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 If
you have ever built a domino wall, you know the disastrous consequences
that a teetering domino can have on the whole project. One wrong move -
one ill-advised touch - can cause the surrounding dominos to collapse
one-by-one, each causing its neighbor to fall. Once the dominos start to
fall, it is nearly impossible to control or prevent the others from
falling. We often call this “the domino effect.” The idea behind the
domino effect has been applied to all kinds of situations and theories
from psychology to sociology to education, but perhaps most concerning
is when the domino effect is discussed in terms of foreign relations.
I just recently returned from a visit to China with a delegation of
Members of Congress. This was my second trip to China since 2004, and as
I returned to China I expected to be fairly familiar with the status of
the political, economic, and military environments I would find there.
As founder of the Congressional China Caucus, I have made it a priority
to study China’s rapid economic growth, its sophisticated military
buildup and its day-to-day and future impact on the United States. When
I returned from my last trip to China nearly three years ago, I wrote
about the quiet storm that China had become, brewing essentially
unnoticed across the world’s horizon. I wrote about China’s military
buildup and the possible temptation that might lead Beijing to use its
military strength as a mechanism to exert pressure on its neighbors. I
never expected that I would see these results so soon as I returned to
China just a few weeks ago.
It is no secret that China has gained economic power. But as they have
reached new economic heights, they are continuing to invest heavily in
creating a military muscle to match their economic authority. The
Chinese military buildup is still very much a reality today as it was
three years ago. When confronted with growing concerns over their
military buildup, China’s first line of response is that they have
historically only used their military might defensively. However, some
key factors have revealed that China may be backing off of its
historically defensive role, and could possibly be preparing to become
an offensive military player on the world stage.
Recently, Taiwan drafted a resolution which seeks support to enter the
United Nations under the name of “Taiwan” rather than the “Republic of
China.” The vote on this resolution would take place in Taiwan next
spring. Beijing sees the referendum as a step by the Taiwanese towards
independence, and is fully prepared to use any means necessary to keep
Taiwan from doing so—even military force. Difficulties surround China's
intentions toward Taiwan and U.S. commitments to democratic Taiwan. The
U.S. observes the “One China Policy”, but has clearly stated that an
attack on Taiwan would be “of grave concern” to the U.S. During the trip
to China, we visited the Chinese Headquarters of the 2nd Artillery,
which houses all Chinese missile units. This buildup raised awareness
among Members on the trip that China is fully committed to addressing
the Taiwanese issue if need be. Given the relationship between China,
Taiwan, and the U.S., this possibility creates a dangerous situation for
the entire world. Like the teetering domino within the line of dominos,
Taiwan’s approval of the resolution could set off a series of events
that would be difficult to predict or control.
As we have for many years, we must continue to emphasize the need for
transparency in China. Without transparency, there are
misunderstandings, and misunderstandings lead to missteps—missteps that
the world cannot afford. As it stands now, China has failed to be
transparent in a number of areas, which makes it difficult to evaluate
China’s potential impact on its neighbors and the world. China has
regularly failed to take concrete action to protect intellectual
property rights—the Chinese steal more of our intellectual property than
any other nation in the world with an estimated $244 million in losses
from piracy in China in 2005, according to the Motion Picture
Association of America. Recent product safety issues, particularly with
regard to recent recalls of consumer goods and food imported from China,
have revealed yet another area where China is severely lacking in
transparency. While Chinese leaders told me they are taking steps to
improve product safety, we are realizing that we cannot rely on other
countries to protect Americans.
The key to creating transparency, particularly with China, is dialogue.
Only the act of creating effective dialogue between China and U.S.
leaders, and among business and industry leaders will allow for
understanding. In an effort to generate dialogue about U.S.-China
policy, the Congressional China Caucus is hosting a China Policy Summit
on Capitol Hill in November. The purpose of the China Policy Summit is
to provide a forum in which Members of Congress, policy makers,
diplomats, academics, journalists, business and industry leaders, and
others can engage in discussion of critical policy issues relating to
China such as military modernization, product and consumer safety,
trade, currency, human rights, and many others. The summit is an
important part of the Caucus’ efforts to review critical issues that
drive United States relations with the People’s Republic of China and
increase understanding of these relations within the congressional
community and around the world. The China Policy Summit has the
potential to be a true clearinghouse and, most importantly, a
springboard for other similar summits on issues impacting our nation.
Only through open and regular dialogue will we be able to create true
transparency. Our goal is to remove enough dominos to prevent a chain
reaction that nobody wants and that the world can ill afford.
Fall Prevention
All too often we hear of a friend, relative or neighbor who has been
injured in a fall, with injuries ranging from bumps and bruises to even
more serious or life threatening injuries. As we get older, preventing
falls becomes even more important because our bodies injure more easily
and heal a lot slower. A fall that might cause a teenager a bruise can
leave an older adult with a broken bone, something many parents have
learned over the years playing with their kids or by playing in adult
sports leagues.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list unintentional falls
as the leading cause of nonfatal injuries for almost every age groups,
and as the cause of injury for almost 2/3 of all nonfatal injuries for
those 65 and older. Additionally, 13,700 senior citizens died due to
fall-related injuries in 2003.
While all falls can’t be prevented, there are concrete steps that
experts recommend to reduce your risk of falling. The top four ways to
prevent falls and fall-related injuries are:
Exercise – by beginning a regular exercise program, balance and
coordination will be improved, lowering your risk of falling.
Make your home safer – with half of all falls happening at home,
home safety is crucial to prevent falls.
* Keep floors safe and clear - make sure rugs are secured with
double-sided tape or removed and cords and wires are
secured.
* Arrange furniture so there is a clear walkway and make sure areas are
well-lit.
* Fix loose or uneven steps and use handrails when going up and down
stairs.
* Put a non-slip rubber mat or strips on the floor of your shower
or tub and be careful of water on the floor.
* Install night lights for easier visibility at night.
Have your health care provider review your medications - some
medications or combinations of medicine can make you drowsy or
light-headed.
Have your vision checked – poor vision increases your chance of
falling.
Additionally, you should be sure to keep emergency phone numbers in
large print near each phone and put a phone near floor level to call for
help in the event you fall and are injured. Seniors who live by
themselves should also consider wearing an alarm device that will bring
help in case you fall and can’t get up.
For additional resources on how you can make your home safer, please
follow the links below:
Center for
Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute of Health
Mayo
Clinic |
