Abstract
This paper discusses the issue of families in relation to China and the United States. The paper further explores the issue of poverty and the struggle of the family unit in both countries in relation to economic concerns. A discussion of families in rural and urban areas, as well as the manner in which families live in these locales is examined. The concept of social class is presented and discussed in relation to how social class impacts the family unit and how societal beliefs exist that create barriers to altering the lives of the poor. Finally, the issue of culture is examined and the differences between China and America with regard to culture and living in the family unit are explored.

From the Paper
"The United States is considered a country that is the leading power in the world, while China continues to experience economic hardships and needed development. In both countries, however, the focus on the family is a concern because the family is believed to be integral to society. The Chinese families that exist in the modern world experience many of the same difficulties that are found by American families in rural and urban areas. This includes poverty, which is the number one social issue that impacts family units in both nations. Additionally, in both countries the issue of social class standing is apparent, with the poor often being outcast from the social order and forgotten. In China there has been a significant push to change the conditions for the poor, however, there are still those families that have been unaffected by governmental programs, which has been the case in the United States for decades. While these similarities exist between Chinese and American families, the greatest factor that separates their place in society is culture. The manner in which families conduct their lives because of social expectations and the beliefs related to gender differences and children impacts families in China differently than in America. However, it is clear that regardless of the cultural variances that affect families in these nations, within both cultures families are consistently attempting to survive and continue the progress of each generation in the hopes that eventually the family will know success."

Tags:units, poor, population, social, order

Abstract
This paper argues that there are three very valid reasons why the U.S. should not engage in any activity that limits population: (1) The world's growth rate is slowing and there is a vast difference between "population control" and family planning; (2) the idea of population control may be racially and ethnically motivated and, (3) more morally important, the government has absolutely no right to control conception or birth much as Communist China has done in its two-children family regulations. The author questions who would be selected or appointed to head such a Population Control mandate were it ever to come to pass and who would do the appointing? The paper supports population protection and education but never population control.

From the Paper
"In a now infamous and declassified document issued under the signature of Henry Kissinger in 1974, he sent a memorandum to the Secretaries of Defense, Agriculture, the Director of the CIA, the Deputy Secretary of State and the Administrator for the Agency for International Development, stating that "The President has directed a study of the impact of world population growth on U.S./ Security and overseas interests..." It is the first known document that spells out the fear of some American politicians for world over-population, not so much what it would do to those nations, but how over-population might harm the "interests" of America."

Tags:contraception, minorities, protection, limits, mandate

From the Paper
"This study will discuss marriage in China, focusing on the roles of women, false expectations, social and sexual factors, the impact of family policies, and abuses. The.study will conclude with a comparison of marriage in the United States and China.

The social roles of women, with respect to marriage, have changed dramatically in the last several decades in China: "Formerly subjected to one of the world's highest levels of social control---through the urban danwei (unit) or the rural collective --- the Chinese now have far more geographical, employment, and socioeconomic mobility than at any time since the early 1950s . . . . In magazine and television advertising, glamorous female models drape themselves over motorbikes, sip expensive canned drinks, and tout the latest beauty products."

Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between the trade balance and the exchange rate. The writer details the general rule of economics that states a negative trade deficit normally leads to a weaker currency while trade surplus results in enhanced value of currency, although there are exceptions to the rule, which are detailed in this paper. This paper discusses the issue of the U.S. trade balance and its effect on the exchange rate of the country's currency which is currently in the limelight due to the burgeoning U.S. trade deficit and the declining value of the dollar against other major world currencies. The writer of this paper delves into America's economy against that of China's and questions whether the U.S. dollar will retain its status of the reserve currency in the long run. This paper touches on the opinions and views of economists and U.S. treasury officials who contend that the current trade deficit is nothing to be alarmed about as the country's economy and the U.S. dollar survived a similar slide in the late 1980s. This paper also discusses the opinion of the U.S. administration that believes the alleged under-valuation of the Chinese Yen is a prime source for the deficit problems since there is a huge and growing trade imbalance between the U.S. exports and imports to China. The well-researched and well-written paper clearly define the terms: Trade balance, exchange rate and reserve currency.

Table of Contents:
What is Trade Balance?
What is Exchange Rate?
The Extent of Trade Balance Deficit in the U.S.
What is a Reserve Currency?
Can the U.S. Dollar Retain its 'Reserve Currency' Status for Long?
Is the U.S. Trade Deficit Sustainable?
Is China the Source of the Deficit Problem?
Possible Solutions to the Trade Deficit Problem
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"The key question is, can the US dollar retain its status of the resrve currency for long? History suggests that it may not. Before the advent of the dollar as the world's reserve currency, the British Pound had enjoyed such a status. Between the two World Wars and the post-World War II period saw the weakeing of the British economy. As a result, the British Pound was devalued by 30% in 1949, effectively ending its run as the world's reserve currency and the start of the dollar's reign. Dollar has been able to retain its status as the reserve currency since it was relatively stable, was backed up by the formidable economy of the US, low interest rates and the absence of an alternative currency."

Tags:economy, currency, china, america, u.s., international, debt, trade, deficit

Abstract
The paper argues that there will not be a military conflict between the U.S. and China by the middle of this century because: since 1947, the great powers have been constrained from warfare by the development of nuclear weapons, which create a permanent balance of power between all those who possess them; the interdependence between the U.S. and China renders conflict impossible in a global neoliberal regime; the offense-defense imbalance renders the cost of even limited engagement impossibly high; and the possibility of conflict arising out of misperception is slight in both the U.S. and China.

From the Paper
"There will not be a military conflict between the U.S. and China by the middle of this century because: since 1947, the great powers have been constrained from warfare by the development of nuclear weapons, which create a permanent balance of power between all those who possess them; the interdependence between the U.S. and China renders conflict impossible in a global neoliberal regime; the offense-defense imbalance renders the cost of even limited engagement impossibly high; and the possibility of conflict arising out of misperception is slight in both the U.S. and China. To the extent that these reasons are theorized within neorealism,..."

Tags:u.s., china, conflict

Abstract
This paper examines both sides of the nuclear issue by stating Iran has concerns regarding the attainment of nuclear technology but wishes to appear to the world as an advanced and well-developed nation. With nuclear weapons, Iran's influence in the Middle East could be increased which could entail an alliance with Iraq that would promote anti-U.S. sentiment resulting in undermining U.S. efforts in the Middle East in general. The writer of this paper focuses on the behavior of the U.S. towards Iran on the matter of nuclear non-proliferation and explains in-depth how the U.S. is using a web of approaches to maintain its world wide hegemonic presence.

From the Paper
"The behavior of the United States towards Iran regarding the issue of nuclear non-proliferation could be viewed through a number of theories, but the most proficient analysis of this situation is achieved through regime theory. Foremost, we must understand the issues surrounding why the U.S. wants to halt Iran's desire for nuclear technology. Since Iran does not currently have nuclear capabilities, it would be nearly impossible for them to launch a trans-Atlantic attack for a period of 5-10 years. Although that possibility seems unlikely, the U.S. is promoting the prevention of such a future assault. Another possibility is that if Iran was able to hone nuclear technology, other Arab states such as Egypt and Syria would feel threatened by this considering the negative relations of Iran and Israel, and would not want to be caught in the middle."

Tags:U.S., nuclear, weapons, politics, middle, east

Abstract
This paper explores the growing cocaine and marijuana market in Latin American countries and the lack of local resources available to prevent this valuable and profitable industry from expanding even more. The writer of this paper details the U.S. military's role in aiding these countries, as well as the cost to the American people, while pondering if the American military should even be involved in drug related issues outside the U.S. The cost for the military intervention in the war on drugs continues to rise and has created entirely new perceptions about money and the military both within and outside the U.S. This paper discusses the military involvement in the war on drugs and cites the leading recipients of aid, military equipment, training and personnel. This paper also delves into a program, involving military participation, which was recently introduced in Congress, called the Western Hemisphere Drug Elimination Act. This act would authorized $2.3 billion over three years for military hardware, personnel, training and a small amount for alternative crop development in various Latin American countries.

From the Paper
"Even though the House and various representatives have called on military action, the Pentagon was reluctant- albeit, it finally was dragged into it. Even though the Pentagon budget continues to grow, year after year, there are still concerns that legislators who dole out the tens of millions of dollars are underestimating the total cost. In a recent report to the House and Senate armed services committees, the Department of Defense estimated that "24-hour surveillance of the U.S. 'southern fence', the border from Jacksonville, Florida, to San Diego, full interdiction capability, and C13 programs, would cost between $480.4 million and $760.5 million annually, depending on the equipment mix ." All this money without a single soldier leaving the continental U.S.- even though advisers may now be operating in the various targeted Latin American countries. All that has been publicized, and strongly so, are planes and equipment, everything from helicopters to flame throwers which are supposed to be used by the local troops."

Tags:drugs, congress, government, military, american, u.s., columbia, financial, aid, cocaine, marijuana, narcotics

Abstract
This well-researched paper explores the term democracy, while focusing on the general makeup of the U.S. government. The writer contends that democracy is a government by the people, for the people, run directly by them or through their duly elected representatives. This paper details the history of the American voting system, which is a key activity of a modern democracy. The writer of this paper discusses and cites various portions of the the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which establishes the legislative branch of the government. This paper examines the historic events that led to the 1776 War of Independence between America and Britain. This paper briefly discusses the current political climate in America, while also supplying a brief overview of the democratic and republican platforms.

From the Paper
"The downward trend of less party affiliation and less party voting proceeded from the simple argument that one did not need to be a Republican or a Democrat to pave a road. Those who favor nonpartisan elections claim that the job of a member of the city council is not to debate on national issues but to maintain the neighborhood part, keep it clean and fix occasional potholes and these functions do not need partisan solutions. Nonpartisan election was a reform introduced by the Progressive Party at the turn of the 20th century. The Progressive Party wanted city governments to respond more to community needs and less to self-interested party manipulation. Non-partisan elections would remove party influence from the race; allow candidates who do not need to adjust their ideas to the approval of parties to run; and compel voters to search out more information on a candidate. Advocates say that a more active and informed citizenry would increase voter turnout."

Tags:congress, voting, senate, u.s., american, government, election, history, adminstration, presidency, political

Abstract
This essay provides information about Taiwan's geography, politics, religion, industry, languages, and family life. The paper compares that information with corresponding information about the U.S. and looks at how the two countries differ as well as how they are similar. The paper explains that the one area that the U.S. and Taiwan are virtually identical is that of recreation where both countries enjoy theater, cinema, picnics, listening to music and a number of different sports activities.

From the Paper
"In the United States, English is the unofficial language, however, roughly ten percent of the population speak Spanish (United pp). While the majority of the population are of European descent, Hispanics comprise 13.4 percent, 12.9 percent are African Americans, 4.2 percent are Asian American, and the aboriginal population of Native Americans make up about 1.5 percent of the population (United pp). According to the 2000 census, there are thirty-one ethnic groups with at least one million people living in the United States (United pp).
While in Taiwan, Han Chinese makes up roughly ninety-eight percent of the population, while most of the rest are Aborigines of Malay origins (People pp). The population density is 1,528 persons per square mile, making Taiwan one of the ten most densely populated countries in the world (People pp). The official language is Mandarin Chinese, however, the majority of the people also speak Taiwanese, the language of the first Chinese immigrants (People pp). Another Chinese dialect is Hakka, and some older people speak Japanese, and the Aborigines speak their own languages (People pp). English is generally a popular second or third language for students and is widely understood in urban areas (People pp)."

Tags:east, asia, coast, mainland, china, south, japan, north, philippines, formosa, beautiful

Abstract
This personal narrative explains that, having been born and growing up in a land far from the U.S., both in terms of distance and customs, the author's highs and lows truly began when he left his native China to come to the United States. Education that permits a new life of freedom and opportunity, becoming a U.S. citizen, marriage and the birth of his first child, the author describes as the high points. The paper lists the downs as the health problems of his first-born, separation from his parents in terms of miles and new customs and the health of his mother.

From the Paper
"Seeing my parents in my child's eyes brings me to a second low point- separation from my parents, so far away. I miss them. I never gave it much thought when I left to come to America. But, now I realize that we are now separated not only in terms of miles, but also language and new customs and a granddaughter they have only seen pictures of. It is always a low point when families have to be separated and the joys and sorrows of life cannot be shared together and in person."

Tags:life-changing job, heart murmur, separation family