第一篇：奧巴馬演講詞

Remarks of President Barack ObamaMay 19, 2012 For the past three and a half years, we’ve been fighting our way back from an historic economic crisis – one caused by breathtaking irresponsibility on the part of some on Wall Street who treated our financial system like a casino.Not only did that behavior nearly destroy the financial system – it cost our economy millions of jobs, hurt middle-class families, and left taxpayers holding the bag.Since then, we’ve recovered taxpayer dollars that were used to stabilize troubled banks.And we’ve put in place Wall Street reform with smarter, tougher, commonsense rules that serve one primary purpose: to prevent a crisis like that from ever happening again.And yet, for the past two years, too many Republicans in Congress and an army of financial industry lobbyists have actually been waging an all-out battle to delay, defund, and dismantle Wall Street reform.Recently, we’ve seen why we can’t let that happen.We found out that a big mistake at one of our biggest banks resulted in a two billion dollar loss.While that bank can handle a loss of that size, other banks may not have been able to.And without Wall Street reform, we could have found ourselves with the taxpayers once again on the hook for Wall Street’s mistakes.That’s why it’s so important that Members of Congress stand on the side of reform, not against it;because we can’t afford to go back to an era of weak regulation and little oversight;where excessive risk-taking on Wall Street and a lack of basic oversight in Washington nearly destroyed our economy.We can't afford to go back to that brand of “you’re-on-your-own” economics.Not after the American people have worked so hard to come back from this crisis.We’ve got to keep moving forward.We’ve got to finish the job of implementing this reform and putting these rules in place.These new rules say that, if you’rea big bank or financial institution, you now have to hold more cash on hand so that if you make a bad decision you pay for it, not the taxpayers.You have to write out a “living will” that details how you’ll be wound down if you do fail.The new law takes away big bonuses and paydays from failed CEOs, while giving shareholders a say on executive salaries.And for the first time in our nation’s history, we have in place a consumer watchdog whose sole job is to look out for working families by protecting them from deceptive and unfair practices.So unless you run a financial institution whose business model is built on cheating consumers, or making risky bets that could damage the whole economy, you have nothing to fear from Wall Street reform.Yes, it discourages big banks and financial institutions from making risky bets with taxpayer-insured money.And it encourages them to do things that actually help the economy – like extending loans toentrepreneurs with good ideas, to middle-class families who want to buy a home, to students who want to pursue higher education.That is what Wall Street reform is all about – making this economy stronger for you.And we are going to keep working – to recover every job lost to the recession;to build an economy where hard work and responsibility are once again rewarded;to restore an America where everyone has a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules.I believe the free market is one of the greatest forces for progress in human history;that businesses are the engine of growth;that risk-takers and innovators should be celebrated.But I also believe that at its best, the free market has never been a license to take whatever you want, however you can get it.Alongside our entrepreneurial spirit and rugged individualism, America only prospers when we meet our obligations to one another;and to future generations.If you agree with me, let your Member of Congress know.Tell them to spend less time working to undermine rules that are there to protect the economy, and spend more time actually working to strengthen the economy.Thanks and have a great weekend.Vicky: What are you working on? Issac: If I tell you, will you promise not to laugh? Vicky: All right.What is it? Issac: It’s a love letter to Julie.Vicky: Isn’t it a little premature? You’ve only been going out for a month.Issac: Maybe, but I really want her to know how I feel.Vicky: Let me see it.“Dear Julie.I’m writing this letter to pour my heart out to you.When we met, it was love at first sight and I can’t get you out of my head.You mean everything to me.Now that we’re together, how can I ever live without you?”

Issac: So, what do you think? Vicky: I thought it would have some simple sweet nothings.I didn’t expect it to be this heavy.Issac: Do you think it needs more terms of endearment? Maybe I should have called her “my love,” “my darling,” or “sweetheart.” Tell me the truth, do you think it’s too much? I don’t want to scare her off.Vicky: Well, I know you’re head over heels in love with her, but if I were you, I’d play it by ear.Give it to her when you feel the time is right.Issac: Okay, thanks.I’ll try to play it cool, for now.《純正英語一分鐘》第194課：Multiculturalism Multiculturalism is everywhere today.As the world gets smaller, multiculturalism becomes bigger.Few of us today live in towns in which there is only one culture.Today, we live in towns where we are surrounded by many other cultures.If we live in a city, we will see people from all over the world.Of course, some cities are more multicultural than others.New York is a real melting pot.It is called the most multicultural city on Earth.A city like Tokyo isn’t so multicultural.I think multiculturalism is a great thing.It’s fantastic walking out of your door and seeing other cultures.This didn’t happen when I was young.People didn’t understand other cultures.They didn’t even want to understand.I’m glad things are changing today.打賭

Suzanna: Hey, the back of the line is over there.Ivan: I was here.I just stepped out of line for a minute to get some cash.Suzanna: Yeah, right.I don’t remember you being in line ahead of me.Ivan: Come on.Let’s do this.We’ll flip for it.If it’s heads, I win and I get to get back into line.If it’s tails, you win and I’ll go to the back of the line.Suzanna: All right.I’ll take those odds.You’re on.Ivan: Here goes…Oh, it’s heads!I win.Suzanna: I guess it’s your lucky day.Ivan: I guess so.How about going double or nothing? Suzanna: What are the stakes? Ivan: If it’s tails and you win, I go to the back of the line and I have to buy you a drink when we get inside.If It’s heads and I win, I get in back in line in front of you and you buy me a drink.Suzanna: So, no matter what happens I have to have a drink with you? Ivan: That’s the idea.What do you say?

Suzanna: Okay, you talked me into it.Let’s see if your luck will hold up.Ivan: I’ve got a good feeling it will.Muscle Where would we be without muscles? Probably a mess on the floor.Muscles are pretty interesting things.Everybody has lots of them.Some people look after them better than others.Bodybuilders want to have really big muscles.The bigger the better.They spend hours in the gym lifting weights to make their muscles as big as they can.Athletes work on the specific muscles they need for their sport.If you look at a hundred-metre runner, you’ll notice they have large shoulder and arm muscles.This is so they can power ahead when they run.An interesting thing about muscles is that it takes more face muscles to frown than it does to smile.This means smiling uses less energy, so we should do it more.

第二篇：奧巴馬演講詞

奧巴馬演講詞

2009年11月16日, 首次訪華的美國總統奧巴馬在上?？萍疾┪镳^與數百名中國學生對話

PRESIDENT OBAMA: 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 and his gracious welcome.I'd also like to thank our outstanding Ambassador, 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.)奧巴馬總統：你們好。能夠有機會在上海跟你們大家交談，我深感榮幸。我要感謝復旦大學的楊校長，感謝他的款待和熱情的歡迎。我還要感謝我們出色的大使洪博培，他代表了我們兩國之間的深遠聯系和相互尊重。我不知道他剛才說什么，但是希望他說得不錯。（笑聲）

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.我今天準備先做一個開場白，但我真正希望做的是回答問題，不但回答在座的學生提出的問題，同時也回答從網上提出的一些問題，這些問題由在座的一些學生和洪博培大使代為提出。很抱歉，我的中文不如你們的英文，但我期待著這個和你們對話的機會。

This is my first time traveling to China, and I'm excited to see this majestic country.Here, in Shanghai, we see the growth that has caught the attention of the world--the soaring skyscrapers, the bustling streets and entrepreneurial 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.這是我首次訪問中國，看到你們壯麗的國家，我感到很興奮。在上海，我們看到了全球矚目的發展——高聳的大廈、繁忙的街道、創業的動態。這些都是中國步入 21世紀的跡象，讓我感到贊嘆。同時，我也期盼看到向我們展現中國悠久歷史的古跡。明天和后天我會在北京，希望有機會看到壯觀的故宮和奇跡般的長城。的確，這是一個既有豐富的歷史，又對未來的希望充滿信心的國家。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.我們兩國的關系也是如此。毫無疑問，上海在美中關系史上是一個具有重大意義的城市。正是在這里，37年前發布的《上海公報》（Shanghai Communique）開啟了我們兩國政府和兩國人民接觸交往的新篇章。然而，美國與這個城市以及這個國家的紐帶可以追溯到更久遠的過去，直至美國獨立初期。

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.1784年，我們的建國之父喬治·華盛頓主持了“中國女皇號”（Empress of China）的下水儀式。這條船前往中國海岸，尋求與清朝通商。華盛頓希望看到這條懸掛美國國旗的船前往世界各地，與像中國這樣的國家締結新的紐帶。這是通常的美國人的愿望——希望達到新的地平線，建立新的、互利的伙伴關系。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.在此后的兩個世紀中，歷史洪流使我們兩國關系向許多不同的方向發展，但即使在動蕩的歲月中，兩國人民也抓住機會發展了深入的、甚至極不平凡的關系。例如，美國人民永遠不會忘記，二戰期間，美國飛行員在中國上空被擊落后，中國公民冒著失去一切的危險護理他們。參加過二戰的中國老兵仍然熱情歡迎故地重游的美國老兵，他們曾經在那里作戰，幫助中國從占領下獲得解放。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.”近40年前，簡單的乒乓球比賽帶來了兩國關系的解凍，使我們兩國建立起另一種聯系。這種接觸令人意外，但卻恰恰促成了其成功，因為盡管我們之間存在許多分歧，但是我們共同的人性和共同的好奇心得以從中顯現。正如一位美國乒乓球隊員在回憶對中國的訪問時所說：“那里的人民和我們一樣??這個國家和美國有許多相似之處，也有很大區別?！?/p>

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.無須贅言，這個小小的契機帶來了《上海公報》的問世，并最終促使美中兩國在1979年建立正式外交關系。請看在此后的30年，我們取得了多么長足的進展。

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.1979年，美中貿易額約為50億美元，今天，貿易額已經超過4000億美元。貿易在許多方面影響著兩國人民的生活，美國電腦中的許多元件以及我們身穿的服裝都是從中國進口的，我們向中國出口你們的工業需要的機器。這種貿易可以在太平洋兩岸創造更多的就業機會，讓我們的人民過上質量更高的生活。隨著需求趨于平衡，繁榮的范圍將進一步擴大。

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.1979年，美中之間的政治合作主要立足于雙方共同面對的競爭對手蘇聯。如今我們享有積極的、建設性的、全面的關系，為我們在當今時代的關鍵性全球問題上建立伙伴關系打開了大門，這些問題包括：經濟復蘇和清潔能源開發、制止核武器擴散和氣候變化的影響、在亞洲及全球各地促進和平與安全。所有這些問題都是我明天與胡主席會談的內容。

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.1979年，我們兩國人民的聯系十分有限。今天，我們看到當年乒乓球隊員的好奇心已經化為許多領域的紐帶，中國留學生在美國的人數名列第二，而在美國學生中，學中文的人數增加了50%。我們兩國有近200個友好城市，把我們的社區連接在一起。美中科學家合作進行新的研究與發現。而姚明是我們兩國人民都熱愛籃球的僅僅一個標志而已——令我遺憾的是，此行中我不能觀看上海大鯊魚隊的比賽。

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.我們兩國之間的關系相伴著一個積極變化的時期，這不是偶然的。中國實現了億萬人民脫貧，這一成就史無前例，同時，中國在全球問題中也在發揮更大的作用。美國在促使冷戰順利結束的同時，經濟也取得了增長，人民的生活水平提高。

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.中國有句名言：“溫故而知新?！碑斎唬^去30年中我們也曾遇到挫折和挑戰，我們的關系不是沒有分歧和困難。但是，“我們必然是對手”的概念并非是注定不變的——回顧過去不會是這樣。由于我們的合作，美中兩國都更加繁榮、更加安全。我們已經看到我們本著共同的利益和相互的尊重去努力所能取得的成果。

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.可是，這種接觸的成功取決于理解，取決于繼續進行開誠布公的對話，相互了解，相互學習。正如前面提到的那位美國乒乓球隊員所說——作為人，我們有著許多共同之處，但是我們兩國在某些方面存在著差別。

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.我認為每個國家都必須規劃自己的前進方向。中國是一個文明古國，文化深遠。而美國相對而言是一個年輕的國家，它的文化由來自許多不同國家的移民以及指導我國民主制度的建國綱領所形成。這些綱領中提出了對人類事務的簡單明了的矚望，并包含了一些核心原則——不論男女人人生而平等，都享有某些基本權利；政府應當反映民意，并對人民的愿望作出回應；商貿應該是開放的，信息應該自由流通；司法保障應該來自法治而不是人治。

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.當然，我國的歷史也并非沒有困難的篇章。在很多方面，在很長的時間里，我們要通過斗爭去實現這些原則對全體人民的承諾，締造一個更趨完善的聯邦。我們曾打過一場很痛苦的南北戰爭，將我國的一部分人口從奴役下解放出來。婦女獲得投票權、勞工贏得組織權、來自世界各地的移民得到完全的接納——這些都是經過了一段時間才實現的。非洲裔美國人即使在獲得自由后依然生活在被隔離和不平等的條件下，他們經過不懈努力才最終贏得全面、平等的權利。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.所有這些都不曾輕而易舉。但是，由于我們對這些核心原則的堅定信念，我們取得了進步，這些原則指引我們沖過了最黑暗的風暴。這就是為什么林肯能在南北戰爭中挺身而出并宣布，這是一場考驗一個孕育于自由之中、“忠實于人人生而平等這一原則”的國家能否永存的斗爭。這也就是為什么馬丁·路德·金博士能夠站立在林肯紀念堂的臺階上，要求我們的國家實踐自身信仰的真正含義。這也就是為什么來自從中國到肯尼亞的各國移民能夠在我國的土地上安家；為什么所有努力尋求機會的人都能獲得機會；為什么像我這種在不到50年前在美國的某些地方連投票都遇到困難的人，現在能夠出任這個國家的總統。

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_r_r_r 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.這就是為什么美國一直在全世界為這些核心原則而大聲疾呼。我們不尋求把任何政治體制強加給任何別的國家，但是我們也不認為我們主張的這些原則是我們國家所獨有的。表達自由和宗教信仰自由——獲得信息和政治參與的自由——我們認為這些自由都是普世的權利，所有人都應當享有，包括少數民族和宗教少數派，不管是在美國、中國還是在任何其他國家。正是對普世權利的尊重指導著美國向其他國家開放，尊重各種不同的文化，致力于遵守國際法，并對未來抱有信念。

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.這些都是你們應當了解的美國的情況。我也知道中國有很多有待我們了解的情況。環顧一下這座偉大的城市——環顧一下這個大廳——我確信我們兩個國家有一個很重要的共同點，那就是我們對未來的信念。美國和中國都不想滿足于已取得的成就，止步不前。雖然中國是一個古老的國家，但你們顯然也對未來滿懷信心、雄心和使年輕一代能比這一代人更有作為的決心。

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.我們不但欽佩中國日益增長的經濟，還贊賞你們在科學研究方面極不平凡的努力——從你們建設的基礎設施到你們使用的技術，均體現出這種努力。中國現在是世界上最大的互聯網使用國——這也是我們今天很高興能把互聯網作為此次活動的一部分的原因。這個國家目前擁有世界上最大的移動電話網絡，它正在投資發展既能維持可持續增長，又能應對氣候變化的新型能源——我期待著明天在這個至關重要的領域中深化兩國的合作關系。然而，最重要的是，我在你們身上看到了中國的未來 ——年輕一代的聰明才智、獻身精神和夢想將為塑造21世紀發揮巨大作用。

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.我已說過多次，我相信我們現在的世界是緊密相連的。我們所做的工作，我們所建設的繁榮，我們所保護的環境，以及我們所尋求的安全——所有這一切都是共有的。鑒于這種相互聯系，在21世紀，權力不應再成為一場零和游戲；一國的成功發展不應以他國為代價。這也就是為什么美國堅決表示我們不謀求遏制中國的崛起。恰恰相反，我們歡迎中國成為國際社會中一個強大、繁榮、成功的成員——一個從你們這樣的每個中國人的權利、實力和創造力中獲得力量的中國。

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.回到前面提到的那句古語——回顧過去。我們知道，大國之間選擇合作而非對抗會帶來更大的惠益。這是人類不斷汲取的一個教訓，我們兩國的關系史中也不乏其例。我深信，合作必須不止于政府間的合作。合作必須植根于我們的人民——植根于我們共同進行的研究，我們的商貿活動，我們所學到的知識，乃至我們的體育運動。這些橋梁必須由你們這樣的年輕人和美國的年輕人共同構筑。

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 absolutelyconfident 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.因此，我高興地宣布，美國準備將在中國留學的美國學生人數大幅度增加到10萬人。這種交流是對在我們兩國人民之間建立聯系的明確承諾，毫無疑問，你們將幫助決定21世紀的命運。我完全相信，對美·來說，再好的使者莫過于我們的年輕人。因為他們和你們一樣，才華橫溢，充滿活力，對有待書寫的歷史篇章充滿樂觀。

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.那么，就讓這個舉措成為我們穩步尋求合作的下一個步驟，這種合作有利于我們兩國乃至整個世界。如果能從今天的對話中得到一點啟示的話，我希望那就是致力于今后繼續進行這種對話。

So thank you very much.And I look forward now to taking some questions from all of you.Thank you very much.(Applause.)非常感謝諸位。現在我希望回答你們大家提出的一些問題。非常感謝。（掌聲。）

第三篇：奧巴馬演講詞

Good evening.Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.晚上好。今天晚上，我終于能向美國人民和全世界宣布，美國指揮的一項行動已經將基地組織的頭目奧薩馬·本·拉登擊斃，他要為成千上萬美國無辜的男人女人和兒童的死亡負責。

It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history.The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory--hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky;the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground;black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon;the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.那個陽光明媚的九月被美國有史以來遭受的最慘重的恐怖襲擊遮蔽，距今就要十年了。911事件的情景一直留在全國人民的記憶中——被劫持的飛機劃過萬里無云的九月晴空；雙子塔轟然倒塌；五角大樓冒出濃濃黑煙；93航班上英勇的乘客們為了挽救更多無辜生命采取行動讓飛機墜毀在賓夕法尼亞。

And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world.The empty seat at the dinner table.Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father.Parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace.Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.然而，我們知道，最慘痛的景象是那些無法展示在世人面前的。餐桌邊空空的座位，孩子們不得不在沒有父母的環境下成長。父母們再也感受不到孩子們的擁抱。我們的身邊被奪走了將近3000個生命，在我們的心中留下沉痛的悲傷。

On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together.We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood.We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country.On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family.2001年9月11日，在我們悲傷的時刻，美國人民團結在一起了。我們向鄰居們伸出援手，我們向傷者捐出獻血，我們重新確認了彼此之間的羈絆以及我們對社區和國家的愛。在那一天，不管我們來自何方、信仰什么宗教、屬于什么種族，我們都被緊緊聯系在了美國這個大家庭里。

We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice.We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda--an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe.And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies.在保護我們的國家，給那些應該對這起惡性攻擊負責的人以正義制裁的決心面前，我們也萬眾一心。很快我們就意識到911恐怖襲擊是由基地組織策劃的，這個組織的頭目就是奧薩馬·本·拉登，他曾經公開對美國宣戰，在我們的國家和全世界都犯下了殺害無辜生命的罪行。于是，我們對基地組織開戰，以保護我們的人民、我們的朋友和我們的盟友們。

Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort.We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense.In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support.And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.過去的十年里，在我們的軍人和反恐專家們不懈而英勇的努力下，我們取得了巨大的成效。我們粉碎了恐怖襲擊、加強了我們的國土安全。在阿富汗，我們擊退了為基地組織提供安全避難和支持的塔利班政府。在全球，我們和朋友及盟友一起或抓住或擊斃了數十名基地恐怖分子，其中包括一些911事件的始作俑者。

Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan.Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.然而奧薩馬·本·拉登逃避了抓捕并在阿富汗和巴基斯坦邊境逃竄。同時，基地組織也繼續通過這條邊境線以及世界的分支組織運行著。

And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network.所以，在上任之后，我命令中情局局長里昂·帕內塔把擊斃或活捉本拉登當作我們和基地作戰的頭等大事，我們也仍在加強力量來瓦解、拆分和擊潰他的聯系網。

Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden.It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground.I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan.And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.然后，去年八月，在情報機構數年的辛勤工作之后，我得到本拉登的一份簡報。那時還不能確認，我們花費了幾個月的時間來確認這條線索，我和咱們國家安全小組的成員們不斷的會面，我們得到了更多可能性的信息，把本拉登的藏身地鎖定在了巴基斯坦很隱蔽的一個院子里。終于在上周，我決定我們已經有了足夠的情報來采取行動，授權打擊奧薩馬·本·拉登，讓他得到正義的制裁。

Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability.No Americans were harmed.They took care to avoid civilian casualties.After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.今天，在我的指揮下，美國發動了一項對巴基斯坦阿伯塔巴德的針對性打擊。一小隊美國人在超凡的勇氣和能力下執行了這個任務，沒有美國人受傷。他們很小心的避免了平民的傷亡。在一次交火后，他們擊斃了奧薩馬·本·拉登，將他繩之以法。

For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies.The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.在過去的二十年里，本拉登作為基地組織的頭目和象征，一直在策劃對我們的國家、我們的朋友和盟友們進行襲擊。本拉登的死標志著我們國家在和基地組織的戰斗中取得了重大的成就。

Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort.There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us.We must –-and we will--remain vigilant at home and abroad.然而，他的死并不意味著我們戰斗的終止?；亟M織無疑會繼續尋求對我們的攻擊。我們必須——也必將——在國內和國外保持高度警惕。

As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not –-and never will be-– at war with Islam.I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam.Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader;he was a mass murderer of Muslims.Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own.So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.同時，我們也必須重申，美國沒有也永遠不會向伊斯蘭世界開展。我要清楚的表明，正如小布什總統在911不久后所說，我們的戰爭并不針對伊斯蘭世界，本拉登也不是一個穆斯林領袖，他是殺害穆斯林教徒的兇手?；亟M織在很多國家，包括我們自己的國家內確實屠殺了很多穆斯林教徒。所以，他的死亡應該受到所有相信世界和平維護人的尊嚴的人們的歡迎。

Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was.That is what we’ve done.But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding.Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.在過去數年，我也一直重申一旦我們確認拉登所在，我們可能在巴基斯坦境內采取行動，我們也是這么做的。但要特別拿出來說的一點是我們的反恐是在巴基斯坦的協作下找到本拉登和他的藏身之所的。本拉登也曾經對巴基斯坦宣戰，也曾下命令攻擊巴基斯坦人民。

Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts.They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations.And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.今晚，我給巴基斯坦總統扎爾達里打了電話，我的小隊也和巴基斯坦相關人士通了話。今天對我們兩國來說都是具有歷史意義的好日子，在這一點上大家都達成了共識。

The American people did not choose this fight.It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens.After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war.These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded.美國人民沒有選擇戰爭，戰爭來到了我們的海岸，對我們的人民進行無意義的屠殺。經過近十年的服役、戰爭和犧牲，我們太知道戰爭的代價了。每當我作為三軍統帥，必須要給那些失去了心愛之人以及那些遭受重大創傷的服役人員的家人寫信的時候，種種艱難時時刻刻都壓在我的心頭。

So Americans understand the costs of war.Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed.We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies.We will be true to the values that make us who we are.And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror: Justice has been done.美國人民知道戰爭的代價。然而作為一個國家，我們永遠都不能忍受國家安全受到威脅，或者在人民被殺的時候袖手旁觀。我們會一直保護我們的居民、我們的朋友和盟友。我們會真實的面對這些代價。然后像今天這個夜晚，我們終于能對那些被基地組織奪去家人生命的家庭說：正義得到了伸張。

Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome.The American people do not see their work, nor know their names.But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.今晚，我要感謝數不清的情報人員和反恐專家們，正是你們不知疲倦的努力才有了這項成就。美國人民看不到他們的工作，也不知道他們的名字，但是今晚，他們會對自己的工作感到滿足，他們對正義的追求得到了收獲。

We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country.And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.我們感謝那些執行這項行動的人，這是他們服務國家的職業化、愛國主義和無可匹敵的勇氣的明證。自從九月那天起，他們就成了背負最沉重負擔的一代人。

Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores.最后，讓我對那些在911事件中失去家人的家庭們說，我們永遠不會忘記你們的損失，我們會采取任何措施來防止對我們國土的另一次襲擊，這個承諾我們也永遠不會動搖。

And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11.I know that it has, at times, frayed.Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.今晚，讓我們回顧一下911那天我們的團結一心，我知道隨著時間的流逝這種感覺已經漸漸淡去，但是今天的成就見證了我們國家的偉大和人民的堅不可摧。

The cause of securing our country is not complete.But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to.That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens;our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.我們保護國家的任務還沒有完成，但是今晚，我們再次相信，美國人民可以完成任何我們下定決心完成的事情。這就是我們的歷史：不管是對人民繁榮的追求、或是對人人平等的奮斗，我們傳播我們的價值觀的承諾以及我們為維護世界和平所作出的犧牲。

Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.讓我們銘記，我們做這件事并不因為我們的財富或力量，而是因為我們自身：我們是在上帝之下，所有人都擁有自由和正義的不可分割的一個國家。

Thank you.May God bless you.And may God bless the United States of America.謝謝大家，愿上帝保佑你們，上帝保佑美國。

今晚，我可以向美國民眾和全世界宣布，美國已經完成了消滅基地組織頭目本-拉丹的行動，此人是屠殺數以千計無辜男女老少的恐怖分子。

將近十年前，9月一個陽光明媚的早晨，美國民眾遭受了歷史上最嚴重的襲擊。9-11襲擊的一幕幕在我國民眾記憶中揮之不去。遭劫持的飛機劃破了 9月云淡風輕的天空；世貿中心雙子塔瞬間倒塌；黑煙從五角大樓滾滾上升；墜毀在賓夕法尼亞州尚克斯維爾的93號航班殘骸，乘客們的英勇行為避免了更多慘劇和摧毀的發生。

然而我們知道，最慘痛的是那些未向全世界播出的畫面：餐桌旁空空如也的椅子；失去父母的兒童們；再也無法體會孩子擁抱的父母們。將近3000名市民離開了我們，同時在我們心中留下巨大空洞。

2001年9月11日，在我們這個悲痛的時刻，全體美國人走到了一起。我們向鄰居們伸出援手，為受傷者獻血。我們相互之間的關系更加牢固，我們對社區和國家的愛更加濃烈。

在那一天，不管我們來自何處、不管我們向哪一位神靈祈禱，也無論我們的種族如何，我們都團結在一起，整個美國就像一個大家庭。我們有著共同的決心，即矢志保衛我們的國家，并把那些發動了這場邪惡襲擊的人繩之以法。

我們很快查明，發動9-11襲擊的是基地組織，該組織以奧薩馬-本-拉丹為首，他們早已公開對美國宣戰，并在我們國家和全球其他地方殺害無辜人民。為了保護我們的公民、我們的朋友以及我們的盟友，我們展開了針對基地組織的戰爭。

過去十年以來，得益于我們軍隊和專業反恐人員不知疲倦的英勇工作，我們在打擊基地組織方面取得了巨大進展。我們挫敗了多起恐怖襲擊，強化了本土安全。

在阿富汗，我們推翻了向本-拉丹和基地組織提供庇護傘和支持的塔利班政府。在世界范圍內，我們與友邦盟國共同合作逮捕或者擊斃大量的基地組織恐怖分子，包括那些參與9-11襲擊的。

但是奧薩馬-本-拉丹逃脫了追捕，從阿富汗邊境潛逃進入巴基斯坦。與此同時，基地組織繼續在阿巴邊境地區以及通過其分支機構在全球地區活動。

我就任美國總統后不久，就曾命令中央情報局局長萊昂-帕內塔把擊斃或者抓捕本？拉丹作為打擊基地組織戰爭的首要任務。我們也加強努力破壞、分解和打擊拉丹的恐怖網絡。

去年八月，在我們的情報部門歷經數年的艱苦工作之后，我獲悉已經有了本-拉丹的線索，盡管那時還遠遠無法確定。我們花費了數月才得以順藤摸瓜。

我多次同國家安全人員會談，也有更多信息鎖定本-拉丹就藏在巴基斯坦的一座建筑內。

終于在上周，在我們有了充分的情報之后，我下令對奧薩馬-本-拉丹采取行動，將他繩之以法。

今天，在我的指示下，美軍對巴基斯坦阿巴德的一處目標實施了有針對性的行動。本次行動的執行者是一小隊有著非凡勇氣和能力的美國士兵，并沒有造成任何美國人傷亡。雙方交火后，美國士兵打死了奧薩馬-本-拉丹，并且掌握了本-拉丹的尸體。

在過去的二十年里，本-拉丹一直是基地組織的頭目和象征，并且不斷地策劃針對我們國家、朋友和盟友的襲擊。

本？拉丹之死是我們在打擊基地組織的努力中，迄今為止取得的最為重要的成就。

本？拉丹的死并不意味著我們工作的結束。毫無疑問，基地組織將會繼續對我們實施攻擊。因此，我們必須并且繼續對國內外的情況保持警惕。

如我們做的那樣，我們還必須重申美國沒有也絕對不會對伊斯蘭發動戰爭。正如小布什總統在9-11事件之后我曾經明確表示，我們的戰爭并非針對伊斯蘭。本-拉丹并非一個穆斯林領袖，相反，他屠殺了大量的穆斯林人民。事實上，基地組織在包括美國在內的很多國家都屠殺了許多穆斯林。

所有愛好和平并相信人之尊嚴者都會為他的死而歡欣鼓舞。在過去的數年里，我一再重申，如果我們確認本拉丹在巴基斯坦境內棲身，我們將采取行動。我們這次就是這么做的。

這里我們必須指出同巴基斯坦在反恐上的合作在這次行動中幫助我們找到并確認了本拉丹的藏身之所。事實上，本-拉丹早已對巴基斯坦宣戰并且命令采取行動襲擊巴基斯坦人民。

今晚我已經同扎爾達里總統通了電話，同時我的同事也與巴基斯坦方面的相應官員進行了交流。我們一致認為今天對美巴兩國人民來說都是一個值得紀念的日子。雙方都同意未來巴基斯坦還將同美國一起展開針對基地組織及其分支機構的行動。美國人民并不想要這場戰爭，這一切都源于一場對美國本土無辜平民的無端殘殺。10年的斗爭和犧牲，使我們深切體會到這場戰爭的代價。

作為美國三軍統帥，每次在給陣亡士兵家人的信上簽名，每次看到被重傷軍人的眼睛，我都感到沉重的壓力。

美國人民清楚戰爭必然會有傷亡，知道戰爭必然要我們付出代價。但是作為一個國家，我們更是絕對不能容忍有人威脅我們的安全，也不能看著我們的人民被殺害還坐視不管。我們將堅持不懈地保護美國公民、朋友和盟友。我們將永遠堅持那些我們所認可的價值。這個晚上，讓我們對那些因基地恐怖分子而失去親人至愛的家庭說，正義終于得到了伸張。

我們要感謝那些情報和反恐界的專業人士，正是他們孜孜不倦的工作才促成了今天的勝利。美國人民看不到他們的工作，也不知道他們的名字。但是在這個晚上，這些人能夠真切地感受到付出得到回報、正義得以伸張的滿足。我們還要感謝那些參與了這次行動的軍人，他們是所有為國盡忠的士兵們的代表，展現出了專業、愛國和無可比擬的勇氣。他們在9-11之后承擔了最重的責任。

最后，我還要對那些在9-11恐怖襲擊中失去至親至愛的家庭說，我們從來沒有忘記過你們的損失，我們也從來沒有動搖所做出的承諾，那就是竭盡全力讓國家免遭新的襲擊。

這個夜晚，讓我們重新回顧在9-11襲擊發生后美國上下緊密團結的情景，我知道那種團結在有些時候已經淡化。但是今天的成就證明了美國的偉大和美國人的決心。

請記住，保衛我們國家的事業并沒有終結。但是今天我們再次印證只要美國下定決心，這個國家想做的事情就一定能夠實現。這是我們國家的歷史：不管是為了人民的繁榮還是國民的平等，我們對全球傳遞美國價值觀的承諾不變，我們為世界安全寧愿自我犧牲的承諾不變。

我們要牢記，做這些并僅是為了財富或者權勢，而是因為我們生來如此，我們生來要為所有人爭取自由和公正。

感謝你們，上帝保佑大家，上帝保佑美利堅合眾國。

第四篇：奧巴馬開學演講詞

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary ______________________________________________________________

_____________ For Immediate Release September 8, 2009

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN A NATIONAL ADDRESS TO AMERICA'S SCHOOLCHILDREN

Wakefield High School Arlington, Virginia 12:06 P.M.EDT THE PRESIDENT: 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.)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.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.Now, as you might imagine, I wasn't too happy about getting up that early.And a lot of times, I'd fall asleep right there at the kitchen table.But whenever I'd complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and she'd say, “This is no picnic for me either, buster.”(Laughter.)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.Now, I've given a lot of speeches about education.And I've talked about responsibility a lot.I've talked about teachers' responsibility for inspiring students and pushing you to learn.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.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.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.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.Maybe you could be a great writer--maybe even good enough to write a book or articles in a newspaper--but you might not know it until you write that English paper--that English class paper that's assigned to you.Maybe you could be an innovator or an inventor--maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or the new medicine or vaccine--but you might not know it until you do your project for your science class.Maybe you could be a mayor or a senator or a Supreme Court justice--but you might not know that until you join student government or the debate team.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.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.You'll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop new energy technologies and protect our environment.You'll need the insights and critical-thinking skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more fair and more free.You'll need the creativity and ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that will create new jobs and boost our economy.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.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.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.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.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.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.But at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life--what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you've got going on at home--none of that is an excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude in school.That's no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school.There is no excuse for not trying.Where you are right now doesn't have to determine where you'll end up.No one's written your destiny for you, because here in America, you write your own destiny.You make your own future.That's what young people like you are doing every day, all across America.Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas.Jazmin didn't speak English when she first started school.Neither of her parents had gone to college.But she worked hard, earned good grades, and got a scholarship to Brown University--is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to becoming Dr.Jazmin Perez.I'm thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who's fought brain cancer since he was three.He's had to endure all sorts of treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took him much longer--hundreds of extra hours--to do his schoolwork.But he never fell behind.He's headed to college this fall.And then there's Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois.Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest neighborhoods in the city, she managed to get a job at a local health care center, start a program to keep young people out of gangs, and she's on track to graduate high school with honors and go on to college.And Jazmin, Andoni, and Shantell aren't any different from any of you.They face challenges in their lives just like you do.In some cases they've got it a lot worse off than many of you.But they refused to give up.They chose to take responsibility for their lives, for their education, and set goals for themselves.And I expect all of you to do the same.That's why today I'm calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education--and do everything you can to meet them.Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending some time each day reading a book.Maybe you'll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community.Maybe you'll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all young people deserve a safe environment to study and learn.Maybe you'll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn.And along those lines, by the way, I hope all of you are washing your hands a lot, and that you stay home from school when you don't feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter.But whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it.I want you to really work at it.I know that sometimes you get that sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work--that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star.Chances are you're not going to be any of those things.The truth is, being successful is hard.You won't love every subject that you study.You won't click with every teacher that you have.Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right at this minute.And you won't necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try.That's okay.Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who've had the most failures.J.K.Rowling's--who wrote Harry Potter--her first Harry Potter book was rejected 12 times before it was finally published.Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.He lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career.But he once said, “I have failed over and over and over again in my life.And that's why I succeed.” These people succeeded because they understood that you can't let your failures define you--you have to let your failures teach you.You have to let them show you what to do differently the next time.So if you get into trouble, that doesn't mean you're a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to act right.If you get a bad grade, that doesn't mean you're stupid, it just means you need to spend more time studying.No one's born being good at all things.You become good at things through hard work.You're not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new sport.You don't hit every note the first time you sing a song.You've got to practice.The same principle applies to your schoolwork.You might have to do a math problem a few times before you get it right.You might have to read something a few times before you understand it.You definitely have to do a few drafts of a paper before it's good enough to hand in.Don't be afraid to ask questions.Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.I do that every day.Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength because it shows you have the courage to admit when you don't know something, and that then allows you to learn something new.So find an adult that you trust--a parent, a grandparent or teacher, a coach or a counselor--and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals.And even when you're struggling, even when you're discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you, don't ever give up on yourself, because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.The story of America isn't about people who quit when things got tough.It's about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best.It's the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and they founded this nation.Young people.Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war;who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon.Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google and Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other.So today, I want to ask all of you, what's your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a President who comes here in 20 or 50 or 100 years say about what all of you did for this country? Now, your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions.I'm working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books and the equipment and the computers you need to learn.But you've got to do your part, too.So I expect all of you to get serious this year.I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do.I expect great things from each of you.So don't let us down.Don't let your family down or your country down.Most of all, don't let yourself down.Make us all proud.Thank you very much, everybody.God bless you.God bless America.Thank you.(Applause.)

第五篇：奧巴馬西點軍校演講詞

Remarks by the President at United States Military Academy at West Point Commencement

Michie Stadium, West Point, New York 10:31 A.M.EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.Thank you.Thank you.Thank you.Please be seated.Thank you very much.Good morning.AUDIENCE: Good morning.THE PRESIDENT: It is wonderful to be back at the United States Military Academy--the oldest continuously occupied military post in America--as we commission the newest officers in the United States Army.Thank you, General Hagenbeck, for your introduction, on a day that holds special meaning for you and the Dean, General Finnegan.Both of you first came to West Point in the Class of 1971 and went on to inspire soldiers under your command.You’ve led this Academy to a well-deserved recognition: best college in America.(Applause.)And today, you’re both looking forward to a well-deserved retirement from the Army.General Hagenbeck and Judy, General Finnegan and Joan, we thank you for 39 years of remarkable service to the Army and to America.(Applause.)

To the Commandant, General Rapp, the Academy staff and faculty, most of whom are veterans, thank you for your service and for inspiring these cadets to become the “leaders of character” they are today.(Applause.)Let me also acknowledge the presence of General Shinseki, Secretary McHugh, the members of Congress who are with us here today, including two former soldiers this Academy knows well, Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Patrick Murphy.(Applause.)

To all the families here--especially all the moms and dads--this day is a tribute to you as well.The decision to come to West Point was made by your sons and daughters, but it was you who instilled in them a spirit of service that has led them to this hallowed place in a time of war.So on behalf of the American people, thank you for your example and thank you for your patriotism.(Applause.)

To the United States Corps of Cadets, and most of all, the Class of 2010--it is a singular honor to serve as your Commander-in-Chief.As your Superintendent indicated, under our constitutional system my power as President is wisely limited.But there are some areas where my power is absolute.And so, as your Commander-in-Chief, I hereby absolve all cadets who are on restriction for minor conduct offenses.(Applause.)I will leave the definition of “minor”--(laughter)--to those who know better.(Laughter.)

Class of 2010, today is your day--a day to celebrate all that you’ve achieved, in the finest tradition of the soldier-scholar, and to look forward to the important service that lies ahead.You have pushed yourself through the agony of Beast Barracks, the weeks of training in rain and mud, and, I’m told, more inspections and drills than perhaps any class before you.Along the way, I’m sure you faced a few moments when you asked yourself: “What am I doing here?” I have those moments sometimes.(Laughter.)

You’ve trained for the complexities of today’s missions, knowing that success will be measured not merely by performance on the battlefield, but also by your understanding of the cultures and traditions and languages in the place where you serve.You’ve reached out across borders, with more international experience than any class in Academy history.You’ve not only attended foreign academies to forge new friendships, you’ve welcomed into your ranks cadets from nearly a dozen countries.You’ve challenged yourself intellectually in the sciences and the humanities, in history and technology.You’ve achieved a standard of academic excellence that is without question, tying the record for the most post-graduate scholarships of any class in West Point history.(Applause.)

This includes your number one overall cadet and your valedictorian--Liz Betterbed and Alex Rosenberg.And by the way, this is the first time in Academy history where your two top awards have been earned by female candidates.(Applause.)

This underscores a fact that I’ve seen in the faces of our troops from Baghdad to Bagram--in the 21st century, our women in uniform play an indispensable role in our national defense.And time and again, they have proven themselves to be role models for our daughters and our sons--as students and as soldiers and as leaders in the United States armed forces.And the faces in this stadium show a simple truth: America’s Army represents the full breadth of America’s experience.You come from every corner of our country--from privilege and from poverty, from cities and small towns.You worship all of the great religions that enrich the life of our people.You include the vast diversity of race and ethnicity that is fundamental to our nation’s strength.There is, however, one thing that sets you apart.Here in these quiet hills, you’ve come together to prepare for the most difficult test of our time.You signed up knowing your service would send you into harm’s way, and you did so long after the first drums of war were sounded.In you we see the commitment of our country, and timeless virtues that have served our nation well.We see your sense of duty--including those who have earned their right shoulder patch--their right shoulder combat patches, like the soldier who suffered a grenade wound in Iraq, yet still helped his fellow soldiers to evacuate--your First Captain of the Corps of Cadets, Tyler Gordy.(Applause.)

We see your sense of honor--in your respect for tradition, knowing that you join a Long Grey Line that stretches through the centuries;and in your reverence for each other, as when the Corps stands in silence every time a former cadet makes the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.Indeed, today we honor the 78 graduates of this Academy who have given their lives for our freedom and our security in Iraq and Afghanistan.And we see your love of country--a devotion to America captured in the motto you chose as a class, a motto which will guide your lives of service: “Loyal ‘Til the End.”

Duty.Honor.Love of country.Everything you have learned here, all that you’ve achieved here, has prepared you for today--when you raise your right hand;when you take that oath;when your loved one or mentor pins those gold bars on your shoulders;when you become, at long last, commissioned officers in the United States Army.This is the ninth consecutive commencement that has taken place at West Point with our nation at war.This time of war began in Afghanistan--a place that may seem as far away from this peaceful bend in the Hudson River as anywhere on Earth.The war began only because our own cities and civilians were attacked by violent extremists who plotted from a distant place, and it continues only because that plotting persists to this day.For many years, our focus was on Iraq.And year after year, our troops faced a set of challenges there that were as daunting as they were complex.A lesser Army might have seen its spirit broken.But the American military is more resilient than that.Our troops adapted, they persisted, they partnered with coalition and Iraqi counterparts, and through their competence and creativity and courage, we are poised to end our combat mission in Iraq this summer.(Applause.)

Even as we transition to an Iraqi lead and bring our troops home, our commitment to the Iraqi people endures.We will continue to advise and assist Iraqi security forces, who are already responsible for security in most of the country.And a strong American civilian presence will help Iraqis forge political and economic progress.This will not be a simple task, but this is what success looks like: an Iraq that provides no haven to terrorists;a democratic Iraq that is sovereign and stable and self-reliant.And as we end the war in Iraq, though, we are pressing forward in Afghanistan.Six months ago, I came to West Point to announce a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan.And I stand here humbled by the knowledge that many of you will soon be serving in harm’s way.I assure you, you will go with the full support of a proud and grateful nation.We face a tough fight in Afghanistan.Any insurgency that is confronted with a direct challenge will turn to new tactics.And from Marja to Kandahar, that is what the Taliban has done through assassination and indiscriminate killing and intimidation.Moreover, any country that has known decades of war will be tested in finding political solutions to its problems, and providing governance that can sustain progress and serve the needs of its people.So this war has changed over the last nine years, but it’s no less important than it was in those days after 9/11.We toppled the Taliban regime--now we must break the momentum of a Taliban insurgency and train Afghan security forces.We have supported the election of a sovereign government--now we must strengthen its capacities.We’ve brought hope to the Afghan people--now we must see that their country does not fall prey to our common enemies.Cadets, there will be difficult days ahead.We will adapt, we will persist, and I have no doubt that together with our Afghan and international partners, we will succeed in Afghanistan.(Applause.)

Now even as we fight the wars in front of us, we also have to see the horizon beyond these wars--because unlike a terrorist whose goal is to destroy, our future will be defined by what we build.We have to see that horizon, and to get there we must pursue a strategy of national renewal and global leadership.We have to build the sources of America’s strength and influence, and shape a world that’s more peaceful and more prosperous.Time and again, Americans have risen to meet and to shape moments of change.This is one of those moments--an era of economic transformation and individual empowerment;of ancient hatreds and new dangers;of emerging powers and new global challenges.And we’re going to need all of you to help meet these challenges.You’ve answered the call.You, and all who wear America’s uniform, remain the cornerstone of our national defense, the anchor of global security.And through a period when too many of our institutions have acted irresponsibly, the American military has set a standard of service and sacrifice that is as great as any in this nation’s history.(Applause.)

Now the rest of us--the rest of us must do our part.And to do so, we must first recognize that our strength and influence abroad begins with steps we take at home.We must educate our children to compete in an age where knowledge is capital, and the marketplace is global.We must develop clean energy that can power new industry and unbound us from foreign oil and preserve our planet.We have to pursue science and research that unlocks wonders as unforeseen to us today as the microchip and the surface of the moon were a century ago.Simply put, American innovation must be the foundation of American power--because at no time in human history has a nation of diminished economic vitality maintained its military and political primacy.And so that means that the civilians among us, as parents and community leaders, elected officials, business leaders, we have a role to play.We cannot leave it to those in uniform to defend this country--we have to make sure that America is building on its strengths.(Applause.)

As we build these economic sources of our strength, the second thing we must do is build and integrate the capabilities that can advance our interests, and the common interests of human beings around the world.America’s armed forces are adapting to changing times, but your efforts have to be complemented.We will need the renewed engagement of our diplomats, from grand capitals to dangerous outposts.We need development experts who can support Afghan agriculture and help Africans build the capacity to feed themselves.We need intelligence agencies that work seamlessly with their counterparts to unravel plots that run from the mountains of Pakistan to the streets of our cities.We need law enforcement that can strengthen judicial systems abroad, and protect us here at home.And we need first responders who can act swiftly in the event of earthquakes and storms and disease.The burdens of this century cannot fall on our soldiers alone.It also cannot fall on American shoulders alone.Our adversaries would like to see America sap its strength by overextending our power.And in the past, we’ve always had the foresight to avoid acting alone.We were part of the most powerful wartime coalition in human history through World War II.We stitched together a community of free nations and institutions to endure and ultimately prevail during a Cold War.Yes, we are clear-eyed about the shortfalls of our international system.But America has not succeeded by stepping out of the currents of cooperation--we have succeeded by steering those currents in the direction of liberty and justice, so nations thrive by meeting their responsibilities and face consequences when they don’t.So we have to shape an international order that can meet the challenges of our generation.We will be steadfast in strengthening those old alliances that have served us so well, including those who will serve by your side in Afghanistan and around the globe.As influence extends to more countries and capitals, we also have to build new partnerships, and shape stronger international standards and institutions.This engagement is not an end in itself.The international order we seek is one that can resolve the challenges of our times –-countering violent extremism and insurgency;stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and securing nuclear materials;combating a changing climate and sustaining global growth;helping countries feed themselves and care for their sick;preventing conflict and healing wounds.If we are successful in these tasks, that will lessen conflicts around the world.It will be supportive of our efforts by our military to secure our country.More than anything else, though, our success will be claimed by who we are as a country.This is more important than ever, given the nature of the challenges that we face.Our campaign to disrupt, dismantle, and to defeat al Qaeda is part of an international effort that is necessary and just.But this is a different kind of war.There will be no simple moment of surrender to mark the journey’s end--no armistice, no banner headline.Though we have had more success in eliminating al Qaeda leaders in recent months than in recent years, they will continue to recruit, and plot, and exploit our open society.We see that in bombs that go off in Kabul and Karachi.We see it in attempts to blow up an airliner over Detroit or an SUV in Times Square, even as these failed attacks show that pressure on networks like al Qaeda is forcing them to rely on terrorists with less time and space to train.We see the potential duration of this struggle in al Qaeda’s gross distortions of Islam, their disrespect for human life, and their attempt to prey upon fear and hatred and prejudice.So the threat will not go away soon, but let’s be clear: Al Qaeda and its affiliates are small men on the wrong side of history.They lead no nation.They lead no religion.We need not give in to fear every time a terrorist tries to scare us.We should not discard our freedoms because extremists try to exploit them.We cannot succumb to division because others try to drive us apart.We are the United States of America.(Applause.)We are the United States of America, and we have repaired our union, and faced down fascism, and outlasted communism.We’ve gone through turmoil, we’ve gone through Civil War, and we have come out stronger--and we will do so once more.(Applause.)

And I know this to be true because I see the strength and resilience of the American people.Terrorists want to scare us.New Yorkers just go about their lives unafraid.(Applause.)Extremists want a war between America and Islam, but Muslims are part of our national life, including those who serve in our United States Army.(Applause.)Adversaries want to divide us, but we are united by our support for you--soldiers who send a clear message that this country is both the land of the free and the home of the brave.(Applause.)

You know, in an age of instant access to information, a lot of cynicism in the news, it’s easy to lose perspective in a flood of pictures and the swirl of political debate.Power and influence can seem to ebb and flow.Wars and grand plans can be deemed won or lost day to day, even hour to hour.As we experience the immediacy of the image of a suffering child or the boasts of a prideful dictator, it’s easy to give in to the belief sometimes that human progress has stalled--that events are beyond our control, that change is not possible.But this nation was founded upon a different notion.We believe, “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”(Applause.)And that truth has bound us together, a nation populated by people from around the globe, enduring hardship and achieving greatness as one people.And that belief is as true today as it was 200 years ago.It is a belief that has been claimed by people of every race and religion in every region of the world.Can anybody doubt that this belief will be any less true--any less powerful--two years, two decades, or even two centuries from now?

And so a fundamental part of our strategy for our security has to be America’s support for those universal rights that formed the creed of our founding.And we will promote these values above all by living them--through our fidelity to the rule of law and our Constitution, even when it’s hard;even when we’re being attacked;even when we’re in the midst of war.And we will commit ourselves to forever pursuing a more perfect union.Together with our friends and allies, America will always seek a world that extends these rights so that when an individual is being silenced, we aim to be her voice.Where ideas are suppressed, we provide space for open debate.Where democratic institutions take hold, we add a wind at their back.When humanitarian disaster strikes, we extend a hand.Where human dignity is denied, America opposes poverty and is a source of opportunity.That is who we are.That is what we do.We do so with no illusions.We understand change doesn’t come quick.We understand that neither America nor any nation can dictate every outcome beyond its borders.We know that a world of mortal men and women will never be rid of oppression or evil.What we can do, what we must do, is work and reach and fight for the world that we seek--all of us, those in uniform and those who are not.And in preparing for today, I turned to the world--to the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes.And reflecting on his Civil War experience, he said, and I quote, “To fight out a war you must believe in something and want something with all your might.So must you do to carry anything else to an end worth reaching.” Holmes went on, “More than that, you must be willing to commit yourself to a course, perhaps a long and hard one, without being able to foresee exactly where you will come out.”

America does not fight for the sake of fighting.We abhor war.As one who has never experienced the field of battle--and I say that with humility, knowing, as General MacArthur said, “the soldier above all others prays for peace”--we fight because we must.We fight to keep our families and communities safe.We fight for the security of our allies and partners, because America believes that we will be safer when our friends are safer;that we will be stronger when the world is more just.So cadets, a long and hard road awaits you.You go abroad because your service is fundamental to our security back home.You go abroad as representatives of the values that this country was founded upon.And when you inevitably face setbacks--when the fighting is fierce or a village elder is fearful;when the end that you are seeking seems uncertain--think back to West Point.Here, in this peaceful part of the world, you have drilled and you have studied and come of age in the footsteps of great men and women--Americans who faced times of trial, and who even in victory could not have foreseen the America they helped to build, the world they helped to shape.George Washington was able to free a band of patriots from the rule of an empire, but he could not have foreseen his country growing to include 50 states connecting two oceans.Grant was able to save a union and see the slaves freed, but he could not have foreseen just how much his country would extend full rights and opportunities to citizens of every color.Eisenhower was able to see Germany surrender and a former enemy grow into an ally, but he could not have foreseen the Berlin Wall coming down without a shot being fired.Today it is your generation that has borne a heavy burden--soldiers, graduates of this Academy like John Meyer and Greg Ambrosia who have braved enemy fire, protected their units, carried out their missions, earned the commendation of this Army, and of a grateful nation.From the birth of our existence, America has had a faith in the future--a belief that where we’re going is better than where we’ve been, even when the path ahead is uncertain.To fulfill that promise, generations of Americans have built upon the foundation of our forefathers--finding opportunity, fighting injustice, forging a more perfect union.Our achievement would not be possible without the Long Grey Line that has sacrificed for duty, for honor, for country.(Applause.)

And years from now when you return here, when for you the shadows have grown longer, I have no doubt that you will have added your name to the book of history.I have no doubt that we will have prevailed in the struggles of our times.I have no doubt that your legacy will be an America that has emerged stronger, and a world that is more just, because we are Americans, and our destiny is never written for us, it is written by us, and we are ready to lead once more.Thank you.May God bless you.And may God bless the United States of America.(Applause.)

END

11:04 A.M.EDT