第一篇：美國總統勵志演講稿

hello, everybody!thank you.thank you.thank you, everybody.all right, everybody go ahead and have a seat.how is everybody doing today?(applause.)how about tim spicer?(applause.)i am here with students at wakefield high school in arlington, virginia.and we’ve got students tuning in from all across america, from kindergarten through 12th grade.and i am just so glad that all could join us today.and i want to thank wakefield for being such an outstanding host.give yourselves a big round of applause.(applause.)大家好！謝謝你們。謝謝你們。謝謝你們大家。好，大家請就坐。你們今天都好嗎？（掌聲）蒂姆·斯派塞（tim spicer）好嗎？（掌聲）我現在與弗吉尼亞州阿靈頓郡韋克菲爾德高中的學生們在一起。美國各地從小學預備班到中學12年級的學生正在收聽收看。我很高興大家今天都能參與。我還要感謝韋克菲爾德高中出色的組織安排。請為你們自己熱烈鼓掌。（掌聲）i know that for many of you, today is the first day of school.and for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it’s your first day in a new school, so it’s understandable if you’re a little nervous.i imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now--(applause)--with just one more year to go.and no matter what grade you’re in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer and you could’ve stayed in bed just a little bit longer this morning.我知道，今天是你們很多人開學的日子。對于進入小學預備班、初中或高中的學生，今天是你們來到新學校的第一天，心里可能有點緊張，這是可以理解的。我能想象有些畢業班學生現在感覺很不錯——（掌聲）——還有一年就畢業了。不論在哪個年級，你們有些人可能希望暑假更長一點，今天早上還能多睡一小會兒。i know that feeling.when i was young, my family lived overseas.i lived in indonesia for a few years.and my mother, she didn’t have the money to send me where all the american kids went to school, but she thought it was important for me to keep up with an american education.so she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, monday through friday.but because she had to go to work, the only time she could do it was at 4:30 in the morning.我了解這種感覺。我小時候，我們家生活在海外。我在印度尼西亞住了幾年。我媽媽沒有錢送我上其他美國孩子上的學校，但她認為必須讓我接受美式教育。因此，她決定從周一到周五自己給我補課。不過她還要上班，所以只能在清晨四點半給我上課。你們可以想見，我不太情愿那么早起床。有很多次，我趴在餐桌上就睡著了。但每當我抱怨的時候，我媽媽都會那樣地看我一眼，然后說：“小子，這對我也并不輕松。”（笑聲）so i know that some of you are still adjusting to being back at school.but i’m here today because i have something important to discuss with you.i’m here because i want to talk with you about your education and what’s expected of all of you in this new school year.我知道你們有些人還在適應開學后的生活。但我今天來到這里是因為有重要的事情要和你們說。我來這里是要和你們談談你們的教育問題，以及在這個新學年對你們所有人的期望。now, i’ve given a lot of speeches about education.and i’ve talked about responsibility a lot.我做過很多次有關教育問題的演講。我多次談到過責任問題。i’ve talked about teachers’ responsibility for inspiring students and pushing you to learn.我談到過教師激勵學生并督促他們學習的責任。i’ve talked about your parents’ responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and you get your homework done, and don’t spend every waking hour in front of the tv or with the xbox.我談到過家長的責任，要確保你們走正路，完成家庭作業，不要整天坐在電視前或玩xbox游戲。i’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards, and supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren’t working, where students aren’t getting the opportunities that they deserve.我多次談到過政府的責任，要制定高標準，支持教師和校長的工作，徹底改善不能為學生提供應有機會的、教育質量差的學校。but at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, the best schools in the world--and none of it will make a difference, none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities, unless you show up to those schools, unless you pay attention to those teachers, unless you listen to your parents and grandparents and other adults and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.that’s what i want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education.然而，即使我們擁有最敬業的教師，最盡力的家長和全世界最好的學?！绻銈兇蠹也宦男心銈兊呢熑?，不到校上課，不專心聽講，不聽家長、祖父祖母和其他大人的話，不付出取得成功所必須的勤奮努力，那么這一切都毫無用處，都無關緊要。這就是我今天講話的重點：你們每個人對自己的教育應盡的責任。i want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself.every single one of you has something that you’re good at.every single one of you has something to offer.and you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is.that’s the opportunity an education can provide.我首先要講講你們對自己應盡的責任。你們每個人都有自己的長處。你們每個人都能做出自己的貢獻。你們對自己應盡的責任是發現自己的能力所在。而教育能夠提供這樣的機會。

你或許能成為一名出色的作家——甚至可能寫書或在報紙上發表文章——但你可能要在完成那篇英文課的作文后才會發現自己的才華。你或許能成為一名創新者或發明家——甚至可能設計出新一代iphone或研制出新型藥物或疫苗——但你可能要在完成科學課的實驗后才會發現自己的才華。你或許能成為一名市長或參議員或最高法院的大法官——但你可能要在參加學生會的工作或辯論隊后才會發現自己的才華。and no matter what you want to do with your life, i guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it.you want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? you want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? you’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers.you cannot drop out of school and just drop into a good job.you’ve got to train for it and work for it and learn for it.不論你的生活志向是什么，我敢肯定你必須上學讀書才能實現它。你想當醫生、教師或警官嗎？你想當護士、建筑師、律師或軍人嗎？你必須接受良好的教育，才能從事上述任何一種職業。你不能指望輟學后能碰上個好工作。你必須接受培訓，為之努力，為之學習。and this isn’t just important for your own life and your own future.what you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country.the future of america depends on you.what you’re learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future.這并非只對你個人的人生和未來意義重大?？梢院敛豢浯蟮卣f，教育給你帶來的益處將決定這個國家的未來。美國的未來取決于你們。你們今日在校學習的知識將決定我們作為一個國家是否能夠迎接我們未來所面臨的最嚴峻挑戰。

你們將需要利用你們通過自然科學和數學課程所學到的知識和解決問題的能力來治愈癌癥、艾滋病及其他疾病，開發新的能源技術和保護我們的環境。你們將需要利用你們在歷史學和社會學課堂上所獲得的知識和獨立思考能力來抗擊貧困和解決無家可歸問題，打擊犯罪和消除歧視，使我們的國家更公平、更自由。你們將需要利用你們在所有課堂上培養的創造力和智慧來創辦新公司，增加就業機會，振興我們的經濟。we need every single one of you to develop your talents and your skills and your intellect so you can help us old folks solve our most difficult problems.if you don’t do that--if you quit on school--you’re not just quitting on yourself, you’re quitting on your country.我們需要你們每個人發揮你們的聰明才智和技能，以便幫助老一輩人解決我們面臨的最棘手問題。如果你們不這樣做，如果你們輟學，你們不僅僅是自暴自棄，也是拋棄自己的國家。now, i know it’s not always easy to do well in school.i know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork.我自然知道要做到學業優秀并非總是易事。我知道你們許多人在生活中面臨挑戰，難以集中精力從事學業。i get it.i know what it’s like.my father left my family when i was two years old, and i was raised by a single mom who had to work and who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn’t always able to give us the things that other kids had.there were times when i missed having a father in my life.there were times when i was lonely and i felt like i didn’t fit in.我明白這一點。我有親身感受。兩歲時，我父親離家而去，我是由一位單親母親撫養成人的，母親不得不工作，并時常為支付生活費用而苦苦掙扎，但有時仍無法為我們提供其他孩子享有的東西。有時，我渴望生活中能有一位父親。有時我感到孤獨，感到自己不適應社會。so i wasn’t always as focused as i should have been on school, and i did some things i’m not proud of, and i got in more trouble than i should have.and my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.我并非總是像我應該做到的那樣專心學習，我也曾做過我如今不能引以為豪的一些事情，我曾惹過不應該惹的麻煩。我的人生原本會輕易陷入更糟糕的境地。but i was--i was lucky.i got a lot of second chances, and i had the opportunity to go to college and law school and follow my dreams.my wife, our first lady michelle obama, she has a similar story.neither of her parents had gone to college, and they didn’t have a lot of money.but they worked hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in this country.但是，我當年際遇不錯。我有過許多第二次機會，我有幸能上大學，上法學院，追求自己的理想。我的妻子，我們的第一夫人米歇爾?奧巴馬，也有著類似的經歷。她的父母都未曾上過大學，家里很窮。但他們非常勤奮，她也是如此，因此她得以進入一些美國最好的學校。some of you might not have those advantages.maybe you don’t have adults in your life who give you the support that you need.maybe someone in your family has lost their job and there’s not enough money to go around.maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don’t feel safe, or have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren’t right.你們中有一些人可能沒有那些有利條件。或許你們生活中沒有成年人為你們提供你們所需要篇二：美國總統演講稿 remarks of president barack obama weekly address san diego, california saturday, november 19, 2011 today, i’m speaking to you from indonesia as i finish up my trip to the asia pacific – the regionwhere we do most of our trade and sell most of our exports.and over the past week, theprogress we’ve made in opening markets and boosting exports here will help create more jobs andmore growth in the united states.– a goal we’reon pace to meet.and they’re powerful examples of how we can rebuild an economy that’sfocused on what our country has always done best – making and selling products all over theworld that are stamped with three proud words: “made in america.” this is important, because over the last decade, we became a country that relied too much onwhat we bought and consumed.we racked up a lot of debt, but we didn’t create many jobs atall.but building an economy that lasts isn’t just about making things – it’s about opening new marketsfor people to buy them.after all, 95% of the world’s consumers live outside our borders.and asthe fastest-growing region in the world, no market is more important to our economic future thanthe asia pacific region – a region where our exports already support five million american jobs.us trade agreement yet – a partnership withpacific nations that holds the potential for more exports and more jobs in a region of nearly threebillion consumers.美國總統奧巴馬 2010 年開學勵志演講美國總統奧巴馬開學演講英語演講稿。這是奧巴馬第二次發表開學演講。奧巴馬 2009 年的演講招來了許多批評和抵制。一些反對者指責稱，奧巴馬試圖通過演講向學生灌輸政治 理念。部分媒體還批評奧巴馬試圖建立個人崇拜。在美國各地，也有許多家長向當地教育官 員表示抗議，一些家長甚至威脅在奧巴馬演講時把孩子離教室。有了去年的“教訓”，今年 的總統開學演講，白宮意強調這是一次“非政治活動”，而奧巴馬本人也在演講中回避政治 話題。thank you!hello!(applause.)thank you.thank you.well, hello,philadelphia!(applause.)and hello, masterman.(applause.)done that.be here.it is wonderful to see all of you.what a terrific introduction by kelly.give kelly a big round of applause.i was saying backstage that when i was in high school, i could not have(laughter.)i would have muffed it up somehow.so we are so proud and to all the students here, i’ thrilled to mof you and everything that you’ done.ve謝謝！你們好?。ㄕ坡?。）謝謝。謝謝。你好，費城?。ㄕ坡?。）你好，馬斯特曼。見到你們真是太好了。kelly 的介紹真是太棒了。讓我們對 kelly 報以熱烈的掌聲。在后臺的時候我說，我上高中的時候我就做不這么好，我可能 會弄的一團糟。所以讓我們為你和你做的一切自豪吧。站在這里我很激動。kelly 在奧巴馬總統演講前，一名叫 kelly 的學生做了演講。backstage n.后臺 muff v.笨拙地處理，將事情弄糟 thrilled a.激動的 we’ve got a couple introductions i want to make.mayor of philadelphia, michael nutter, is here.fattah is here.(applause.)(applause.)first of all, you’ve got the(applause.)theoutstanding governor of pennsylvania, ed rendell, in the house.(applause.)congressman chaka(applause.)the school 我想介紹1congresswoman allyson schwartz is here.(applause.)andyour own principal, marge neff, is here.superintendent, arlene ackerman, is here and doing a great job.the secretary of education, arne duncan, is here.(applause.)幾個人。首先，來到這兒的有，杰出的賓夕法尼亞州州長，ed rendell。（掌聲。）。你們的 費城市長，michael nutter。國會議員 fattah 和 allyson schwartz（掌聲）校長 marge neff（掌聲）。學校管理人 arlene ackerman 是這個學校的，并且為學（掌聲）校做了很大的貢獻。（掌聲）。還有教育部秘書長 arne duncan。outstanding a.杰出的 congressman n.國會議員 principal n.校長 superintendent n.院長 and i am here.excited.(applause.)and i am thrilled to be here.i am just soi’ve heard such great things about what all of you are doing, both the 還有我。（掌聲），我感到非常students and the teachers and th，你們中有些人在新學年會有些緊張?；蛟S你剛從 小學升到初中，從初中升到高中，會擔心，新的學年將會是什么樣的呢。也許你 進入一所新的學校，不知道是否會喜歡這個學校，想著怎么來融入這個學校?；?許你到了高三年級，對整個的大學入學程序感到不安，比如申請那里的學校，能 不能支付上大學的費用等等。elementary school n.小學 figure out 想明白，弄清楚 fit in 融入，適應 afford to do 承擔得起 and beyond all those concerns, i know a lot of you are also feeling the strain of some difficult times.afghanistan.you know what’s going on in the news and you also know you’ve read about the war in and3what’s going on in some of your own families.you hear about the recession that we’ ve been through.sometimes maybe you’ seeing the worries in your parents’ faces or sense it in their re voice.除此之外，我知道你們還有來自困難時期的壓力。你們知道新聞 內容，知道你們一些家庭中發發生的事情。你們讀過有關阿富汗戰爭的信息，聽 說過我們經歷過的經濟不景氣。有時你們還看到了雙親臉上掛著的憂慮，或從他 們的聲音中感受到了這些。strain n.壓力 so a lot of you as a consequence, because we’re going through a tough time a country, are having to act a lot older than you are.you got to be strong for your or maybe some of family while your brother or sister is serving overseas, or you’ve got to look after younger siblings while your mom is working that second shift.work.you who are little bit older, you’re taking on a part-time job while your dad’s out of 所以，因為我們國家面臨困難時期，你們許多人的行為看上去比實 際年齡要大。姐姐哥哥在海外工作，你們會表現得堅強，或許媽媽去值第二班，你們就要照顧年幼的弟弟妹妹。或許你們有些人年長一點的，父親失了業，你們 還要做兼職。as a consequence 結果，所以 tough time 困難時期【tough a.艱難的】 sibling n.兄弟姐妹，同胞 shift n.輪班 and that’s a lot to handle.it’s more than you should have to handle.and it may make you wonder at times what your own future will look like, whether you’re going to be able to succeed in school, whether you should maybe set your sights a little lower, scale back your dreams.有太多事情要做了，很多是你們不應該 做的。這讓你們迷茫，不知道自己的未來會是什么樣，在學校能不能取得好成績，是不是應該把目光降低些，把理想放低些。handle v.處理，應對 scale back 縮減 but i came to masterman to tell all of you what i think you’re hearing from your principal and your superintendent, and from your parents and your teachers: nobody gets to write your destiny but you.your future is in your hands.your life4is what you make of it.and 【美國總統演講】確保同工同酬 嚴懲工資歧視 weekly address: ensuring equal pay for equal work remarks of president barack obama weekly address the white house april 12, 2014 hi, everybody.earlier this week was equal pay day.it marks the extra time the average woman has to work into a new year to earn what a man earned the year before.you see, the average woman who works full-time in america earns less than a man –

even when she’s in the same profession and has the same education.thats wrong.in 2014, it’s an embarrassment.women deserve equal pay for equal work.this is an economic issue that affects all of us.women make up about half our workforce.and more and more, they’re our families’ main breadwinners.so it’s good for everyone when women are paid fairly.that’s why, this week, i took action to prohibit more businesses from punishing workers who discuss their salaries – because more pay transparency makes it easier to spot pay discrimination.and i hope more business leaders will take up this cause.but equal pay is just one part of an economic agenda for women.most lower-wage workers in america are women.so i’ve taken executive action to require federal contractors to pay their federally-funded employees at least ten dollars and ten cents an hour.i ordered a review of our nation’s overtime rules, to give more workers the chance to earn the overtime pay they deserve.thanks to the affordable care act, tens of millions of women are now guaranteed free preventive care like mammograms and contraceptive care, and the days when you could be charged more just for being a woman are over for good.across the country, we’re bringing americans together to help us make sure that a woman can have a baby without sacrificing her job, or take a day off to care for a sick child or parent without hitting hardship.it’s time to do away with workplace policies that belong in a “mad men” episode, and give every woman the opportunity she deserves.i’m going to keep fighting to make sure that doesn’t happen.because we do better when our economy grows for everybody, not just a few.and when women succeed, america succeeds.thanks, and have a great weekend.篇五：美國總統演講稿——勤奮生活論

勤奮生活論

1899年4月10日于芝加哥

西奧多·羅斯福(1856—1919)，美國第26任總統(1901—1909)，作家，探險者和軍事家。

我不打算宣講安逸論，我要宣講勤奮生活論，也就是操勞、勤勉、努力和奮斗的一生我要說，安逸平淡者的一生算不上圓滿，只有不畏艱險勞苦終獲輝煌勝利的人的一生才算得上成功。

貪圖安逸的一生，由于不想或不能成就大事業而平淡無奇的一生，對個人、對民族來說都同樣不值。一生茍且怕事的人我們不佩服。我們佩服的是經奮斗而成功的人；從來不會對不起鄰人、及時向朋友伸援手的人，尤其佩服有陽剛之氣經得起實際生活鍛煉的人。失敗的滋味固然不好受；從來不愿做成功的嘗試卻更糟。生活當中不努力就不會有成就?，F在無需努力只表示過去已經累積了努力成果。人只有在自己或祖輩努力有成的情況下才有不工作的自由。如這樣得來的自由運用得當，他還在做事，只是做不同的事，是作家或是將軍，是從政或尋幽探險，都說明他對得起命運對他的厚愛。但如果他反以為這段無需工作期不是準備期而正好偷閑，那么他無非也就是這世上的寄生蟲，有朝一日又得自食其力時肯定不如人。安安逸逸的一生說到底算不上充實，對很想在世上有一番嚴肅作為的人來說尤其不合適。個人如是，民族亦然。要說沒有歷史的民族最輕松愉快可就大錯了。最快活的乃是有光輝燦爛歷史的民族。敢于大膽嘗試奪得光輝勝利，即便經歷過挫敗，也遠比與在勝敗之間的灰色領域渾渾噩噩過了一輩子既未曾驚喜亦不知苦難的人為伍要強。如若1861年熱愛聯邦者以為和平乃上上選、紛戰乃下下策，并秉此而行，我們果然能少死千萬人，少花千萬元。尤有甚者，非但能省卻當時流的血、花的錢，讓多少婦女免于喪子喪夫之痛、家破人亡之苦；還可以擺脫我們在軍隊連連敗退時全國上下被暗淡所籠罩的漫長蒙羞歲月。只要當時對鏖戰望而怯步就可以回避這場苦難。其實，要真是回避了，我們倒成了弱者，沒有資格并列世界大國之林。感謝上帝讓我們的祖輩有鐵血意 志，他們堅持林肯的智慧，與格蘭特將軍持劍荷槍而戰!我們這些當年的志士豪杰之后，促使南北戰爭勝利結束的英雄的后代，讓我們贊美我們先祖的上帝，因為他們拒不同意茍且求全的論調，而勇敢地在痛苦損失、悲痛絕望的情況下卓絕苦戰多年；最后奴隸終得解放，聯邦得以恢復，強大的美利堅共和國再次可以在國際上昂首挺胸?? 凡畏縮、疏懶、不相信自己國家的人，謹小慎微喪失了斗志、挺不起腰桿子的人，無知混沌、無法像剛毅有為的人那樣被振奮的人，凡是這樣的人每見到國家有新的責任當前自然要望而怯步；不愿見到我們有足以應付需要的陸、海軍；見到我們的士兵、水手在偉大美麗的熱帶島嶼上奮勇地攆走西班牙人，’承擔起應有的世界責任，化混亂為秩序時也要望而怯步。這些人就是怕磨練，就是怕生活在一個有國格的國家之中；他們要的是讓國無理想人無大志的安逸生涯；要不他們就是一味貪得圖利之輩，以為國家的一切應以商業利益為依靠，卻未能意識到商業利益誠然是不可或少的考慮因素，但只不過是使一個國家真正偉大的許多 因素之一。一個國家要想持久，它就必需有深厚的靠勤儉、經商、發展企業、刻苦經營工業而建立起來的物資財富；但還從來沒有單靠物質財富就可以真正算得上偉大的國家。所以同胞們，我要講的是為了國家我們不能好逸惡勞。即將到來的20世紀許多國家命運未卜。如果我們僅只袖手旁觀，只貪圖享樂安逸，只求太平無事，如果我們每逢身心考驗便望風而逃，那么比較勇敢堅強的人就會趕超我們，得以稱霸世界。因此讓我們勇敢地面對生活中的考驗，堅定負責地做好該做的事；堅持正義，言行一致；決心誠實勇敢地為崇高理想服務，并采納切合實際的辦法。最重要的是，不能在國內外有難、對我們身心有所求時裹足不前，當然首先我們得確定危難值得一戰；因為只有通過危難、通過艱苦卓絕的努力才能讓我們至終成為真正偉大的國家。

第二篇：美國總統演講稿

Remarks of President Barack Obama

Weekly Address The White House

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Hello.This week, I traveled across the country to talk about my all-of-the-above energy strategy for America – a strategy where we produce more oil and gas here at home, but also more biofuels and fuel-efficient cars;more solar power and wind power and other sources of clean, renewable energy.Now, you wouldn’t know it by listening to some of the folks running for office today, but producing more oil at home has been, and will continue to be, a key part of my energy strategy.Under my Administration, we’re producing more oil than at any other time in the last eight years.We’ve quadrupled the number of operating oil rigs to a record high.And we’ve added enough oil and gas pipeline to circle the entire Earth and then some.Those are the facts.But as I’ve been saying all week, even though America uses around 20 percent of the world’s oil, we only have around 2 percent of the world’s known oil reserves.So even if we drilled everywhere, we’d still be relying on other countries for oil.That’s why we’re pursuing an all-of-the-above strategy.We’re producing more biofuels.More fuel-efficient cars.More solar power.More wind power.This week, I was in Boulder City, Nevada, where they’ve got the largest solar plant of its kind anywhere in the country.That’s the future.I was at Ohio State University, where they’ve developed the fastest electric car in the world.That’s the future.I don’t want to cede these clean energy industries to China or Germany or any other country.I want to see solar panels and wind turbines and fuel-efficient cars manufactured right here in America, by American workers.Now, getting these clean energy industries to locate here requires us to maintain a national commitment to new research and development.But it also requires us to build world-class transportation and communications networks, so that any company can move goods and sell products all around the world as quickly and efficiently as possible.So much of America needs to be rebuilt right now.We’ve got crumbling roads and bridges.A power grid that wastes too much energy.An incomplete high-speed broadband network.And we’ve got thousands of unemployed construction workers who’ve been looking for a job ever since the housing market collapsed.But once again, we’re waiting on Congress.You see, in a matter of days, funding will stop for all sorts of transportation projects.Construction sites will go idle.Workers will have to go home.And our economy will take a hit.This Congress cannot let that happen.Not at a time when we should be doing everything in our power – Democrats and Republicans – to keep this recovery moving forward.The Senate did their part.They passed a bipartisan transportation bill.It had the support of 52 Democrats and 22 Republicans.Now it’s up to the House to follow suit;to put aside partisan posturing, end the gridlock, and do what’s right for the American people.This is common sense.Right now, all across this country, we’ve got contractors and construction workers who have never been more eager to get back on the job.A long term transportation bill would put them to work.And those are good jobs.We just released a report that shows nearly 90 percent of the construction, manufacturing and trade jobs created through investments in transportation projects are middle class jobs.Those are exactly the jobs we need right now, and they’ll make the economy stronger for everybody.We’ve done this before.During the Great Depression, America built the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge.After World War II, we connected our states with a system of highways.Democratic and Republican administrations invested in great projects that benefited everybody, from the workers who built them to the businesses that still use them today.So tell Congress that if we invest in new technology and new energy;in new roads and bridges and construction projects, we can keep growing our economy, put our people back to work, and remind the world why the United States is the greatest nation on Earth.Thanks and have a great weekend.

第三篇：美國總統演講稿

美國總統羅斯福就職演講稿

President Hoover, Mr.Chief Justice, my friends:

This is a day of national consecration.And I am certain that on this day my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency, I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our people impels.This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly.Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today.This great Nation will endure, as it has endured, will revive and will prosper.So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself--nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.In every dark hour of our national life, a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory.And I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties.They concern, thank God, only material things.Values have shrunk to fantastic levels;taxes have risen;our ability to pay has fallen;government of all kinds is faced by serious curtailment of income;the means of exchange are frozen in the currents of trade;the withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side;farmers find no markets for their produce;and the savings of many years in thousands of families are gone.More important, a host of unemployed citizens face the grim problem of existence, and an equally great number toil with little return.Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment.And yet our distress comes from no failure of substance.We are stricken by no plague of locusts.Compared with the perils which our forefathers conquered, because they believed and were not afraid, we have still much to be thankful for.Nature still offers her bounty and human efforts have multiplied it.Plenty is at our doorstep, but a generous use of it languishes in the very sight of the supply.Primarily, this is because the rulers of the exchange of mankind's goods have failed, through their own stubbornness and their own incompetence, have admitted their failure, and have abdicated.Practices of the unscrupulous money changers stand indicted in the court of public opinion, rejected by the hearts and minds of men.True, they have tried.But their efforts have been cast in the pattern of an outworn tradition.Faced by failure of credit, they have proposed only the lending of more money.Stripped of the lure of profit by which to induce our people to follow their false leadership, they have resorted to exhortations, pleading tearfully for restored confidence.They only know the rules of a generation of self-seekers.They have no vision, and when there is no vision the people perish.Yes, the money changers have fled from their high seats in the temple of our civilization.We may now restore that temple to the ancient truths.The measure of that restoration lies in the extent to which we apply social values more noble than mere monetary profit.Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money;it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.The joy, the moral stimulation of work no longer must be forgotten in the mad chase of evanescent profits.These dark days, my friends, will be worth all they cost us if they teach us that our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves, to our fellow men.Recognition of that falsity of material wealth as the standard of success goes hand in hand with the abandonment of the false belief that public office and high political position are to be valued only by the standards of pride of place and personal profit;and there must be an end to a conduct in banking and in business which too often has given to a sacred trust the likeness of callous and selfish wrongdoing.Small wonder that confidence languishes, for it thrives only on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection, and on unselfish performance;without them it cannot live.Restoration calls, however, not for changes in ethics alone.This Nation is asking for action, and action now.Our greatest primary task is to put people to work.This is no unsolvable problem if we face it wisely and courageously.It can be accomplished in part by direct recruiting by the Government itself, treating the task as we would treat the emergency of a war, but at the same time, through this employment, accomplishing great--greatly needed projects to stimulate and reorganize the use of our great natural resources.Hand in hand with that we must frankly recognize the overbalance of population in our industrial centers and, by engaging on a national scale in a redistribution, endeavor to provide a better use of the land for those best fitted for the land.Yes, the task can be helped by definite efforts to raise the values of agricultural products, and with this the power to purchase the output of our cities.It can be helped by preventing realistically the tragedy of the growing loss through foreclosure of our small homes and our farms.It can be helped by insistence that the Federal, the State, and the local governments act forthwith on the demand that their cost be drastically reduced.It can be helped by the unifying of relief activities which today are often scattered, uneconomical, unequal.It can be helped by national planning for and supervision of all forms of transportation and of communications and other utilities that have a definitely public character.There are many ways in which it can be helped, but it can never be helped by merely talking about it.We must act.We must act quickly.And finally, in our progress towards a resumption of work, we require two safeguards against a return of the evils of the old order.There must be a strict supervision of all banking and credits and investments.There must be an end to speculation with other people's money.And there must be provision for an adequate but sound currency.These, my friends, are the lines of attack.I shall presently urge upon a new Congress in special session detailed measures for their fulfillment, and I shall seek the immediate assistance of the 48 States.Through this program of action we address ourselves to putting our own national house in order and making income balance outgo.Our international trade relations, though vastly important, are in point of time, and necessity, secondary to the establishment of a sound national economy.I favor, as a practical policy, the putting of first things first.I shall spare no effort to restore world trade by international economic readjustment;but the emergency at home cannot wait on that accomplishment.The basic thought that guides these specific means of national recovery is not nationally--narrowly nationalistic.It is the insistence, as a first consideration, upon the interdependence of the various elements in and parts of the United States of America--a recognition of the old and permanently important manifestation of the American spirit of the pioneer.It is the way to recovery.It is the immediate way.It is the strongest assurance that recovery will endure.In the field of world policy, I would dedicate this Nation to the policy of the good neighbor: the neighbor who resolutely respects himself and, because he does so, respects the rights of others;the neighbor who respects his obligations and respects the sanctity of his agreements in and with a world of neighbors.If I read the temper of our people correctly, we now realize, as we have never realized before, our interdependence on each other;that we can not merely take, but we must give as well;that if we are to go forward, we must move as a trained and loyal army willing to sacrifice for the good of a common discipline, because without such discipline no progress can be made, no leadership becomes effective.We are, I know, ready and willing to submit our lives and our property to such discipline, because it makes possible a leadership which aims at the larger good.This, I propose to offer, pledging that the larger purposes will bind upon us, bind upon us all as a sacred obligation with a unity of duty hitherto evoked only in times of armed strife.With this pledge taken, I assume unhesitatingly the leadership of this great army of our people dedicated to a disciplined attack upon our common problems.Action in this image, action to this end is feasible under the form of government which we have inherited from our ancestors.Our Constitution is so simple, so practical that it is possible always to meet extraordinary needs by changes in emphasis and arrangement without loss of essential form.That is why our constitutional system has proved itself the most superbly enduring political mechanism the modern world has ever seen.It has met every stress of vast expansion of territory, of foreign wars, of bitter internal strife, of world relations.And it is to be hoped that the normal balance of executive and legislative authority may be wholly equal, wholly adequate to meet the unprecedented task before us.But it may be that an unprecedented demand and need for undelayed action may call for temporary departure from that normal balance of public procedure.I am prepared under my constitutional duty to recommend the measures that a stricken nation in the midst of a stricken world may require.These measures, or such other measures as the Congress may build out of its experience and wisdom, I shall seek, within my constitutional authority, to bring to speedy adoption.But, in the event that the Congress shall fail to take one of these two courses, in the event that the national emergency is still critical, I shall not evade the clear course of duty that will then confront me.I shall ask the Congress for the one remaining instrument to meet the crisis--broad Executive power to wage a war against the emergency, as great as the power that would be given to me if we were in fact invaded by a foreign foe.For the trust reposed in me, I will return the courage and the devotion that befit the time.I can do no less.We face the arduous days that lie before us in the warm courage of national unity;with the clear consciousness of seeking old and precious moral values;with the clean satisfaction that comes from the stern performance of duty by old and young alike.We aim at the assurance of a rounded, a permanent national life.We do not distrust the--the future of essential democracy.The people of the United States have not failed.In their need they have registered a mandate that they want direct, vigorous action.They have asked for discipline and direction under leadership.They have made me the present instrument of their wishes.In the spirit of the gift I take it.In this dedication--In this dedication of a Nation, we humbly ask the blessing of God.May He protect each and every one of us.May He guide me in the days to come.美國總統羅斯福就職演講稿（中文版）

胡佛總統，首席法官先生，朋友們：

今天，對我們的國家來說，是一個神圣的日子。我肯定，同胞們都期待我在就任總統時，會像我國目前形勢所要求的那樣，坦率而果斷地向他們講話?，F在正是坦白、勇敢地說出實話，說出全部實話的最好時刻。我們不必畏首畏尾，不老老實實面對我國今天的情況。這個偉大的國家會一如既往地堅持下去，它會復興和繁榮起來。因此，讓我首先表明我的堅定信念：我們唯一不得不害怕的就是害怕本身--一種莫名其妙、喪失理智的、毫無根據的恐懼，它把人轉退為進所需的種種努力化為泡影。凡在我國生活陰云密布的時刻，坦率而有活力的領導都得到過人民的理解和支持，從而為勝利準備了必不可少的條件。我相信，在目前危急時刻，大家會再次給予同樣的支持。

我和你們都要以這種精神，來面對我們共同的困難。感謝上帝，這些困難只是物質方面的。價值難以想象地貶縮了；課稅增加了；我們的支付能力下降了；各級政府面臨著嚴重的收入短缺；交換手段在貿易過程中遭到了凍結；工業企業枯萎的落葉到處可見；農場主的產品找不到銷路；千家萬戶多年的積蓄付之東流。

更重要的是，大批失業公民正面臨嚴峻的生存問題，還有大批公民正以艱辛的勞動換取微薄的報酬。只有愚蠢的樂天派會否認當前這些陰暗的現實。

但是，我們的苦惱決不是因為缺乏物資。我們沒有遭到什么蝗蟲的災害。我們的先輩曾以信念和無畏一次次轉危為安，比起他們經歷過的險阻，我們仍大可感到欣慰。大自然仍在給予我們恩惠，人類的努力已使之倍增。富足的情景近在咫尺，但就在我們見到這種 情景的時候，寬裕的生活卻悄然離去。這主要是因為主宰人類物資交換的統治者們失敗了，他們固執己見而又無能為力，因而已經認定失敗了，并撒手不管了。貪得無厭的貨幣兌換商的種種行徑。將受到輿論法庭的起訴，將受到人類心靈理智的唾棄。

是的，他們是努力過，然而他們用的是一種完全過時的方法。面對信貸的失敗，他們只是提議借出更多的錢。沒有了當誘餌引誘 人民追隨他們的錯誤領導的金錢，他們只得求助于講道，含淚祈求人民重新給予他們信心。他們只知自我追求者們的處世規則。他們沒有眼光，而沒有眼光的人是要滅亡的。

如今，貨幣兌換商已從我們文明廟宇的高處落荒而逃。我們要以千古不變的真理來重建這座廟宇。衡量這重建的尺度是我們體現比金錢利益更高尚的社會價值的程度。

幸福并不在于單純地占有金錢；幸福還在于取得成就后的喜悅，在于創造努力時的激情。務必不能再忘記勞動帶來的喜悅和激勵，而去瘋狂地追逐那轉瞬即逝的利潤。如果這些暗淡的時日能使我們認識到，我們真正的天命不是要別人侍奉，而是為自己和同胞們服務，那么，我們付出的代價就完全是值得的。

認識到把物質財富當作成功的標準是錯誤的，我們就會拋棄以地位尊嚴和個人收益為唯一標準，來衡量公職和高級政治地位的錯誤信念；我們必須制止銀行界和企業界的一種行為，它常常使神圣的委托混同于無情和自私的不正當行為。難怪信心在減弱，信心，只有靠誠實、信譽、忠心維護和無私履行職責。而沒有這些，就不可能有信心。

但是，復興不僅僅只要改變倫理觀念。這個國家要求行動起來，現在就行動起來。

我們最大、最基本的任務是讓人民投入工作。只要我信行之以智慧和勇氣，這個問題就可以解決。這可以部分由政府直接征募完成，就象對待臨戰的緊要關頭一樣，但同時，在有了人手的情況下，我們還急需能刺激并重組巨大自然資源的工程。

我們齊心協力，但必須坦白地承認工業中心的人口失衡，我們必須在全國范圍內重新分配，使土地在最適合的人手中發表揮更大作用。

明確地為提高農產品價值并以此購買城市產品所做的努力，會有助于任務的完成。避免許多小家庭業、農場業被取消贖取抵押品的權利的悲劇也有助于任務的完成。聯邦、州、各地政府立即行動回應要求降價的呼聲，有助于任務的完成。將現在常常是分散不經濟、不平等的救濟活動統一起來有助于任務的完成。對所有公共交通運輸，通訊及其他涉及公眾生活的設施作全國性的計劃及監督有助于任務的完成。許多事情都有助于任務完成，但這些決不包括空談。我們必須行動，立即行動。

最后，為了重新開始工作，我們需要兩手防御，來抗御舊秩序惡魔卷土從來；一定要有嚴格監督銀行業、信貸及投資的機制：一定要杜絕投機；一定要有充足而健康的貨幣供應。

以上這些，朋友們，就是施政方針。我要在特別會議上敦促新國會給予詳細實施方案，并且，我要向18個州請求立即的援助。

通過行動，我們將予以我們自己一個有秩序的國家大廈，使收入大于支出。我們的國際貿易，雖然很重要，但現在在時間和必要性上，次于對本國健康經濟的建立。我建議，作為可行的策略、首要事務先行。雖然我將不遺余力通過國際經濟重新協調所來恢復國際貿易，但我認為國內的緊急情況無法等待這重新協調的完成。

指導這一特別的全國性復蘇的基本思想并非狹隘的國家主義。我首先考慮的是堅持美國這一整體中各部分的相互依賴性--這是對美國式的開拓精神的古老而永恒的證明的體現。這才是復蘇之路，是即時之路，是保證復蘇功效持久之路。

在國際政策方面，我將使美國采取睦鄰友好的政策。做一個決心自重，因此而尊重鄰國的國家。做一個履行義務，尊重與他國協約的國家。

如果我對人民的心情的了解正確的話，我想我們已認識到了我們從未認識的問題，我們是互相依存的，我們不可以只索取，我們還必須奉獻。我們前進時，必須象一支訓練有素的忠誠的軍隊，愿意為共同的原則而獻身，因為，沒有這些原則，就無法取得進步，領導就不可能得力。我們都已做好準備，并愿意為此原則獻出生命和財產，因為這將使志在建設更美好社會的領導成為可能。我倡議，為了更偉大的目標，我們所有的人，以一致的職責緊緊團結起來。這是神圣的義務，非戰亂，不停止。

有了這樣的誓言，我將毫不猶豫地承擔領導偉大人民大軍的任務，致力于對我們普遍問題的強攻。這樣的行動，這樣的目標，在我們從祖先手中接過的政府中是可行的。我們的憲法如此簡單，實在。它隨時可以應付特殊情況，只需對重點和安排加以修改而不喪失中心思想，正因為如此，我們的憲法體制已自證為是最有適應性的政治體制。它已應付過巨大的國土擴張、外戰、內亂及國際關系所帶來的壓力。

而我們還希望行使法律的人士做到充分的平等，能充分地擔負前所未有的任務。但現在前所未有的對緊急行動的需要要求國民暫時丟棄平常生活節奏，緊迫起來。

讓我們正視面前的嚴峻歲月，懷著舉國一致給我們帶來的熱情和勇氣，懷著尋求傳統的、珍貴的道德觀念的明確意識，懷著老老少少都能通過克盡職守而得到的問心無愧的滿足。我們的目標是要保證國民生活的圓滿和長治久安。

我們并不懷疑基本民主制度的未來。合眾國人民并沒有失敗。他們在困難中表達了自己的委托，即要求采取直接而有力的行動。他們要求有領導的紀律和方向。他們現在選擇了我作為實現他們的愿望的工具。我接受這份厚贈。

在此舉國奉獻之際，我們謙卑地請求上帝賜福。愿上帝保信我們大家和每一個人，愿上帝在未來的日子里指引我。

第四篇：美國總統就職演講稿

美國總統就職演講稿

參議院和眾議院的同胞們：

在人生沉浮中，沒有一件事能比本月14日收到根據你們的命令送達的通知更使我焦慮不安，一方面，國家召喚我出任此職，對于她的召喚，我永遠只能肅然敬從；而隱退是我以摯愛心憎、滿腔希望和堅定的決心選擇的暮年歸宿，由于愛好和習慣，且時光流逝，健康漸衰，時感體力不濟，愈覺隱退之必要和可貴。另一方面，國家召喚我擔負的責任如此重大和艱巨，足以使國內最有才智和經驗的人度德量力，而我天資愚飩，又無民政管理的實踐，理應倍覺自己能力之不足，因而必然感到難以肩此重任。懷著這種矛盾心情，我唯一敢斷言的是，通過正確估計可能產生影響的各種情況來克盡厥職，乃是我忠貞不渝的努力目標。我唯一敢祈望的是，如果我在執行這項任務時因陶醉于往事，或因由衷感激公民們對我的高度信賴，因而受到過多影響，以致在處理從未經歷過的大事時，忽視了自己的無能和消極，我的錯誤將會由于使我誤人歧途的各種動機而減輕，而大家在評判錯誤的后果時；也會適當包涵產生這些動機的偏見。

我從這些高貴品格中看到了最可靠的保證：其一，任何地方偏見或地方感情，任何意見分歧或黨派敵視，都不能使我們偏離全局觀點和公平觀點，即必須維護這個由不同地區和利益所組成的大聯合；因此，其二，我國的政策將會以純潔而堅定的個人道德原則為基礎，而自由政府將會以那贏得民心和全世界尊敬的一切特點而顯示其優越性。我對國家的一片熱愛之心激勵著我滿懷喜悅地展望這幅遠景，因為根據自然界的構成和發展趨勢，在美德與幸福之間，責任與利益之間，恪守誠實寬厚的政策與獲得社會繁榮幸福的碩果之間，有著密不可分的統一；因為我們應該同樣相信，上帝親自規定了水恒的秩序和權利法則，它決不可能對無視這些法則的國家慈祥地加以贊許；因為人們理所當然地、滿懷深情地、也許是最后一次把維護神圣的自由之火和共和制政府的命運，系于美國人所遵命進行的實驗上。

我已將有感于這一聚會場合的想法奉告各位，現在我就要向大家告辭；但在此以前，我要再一次以謙卑的心情祈求仁慈的上帝給予幫助。因為承蒙上帝的恩賜，美國人有了深思熟慮的機會，以及為確保聯邦的安全和促進幸福，用前所未有的一致意見來決定政府體制的意向；因而，同樣明顯的是，上帝將保佑我們擴大眼界，心平氣和地進行協商，并采取明智的措施，而這些都是本屆政府取得成功所必不可少的依靠。

第五篇：美國總統每周演講稿

Prepared Remarks of President

Barack

Obama

Weekly Address

Saturday, August 27, 2011

In just two weeks, we’ll come together, as a nation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.We’ll remember the innocent lives we lost.We’ll stand with the families who loved them.We’ll honor the heroic first responders who rushed to the scene and saved so many.And we’ll pay tribute to our troops and military families, and all those who have served over the past ten years, to keep us safe and strong.We’ll also recall how the worst terrorist attack in American history brought out the best in the American people.How Americans lined up to give blood.How volunteers drove across the country to lend a hand.How schoolchildren donated their savings.How communities, faith groups and businesses collected food and clothing.We were united, and the outpouring of generosity and compassion reminded us that in times of challenge, we Americans move forward together, as one people.This September 11th, Michelle and I will join the commemorations at Ground Zero, in Shanksville, and at the Pentagon.But even if you can’t be in New York, Pennsylvania or Virginia, every American can be part of this anniversary.Once again, 9/11 will be a National Day of Service and Remembrance.And in the days and weeks ahead, folks across the country—in all 50 states—will come together, in their communities and neighborhoods, to honor the victims of 9/11 and to reaffirm the strength of our nation with acts of service and charity.In Minneapolis, volunteers will help restore a community center.In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, they’ll hammer shingles and lay floors to give families a new home.In Tallahassee, Florida, they’ll assemble care packages for our troops overseas and their families here at home.In Orange County, California, they’ll renovate homes for our veterans.And once again, Michelle and I look forward to joining a local service project as well.There are so many ways to get involved, and every American can do something.To learn more about the opportunities where you live, just go online and visit Serve.gov.Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost;a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.On this 10th anniversary, we still face great challenges as a nation.We’re emerging from the worst economic crisis in our lifetimes.We’re taking the fight to al Qaeda, ending the war in Iraq and starting to bring our troops home from Afghanistan.And we’re working to rebuild the foundation of our national strength here at home.None of this will be easy.And it can’t be the work of government alone.As we saw after 9/11, the strength of America has always been the character and compassion of our people.So as we mark this solemn anniversary, let’s summon that spirit once more.And let’s show that the sense of common purpose that we need in America doesn’t have to be a fleeting moment;it can be a lasting virtue—not just on one day, but every day.Prepared Remarks of President

Barack

Obama

Weekly Address

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Hello from the Country Corner Farm in Alpha, Illinois!For the past few days, I’ve been traveling to small towns and farm towns here in the heartland of this country.I sat down with small business owners in Gutenberg, Iowa;and ranchers and farmers in Peosta.I had lunch with veterans in Cannon Falls, Minnesota;and talked to plant workers at a seed distributor in Atkinson, Illinois.And to the girls volleyball team at Maquoketa High School, let me just say one thing: Go Cardinals.Now, I’m out here for one reason: I think Washington, DC can learn something from the folks in Atkinson and Peosta and Cannon Falls.I think our country would be a whole lot better off if our elected leaders showed the same kind of discipline and integrity and responsibility that most Americans demonstrate in their lives every single day.Because, the fact is, we’re going through a tough time right now.We’re coming through a terrible recession;a lot of folks are still looking for work.A lot of people are getting by with smaller paychecks or less money in the cash register.So we need folks in Washington – the people whose job it is to deal with the country’s problems, the people who you elected to serve – we need them to put aside their differences to get things done.There are things we can do right now that will mean more customers for businesses and more jobs across the country.We can cut payroll taxes again, so families have an extra $1,000 to spend.We can pass a road construction bill so construction crews – now sitting idle – can head back to the worksite, rebuilding roads, bridges, and airports.We’ve got brave, skilled Americans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.Let’s connect them with businesses that could use their skills.And let’s pass trade deals to level the playing field for our businesses.We have Americans driving Hyundais and Kias.Well, I want to see folks in Korea driving Fords, Chevys and Chryslers.I want more products sold around the globe stamped with three words: Made in America.These are commonsense ideas – ideas that have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans.The only thing holding them back is politics.The only thing preventing us from passing these bills is the refusal by some in Congress to put country ahead of party.That’s the problem we have right now.That’s what’s holding this country back.That’s what we have to change.Because, for all the knocks we’ve taken, despite all the challenges we face, this is still the greatest country on earth.We still have the best workers and farmers, entrepreneurs and businesses, students and scientists.And you can see that here in Alpha.You can see it along the country roads that connect these small towns and farmlands.These past few days, I’ve been seeing little kids with American flags and grandparents in lawn chairs.I’ve shaken hands with folks outside machine shops and churches, corner stores and farms.It reminds me why I got into public service in the first place.Getting out of Washington and spending time with the people of this country – seeing how hard you’re working, how creative you are, how resourceful you are, how determined you are – that only makes me more determined to serve you as best I can as President.And it only makes me more confident in our future.That’s why it’s so important that folks in Washington put country before party.That’s why it’s so important that our elected leaders get past their differences to help grow the economy and put this nation back to work.Because here in Alpha it couldn’t be more clear: if we can come together, there’s no stopping the United States of America.There’s no doubt that our future is bright.Thanks, and have a great weekend.Prepared Remarks of President

Barack

Obama

Weekly Address

Saturday, August 13, 2011

On Thursday, I visited a new, high-tech factory in Michigan where workers are helping America lead the way in a growing clean energy industry.They were proud of their work, and they should be.They’re not just showing us a path out of the worst recession in generations – they’re proving that this is still a country where we make things;where new ideas take root and grow;where the best universities, most creative entrepreneurs, and most dynamic businesses in the world call home.They’re proving that even in difficult times, there’s not a country on Earth that wouldn’t trade places with us.That doesn’t mean we don’t face some very tough economic challenges.Many Americans are hurting badly right now.Many have been unemployed for too long.Putting these men and women back to work, and growing wages for everyone, has got to be our top priority.But lately, the response from Washington has been partisanship and gridlock that’s only undermined public confidence and hindered our efforts to grow the economy.So while there’s nothing wrong with our country, there is something wrong with our politics, and that’s what we’ve got to fix.Because we know there are things Congress can do, right now, to get more money back in your pockets, get this economy growing faster, and get our friends and neighbors back to work.The payroll tax cut that put $1,000 back in the average family’s pocket this year? Let’s extend it.Construction workers who’ve been jobless since the housing boom went bust? Let’s put them back to work rebuilding America.Let’s cut red tape in the patent process so entrepreneurs can get good ideas to market more quickly.Let’s finish trade deals so we can sell more American-made goods around the world.Let’s connect the hundreds of thousands of brave Americans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan to businesses that need their incredible skills and talents.These are all things we can do right now.So let’s do them.And over the coming weeks, I’ll put forward more proposals to help our businesses hire and create jobs, and won’t stop until every American who wants a job can find one.But we can no longer let partisan brinksmanship get in our way – the idea that making it through the next election is more important than making things right.That’s what’s holding us back – the fact that some in Congress would rather see their opponents lose than see America win.So you’ve got a right to be frustrated.I am.Because you deserve better.And I don’t think it’s too much for you to expect that the people you send to this town start delivering.Members of Congress are at home in their districts right now.And if you agree with me – whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican or not much of a fan of either – let them know.If you’ve had it with gridlock, and you want them to pass stalled bills that will help our economy right now – let them know.If you refuse to settle for a politics where scoring points is more important than solving problems;if you believe it’s time to put country before party and the interests of our children before our own – let them know.And maybe they’ll get back to Washington ready to compromise, ready to create jobs, ready to get our fiscal house in order – ready to do what you sent them to do.Yes, we’ve still got a long way to go to get to where we need to be.We didn’t get into this mess overnight, and it’s going to take time to get out of it.That’s a hard truth – but it’s no excuse for inaction.After all, America voted for divided government, not dysfunctional government, and we’ve got work to do.And when we come together and find common ground, there’s no stopping this country.There’s no stopping our people.There’s no holding us back.And there is every reason to believe we’ll get through this storm to a brighter day.Thanks for listening, and have a great weekend.Prepared Remarks of President

Barack

Obama

Weekly Address

Saturday, August 6, 2011

This week, Congress reached an agreement that’s going to allow us to make some progress in reducing our nation’s budget deficit.And through this compromise, both parties are going to have to work together on a larger plan to get our nation’s finances in order.That’s important.We’ve got to make sure that Washington lives within its means, just like families do.In the long term, the health of our economy depends on it.But in the short term, our urgent mission has to be getting this economy growing faster and creating more jobs.That’s what’s on people’s minds;that’s what matters to families in this country.And the fact is, this has been a tumultuous year for the economy.We’ve weathered the Arab Spring’s effect on oil and gas prices.The Japanese earthquake and tsunami’s effect on supply chains.The economic situation in Europe.And in Washington, there was a contentious debate over our nation’s budget that nearly dragged our country into financial crisis.So our job right now has to be doing whatever we can to help folks find work;to help create the climate where a business can put up that job listing;where incomes are rising again for people.We’ve got to rebuild this economy and the sense of security that middle class families've felt slipping away for years.And while deficit reduction has to be part of our economic strategy, it’s not the only thing we have to do.We need Democrats and Republicans to work together to help grow this economy.We’ve got to put politics aside to get some things done.That’s what the American people expect of us.And there are a number of steps that Congress can take right away, when they return in September.We need to extend tax cuts for working and middle class families so you have more money in your paychecks next year.That would help millions of people to make ends meet.And that extra money for expenses means businesses will have more customers, and will be in a better position to hire.Yesterday, I proposed a new tax credit for companies that hire veterans who are looking for work after serving their country.We’ve got a lot of honorable and skilled people returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and companies that could benefit from their abilities.Let’s put them together.We need to make sure that millions of workers who are still pounding the pavement looking for jobs are not denied unemployment benefits to carry them through hard times.We’ve got to cut the red tape that stops too many inventors and entrepreneurs from quickly turning new ideas in the thriving businesses – which holds back our whole economy.It’s time Congress finally passed a set of trade deals that would help displaced workers looking for new jobs, and that would allow our businesses to sell more products in countries in Asia and South America – products stamped with three words: Made in America.And we ought to give more opportunities to all those construction workers who lost their jobs when the housing boom went bust.We could put them to work right now, by giving loans to companies that want to repair our roads and bridges and airports, helping to rebuild America.Those are a few commonsense steps that would help the economy.And these are ideas that have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans in the past.So I’m going to keep calling on both parties in Congress to put aside their differences and send these bills to my desk so I can sign them right away.After all, both parties share power.Both parties share responsibility for our progress.Moving our economy and our country forward is not a Democratic or a Republican responsibility;it is our responsibility as Americans.That’s the spirit we need in Washington right now.That’s how we’ll get this economy growing faster and reach a brighter day.Thanks for listening, and have a great weekend.Prepared Remarks of President

Barack

Obama

Weekly Address

Saturday, July 30, 2011

WASHINGTON—In this week’s address, President Obama urged both Republicans and Democrats to take action to avoid defaulting for the first time in our nation’s history.While the two parties are not far apart in their goals, they must resolve their differences quickly so that the United States can continue paying its Social Security checks, veterans’ benefits, and contracts with thousands of American businesses.The time has come to stop endangering the Triple A bond rating of the United States, put aside partisan politics, and behave responsibly to ensure a balanced approach to reducing our nation’s deficit.Today, I’d like to speak with you about the ongoing and urgent efforts to avoid a first-ever default and get our fiscal house in order.Republicans in the House of Representatives just spent precious days trying to pass a plan that a majority of Republicans and Democrats in the Senate had already said they wouldn’t vote for.It’s a plan that wouldn’t solve our fiscal problems, but would force us to re-live this crisis in just a few short months.It would hold our economy captive to Washington politics once again.If anything, the past few weeks have demonstrated that’s not acceptable.Any solution to avoid default must be bipartisan.It must have the support of both parties that were sent here to represent the American people – not just one faction of one party.There are multiple ways to resolve this problem.Congress must find common ground on a plan that can get support from both parties in the House and the Senate.And it’s got to be a plan that I can sign by Tuesday.Look, the parties are not that far apart here.We’re in rough agreement on how much spending we need to cut to reduce our deficit.And we agree on a process to tackle tax reform and entitlement reform.There are plenty of ways out of this mess.But there is very little time.We need to reach a compromise by Tuesday so that our country will have the ability to pay its bills on time – bills like Social Security checks, veterans’ benefits, and contracts we’ve signed with thousands of American businesses.If we don’t, for the first time ever, we could lose our country’s Triple A credit rating.Not because we didn’t have the capacity to pay our bills – we do – but because we didn’t have a Triple A political system to match it.And make no mistake – for those who reflexively oppose tax increases on anyone, a lower credit rating would be a tax increase on everyone – we’d all pay higher interest rates on mortgages, car loans, and credit cards.That would be inexcusable, and entirely self-inflicted by Washington.The power to solve this is in our hands.All that’s needed is a simple vote that Democrats and Republicans have taken for decades, including all of the leaders in Congress today.It was done 18 times under President Reagan.7 times under George W.Bush.And it must be done again now.It’s not a vote that allows Congress to spend more money.Raising the debt ceiling simply gives our country the ability to pay the bills the Congress has already racked up.It gives the United States of America the ability to keep its word.And it will let businesses and our economy breathe a sigh of relief.On Monday night, I asked you to make your voice heard in this debate.And the response was overwhelming.One of the emails we received was from a woman named Kelly Smith, who wanted to send this message to Washington: “I keep my home clean,” Kelly wrote, ”I work hard at a full time job, give my parents any monies I can so they can afford their medications, I pay my bills and by all appearances I am a responsible person.All I’m asking is that you be responsible.I have my house in order and all I’m asking is that you get yours the same way.”

Here in Washington, we need to get our house in order.And I have to say, Democrats in Congress and some Senate Republicans have been listening and have shown themselves willing to make compromises to solve this crisis.Now all of us – including Republicans in the House of Representatives – need to demonstrate the same kind of responsibility that the American people show every day.The time for putting party first is over.The time for compromise on behalf of the American people is now.Thank you.