第一篇:奧巴馬就職演說
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath.The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace.Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.So it has been.So it must be with this generation of Americans.That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood.Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.Homes have been lost;jobs shed;businesses shuttered.Our health care is too costly;our schools fail too many;and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics.Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our landthey will be met.On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things.The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit;to choose our better history;to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given.It must be earned.Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less.It has not been the path for the faint-heartedsome celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West;endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg;Normandy and Khe Sanh.Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life.They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions;greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.This is the journey we continue today.We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth.Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began.Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year.Our capacity remains undiminished.But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisionsnot only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth.We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together.We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost.We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.All this we can do.And all this we will do.Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitionsthat the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it worksto spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of dayand that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity;on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing hearteven greater cooperation and understanding between nations.We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet.We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken;you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitionsthat the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it worksto spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of dayand that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity;on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing hearteven greater cooperation and understanding between nations.We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet.We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken;you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindusknow that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history;but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow;to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders;nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect.For the world has changed, and we must change with it.As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains.They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service;a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves.And yet, at this momentit is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours.It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.Our challenges may be new.The instruments with which we meet them may be new.But those values upon which our success dependsthese things are old.These things are true.They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.What is demanded then is a return to these truths.What is required of us now is a new era of responsibilitythe knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed-why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled.In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river.The capital was abandoned.The enemy was advancing.The snow was stained with blood.At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
“Let it be told to the future world……that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive……that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”
America.In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words.With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter;and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
第二篇:奧巴馬就職演說全文
奧巴馬就職演說全文(中英文版)
奧巴馬手按林肯當年用《圣經》宣誓就任美總統
Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath.The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace.Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.So it has been.So it must be with this generation of Americans.That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood.Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.Homes have been lost;jobs shed;businesses shuttered.Our health care is too costly;our schools fail too many;and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics.Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our landthey will be met.On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things.The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit;to choose our better history;to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given.It must be earned.Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less.It has not been the path for the faint-heartedsome celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West;endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg;Normandy and Khe Sanh.Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life.They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions;greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.This is the journey we continue today.We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth.Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began.Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year.Our capacity remains undiminished.But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisionsnot only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth.We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together.We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost.We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.All this we can do.And all this we will do.Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitionsthat the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it worksto spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of dayand that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity;on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing hearteven greater cooperation and understanding between nations.We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet.We will not apologize for our way
of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken;you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindusknow that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history;but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow;to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders;nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect.For the world has changed, and we must change with it.As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains.They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service;a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves.And yet, at this momentit is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours.It is the firefighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.Our challenges may be new.The instruments with which we meet them may be new.But those values upon which our success dependsthese things are old.These things are true.They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.What is demanded then is a return to these truths.What is required of us now is a new era of responsibilitythe knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed-why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled.In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river.The capital was abandoned.The enemy was advancing.The snow was stained with blood.At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
“Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”
America.In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words.With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter;and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.奧巴馬就職演講
各位同胞:
今天我站在這里,為眼前的重責大任感到謙卑,對各位的信任心懷感激,對先賢的犧牲銘記在心。我要謝謝布什總統為這個國家的服務,也感謝他在政權轉移期間的寬厚和配合。
四十四位美國人發表過總統就職誓言,這些誓詞或是在繁榮富強及和平寧靜之際發表,或是在烏云密布,時局動蕩之時。在艱困的時候,美國能箕裘相繼,不僅因為居高位者有能力或愿景,也因為人民持續對先人的抱負有信心,也忠於創建我國的法統。
因此,美國才能承繼下來。因此,這一代美國人也必須承繼下去。
現在大家都知道我們正置身危機核心,我國正在與四處蔓延的暴力和憎恨作戰。我們的經濟元氣大傷——這既是某些人貪婪且不負責任的後果,也是大眾未能做出艱難的選擇,對國家進入新時代做準備不足所致。許多人失去房子,丟了工作,生意蕭條。我們的醫療太昂貴,學校教育讓人失望。每天都有更多證據顯示,我們利用能源的方式壯大我們的對敵,威脅我們的星球。
這些都是得自資料和統計數據的危機指標。比較無法測量但同樣深沉的,是舉國信心盡失——持續擔心美國將無可避免地衰退,也害怕下一代一定會眼界變低。
今天我要告訴各位,我們面臨的挑戰是真的,挑戰非常嚴重,且不在少數。它們不是可以輕易,或在短時間內解決。但是,美國要了解,這些挑戰會被解決。
在這一天,我們聚在一起,因為我們選擇希望而非恐懼,有意義的團結而非紛爭和不合。
在這一天,我們來此宣示,那些無用的抱怨和虛偽的承諾已終結,那些扭曲我們政治已久的相互指控和陳舊教條已終結。
我們仍是個年輕的國家,但借用圣經的話,擺脫幼稚事物的時刻到來了,重申我們堅忍精神的時刻到來了,選擇我們更好的歷史,實踐那種代代傳承的珍貴權利,那種高貴的理念:就是上帝的應許,我們每個人都是平等的,每個人都是自由的,每個人都應該有機會追求全然的幸福。
再次肯定我們國家的偉大,我們了解偉大絕非賜予而來,必須努力達成。我們的旅程從來就不是抄捷徑或很容易就滿足。這條路一直都不是給不勇敢的人走的,那些偏好逸樂勝過工作,或者只想追求名利就滿足的人。恰恰相反,走這條路的始終是勇於冒險的人,做事的人,成事的人,其中有些人很出名,但更常見的是在各自崗位上的男男女女無名英雄,在這條漫長崎嶇的道路上支撐我們,邁向繁榮與自由。
為了我們,他們攜帶很少的家當,遠渡重洋,追尋新生活。
為了我們,他們胼手胝足,在西部安頓下來;忍受風吹雨打,篳路藍縷。
為了我們,他們奮斗不懈,在康科特和蓋茨堡,諾曼地和溪山等地葬身。
前人不斷的奮斗與犧牲,直到雙手皮開肉綻,我們才能享有比較好的生活。他們將美國視為大於所有個人企圖心總和的整體,超越出身、財富或小圈圈的差異。
這是我們今天繼續前進的旅程。我們仍舊是全球最繁榮強盛的國家。這場危機爆發時,我們的勞工生產力并未減弱。我們的心智一樣創新,我們的產品和勞務和上周或上個月或去年相比,一樣是必需品。我們的能力并未減損。但是我們墨守成規、維護狹小利益、推遲引人不悅的決定,這段時期肯定已經過去。由今天開始,我們必須振作起來,拍掉身上的灰塵,再度開始重塑美國。
我們無論朝何處望去,都有工作必須完成。經濟情勢需要大膽、迅速的行動,我們將有所行動,不光是創造新工作,更要奠定成長的新基礎。我們將造橋鋪路,為企業興建電力網格與數位線路,將我們聯系在一起。我們將讓科學回歸合適的用途,運用科技的奇蹟來提高醫療品質并降低費用。我們將利用太陽能、風力和土壤作為汽車的燃料和工廠的能源。我們將讓中小學及大專院校轉型,因應新時代的需要。這些我們可以作到。我們也將會作到。
現在,有人質疑我們的雄心,暗示說我們的體系無法承受太多的大計畫。這些人的記性不好。因為他們忘記了這個國家已經完成的成就,當創造力朝同一個目標發展,不受約束的男男女女可以完成何等成就,必要的是勇氣。
懷疑者無法理解的是他們的主張已經站不住腳,長期以來折磨我們的陳腐政治爭議已經行不通。我們今天的問題不是政府太大或太小,而是有無功效,是否能幫助家庭找到薪水不錯的工作,支付得起照顧費用,有尊嚴的退休。哪個方向能夠提供肯定的答案,我們就往那里走。答案是否定的地方,計畫就會停止。所有我們這些管理大眾金錢的人都將負起責任,花錢要精明,改掉惡習,正大光明作事情,只有這樣我們才能重建政府與人民間最重要的信任。
我們眼前的問題也不是說市場的力量是善或惡。市場創造財富和增加自由的力量無與倫比,但是這場危機提醒我們沒有監督時,市場發展將失控,當市場只偏愛有錢人時,國家無法永續繁榮。我們經濟成功的依據,不只是國內生產毛額的規模,還有繁榮可及的范圍,以及我們將機會拓展給每個愿意打拚的人,不是因為施舍,而是因為這就是達到我們共同利益最穩健的途徑。
至於我們的共同防衛,讓我們必須在自由和理想之間作一抉擇,是錯誤的,我們拒絕接受。我們建國諸父在我們難以想像的危難之中。擬具了確保法治和人權的憲章,被一代代以鮮血擴大充實的憲章。這些理想依然照亮這個世界,我們不會為了便宜行事而揚棄它。同樣地,今日在觀看此情此景的其他民族和政府,從最宏偉的都城到家父出生的小村莊,我要說:任何一個國家、男、女、和孩童,只要你在追求一個和平且有尊嚴的未來,美國就是你的朋友,我們準備再次帶領大家。
回想先前的世代力抗法西斯主義和共產主義,靠的除了飛彈和戰車之外,還有強固的聯盟和持久的信念。他們知道單單力量本身不足以讓我們自保,也不能讓我們為所欲為。相反地,他們知道我們的力量因為謹慎使用而增強,我們的安全源自我們理想的正當性,我們所樹立楷模的力量,以及謙遜和克制所具有的調和特質。
我們是這些遺產的保存者。在這些原則的再次指引下,我們可以面對那些新的威脅,這些威脅有賴國與國間更大的合作與諒解方能因應。我們將開始以負責任的方式把伊拉克還給它的人民,并在阿富汗建立贏來不易的和平。我們會努力不懈地與老朋友和昔日的對手合作,以減輕核子威脅,和地球的暖化。我們不會為我們的生活方式而道歉,也會毫不動搖地保護它,對那些想要藉由帶來恐怖與殺害無辜以遂其目的者,我們現在告訴你,我們的精神強過你們,無法摧折,你們不可能比我們長久,我們必定打敗你們。
因為我們知道,我們拼湊組合而成的遺產是我們的強處,而非弱點。我們是由基督徒和穆斯林,猶太教徒和印度教徒,以及非信徒組成的國家。我們由取自世界四面八方的各種語文和文化所形塑。而且由於我們曾嘗過內戰和種族隔離的苦果,并且在走出那黑暗時期之後變得更堅強和團結,這讓我們不得不相信舊日的仇恨終究會過去,部族之間的界線很快就會泯滅。隨著世界越來越小,我們共通的人性也會彰顯,而美國必須扮演引進新和平時代的角色。
對穆斯林世界,我們尋求一種新的前進方式,以共同的利益和尊重為基礎。那些想播植沖突并把自己社會的問題怪罪於西方的領袖,須知你的國民藉以判斷你的,是你能建立什麼,而非你能毀壞什麼。那些靠著貪腐欺騙和箝制異己保住權勢的人,須知你門站在歷史錯誤的一邊,而只要你愿意松手,我們就會幫忙。
那些窮國的人民,我們保證會和你們合作,讓們的農場豐收,讓清流涌入,滋補餓壞的身體,喂養饑餓的心靈。而對那些和我們一樣比較富裕的國家,我要說,我們不能再對國界以外的苦痛視而不見,也不能再消耗世上的資源而不計後果。因為世界已經變了,我們也要跟著改變。
在我們思索眼前道路的此際,我們以謙虛感激的心想到,有些勇敢的美國同胞正在遙遠的沙漠和山嶺上巡邏。今天他們有話要對我們說,就和躺在阿靈頓(公墓)的英雄們世世代代輕聲訴說的一樣。我們尊榮他們,不只因為他們捍衛我們的自由,更因為他們代表著服務的精神;愿意在比自己更大的事物上找尋意義。而在此刻,能夠界定一個世代的此刻,必須常駐你我心中的,正是這種精神。
即使政府能做和必須做,這個國家最終仍得靠美國人民的信念與決心。在堤防決堤時,是人們的善心,讓他們招待陌生人。是工作人員的無私,讓他們寧可減工時,也不愿看到朋友失業,陪伴我們度過最黑暗時期。是消防員的勇氣,讓他們沖進滿是濃煙的樓梯間。是父母心甘情愿培育孩子,最終決定我們的命運。
我們的挑戰也許是新的,我們迎接挑戰的工具也許是新的,但我們賴以成功的價值觀─辛勤工作和誠實、勇氣和公平競爭、容忍和好奇心、忠實和愛國心─這些都是固有的。這些價值是真實的,是我們歷史上進步的沉默力量。我們有必要找回這些真實價值。我們現在需要一個勇於負責的新時代,每一個美國人都體認到我們對自己、對國家、對世界負有責任,我們不是不情愿地接受這些責任,而是欣然接受,堅信沒有什麼比全力以赴完成艱難的工作,更能得到精神上的滿足,更能找到自我。
這是公民的代價和承諾。
這是我們信心的來源,體認上帝召喚我們創造不確定的命運。
這是我們的自由和信條的真諦,為什麼不同種族和信仰的男女老幼能在這個大草坪上共同慶祝,為什麼一個人的父親在不到六十年前也許還不能進當地的餐廳用餐,現在卻能站在你們面前做最神圣的宣誓。
讓我們記住這一天,記住我們是誰、我們走了多遠。在美國誕生這一年,在最寒冷的幾個月,在結冰的河岸,一群愛國人士抱著垂死的同志。首都棄守,敵人進逼,雪沾了血。在那時,我們革命的成果受到質疑,我們的國父下令向人民宣讀這段話:
“讓這段話流傳后世,在深冬,只剩下希望和美德,這個城市和這個國家,面臨共同危險,站起來迎向它。”美國,面對我們共同的危險,在這個艱困的冬天,讓我們記得這些永恒的話語。懷著希望和美德,讓我們再度沖破結冰的逆流,度過接下來可能來臨的暴風雪。讓我們孩子的孩子繼續流傳下去,說我們受到考驗時,我們拒絕讓旅程結束,我們不回頭,也不躊躇;眼睛注視著遠方,上帝的恩典降臨我們,我們帶著自由這個偉大的禮物,安全送達未來的世世代代。
第三篇:奧巴馬就職演說
Good afternoon.It is a great honor for me to be here in Shanghai, and to have this opportunity to speak with all of you.I'd like to thank Fudan University's President Yang for his hospitality(好客)and his gracious(有禮貌的,親切的)welcome.I'd also like to thank our outstanding Ambassador(大使), Jon Huntsman, who exemplifies the deep ties and respect between our nations.I don't know what he said, but I hope it was good.(Laughter.)
What I'd like to do is to make some opening comments, and then what I'm really looking forward to doing is taking questions, not only from students who are in the audience, but also we've received questions online, which will be asked by some of the students who are here in the audience, as well as by Ambassador Huntsman.And I am very sorry that my Chinese is not as good as your English, but I am looking forward to this chance to have a dialogue.This is my first time traveling to China, and I'm excited to see this majestic(雄偉壯麗的,威嚴的)country.Here, in Shanghai, we see the growth that has caught the attention of the world--the soaring skyscrapers, the bustling(熙攘的)streets and entrepreneurial(企業家的,創業者的)activity.And just as I'm impressed by these signs of China's journey to the 21st century, I'm eager to see those ancient places that speak to us from China's distant past.Tomorrow and the next day I hope to have a chance when I'm in Beijing to see the majesty of the Forbidden City and the wonder of the Great Wall.Truly, this is a nation that encompasses both a rich history and a belief in the promise of the future.The same can be said of the relationship between our two countries.Shanghai, of course, is a city that has great meaning in the history of the relationship between the United States and China.It was here, 37 years ago, that the Shanghai Communique opened the door to a new chapter of engagement between our governments and among our people.However, America's ties to this city--and to this country--stretch back further, to the earliest days of America's independence.In 1784, our founding father, George Washington, commissioned the Empress of China, a ship that set sail for these shores so that it could pursue trade with the Qing Dynasty.Washington wanted to see the ship carry the flag around the globe, and to forge new ties with nations like China.This is a common American impulse--the desire to reach for new horizons, and to forge new partnerships that are mutually beneficial.Over the two centuries that have followed, the currents of history have steered the relationship between our countries in many directions.And even in the midst of tumultuous winds, our people had opportunities to forge deep and even dramatic ties.For instance, Americans will never forget the hospitality shown to our pilots who were shot down over your soil during World War II, and cared for by Chinese civilians who risked all that they had by doing so.And Chinese veterans of that war still warmly greet those American veterans who return to the sites where they fought to help liberate China from occupation.A different kind of connection was made nearly 40 years ago when the frost between our countries began to thaw through the simple game of table tennis.The very unlikely nature of this engagement contributed to its success--because for all our differences, both our common humanity and our shared curiosity were revealed.As one American player described his visit to China--“[The]people are just like us…The country is very similar to America, but still very different.”
Of course this small opening was followed by the achievement of the Shanghai Communique, and the eventual establishment of formal relations between the United States and China in 1979.And in three decades, just look at how far we have come.In 1979, trade between the United States and China stood at roughly $5 billion--today it tops over $400 billion each year.The commerce affects our people's lives in so many ways.America imports from China many of the computer parts we use, the clothes we wear;and we export to China machinery that helps power your industry.This trade could create even more jobs on both sides of the Pacific, while allowing our people to enjoy a better quality of life.And as demand becomes more balanced, it can lead to even broader prosperity.In 1979, the political cooperation between the United States and China was rooted largely in our shared rivalry with the Soviet Union.Today, we have a positive, constructive and comprehensive relationship that opens the door to partnership on the key global issues of our time--economic recovery and the development of clean energy;stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and the scourge of climate change;the promotion of peace and security in Asia and around the globe.All of these issues will be on the agenda tomorrow when I meet with President Hu.And in 1979, the connections among our people were limited.Today, we see the curiosity of those ping-pong players manifested in the ties that are being forged across many sectors.The second highest number of foreign students in the United States come from China, and we've seen a 50 percent increase in the study of Chinese among our own students.There are nearly 200 “friendship cities” drawing our communities together.American and Chinese scientists cooperate on new research and discovery.And of course, Yao Ming is just one signal of our shared love of basketball--I'm only sorry that I won't be able to see a Shanghai Sharks game while I'm visiting.It is no coincidence that the relationship between our countries has accompanied a period of positive change.China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty--an accomplishment unparalleled in human history--while playing a larger role in global events.And the United States has seen our economy grow along with the standard of living enjoyed by our people, while bringing the Cold War to a successful conclusion.There is a Chinese proverb: “Consider the past, and you shall know the future.” Surely, we have known setbacks and challenges over the last 30 years.Our relationship has not been without disagreement and difficulty.But the notion that we must be adversaries is not predestined--not when we consider the past.Indeed, because of our cooperation, both the United States and China are more prosperous and more secure.We have seen what is possible when we build upon our mutual interests, and engage on the basis of mutual respect.And yet the success of that engagement depends upon understanding--on sustaining an open dialogue, and learning about one another and from one another.For just as that American table tennis player pointed out--we share much in common as human beings, but our countries are different in certain ways.I believe that each country must chart its own course.China is an ancient nation, with a deeply rooted culture.The United States, by comparison, is a young nation, whose culture is determined by the many different immigrants who have come to our shores, and by the founding documents that guide our democracy.Those documents put forward a simple vision of human affairs, and they enshrine several core principles--that all men and women are created equal, and possess certain fundamental rights;that government should reflect the will of the people and respond to their wishes;that commerce should be open, information freely accessible;and that laws, and not simply men, should guarantee the administration of justice.Of course, the story of our nation is not without its difficult chapters.In many ways--over many years--we have struggled to advance the promise of these principles to all of our people, and to forge a more perfect union.We fought a very painful civil war, and freed a portion of our population from slavery.It took time for women to be extended the right to vote, workers to win the right to organize, and for immigrants from different corners of the globe to be fully embraced.Even after they were freed, African Americans persevered through conditions that were separate and not equal, before winning full and equal rights.None of this was easy.But we made progress because of our belief in those core principles, which have served as our compass through the darkest of storms.That is why Lincoln could stand up in the midst of civil war and declare it a struggle to see whether any nation, conceived in liberty, and “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” could long endure.That is why Dr.Martin Luther King could stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and ask that our nation live out the true meaning of its creed.That's why immigrants from China to Kenya could find a home on our shores;why opportunity is available to all who would work for it;and why someone like me, who less than 50 years ago would have had trouble voting in some parts of America, is now able to serve as its President.And that is why America will always speak out for these core principles around the world.We do not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation, but we also don't believe that the principles that we stand for are unique to our nation.These freedoms of expression and worship--of access to information and political participation--we believe are universal rights.They should be available to all people, including ethnic and religious minorities--whether they are in the United States, China, or any nation.Indeed, it is that respect for universal rights that guides America's openness to other countries;our respect for different cultures;our commitment to international law;and our faith in the future.These are all things that you should know about America.I also know that we have much to learn about China.Looking around at this magnificent city--and looking around this room--I do believe that our nations hold something important in common, and that is a belief in the future.Neither the United States nor China is content to rest on our achievements.For while China is an ancient nation, you are also clearly looking ahead with confidence, ambition, and a commitment to see that tomorrow's generation can do better than today's.In addition to your growing economy, we admire China's extraordinary commitment to science and research--a commitment borne out in everything from the infrastructure you build to the technology you use.China is now the world's largest Internet user--which is why we were so pleased to include the Internet as a part of today's event.This country now has the world's largest mobile phone network, and it is investing in the new forms of energy that can both sustain growth and combat climate change--and I'm looking forward to deepening the partnership between the United States and China in this critical area tomorrow.But above all, I see China's future in you--young people whose talent and dedication and dreams will do so much to help shape the 21st century.I've said many times that I believe that our world is now fundamentally interconnected.The jobs we do, the prosperity we build, the environment we protect, the security that we seek--all of these things are shared.And given that interconnection, power in the 21st century is no longer a zero-sum game;one country's success need not come at the expense of another.And that is why the United States insists we do not seek to contain China's rise.On the contrary, we welcome China as a strong and prosperous and successful member of the community of nations--a China that draws on the rights, strengths and creativity of individual Chinese like you.To return to the proverb--consider the past.We know that more is to be gained when great powers cooperate than when they collide.That is a lesson that human beings have learned time and again, and that is the example of the history between our nations.And I believe strongly that cooperation must go beyond our government.It must be rooted in our people--in the studies we share, the business that we do, the knowledge that we gain, and even in the sports that we play.And these bridges must be built by young men and women just like you and your counterparts in America.That's why I'm pleased to announce that the United States will dramatically expand the number of our students who study in China to 100,000.And these exchanges mark a clear commitment to build ties among our people, as surely as you will help determine the destiny of the 21st century.And I'm absolutely confident that America has no better ambassadors to offer than our young people.For they, just like you, are filled with talent and energy and optimism about the history that is yet to be written.So let this be the next step in the steady pursuit of cooperation that will serve our nations, and the world.And if there's one thing that we can take from today's dialogue, I hope that it is a commitment to continue this dialogue going forward.So thank you very much.And I look forward now to taking some questions from all of you.Thank you very much.
第四篇:奧巴馬就職演說
據美國媒體報道,當地時間1月20日上午12點05分(北京時間21日凌晨1點05分)第44屆美國總統奧巴馬發表了就職演說。奧巴馬說,美國仍然是年輕的國家,但這個時代受到挑戰,我們必須凝聚力量,重新塑造美國。以下為奧巴馬演講全文:
親愛的同胞們:
今天我站在這里,為我們將面對的任重道遠而慨嘆。感謝你們對我寄托的信任,同時緬懷我們的前人所做出的犧牲。感謝布什總統為美國做出的貢獻,以及他在總統任期交疊過程中的慷慨合作。
至此,共有四十四位美國人曾進行過總統宣誓。這一誓言曾在國家和平、欣欣向榮時做出過。然而這一誓詞更曾在烏云籠罩和風暴襲來之時被宣讀。美國人民之所以能夠走過那些艱難的時刻,不僅僅是因為領袖的能力或遠見;更是因為我們,我們人民,保持著對先人理想的忠誠,對我們國家創始文件的追隨。
對于我們這一代美國人來說,也是這樣,也必須這樣。
國家正面臨危機,這一點大家已經沒有疑問。美國處在戰爭之中,面對一個有巨大影響力、充滿暴力和仇恨的網絡。我們的經濟嚴重衰退。這來源于部分人的貪婪和不負責任,更由于作為一個整體,我們未能做出面對一個新時代的艱難決策。人民失去房屋、工作機會減少、商業活動遭到破壞。醫療保障過于昂貴,學校教育系統出現太多失敗。而我們對能源的使用,日益讓對手強大,與此同時又威脅著我們的星球。
這些,是從數據和統計中可以看到的危機信號。還有難以度量但同樣深遠的問題,那就是整個國家信心的缺失。那縈繞在我們頭上的恐懼,認為美國的衰敗不可避免,認為我們的下一代人不可能再有太高的期望。
今天我要對你們說,我們面臨的挑戰是真切的、嚴重的,而且有很多重。解決他們不可能很輕松,也不可能在短時間內發生。但美國人民,請記住這一點:這些挑戰會被解決。
今天,我們聚集在一起,因為我們選擇了希望而不是恐懼;我們選擇了為共同的目標團結在一起,而不是沖突與爭執。
今天,我們共同終結那些虛假的承諾、陳腐的教條、以及指摘與怨言。這些已經困擾了我們的政治體系太長時間。
我們的國家仍舊年輕,但借用圣經中的話,該是拋開那些孩子氣的時候了。現在,需要重新拿出我們的堅韌精神,選擇自己的歷史。我們要延續代代相傳的寶貴禮物,延續神圣的理想,那就是上帝賜予我們的承諾--人人平等,人人自由,人人都有機會去追求最大程度的幸福。
在重溫我們國家偉大的同時,我們必須明白,偉大不是憑空而來的,而是贏得的。在我們的歷程中,從來沒有走捷徑或是退而求其次。這一歷程不是為懦弱者準備的,不是為那些享樂高于工作、只知追求名利的人準備的。相反,是那些甘于承擔風險的人,實干家,創造者--有些眾人皆知,而更多的在辛勤工作中默默無聞--是他們帶著我們穿越漫長、崎嶇的道路走向繁榮與自由。
為了我們,他們把僅有的財物裝進行囊,漂洋過海追求新的生活。為了我們,他們開拓西部,在條件惡劣的工廠中流血流汗;他們忍受鞭笞,開墾貧瘠的土地。
為了我們,他們戰斗和犧牲在協和鎮(Concord)、葛底斯堡(Gettysburg)、諾曼底和科薩恩(KheSahn)。
一次又一次,這些男男女女,他們奮斗和犧牲;他們將雙手磨破為了給我們帶來更好的生活。在他們眼中,美國超越了我們每個人雄心的總和,超越了個人、財富和派系的差別。
今天,我們仍在這樣的歷程上。我們仍舊是地球上最繁榮、最強大的國家。美國工人們的效率并不比危機開始之前低。我們的頭腦具有同樣的創造力。我們的產品與服務和上周、上月、或者去年一樣有需求。我們的能力從未被削弱。但墨守陳規、維護狹隘的利益、面對艱難的決策畏首畏尾的日子將一去不復返了。從今天開始,我們必須重新找回我們自己,撣去身上的塵土,開始重塑美國的重任。
環顧四周,有無數工作等著我們。經濟狀況期待著我們大膽和快速的行動。我們會付諸行動--不僅僅是創造就業機會,同時還要為未來的增長打下新的基礎。我們將建設公路、橋梁和電網,以及將我們緊密聯系起來、提供商業信息的數字高速公路。我們會重新樹立科學應有的地位,并利用技術手段提高醫療保障的質量,同時降低其費用。我們將利用太陽、風與土壤,來驅動我們的汽車和工廠。我們將改革我們的學校和大學,以滿足新時代的需要。這些都有可能實現,更會去實現。
現在,有人還在懷疑我們的信心──他們認為我們的國家無法承擔這樣的重大計劃。他們太健忘了,他們忘記了這個國家曾經取得的成就,他們忘記了當擁有了理想、共同的目標和必要的勇氣,這些自由的人民曾經取得的輝煌成就。
這些憤世嫉俗的人無法理解這個國家所發生的轉變──那些陳腐的政治已經纏繞了我們太久太長。我們現在面臨的問題不是政府太大還是太小,而是政府所扮演的角色──應該幫助家庭獲得體面的收入,購買他們的所需,有尊嚴地退休。當這些答案都是肯定的時,我們才能繼續前進。如果答案是否定的,一切都將不復存在。我們這些管理公共財產的人應該負起責任──把錢花在刀刃上、改掉惡習、光明正大地行事──因為只有這樣我們才能重塑人民和政府之間的信任。
市場力量的好壞不是我們的問題。市場在創造財富和推進自由進程方面是無可代替的,但是這場危機也提醒了我們沒有審慎的監管,市場的力量將如野馬一樣脫韁──一個僅有財富的國家不可能持續繁榮。我們在經濟上所取得的成功不僅體現在我們的經濟總量上,也體現在我們的繁榮程度上,體現在我們為每個渴望成功的心靈所提供的機會上─這并非出自惻隱之心,而是我們實現共同利益的必經之路。
我們拒絕在安全和理想之間妥協。我們的建國先輩們,面對我們無法想象的兇險,卻依然用幾代人的鮮血維護了神圣的法律和人權。那些理想依然在照亮著這個世界,我們不會因一時的困難而放棄這些理想。我要對那些正在看著我們的國家和人民說,無論你身處繁華的都市還是像養育了我父親那樣的小村莊:對于那些追求和平與尊嚴的男人、女人和孩子,美國將永遠是你們的朋友,我們將繼續和你們一起前進。
我們是這種傳統的捍衛者。我們繼續追尋這些信念的指引,我們將直面這些挑戰并更加努力─更多的溝通與合作。我們會負責地將伊拉克還給當地的人民,并在阿富汗保衛來之不易的和平。我們將與老朋友和原來的敵人一道,共同消除核威脅,解決全球變暖的根源。我們不會為自己的做法道歉,更不會動搖捍衛和平的決心,對于那些崇尚恐怖、濫殺無辜的人,我們的精神是強大而不可戰勝的。你拖不垮我們,我們將會打敗你。
我們多種族混居是一種優勢。我們是一個由基督徒、穆斯林、猶太教徒、印度教徒和無神論者共同組成的國家。我們吸收了各種文化的精髓,從世界的每個角落學習。因為我們經歷過內戰和種族隔離的痛苦洗禮,并在黑暗中更加堅強和團結,我們無法保證,但是我們相信憎恨終將消弭,分隔終將散去。隨著世界越來越緊密地聯系在一起,我們共同的人性將顯露出來,美國必須承擔引領新時代和平的重任。
對于穆斯林世界,我們將基于共同的利益和信仰,尋找更好的合作之路。對于那些在世界各個地方挑起沖突或一味批評西方不良影響的領導者:你的人民評判你的依據是你建立了什么,而不是破壞了什么。對于那些依靠腐敗和欺騙并壓制異議而追求權利的人們:你們站在了人類歷史的對立面。如果你們能張開緊握的拳頭,我們也將伸出友誼之手。
對于那些貧窮的人們,我們保證和你們一起建設繁茂的農場和干凈的水源,滋養那些饑寒交迫的身體和心靈。對于那些與我們一樣相對富裕的國家,我們不能再對外界的苦難漠不關心,更不能繼續大肆索取世界的資源。世界必須改變,我們都必須改變。
當我們審視前方的道路時,我們會感激那些跨越千山萬水來到這里的人們。今天,他們有話對我們說,也是安息在阿林頓國家公墓里的先烈們時刻提醒我們的。我們尊敬他們不僅因為是他們捍衛了我們的自由,更因為他們正是奉獻精神的化身;他們致力于尋找遠高于自身的生命真諦。而此時,在這個特殊的時代,我們更需讓這種精神長存。因為歸根結底,政府所能做的,也是必須做到的,是體現每個美國人的信念和決心,這也是這個國家賴以生存的精神力量。這種力量是洪災泛濫時,陌生人之間的溫暖善舉;是經濟困難時期,人們自損利益保全朋友工作的無私忘我。這是消防員們毅然沖入濃煙火海的勇氣,也是父母培養孩子的無私之心,這些都決定了我們的命運。
或許,我們今日遇到挑戰前所未有,所有的情況完全陌生。但是,我們賴以走向成功的價值觀從未改變——誠實、勤勉、勇敢、公正、寬容、好學、忠貞和愛國。我們的歷史亦由這些真理推進,亙古不變。如今,我們面對的是一個全新的責任時代——人人都需重視,對我們自己,我們的國家乃至整個世界,都有一份責任。我們會欣然接受這份責任,人生也正因此而充實。
這是公民的價值和承諾。
這是我們信心的源泉——上帝賜予我們知識以應對無常的命運。這是我們所崇尚的自由與信念的真諦——這就是為什么今天,不同膚色,不同信仰的男女老少在此匯聚一堂;這就是為什么六十年前,一位父親走入餐廳甚至無人理睬,而今天他的兒子可以站在這里,在你們面前許下最莊嚴的誓言。
所以讓我們記住這一天,記住自己,記住為此的付出。在我們的國家誕生之初,先輩們在最寒冷的日子里,圍聚在結冰的河邊靠微弱的篝火取暖。離鄉背井,后有敵軍,鮮血染紅了白雪。就在革命的道路如此模糊,意志也開始躊躇之時,我們的國父有這樣幾句話:
“告訴未來的世界……當一切陷入寒冬,萬物俱滅,只有希望和勇氣可以長存……這座城市和這個國家,在共同的危機下團結起來,共同面對前方的艱難。”
美國,面對我們共同的危機,在這艱難的寒冬,讓我們牢記那些永恒的字句。懷著希望和美德,讓我們再一次勇敢地面對冰冷的現實,迎接任何可能的風浪。讓我們的子孫傳唱,當我們面對挑戰時,我們沒有怯懦、沒有退縮,更沒有踟躕不前。我們在上帝的關愛下眺望遠方,我們在自由的道路上繼續前進,我們的精神將永遠閃耀著光芒。
第五篇:奧巴馬就職演說全文
奧巴馬就職演說全文
我的國民:
今天我站在這里,為我們將面對的任重道遠而慨嘆。感謝你們對我寄托的信任,同時緬懷我們的前人所做出的犧牲。感謝布什總統為美國做出的貢獻,以及他在總統任期交疊過程中的慷慨合作。
至此,共有四十四位美國人曾進行過總統宣誓。這一誓言曾在國家和平、欣欣向榮時做出過。然而這一誓詞更曾在烏云籠罩和風暴襲來之時被宣讀。美國人民之所以能夠走過那些艱難的時刻,不僅僅是因為領袖的能力或遠見;更是因為我們,我們人民,保持著對先人理想的忠誠,對我們國家創始文件的追隨。
對于我們這一代美國人來說,也是這樣,也必須這樣。
國家正面臨危機,這一點大家已經沒有疑問。美國處在戰爭之中,面對一個有巨大影響力、充滿暴力和仇恨的網絡。我們的經濟嚴重衰退。這來源于部分人的貪婪和不負責任,更由于作為一個整體,我們未能做出面對一個新時代的艱難決策。人民失去房屋、工作機會減少、商業活動遭到破壞。醫療保障過于昂貴,學校教育系統出現太多失敗。而我們對能源的使用,日益讓對手強大,與此同時又威脅著我們的星球。
這些,是從數據和統計中可以看到的危機信號。還有難以度量但同樣深遠的問題,那就是整個國家信心的缺失。那縈繞在我們頭上的恐懼,認為美國的衰敗不可避免,認為我們的下一代人不可能再有太高的期望。
今天我要對你們說,我們面臨的挑戰是真切的、嚴重的,而且有很多重。解決他們不可能很輕松,也不可能在短時間內發生。但美國人民,請記住這一點:這些挑戰會被解決。
今天,我們聚集在一起,因為我們選擇了希望而不是恐懼;我們選擇了為共同的目標團結在一起,而不是沖突與爭執。
今天,我們共同終結那些虛假的承諾、陳腐的教條、以及指摘與怨言。這些已經困擾了我們的政治體系太長時間。
我們的國家仍舊年輕,但借用圣經中的話,該是拋開那些孩子氣的時候了。現在,需要重新拿出我們的堅韌精神,選擇自己的歷史。我們要延續代代相傳的寶貴禮物,延續神圣的理想,那就是上帝賜予我們的承諾--人人平等,人人自由,人人都有機會去追求最大程度的幸福。
在重溫我們國家偉大的同時,我們必須明白,偉大不是憑空而來的,而是贏得的。在我們的歷程中,從來沒有走捷徑或是退而求其次。這一歷程不是為懦弱者準備的,不是為那些享樂高于工作、只知追求名利的人準備的。相反,是那些甘于承擔風險的人,實干家,創造者--有些眾人皆知,而更多的在辛勤工作中默默無聞--是他們帶著我們穿越漫長、崎嶇的道路走向繁榮與自由。
為了我們,他們把僅有的財物裝進行囊,漂洋過海追求新的生活。
為了我們,他們開拓西部,在條件惡劣的工廠中流血流汗;他們忍受鞭笞,開墾貧瘠的土地。
為了我們,他們戰斗和犧牲在協和鎮(Concord)、葛底斯堡(Gettysburg)、諾曼底和科薩恩(KheSahn)。
一次又一次,這些男男女女,他們奮斗和犧牲;他們將雙手磨破為了給我們帶來更好的生活。在他們眼中,美國超越了我們每個人雄心的總和,超越了個人、財富和派系的差別。
今天,我們仍在這樣的歷程上。我們仍舊是地球上最繁榮、最強大的國家。美國工人們的效率并不比危機開始之前低。我們的頭腦具有同樣的創造力。我們的產品與服務和上周、上月、或者去年一樣有需求。我們的能力從未被削弱。但墨守陳規、維護狹隘的利益、面對艱難的決策畏首畏尾的日子將一去不復返了。從今天開始,我們必須重新找回我們自己,撣去身上的塵土,開始重塑美國的重任。
環顧四周,有無數工作等著我們。經濟狀況期待著我們大膽和快速的行動。我們會付諸行動--不僅僅是創造就業機會,同時還要為未來的增長打下新的基礎。我們將建設公路、橋梁和電網,以及將我們緊密聯系起來、提供商業信息的數字高速公路。我們會重新樹立科學應有的地位,并利用技術手段提高醫療保障的質量,同時降低其費用。我們將利用太陽、風與土壤,來驅動我們的汽車和工廠。我們將改革我們的學校和大學,以滿足新時代的需要。這些都有可能實現,更會去實現。
現在,有人還在懷疑我們的信心──他們認為我們的國家無法承擔這樣的重大計劃。他們太健忘了,他們忘記了這個國家曾經取得的成就,他們忘記了當擁有了理想、共同的目標和必要的勇氣,這些自由的人民曾經取得的輝煌成就。
這些憤世嫉俗的人無法理解這個國家所發生的轉變──那些陳腐的政治已經纏繞了我們太久太長。我們現在面臨的問題不是政府太大還是太小,而是政府所扮演的角色──應該幫助家庭獲得體面的收入,購買他們的所需,有尊嚴地退休。當這些答案都是肯定的時,我們才能繼續前進。如果答案是否定的,一切都將不復存在。我們這些管理公共財產的人應該負起責任──把錢花在刀刃上、改掉惡習、光明正大地行事──因為只有這樣我們才能重塑人民和政府之間的信任。
市場力量的好壞不是我們的問題。市場在創造財富和推進自由進程方面是無可代替的,但是這場危機也提醒了我們沒有審慎的監管,市場的力量將如野馬一樣脫韁──一個僅有財富的國家不可能持續繁榮。我們在經濟上所取得的成功不僅體現在我們的經濟總量上,也體現在我們的繁榮程度上,體現在我們為每個渴望成功的心靈所提供的機會上─這并非出自惻隱之心,而是我們實現共同利益的必經之路。
我們拒絕在安全和理想之間妥協。我們的建國先輩們,面對我們無法想象的兇險,卻依然用幾代人的鮮血維護了神圣的法律和人權。那些理想依然在照亮著這個世界,我們不會因一時的困難而放棄這些理想。我要對那些正在看著我們的國家和人民說,無論你身處繁華的都市還是像養育了我父親那樣的小村莊:對于那些追求和平與尊嚴的男人、女人和孩子,美國將永遠是你們的朋友,我們將繼續和你們一起前進。
回想先前的世代力抗法西斯主義和共產主義,靠的除了飛彈和戰車之外,還有強固的聯盟和持久的信念。他們知道單單力量本身不足以讓我們自保,也不能讓我們為所欲為。相反地,他們知道我們的力量因為謹慎使用而增強,我們的安全源自我們理想的正當性,我們所樹立楷模的力量,以及謙遜和克制所具有的調和特質。
我們是這種傳統的捍衛者。我們繼續追尋這些信念的指引,我們將直面這些挑戰并更加努力─更多的溝通與合作。我們會負責地將伊拉克還給當地的人民,并在阿富汗保衛來之不易的和平。我們將與老朋友和原來的敵人一道,共同消除核威脅,解決全球變暖的根源。我們不會為自己的做法道歉,更不會動搖捍衛和平的決心,對于那些崇尚恐怖、濫殺無辜的人,我們的精神是強大而不可戰勝的。你拖不垮我們,我們將會打敗你。
我們多種族混居是一種優勢。我們是一個由基督徒、穆斯林、猶太教徒、印度教徒和無神論者共同組成的國家。我們吸收了各種文化的精髓,從世界的每個角落學習。因為我們經歷過內戰和種族隔離的痛苦洗禮,并在黑暗中更加堅強和團結,我們無法保證,但是我們相信憎恨終將消弭,分隔終將散去。隨著世界越來越緊密地聯系在一起,我們共同的人性將顯露出來,美國必須承擔引領新時代和平的重任。
對于穆斯林世界,我們將基于共同的利益和信仰,尋找更好的合作之路。對于那些在世界各個地方挑起沖突或一味批評西方不良影響的領導者:你的人民評判你的依據是你建立了什么,而不是破壞了什么。對于那些依靠腐敗和欺騙并壓制異議而追求權利的人們:你們站在了人類歷史的對立面。如果你們能張開緊握的拳頭,我們也將伸出友誼之手。
對于那些貧窮的人們,我們保證和你們一起建設繁茂的農場和干凈的水源,滋養那些饑寒交迫的身體和心靈。對于那些與我們一樣相對富裕的國家,我們不能再對外界的苦難漠不關心,更不能繼續大肆索取世界的資源。世界必須改變,我們都必須改變。
當我們審視前方的道路時,我們會感激那些跨越千山萬水來到這里的人們。今天,他們有話對我們說,也是安息在阿林頓國家公墓里的先烈們時刻提醒我們的。我們尊敬他們不僅因為是他們捍衛了我們的自由,更因為他們正是奉獻精神的化身;他們致力于尋找遠高于自身的生命真諦。而此時,在這個特殊的時代,我們更需讓這種精神長存。
因為歸根結底,政府所能做的,也是必須做到的,是體現每個美國人的信念和決心,這也是這個國家賴以生存的精神力量。這種力量是洪災泛濫時,陌生人之間的溫暖善舉;是經濟困難時期,人們自損利益保全朋友工作的無私忘我。這是消防員們毅然沖入濃煙火海的勇氣,也是父母培養孩子的無私之心,這些都決定了我們的命運。
或許,我們今日遇到挑戰前所未有,所有的情況完全陌生。但是,我們賴以走向成功的價值觀從未改變——誠實、勤勉、勇敢、公正、寬容、好學、忠貞和愛國。我們的歷史亦由這些真理推進,亙古不變。如今,我們面對的是一個全新的責任時代——人人都需重視,對我們自己,我們的國家乃至整個世界,都有一份責任。我們會欣然接受這份責任,人生也正因此而充實。
這是公民的價值和承諾。
這是我們信心的源泉——上帝賜予我們知識以應對無常的命運。
這是我們所崇尚的自由與信念的真諦——這就是為什么今天,不同膚色,不同信仰的男女老少在此匯聚一堂;這就是為什么六十年前,一位父親走入餐廳甚至無人理睬,而今天他的兒子可以站在這里,在你們面前許下最莊嚴的誓言。
所以讓我們記住這一天,記住自己,記住為此的付出。在我們的國家誕生之初,先輩們在最寒冷的日子里,圍聚在結冰的河邊靠微弱的篝火取暖。離鄉背井,后有敵軍,鮮血染紅了白雪。就在革命的道路如此模糊,意志也開始躊躇之時,我們的國父有這樣幾句話:
“告訴未來的世界……當一切陷入寒冬,萬物俱滅,只有希望和勇氣可以長存……這座城市和這個國家,在共同的危機下團結起來,共同面對前方的艱難。”
美國,面對我們共同的危機,在這艱難的寒冬,讓我們牢記那些永恒的字句。懷著希望和美德,讓我們再一次勇敢地面對冰冷的現實,迎接任何可能的風浪。讓我們的子孫傳唱,當我們面對挑戰時,我們沒有怯懦、沒有退縮,更沒有踟躕不前。我們在上帝的關愛下眺望遠方,我們在自由的道路上繼續前進,我們的精神將永遠閃耀著光芒。