEER, Religious Roundtable; RICHARD VIGUERIE, Conservative Digest; VICTOR KAMBER, Political Consultant; Videotape courtesy of Christian Broadcasting Network. Byline: In New York: ROBERT MacNEIL, Executive Editor; In Washington: CHARLAYNE HUNTER-GAULT, Correspondent; MONICA HOOSE, Producer; MARIE MacLEAN, Reporter
The use of genetic screening by companies raises moral, ethical and legal issues. Two types of genetic testing are discussed--screening and monitoring--by Congreeman Al Gore, doctors representing companies and academia and a doctor from a workers organization. Pre-employment screening risks discrimination against people who carry genetic traits that may or may not lead to any medical issues. Monitoring can help uncover risks posed by workplace chemicals. Dow Chemical tested more than 1,700 workers over 10 years to discover whether certain chemicals caused mutations, but cancelled the program after 2 chemicals were found to create mutations. There are privacy concerns and issues of informed consent, as well as some doubt about the accuracy of current testing technology. Representative Gore notes that the adoption of genetic testing is moving ahead much more quickly than anticipated, arguing that Congress should study the technology, then legislate appropriately.
This episode's headline: School Prayer. The guests include Sen. DANIEL PATRICK MOYNIHAN, Democrat New York; Sen. JOHN EAST, Republican, North Carolina; Sen. SLADE GORTON, Republican, Washington; HOWARD PHILLIPS, The Conservative Caucus. Byline: In New York: ROBERT MacNEIL, Executive Editor; In Washington: JIM LEHRER, Associate Editor; MONICA HOOSE, Producer; ANNETTE MILLER, Reporter
This episode's headline: Human Genetic Engineering. The guests include ALEX CAPRON, President's Commission on Medical Ethics; Dr. BERNARD DAVIS, Harvard University; Rep. ALBERT GORE, Jr., Democrat, Tennessee; In Boston (Facilities: WGBH-TV): SHELDON KRIMSKY, Tufts University. Byline: In New York: ROBERT MacNEIL, Executive Editor; JIM LEHRER, Associate Editor; LEWIS SILVERMAN, Producer; MAURA LERNER, Reporter
This episode's headline: Execution by injection. The guests include HENRY SCHWARZSCHILD, ACLU; ERIC FREEDMAN, Defense Attorney; In Dallas (Facilities: KERA-TV): STEVE CHANEY, Fort Worth Prosecutor; CAPPY EADS, National District Attorneys Association. Byline: In New York: ROBERT MacNEIL, Executive Editor; In Washington: JIM LEHRER, Associate Editor; LEWIS SILVERMAN, Producer; GORDON EARLE, MAURA LERNER, Reporters
This episode's headline: Pac-Man Perils. The guests include RONNIE LAMM, PTA President; Rabbi STEVEN FINK, Educator; GLEN BRASWELL, Amusement Game Manufacturers Association; PAUL TRACHTMAN, Smithsonian Magazine. Byline: In New York: ROBERT MacNEIL, Executive Editor; In Washington: JIM LEHRER, Associate Editor; JOE QUINLAN, Producer; NANCY NICHOLS, Reporter; NIAMH TANSEY, Researcher
This episode's headline: The Future. The guests include TIM ONOSKO, ""Future"" Historian; ISAAC ASIMOV, Science Fiction Writer; DICK TERESI, Omni Magazine. Byline: In New York: ROBERT MacNEIL, Executive Editor; In Washington: JIM LEHRER, Associate Editor; LEWIS SILVERMAN, KENNETH WITTY, Producers; MAURA LERNER, Reporter
This episode's headline: TV Violence. The guests include Dr. THOMAS RADECKI, National Coalition on TV Violence; Dr. DAVID PEARL, National Institute of Mental Health; Dr. ALAN WURTZEL, American Broadcasting Company; ERIC MINK, St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Byline: In Washington: JIM LEHRER, Associate Editor; In New York: CHARLAYNE HUNTER-GAULT, Correspondent; JOE QUINLAN, Producer; MAURA LERNER, MARIE MacLEAN; Reporters
This episode's headline: Indians. The guests include SAM DELORIA, American Indian Law Center; KEN SMITH, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. Byline: In New York: CHARLAYNE HUNTER-GAULT, Correspondent; In Washington: JIM LEHRER, Associate Editor; JOE QUINLAN, Producer; NANCY NICHOLS, Reporter; Video Segment: MARK BENJAMIN, Producer/Cameraman; ALVIN KRINSKY, Video; DAVID ROTH, Production Assistant; JUAN BARNETT, Tape Editor
This episode's headline: Artificial Intelligence. The guests include RANDALL DAVIS, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; ROGER SCHANK, Yale University. Byline: In New York: ROBERT MacNEIL, Executive Editor; In Washington: JIM LEHRER, Associate Editor; KENNETH WITTY, Producer; MAURA LERNER, Reporter; Videotape Section: NORMAN LLOYD, Camera; OTTO KENNEDY, Sound; JUAN BARNETT, Editor
This episode's headline: Japanese Internment Camp Report. The guests include JOAN BERNSTEIN, Commission on Wartime Relocation and Citizen Internment; Rep. DANIEL LUNGREN, Republican, California; TOM KOMETANI, Former Internee; JOHN J. McCLOY, Former Assistant Secretary of War. Byline: In Washington: JIM LEHRER, Associate Editor; In New York: CHARLAYNE HUNTER-GAULT, Correspondent; JOE QUINLAN, LEWIS SILVERMAN, Producers; MAURA LERNER, MARIE MacLEAN, Reporters
This episode's headline: The Court and the Death Penalty. The guests include Dr. LOREN ROTH, American Psychiatric Association; In Boston (Facilities: WGBH-TV): ALAN DERSHOWITZ, Defense Attorney; In Dallas (Facilities: KERA-TV): CAPPY EADS, Texas Prosecutor; CLAY GRIFFITH, Psychiatrist. Byline: In New York: ROBERT MacNEIL, Executive Editor; In Washington: CHARLAYNE HUNTER-GAULT, Correspondent; LEWIS SILVERMAN, Producer; MAURA LERNER, MARIE MacLEAN, Reporters; THOMAS CALIANDRO, Researcher