Category Archives: 1980s

After 37 years, Senate endorses genocide ban 40 years ago today (Feb 19 1986)


Video: 'Eyewitness Testimony: Senator William Proxmire'

(Wednesday, February 19, 1986) — The U.S. Senate today approved, 83-11, the Genocide Convention, an international treaty outlawing “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group,” nearly 37 years after the pact had first been submitted for ratification. Continue reading After 37 years, Senate endorses genocide ban 40 years ago today (Feb 19 1986)

‘Spies Like Us’ by Paul McCartney peaks at #8 in USA 40 years ago today (Feb 8 1986)


Video: 'Paul McCartney - Spies Like Us 1985'

(Saturday, February 8, 1986) — “Spies Like Us” by Paul McCartney, from the film of the same name, peaked at #7 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Spies Like Us’ by Paul McCartney peaks at #8 in USA 40 years ago today (Feb 8 1986)

‘Conga’ by Miami Sound Machine peaks at #10 in USA 40 years ago today (Feb 8 1986)

(Saturday, February 8, 1986) — “Conga” by Miami Sound Machine peaked at #10 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘Conga’ by Miami Sound Machine peaks at #10 in USA 40 years ago today (Feb 8 1986)

Haiti’s ‘Baby Doc’ flees, ending 28 years of family rule 40 years ago this hour (Feb 7 1986)


Video: 'From the archives: Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier flees Haiti'

(Friday, February 7, 1986, 3:27 a.m. EST) — Haitian President-for-Life Jean-Claude Duvalier, known as “Baby Doc,” boarded a United States Air Force jet and fled to France before dawn today, ending the 28-year grip of his family on the impoverished Caribbean nation. Continue reading Haiti’s ‘Baby Doc’ flees, ending 28 years of family rule 40 years ago this hour (Feb 7 1986)

Philippine snap presidential election marred by fraud charges 40 years ago today (Feb 7 1986)


Video: '1986 Philippines Elections'

(Friday, February 7, 1986) — The Philippines today held a presidential election marred by charges of fraud against the incumbent, Ferdinand E. Marcos, triggering the eventual downfall of Marcos and the accession of Corazon C. Aquino as president.

President Reagan’s SOTU message appeals for unity to curb spending 40 years ago this hour (Feb 4 1986)


Video: 'Ronald Reagan's State of the Union Address 1986'

(Tuesday, February 4, 1986, 8:04 p.m. EST) — U.S. President Ronald Reagan appealed tonight to Republicans and Democrats to unite in an effort to control Government spending, saying, “It’s time we reduced the Federal budget and left the family budget alone.” Continue reading President Reagan’s SOTU message appeals for unity to curb spending 40 years ago this hour (Feb 4 1986)

Mass Murderer Charles Manson refused parole 40 years ago today (Feb 4 1986)


Video: 'Charles Manson 1986 Parole Hearing'

(Tuesday, February 4, 1986) — Parole for Charles Manson, serving a life term for being the mastermind of the 1969 Tate-LaBianca cult murders, was turned down by a state board today in San Quentin, California, after the killer told its members to “stick it” because he was his own god and government and that if he were released he would likely go to Libya or Iran.

‘I’m Your Man’ by Wham! peaks at #3 in USA 40 years ago today (Feb 1 1986)

(Saturday, February 1, 1986) — “I’m Your Man” by Wham! peaked at #3 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘I’m Your Man’ by Wham! peaks at #3 in USA 40 years ago today (Feb 1 1986)

‘Go Home’ by Stevie Wonder peaks at #10 in USA 40 years ago today (Feb 1 1986)

(Saturday, February 1, 1986) — “Go Home” by Stevie Wonder peaked at #10 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Go Home’ by Stevie Wonder peaks at #10 in USA 40 years ago today (Feb 1 1986)

Reagan postpones State of the Union to address Challenger disaster 40 years ago this hour (Jan 28 1986)


Video: 'Challenger: President Reagan's Challenger Disaster Speech - 1/28/86'

(Tuesday, January 28, 1986, 5:00 p.m. EST) — U.S. President Ronald Reagan, saying “today is a day for mourning and remembering,” postponed the State of the Union speech he had planned for tonight because of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Continue reading Reagan postpones State of the Union to address Challenger disaster 40 years ago this hour (Jan 28 1986)