Literacy is defined as the ability to read and write. One would expect that as the world enters the 21st century of the Third Millennium, we wouldn't even need to discuss such a topic. But alas, that is not the case. Even in the United States, the only so-called superpower left standing at the moment, the rate of illiteracy is astonishing. Some cynics say that there is no cause for alarm since the rich elite class needs millions of workers for low-paid jobs and the less educated the better. Others say that the lack of literacy is the fault of the schools and that if we double the pay of the teachers, they will somehow suddenly be interested in teaching. Still others say that with television and VCRs everywhere, who needs to read and write anyway. In this book we have collected citations, sorted and indexed them in a way which we hope will be useful for those seeking further information on this topic. At the beginning, we offer excerpts from some of the fundamental reports summarising the dismal situation.

Medicare is a nation-wide health insurance programme for the aged and certain disabled persons. Over its 32 year history, it has provided important protection for millions of Americans. However, the programme is now facing a number of problems. The first and most pressing concern is whether Medicare's financing mechanism will be able to sustain it in the long run. Many people are also concerned that the programme's structure, which in large measure reflects both the health care delivery system as well as political considerations in effect at the time of enactment, has failed to keep pace with the changes in the health care system as a whole. A related concern is whether the programme's benefit structure adequately responds to the health care need of today's aged and disabled populations. This book addresses these and other related issues.

There seems to be fewer policy issues in Washington and around America which cause more arguments than affirmative action. Both sides in this debate are deeply entrenched and show little, if any, signs of movement. Is it a catalyst or an albatross? In this book, the author has gathered articles concerning the historical background of the legislation and its implementation, analyses of its effects and proposals for revision of various provisions of the law. He has tried to concentrate on issues of employment although two articles cover sexual harassment and one deals with American's with disabilities. The heart of the affirmative action policy is, after all, an attempt toward fairness. One of the pillars which supports America's claim toward greatness is the idea that all of its citizens should have a fair chance. Action is surely required to realise this dream, but which action? It is the author's intention that the papers in this volume will present a useful review of this crucial issue.

Medicare is a nationwide health insurance program for the aged and certain disabled persons. Over its 32 year history, it has provided important protections for millions of Americans. However, the program is now facing a number of problems. The first and most pressing concern is whether Medicare's financing mechanism will be able to sustain it in the long run. Many people are also concerned that the program's structure, which in large measure reflects both the health care delivery system as well as political considerations in effect at the time of enactment, has failed to keep pace with the changes in the health care system as a whole. A related concern is whether the program's benefit structure adequately responds to the health care needs of today's aged and disabled populations. This book addresses these and related issues.