第一篇：美國總統奧巴馬名言

美國總統奧巴馬名言

在美國，創新不只改變我們的生活，更重要的是，這是我們賴以謀生的方法。如果我們想擁抱未來，如果我們想讓創新在美國而不是海外創造就業崗位，那么我們必須贏得教育我們孩子的競賽。

成功不是名氣或者公共關系所帶來的，它是由辛勞的工作和自律造就的。在這個十年結束的時候，美國將再度成為擁有大學生比例最高的國家。雖然我不確定我們將如何超越地平線到達更好的地方，但我知道我們將會到達那里。我知道我們能夠做到。

——以上摘自奧巴馬2011國情咨文

我知道你們的所做的一切并不只是為了贏得選舉，我也知道你們做這一切并不是為了我。你們這樣做是因為你們明白前面的任務有多么艱巨。即便我們今晚歡呼慶祝，我們也知道明天將面臨我們一生之中最艱難的挑戰——兩場戰爭、一個面臨危險的星球，一個世紀以來最嚴重的金融危機。

前方的道路將很漫長，我們攀登的腳步會很艱辛。

那些所有懷疑美國的燈塔能否能像以前一樣明亮的人們，今天晚上我們再次證明，我們國家真正的力量并非來自我們武器的威力或財富的規模，而是來自我們理想的持久力量：民主、自由、機會、不屈服的希望。

美國，我們已經走過了一條漫漫長路。我們已經歷了很多。但是我們仍有很多事情要做。因此今夜，請讓我們自問--如果我們的孩子能夠活到下個世紀；如果我的女兒有幸活得和安一樣長，她們將會看到怎樣的改變？我們將會取得什么樣的進步？

現在是我們回答這個問題的機會。這是我們的時刻。

這是我們的時代--讓我們的人民重新就業，為我們的后代敞開機會之門，恢復繁榮，推進和平，重新確立“美國夢”，再次證明這樣一個基本的真理：我們是一家人；只要一息尚存，我們就有希望；當我們遇到嘲諷和懷疑，當有人說我們辦不到的時候，我們要以這個永恒的信條來回應他們：是的，我們能做到。

——一以上摘自奧巴馬勝選演說

迄今為止，已經有44個美國總統宣誓就職。總統的宣誓有時面對的是國家的和平繁榮，但通常面臨的是烏云密布的緊張形勢。在緊張的形勢中，支持美國前進的不僅僅是領導人的能力和遠見，也在于美國人民對國家先驅者理想的信仰，以及對美國立國文件的忠誠。

前輩們如此，我們這一代美國人也要如此。

美國仍是一個年輕的國家，借用《圣經》的話說，放棄幼稚的時代已經到來 了。重拾堅韌精神的時代已經到來，我們要為歷史作出更好的選擇，我們要秉承歷史賦予的寶貴權利，秉承那種代代相傳的高貴理念：上帝賦予我們每個人以平等和自由，以及每個人盡全力去追求幸福的機會。

在重申我們國家偉大之處的同時，我們深知偉大從來不是上天賜予的，偉大需要努力贏得。(我們的民族一路走來)，這旅途之中從未有過捷徑或者妥協，這旅途也不適合膽怯之人、或者愛安逸勝過愛工作之人、或者單單追求名利之人。這條路是勇于承擔風險者之路，是實干家、創造者之路。這其中有一些人名留青史，但是更多的人卻在默默無聞地工作著。正是這些人帶領我們走過了漫長崎嶇的旅行，帶領我們走向富強和自由。

從今天開始，我們必須跌倒后爬起來，拍拍身上的泥土，重新開始工作，重塑美國。

現在，有一些人開始質疑我們的野心是不是太大了，他們認為我們的體制承載不了太多的宏偉計劃。他們是健忘了。他們已經忘了這個國家已經取得的成就；他們已經忘了當創造力與共同目標以及必要的勇氣結合起來時，自由的美國人民所能發揮的能量。

這些懷疑論者的錯誤在于，他們沒有意識到政治現實已經發生了變化，長期以來耗掉我們太多精力的陳腐政治論爭已經不再適用。今天，我們的問題不在于政府的大小，而在于政府能否起作用，政府能否幫助家庭找到薪水合適的工作、給他們可以負擔得起的醫療保障并讓他們體面地退休。哪個方案能給與肯定的答案，我們就推進哪個方案。哪個方案的答案是否定的，我們就選擇終止。而掌管納稅人稅金的人應當承擔起責任，合理支出，摒棄陋習，磊落做事，這有這樣才能在政府和人民之間重建至關重要的相互信任。

我們面臨的問題也不是市場好壞的問題。市場創造財富、拓展自由的能力無可匹敵，但是這場危機提醒我們，如果沒有監管，市場很可能就會失去控制，而且偏袒富人國家的繁榮無法持久。國家經濟的成敗不僅僅取決于國內生產總值的大小，而且取決于繁榮的覆蓋面，取決于我們是否有能力讓所有有意愿的人都有機會走向富裕。我們這樣做不是慈善，而是因為這是確保實現共同利益的途徑。

我們面臨的挑戰也許是新的，我們應對挑戰的措施也許也是新的，但那些長期以來指導我們成功的價值觀——勤奮、誠實、勇氣、公平競爭、包容以及對世界保持好奇心，還有對國家的忠誠和愛國主義——卻是歷久彌新，這些價值觀是可靠的。他們是創造美國歷史的無聲力量。我們現在需要的就是回歸這些古老的價值觀。我們需要一個新的負責任的時代，一個覺醒的時代，每個國人都應意識到即我們對自己、對國家和世界負有責任，我們不應該不情愿地接受這些責任，而應該快樂地承擔起這些責任。我們應該堅定這一認識，即沒有什么比全身 心投入一項艱巨的工作更能鍛煉我們的性格，更能獲得精神上的滿足。

—— 以上摘自奧巴馬就職演說

對中國的發展來說，“五年規劃”是量度中國步伐的路碑，也是記錄中國夢想的載體。

升華心態提升境界。有這樣一則故事：三個工人在砌墻，有人問他們在忙什么，第一個說：“我在砌墻”，第二個說：“我在建一幢大樓”，第三個回答：“我在建一座城市”。多年以后，第一個工人仍是工人，第二個工人成為工程師，第三個工人成為城市管理者。同一種工作，因為從事者的心態不同，結果迥異。“種瓜得瓜，種豆得豆”，不僅是一種自然規律，也是由良好心態、較高境界決定的。

成功在于堅持。有一個“一萬小時定律”，是說人在某一方面要想有所作為，要能堅持一萬個小時，相當于每天練習近平3個小時，堅持10年。你能堅持嗎？堅持住了，你就會成為某一方面的專家。“古之成大事者，不惟有超世之才，亦必有堅韌不拔之志”，說的也是這個道理。

愛。的確，愛可以說是世界上最柔韌的力量，它讓人擁有一種純粹的執著，喚醒人們一種無私的責任，更有著潤物無聲般的穿透力、春風化雨般的感染力和百川歸海般的吸引力。人世間，有愛，就有力量，就有溫暖，就有和諧。

第二篇：美國總統奧巴馬就職演講稿

美國總統奧巴馬就職演講稿

Hello，芝加哥。

美國是一個一切皆有可能的地方，如果還有人對這一點心存懷疑，如果還有人懷疑美國奠基者的夢想在我們時代是否還有活力，還有人懷疑我們民主制度的力量，那么，你們今晚正是對那些疑問作出了回答。

在學校和教堂周圍所出現的前所未有的長隊是答案，這個國家從未見過這么多的人前來投票，人們排三個、四個小時的隊來進行有生以來的第一次投票，因為他們相信這一次將會不同，他們發出的聲音可能就是那個差別。

這是一個年輕人和年老人、富人和窮人、民主黨人和共和黨人、黑人、白人、西班牙裔人、亞裔、印第安人、同性戀和異性戀、殘障人士和健全人士所作出的回答。美國人向世界發出一個信息：我們從不只是一些個人的累加或者“紅色州”和“藍色州”的累加。

我們是，我們永遠是美利堅合眾國。

這是一個引導人們的答案，太多的人在很長的時間內給他們說這個答案，以至于他們對此持憤世疾俗的態度，對我們是否可以再一次把握歷史的希望感到擔心和懷疑。已經過去了很長時間，但是今晚，由于我們今天在這場選舉所采取的行動，在這個決定性的時候，變革來到了美國。

今晚早些時候，我接到來自參議員麥凱恩的一個特別有風度的電話。麥凱恩在這場選戰中進行了長期和艱苦的努力，他為這個他所愛的國家戰斗了更長的時間，作出了更艱苦的努力。他為美國承受了我們中的大多數人無法想像的犧牲。由于這位勇敢和無私領導人的服務，我們的生活變得更好。

我向他表示祝賀，我向佩林州長表示祝賀，向他們所取得的成果表示祝賀，我盼望與他們共事以繼續這個國家在未來歲月的承諾。

我想感謝我在競選旅程的伙伴，一位用心競選的男士，一位為和他一起在斯克蘭頓街頭一同長大的男人和女子代言、經常坐火車回特拉華州的男士，美國當選副總統拜登。

如果沒有我過去16年最好的朋友、我們家庭的中堅、我生命中的摯愛，我今天晚上不可能站在這里，美國下一位第一夫人米歇爾-奧巴馬。

薩沙和馬莉婭，我愛你們，我對你們的愛超出了你們的想象。你們已贏得了新的寵物狗，它將和我們一起前往新的白宮。

盡管她沒能和我們在一起，但我知道，我的祖母和養大我的家人在看著我，我今晚很想念他們，我知道我欠他們的東西是無法計量的。我的妹妹馬婭、我的姐姐奧瑪，我其他的兄弟和姐妹，非常感謝你們對我的支持，我感謝他們。我的競選經理大衛-普勞夫，這位競選活動的無名英雄，他進行了最好的政治競選活動，我認為這是美國歷史上最棒的。我的首席策略師大衛-艾克斯羅德，他一直是追隨我的伙伴。你們組建了政治史上最好的競選團隊，是你們成就了今天，我永遠感謝你們為此所作出的犧牲。

但最重要的是，我永遠不會忘記這場勝利真正屬于誰，它屬于你們，它屬于你們。

我從來不是最有可能獲得這一職務的候選人。我們剛開始并沒有太多資金，也沒有得到許多人的支持。我們的競選活動并非始自華盛頓的大廳里，而是始于得梅因、康科德、查爾斯頓這些地方的普通民眾家中。那些辛勤工作的人們從自己微薄的儲蓄中捐出5美元、10美元、20美元。競選活動因為年輕人的支持而越來越有聲勢，他們拒絕了他們那一代對政治不感興趣的神話，他們離開家，從事那些薪水少而且辛苦的工作。競選活動的聲勢也來自那些已不再年輕的人們，他們冒著嚴寒酷暑，敲開陌生人的家門進行競選宣傳；競選聲勢也源自數百萬的美國民眾，他們充當志愿者和組織者，他們證明了在兩百多年以后，民有、民治、民享的政府并未從地球上消失。這是你們的勝利。

我知道你們的所做的一切并不只是為了贏得選舉，我也知道你們做這一切并不是為了我。你們這樣做是因為你們明白前面的任務有多么艱巨。即便我們今晚歡呼慶祝，我們也知道明天將面臨我們一生之中最艱難的挑戰——兩場戰爭、一個面臨危險的星球，一個世紀以來最嚴重的金融危機。

就在我們今晚站在這里的時刻，我們知道勇敢的美國士兵在伊拉克的沙漠里和阿富汗的群山中醒來，他們冒著生命危險來保護著我們的生命。仍有在孩子熟睡后仍難以入眠的父母，他們擔心如何償還按揭月供、付醫藥費或是存夠錢讓孩子上大學。我們需要開發新的能源、創造新的工作崗位，我們需要修建新學校，應對眾多威脅、修復與許多國家的盟友關系。

前方的道路將很漫長，我們攀登的腳步會很艱辛。我們可能無法在一年甚至一個任期內實現這些目標，但我從未像今晚這樣滿懷希望，我們將實現我們的目標。我向你們承諾——我們作為一個整體將會達成目標。

我們會遭遇挫折和不成功的起步。我作為總統所做的每項決定或政策，會有許多人持有異議，我們也知道，政府不能解決所有問題。但我將總是會向你們坦陳我們所面臨的挑戰。我會聽取你們的意見，尤其是存在不同意見的時候。最重要的是，我會請求你們參與重建這個國家，以美國221年來從未改變的唯一方式-一磚一瓦、同心協力。

21個月前在寒冬所開始的一切不應當在今天這個秋夜結束。今天的選舉勝利并不是我們所尋求的改變--這只是我們進行改變的機會。如果我們仍然按照過去的方式行事，我們所尋求的改變將不會發生。沒有你們，沒有服務和犧牲的新精神，就不可能發生改變。

因此，讓我們發揚新的愛國和負責精神，所有的人都下定決心參與其中，更加努力地工作，不僅是為自己而是為彼此。讓我們記住這一點，如果說這場金融危機教會了我們什么東西的話，那就是我們不可能在金融以外的領域處于困境的同時擁有繁榮興旺的華爾街。

在這個國家，我們患難與共。讓我們抵制重走老路的誘惑，避免重新回到令美國政治長期深受毒害的黨派紛爭、小題大作、不成熟的表現。讓我們記住，是伊利諾伊州的一名男子首次將共和黨的旗幟扛到了白宮。共和黨是建立在自立、個人自由以及國家團結的價值觀之上的。這也是我們所有人共同的價值觀。雖然民主黨今天晚上贏得了巨大的勝利，但我們是以謙卑的態度和彌合阻礙我們進步的分歧的決心贏得這場勝利的。林肯在向遠比我們眼下分歧更大的國家發表講話時說，我們不是敵人，而是朋友……雖然激情可能會褪去，但這不會割斷我們感情上的聯系。對于那些現在沒有投票給我的美國人，我想說，我可能沒有贏得你們的選票，但是我聽到了你們的聲音，我需要你們的幫助，而且我也將是你們的總統。

對于那些徹夜關注美國大選的海外人士，從國會到皇宮，以及在被遺忘的角落里擠在收音機旁的人們，我們的經歷雖然各有不同，但是我們的命運是一樣的，新的美國領導層已產生了。

那些想要顛覆這個世界的人們，我們將擊敗你們。那些追求和平和安全的人們，我們支持你們。那些所有懷疑美國的燈塔能否能像以前一樣明亮的人們，今天晚上我們再次證明，我們國家真正的力量并非來自我們武器的威力或財富的規模，而是來自我們理想的持久力量：民主、自由、機會、不屈服的希望。

這才是美國真正的精華——美國能夠改變。我們的聯邦會日漸完美。我們現在已取得的成就為我們將來能夠取得和必須取得的成就增添了希望。

這次大選創造了多項第一，也誕生了很多將世代流傳的故事。但是今天晚上令我難忘的卻是在亞特蘭大投票的一名婦女：安-尼克松-庫波爾。她和其他數百萬排隊等待投票的選民沒有什么差別，除了一點：她已是106歲的高齡。

她出生的那個時代奴隸制度剛剛結束；那時路上沒有汽車，天上也沒有飛機。當時像她這樣的人由于兩個原因不能投票，首先她是女性，其次她是黑人。

今天晚上，我想到了她在美國過去一百年間所經歷的種種：心痛和希望；斗爭和進步；在那里時代，我們被告知我們辦不到，一些人繼續堅信著美國的信念──是的，我們能做到。

婦女當時沒有投票權，她們的希望被挫敗，但是安-尼克松-庫波爾活著看到婦女們站了起來，看到她們站出來發表自己的見解，看到她們參加大選投票。是的，我們能做到。

當30年代的沙塵暴和大蕭條使人們感到絕望時，她看到一個國家用新政、新的就業機會以及對新目標的共同追求戰勝恐慌。是的，我們能做到。

當炸彈襲擊了我們的港口、暴政威脅到全世界，她見證了一代美國人的偉大崛起，見證了一個民主國家獲得拯救。是的，我們能做到。

她看到蒙哥馬利通了公共汽車、伯明翰接上了水管、塞爾馬建了橋，一位來自亞特蘭大的傳教士告訴人們：“我們將克服阻力?！笔堑模覀兡茏龅?。

人類登上月球、柏林墻倒下，世界被我們的科學和想像被連接在一起。今年，在這場選舉中，她用手指觸摸屏幕投下自己的選票，因為在美國生活了106年之后，經歷了最好的時光和最黑暗的時刻之后，她知道美國如何能夠發生變革。是的，我們能做到。

美國，我們已經走過了一條漫漫長路。我們已經歷了很多。但是我們仍有很多事情要做。因此今夜，請讓我們自問--如果我們的孩子能夠活到下個世紀；如果我的女兒有幸活得和安一樣長，她們將會看到怎樣的改變？我們將會取得什么樣的進步？

現在是我們回答這個問題的機會。這是我們的時刻。

這是我們的時代--讓我們的人民重新就業，為我們的后代敞開機會之門，恢復繁榮，推進和平，重新確立“美國夢”，再次證明這樣一個基本的真理：我們是一家人；只要一息尚存，我們就有希望；當我們遇到嘲諷和懷疑，當有人說我們辦不到的時候，我們要以這個永恒的信條來回應他們：

是的，我們能做到。感謝你們。上帝保佑你們。愿上帝保佑美利堅合眾國。

第三篇：美國總統奧巴馬感恩節致辭

On behalf of the Obama family – Michelle, Malia, Sasha, Bo and me– I want to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving.我代表奧巴馬全家——米歇爾，瑪利亞，莎莎，小狗波，還有我——祝愿大家感恩節快樂！

For us, like so many of you, this is a day full of family and friends;food and football.It’s a day to fight the overwhelming urge to take a nap – at least until after dinner.But most of all, it’s a time to give thanks for each other, and for the incredible bounty we enjoy.對于我們來說，就像你們大家一樣，這一天會在家人和朋友中度過，一起吃感恩節食物，看橄欖球比賽。這一天要忙忙碌碌總想找個時間小憩一會，至少晚飯后會有這種想法。但對大多數人來說，這一天都會彼此感恩，感謝我們所得到的一切。

That’s especially important this year.As a nation, we’ve just emerged from a campaign season that was passionate, noisy, and vital to our democracy.But it also required us to make choices – and sometimes those choices led us to focus on what sets us apart instead of what ties us together;on what candidate we support instead of what country we belong to.這一天對于今年來說格外重要。作為一個國家，我們剛剛走出充滿激情、嘈雜和我們民主制度中最重要的大選季節，但它需要我們作出選擇。而有時候這些選擇會過于著重在什么使我們不同，而不是聯系起來；在支持我們的候選人，而不是我們的國家。

Thanksgiving is a chance to put it all in perspective – to remember that, despite our differences, we are, and always will be, Americans first and foremost.感恩節是一個讓我們全面思考的好機會，要記住，盡管存在分歧，我們永遠要把美國人民的利益放在首位。

Today we give thanks for blessings that are all too rare in this world.The ability to spend time with the ones we love;to say what we want;to worship as we please;to know that there are brave men and women defending our freedom around the globe;and to look our children in the eye and tell them that, here in America, no dream is too big if they’re willing to work for it.今天我們感激所獲得的恩賜，在當今世界它們還是那么的稀有珍貴：我們可以與深愛的人一起度過美好的時光，我們可以自由表達我們的思想與崇拜，我們有那些無畏的軍人在世界各

地捍衛我們的自由，我們可以看著我們的孩子告訴他們，在美國這里，只要你愿意為之努力，沒有什么夢想是不能實現的。

We’re also grateful that this country has always been home to Americans who see these blessings not simply as gifts to enjoy, but as opportunities to give back.Americans who believe we have a responsibility to look out for those less fortunate – to pull each other up and move forward together.我們感恩，也是因為在這個國家，美國人不會簡單地把恩賜當做禮物去享受，還會把它們當做機會去回報。美國人相信我們有責任去關心那些不太幸運的人，彼此拉對方一把，然后一起向前。

Right now, as we prepare to gather around our dinner tables, there are families in the northeast who don’t have that luxury.Many of them have lost everything to Hurricane Sandy – homes, possessions, even loved ones.And it will be a long time before life goes back to normal.此時此刻，當我們準備圍坐在餐桌前時，在東北還有許多家庭無法享受這些。他們在颶風桑迪的災害中失去了一切——家園，財產，甚至深愛的親人，生活恢復正常還需要很長一段時間。

But in the midst of so much tragedy, there are also glimmers of hope.Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen FEMA personnel, National Guard and first responders working around the clock in hard-hit communities.We’ve seen hospital workers using their lunch breaks to distribute supplies.Families offering up extra bedrooms.The fire department advertising free hot showers.Buses full of volunteers coming from hundreds of miles away.Neighbors sharing whatever they have – food, water, electricity – and saying again and again how lucky they are to have a roof over their heads.但在這些悲劇之中，我們仍會看到希望的曙光。過去幾周以來，我們看到了聯邦應急管理署的工作人員，國民警衛隊的軍人，以及第一救援人員們在受災地區不分晝夜的工作。我們看到了醫護人員利用午休時間發放救援物資。眾多家庭提供出他們的空余臥室，消防部門提供免費熱水淋浴，巴士滿載著來自數百英里以外的志愿者來到災區，大家彼此分享著擁有的一切——食物，水，電——并且一遍遍地說能有屋頂來遮雨是多么的幸運。

It would have been easy for these folks to do nothing – to worry about themselves and leave the rest to someone else.But that’s not who we are.That’s not what we do.這些人如果作壁上觀本是很容易的——只要擔心自己的問題，把其他的困難留給別人。但那就不是我們了，那也不是我們會做的。

As Americans, we are a bold, generous, big-hearted people.When our brothers and sisters are in need, we roll up our sleeves and get to work – not for the recognition or the reward, but because it’s the right thing to do.Because there but for the grace of God go I.And because here in America, we rise or fall together, as one nation and one people.作為美國人，我們勇敢，慷慨，善良。當我們的兄弟姐妹有需要的時候，我們會挽起袖子就去幫忙，不是為了獲得認可或是獎賞，而是因為這是我們認為正確的事情。因為我這么做是為了上帝的恩典。因為在美國，我們同甘苦共患難，作為一個國家，一個民族。

That’s something to be grateful for – today and every day.總有些事是值得我們感激的——今天以及每一天。

So to all the Americans doing your part to make our world a better place – it is my privilege to serve as your President.To all our servicemembers – it is my honor to be your Commander in Chief.And from our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving.因此，我要對所有各盡其職共同創造我們美好家園的美國人說，我為能夠成為你們的總統而感到無比榮幸；我要對所有的部隊軍人說，我為能夠成為你們的總司令而無比自豪。我代表我們全家祝愿你們感恩節快樂！

原文鏈接：

第四篇：美國總統奧巴馬芝加哥演講稿

奧巴馬芝加哥演講詞(2008-11-16 12:07:48)

標簽：奧巴馬 美國大選 演講 雜談

分類：優秀文章轉載

Hello, Chicago!芝加哥，你好！

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible;who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time;who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.如果有人懷疑美國是個一切皆有可能的地方，懷疑美國奠基者的夢想在我們這個時代依然燃燒，懷疑我們民主的力量，那么今晚這些疑問都有了答案。

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen;by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different;that their voice could be that difference.學校和教堂門外的長龍便是答案。排隊的人數之多，在美國歷史上前所未有。為了投票，他們排隊長達三、四個小時。許多人一生中第一次投票，因為他們認為這一次大選結果必須不同以往，而他們手中的一票可能決定勝負。

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled — Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of red states and blue states;we are, and always will be, the United States of America.無論年齡，無論貧富，無論民主黨人或共和黨人，無論黑人、白人，無論拉美裔、亞裔、印地安人, 無論同性戀、異性戀，無論殘障人、健全人，所有的人，他們向全世界喊出了同一個聲音：我們并不隸屬 “紅州”與 “藍州”的對立陣營，我們屬于美利堅合眾國，現在如此，永遠如此！

It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.長久以來，很多人說：我們對自己的能量應該冷漠，應該恐懼，應該懷疑。但是，歷史之輪如今已在我們手中，我們又一次將歷史之輪轉往更美好的未來。

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.漫漫征程，今宵終于來臨。特殊的一天，特殊的一次大選，特殊的決定性時刻，美國迎來了變革。

I just received a very gracious call from Sen.McCain.He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves.He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.I congratulate him and Gov.Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.剛才，麥凱恩參議員很有風度地給我打了個電話。在這次競選中，他的努力持久而艱巨。為了這個他摯愛的國家，他的努力更持久、更艱巨。他為美國的奉獻超出絕大多數人的想象。他是一位勇敢無私的領袖，有了他的奉獻，我們的生活才更美好。我對他和佩林州長的成績表示祝賀。同時，我也期待著與他們共同努力，再續美國輝煌。

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the vice-president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.我要感謝我的競選搭檔——當選副總統喬?拜登。為了與他一起在斯克蘭頓市街頭長大、一起坐火車返回特拉華州的人們，拜登全心全意地竟選，他代表了這些普通人的聲音。

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next first lady, Michelle Obama.Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House.And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am.I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.我要感謝下一位第一夫人米歇爾?奧巴馬。她是我家的中流砥柱，是我生命中的最愛。沒有她在過去16年來的堅定支持，今晚我就不可能站在這里。我要感謝兩個女兒薩沙和瑪麗婭，我太愛你們兩個了，你們將得到一條新的小狗，它將與我們一起入住白宮。我還要感謝已去世的外婆，我知道此刻她正在天上注視著我。她與我的家人一起造就了今天的我。今夜我思念他們，他們對我的恩情比山高、比海深。

To my campaign manager, David Plouffe;my chief strategist, David Axelrod;and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics — you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.我要感謝我的競選經理大衛?普魯夫，感謝首席策劃師大衛?阿克塞羅德以及整個競選團隊，他們是政治史上最優秀的競選團隊。你們成就了今夜，我永遠感謝你們為今夜所付出的一切。

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to — it belongs to you.但最重要的是，我將永遠不會忘記這場勝利真正屬于誰---是你們！

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office.We didn't start with much money or many endorsements.Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington — it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.我從來不是最有希望的候選人。起初，我們的資金不多，贊助人也不多。我們的競選并非始于華盛頓的華麗大廳，而是起于德莫奈地區某家的后院、康科德地區的某家客廳、查爾斯頓地區的某家前廊。

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to this cause.It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy;who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep;from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers;from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this earth.This is your victory.勞動大眾從自己的微薄積蓄中掏出5美元、10美元、20美元，拿來捐助我們的事業。年輕人證明了他們絕非所謂“冷漠的一代”。他們遠離家鄉和親人，拿著微薄的報酬，起早摸黑地助選。上了年紀的人也頂著嚴寒酷暑，敲開陌生人的家門助選。無數美國人自愿組織起來，充當自愿者。正是這些人壯大了我們的聲勢。他們的行動證明了在兩百多年以后，民有、民治、民享的政府并未從地球上消失。這是你們的勝利。

I know you didn't do this just to win an election, and I know you didn't do it for me.You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead.For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime — two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college.There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created;new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.你們這樣做，并不只是為了贏得一場大選，更不是為了我個人。你們這樣做，是因為你們清楚未來的任務有多么艱巨。今晚我們在歡慶，明天我們就將面對一生之中最為嚴峻的挑戰－－兩場戰爭、一個充滿危險的星球，還有百年一遇的金融危機。今晚我們在這里慶祝，但我們知道在伊拉克的沙漠里，在阿富汗的群山中，許許多多勇敢的美國人醒來后就將為了我們而面臨生命危險。許許多多的父母會在孩子熟睡后仍難以入眠，他們正在為月供、醫藥費，孩子今后的大學費用而發愁。我們需要開發新能源，創造就業機會，建造新學校，迎接挑戰和威脅，并修復與盟國的關系。

The road ahead will be long.Our climb will be steep.We may not get there in one year, or even one term, but America — I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.I promise you: We as a people will get there.前方道路還很漫長，任務艱巨。一年之內，甚至一屆總統任期之內，我們可能都無法完成這些任務。但我從未像今晚這樣對美國滿懷希望，我相信我們會實現這個目標。我向你們承諾－－我們美利堅民族將實現這一目標！

There will be setbacks and false starts.There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can't solve every problem.But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face.I will listen to you, especially when we disagree.And, above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, callused hand by callused hand.我們會遇到挫折，會出師不利，會有許多人不認同我的某一項決定或政策。政府并不能解決所有問題，但我會向你們坦陳我們所面臨的挑戰。我會聆聽你們的意見，尤其是在我們意見相左之時。最重要的是，我會讓你們一起重建這個國家。用自己的雙手，從一磚一瓦做起。這是美國立國221年以來的前進方式，也是惟一的方式。

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night.This victory alone is not the change we seek — it is only the chance for us to make that change.And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.It cannot happen without you.21個月前那個隆冬所開始的一切，絕不應在這一個秋夜結束。我們所尋求的變革并不只是贏得大選，這只是給變革提供了一個機會。假如我們照老路子辦事，就沒有變革；沒有你們，就沒有變革。

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism;of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other.Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.In this country, we rise or fall as one nation — as one people.讓我們重新發揚愛國精神，樹立嶄新的服務意識、責任感，每個人下定決心，一起努力工作，彼此關愛；讓我們牢記這場金融危機帶來的教訓：不能允許商業街掙扎的同時卻讓華爾街繁榮。在這個國家，我們作為同一個民族，同生死共存亡。

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House — a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty and national unity.Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.黨派之爭、瑣碎幼稚，長期以來這些東西荼毒了我們的政壇。讓我們牢記，當來自伊利諾伊州的一位先生首次將共和黨大旗扛進白宮時，伴隨著他的是自強自立、個人自由、國家統一的共和黨建黨理念。這也是我們所有人都珍視的理念。雖然民主黨今晚大勝，但我們態度謙卑，并決心彌合阻礙我們進步的分歧。

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends...Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.” And, to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too.當年,林肯面對的是一個遠比目前更為分裂的國家。他說：“我們不是敵人，而是朋友??雖然激情可能不再，但是我們的感情紐帶不會割斷?！睂τ谀切┈F在并不支持我的美國人，我想說，雖然我沒有贏得你們的選票，但我聽到了你們的聲音，我需要你們的幫助，我也將是你們的總統。

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world — our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.To those who would tear this world down: We will defeat you.To those who seek peace and security: We support you.And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight, we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.對于關注今夜結果的國際人士，不管他們是在國會、皇宮關注，還是在荒僻地帶收聽電臺，我們的態度是：我們美國人的經歷各有不同，但我們的命運相關，新的美國領袖誕生了。對于想毀滅這個世界的人們，我們必將擊敗你們。對于追求和平和安全的人們，我們將支持你們。對于懷疑美國這盞燈塔是否依然明亮的人們，今天晚上我們已再次證明：美國的真正力量來源并非軍事威力或財富規模，而是我們理想的恒久力量：民主、自由、機會和不屈的希望。

For that is the true genius of America — that America can change.Our union can be perfected.And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.美國能夠變革，這才是美國真正的精髓。我們的聯邦會不斷完善。我們已經取得的成就，將為我們將來能夠并且必須取得的成就增添希望。

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations.But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta.She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election, except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.這次大選創造了多項“第一”，誕生了很多將流芳后世的故事，但今晚令我最為難忘的卻是一位在亞特蘭大投票的婦女：安妮?庫波爾。她和無數排隊等候投票的選民沒有什么差別，唯一的不同是她高齡106歲。

She was born just a generation past slavery;a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky;when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.在她出生的那個時代，黑奴制剛剛廢除。那時路上沒有汽車，天上沒有飛機。當時像她這樣的人由于兩個原因不能投票－－一第一因為她是女性，第二個原因是她的膚色。

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope;the struggle and the progress;the times we were told that we can't and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes, we can.今天晚上，我想到了安妮在美國過去一百年間的種種經歷：心痛和希望，掙扎和進步，那些我們被告知我們辦不到的年代，以及我們現在這個年代?，F在，我們堅信美國式信念——是的，我們能！

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot.Yes, we can.在那個年代，婦女的聲音被壓制，她們的希望被剝奪。但安妮活到了今天，看到婦女們站起來了，可以大聲發表意見了，有選舉權了。是的，我們能。

When there was despair in the Dust Bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose.Yes, we can.安妮經歷了上世紀三十年代的大蕭條。農田荒蕪，絕望籠罩美國大地。她看到了美國以新政、新的就業機會以及嶄新的共同追求戰勝了恐慌。是的，我們能。

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved.Yes, we can.二戰時期，炸彈襲擊我們的海港，全世界受到獨裁專制威脅，安妮見證了一代美國人的英雄本色，他們捍衛了民主。是的，我們能。

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes, we can.安妮經歷了蒙哥馬利公交車事件、伯明翰黑人暴動事件、塞爾馬血醒周末事件。來自亞特蘭大的一位牧師告訴人們：我們終將勝利。是的，我們能。

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.Yes, we can.人類登上了月球、柏林墻倒下了，科學和想像把世界連了一塊。今年，在這次選舉中，安妮的手指輕觸電子屏幕，投下自己的一票。她在美國生活了106年，其間有最美好的時光，也有最黑暗的時刻，她知道美國能夠變革。是的，我們能。

America, we have come so far.We have seen so much.But there is so much more to do.So tonight, let us ask ourselves: If our children should live to see the next century;if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made? 美利堅，我們已經一路走來，我們已經看到了那么多變化，但我們仍有很多事情要做。今夜，讓我們問自己這樣一個問題：假如我們的孩子能夠活到下一個世紀，假如我的女兒們有幸與安妮一樣長壽，她們將會看到怎樣的改變？我們又取得了怎樣的進步？

This is our chance to answer that call.This is our moment.This is our time — to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids;to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace;to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one;that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.現在，我們獲得了回答這個問題的機會。這是我們的時刻，我們的時代。讓我們的人民重新就業，為我們的孩子打開機會的大門；恢復繁榮，促進和平；讓美國夢重放光芒，再證這一本本性真理，那就是：團結一致，眾志成城；一息尚存，希望就在；倘若有人嘲諷和懷疑，說我們不能，我們就以這一永恒信條回應，因為它凝聚了整個民族的精神——是的，我們能！

Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.謝謝大家！愿上帝保佑你們，保佑美利堅合眾國。

第五篇：美國總統奧巴馬開學勵志演講

美國總統奧巴馬2010年開學勵志演講

美國總統奧巴馬開學演講英語演講稿。這是奧巴馬第二次發表開學演講。奧巴馬2009年的演講招來了許多批評和抵制。一些反對者指責稱，奧巴馬試圖通過演講向學生灌輸政治理念。部分媒體還批評奧巴馬試圖建立個人崇拜。在美國各地，也有許多家長向當地教育官員表示抗議，一些家長甚至威脅在奧巴馬演講時把孩子離教室。有了去年的“教訓”，今年的總統開學演講，白宮意強調這是一次“非政治活動”，而奧巴馬本人也在演講中回避政治話題。

轉自[英美者]-英語專業網站：http:///Listening_Speaking/Oral_English/214752572.html

Thank you!Hello!(Applause.)Thank you.Thank you.Well, hello, Philadelphia!(Applause.)And hello, Masterman.It is wonderful to see all of you.What a terrific introduction by Kelly.Give Kelly a big round of applause.(Applause.)I was saying backstage that when I was in high school, I could not have done that.(Laughter.)I would have muffed it up somehow.So we are so proud of you and everything that you’ve done.And to all the students here, I’m thrilled to be here.謝謝！你們好！（掌聲。）謝謝。謝謝。你好，費城?。ㄕ坡?。）你好，馬斯特曼。見到你們真是太好了。Kelly的介紹真是太棒了。讓我們對Kelly報以熱烈的掌聲。在后臺的時候我說，我上高中的時候我就做不這么好，我可能會弄的一團糟。所以讓我們為你和你做的一切自豪吧。站在這里我很激動。

kelly 在奧巴馬總統演講前，一名叫Kelly的學生做了演講。backstage n.后臺

muff v.笨拙地處理，將事情弄糟 thrilled a.激動的 We’ve got a couple introductions I want to make.First of all, you’ve got the outstanding governor of Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell, in the house.(Applause.)The mayor of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter, is here.(Applause.)Congressman Chaka Fattah is here.(Applause.)Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz is here.(Applause.)Your own principal, Marge Neff, is here.(Applause.)The school superintendent, Arlene Ackerman, is here and doing a great job.(Applause.)And the Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, is here.(Applause.)

我想介紹幾個人。首先，來到這兒的有，杰出的賓夕法尼亞州州長，Ed Rendell。（掌聲。）費城市長，Michael Nutter。國會議員Fattah和Allyson Schwartz（掌聲）。你們的校長Marge Neff（掌聲）。學校管理人Arlene Ackerman是這個學校的，并且為學校做了很大的貢獻。（掌聲）。還有教育部秘書長Arne Duncan。（掌聲）

outstanding a.杰出的 Congressman n.國會議員 principal n.校長 superintendent n.院長

And I am here.(Applause.)And I am thrilled to be here.I am just so excited.I’ve heard such great things about what all of you are doing, both the students and the teachers and the staff here.還有我。（掌聲），我感到非常的激動。我耳聞了你們做的那些偉大的事，這里面有在校的學生，老師和工作人員。

Today is about welcoming all of you, and all of America’s students, back to school, even though I know you’ve been in school for a little bit now.And I can’t think of a better place to do it than at Masterman.(Applause.)Because you are one of the best schools in Philadelphia.You are a leader in helping students succeed in the classroom.Just last week, you were recognized by a National Blue Ribbon--as a National Blue Ribbon School because of your record of achievement.And that is a testament to everybody here –-to the students, to the parents, to the teachers, to the school leaders.It’s an example of excellence that I hope communities across America can embrace.今天歡迎你們，歡迎每一個美國學生回校上課，當然你們在學校已經呆了一段時間了。我想不出除了在Masterman外，還有哪個地方更適合做這件事。（掌聲）因為你們是費城最好的學校之一。你們在教育方面是領頭軍。就在上周，由于你們的卓越貢獻，被授為國家藍絲帶勛章。這是對每個人的見證，對學生，家長，老師還有學校領導人。我希望全美的社會團體都能欣然接受這個杰出代表的例子。

embrace vt.擁抱；接受

Over the past few weeks, Michelle and I have been getting Sasha and Malia ready for school.And they’re excited about it.I’ll bet they had the same feelings that you do--you’re a little sad to see the summer go, but you’re also excited about the possibilities of a new year.The possibilities of building new friendships and strengthening old ones, of joining a school club, or trying out for a team.The possibilities of growing into a better student and a better person and making not just your family proud but making yourself proud.幾周前，我和Michelle為Sasha和Malia上學的事做準備。她們兩個對這非常的期待。我敢打賭她們和你們一樣，有著相同的感覺。你們為夏天的逝去而神傷，但是你們更應該期待新的一年。如你們可以結交新的朋友，加深同老朋友的感情，加入學校俱樂部，參加各種團隊的選拔賽。成長為一個更優秀的學生和個人，不僅僅讓你的家人自豪，同樣讓你們自己也很有成就感。

build friendships 結交新朋友

But I know some of you may also be a little nervous about starting a new school year.Maybe you’re making the jump from elementary to middle school, or from middle school to high school, and you’re worried about what that’s going to be like.Maybe you’re starting a new school.You’re not sure how you’ll like it, trying to figure out how you’re going to fit in.Or maybe you’re a senior, and you’re anxious about the whole college process;about where to apply and whether you can afford to go to college.我知道，你們中有些人在新學年會有些緊張。或許你剛從小學升到初中，從初中升到高中，會擔心，新的學年將會是什么樣的呢。也許你進入一所新的學校，不知道是否會喜歡這個學校，想著怎么來融入這個學校。或許你到了高三年級，對整個的大學入學程序感到不安，比如申請那里的學校，能不能支付上大學的費用等等。

elementary school n.小學 figure out 想明白，弄清楚 fit in 融入，適應 afford to do 承擔得起

And beyond all those concerns, I know a lot of you are also feeling the strain of some difficult times.You know what’s going on in the news and you also know what’s going on in some of your own families.You’ve read about the war in Afghanistan.You hear about the recession that we’ve been through.And sometimes maybe you’re seeing the worries in your parents’ faces or sense it in their voice.除此之外，我知道你們還有來自困難時期的壓力。你們知道新聞內容，知道你們一些家庭中發發生的事情。你們讀過有關阿富汗戰爭的信息，聽說過我們經歷過的經濟不景氣。有時你們還看到了雙親臉上掛著的憂慮，或從他們的聲音中感受到了這些。

strain n.壓力

So a lot of you as a consequence, because we’re going through a tough time a country, are having to act a lot older than you are.You got to be strong for your family while your brother or sister is serving overseas, or you’ve got to look after younger siblings while your mom is working that second shift.Or maybe some of you who are little bit older, you’re taking on a part-time job while your dad’s out of work.所以，因為我們國家面臨困難時期，你們許多人的行為看上去比實際年齡要大。姐姐哥哥在海外工作，你們會表現得堅強，或許媽媽去值第二班，你們就要照顧年幼的弟弟妹妹。或許你們有些人年長一點的，父親失了業，你們還要做兼職。

as a consequence 結果，所以

tough time 困難時期【tough a.艱難的】 sibling n.兄弟姐妹，同胞 shift n.輪班

And that’s a lot to handle.It’s more than you should have to handle.And it may make you wonder at times what your own future will look like, whether you’re going to be able to succeed in school, whether you should maybe set your sights a little lower, scale back your dreams.有太多事情要做了，很多是你們不應該做的。這讓你們迷茫，不知道自己的未來會是什么樣，在學校能不能取得好成績，是不是應該把目光降低些，把理想放低些。

handle v.處理，應對 scale back 縮減

But I came to Masterman to tell all of you what I think you’re hearing from your principal and your superintendent, and from your parents and your teachers: Nobody gets to write your destiny but you.Your future is in your hands.Your life is what you make of it.And nothing--absolutely nothing--is beyond your reach, so long as you’re willing to dream big, so long as you’re willing to work hard.So long as you’re willing to stay focused on your education, there is not a single thing that any of you cannot accomplish, not a single thing.I believe that.但是，我來到馬斯特曼，告訴你們一句話。我想這句話你們的校長、院長、父母以及老師都曾告訴過你們，那就是，沒有人，只有你才能書寫你自己的命運。未來在你自己手中，生活由自己締造。只要志向遠大，并努力為之奮斗，沒有什么是不能得到的。只要你專注于學業，沒有什么事不能實現的。我確信。

destiny n.命運 accomplish v.完成

And that last part is absolutely essential, that part about really working hard in school, because an education has never been more important than it is today.I’m sure there are going to be times in the months ahead when you’re staying up late doing your homework or cramming for a test, or you’re dragging yourself out of bed on a rainy morning and you’re thinking, oh, boy, I wish maybe it was a snow day.(Laughter.)

最后這一點，在學校努力奮斗是必要的。因為教育從未像現在這樣重要。我確信，幾個月后會有一段時間，你們會完善熬夜寫作業，為考試臨時抱佛腳，或者在一個雨天的早晨把自己從被窩里拖出來，想，哦天，怎么不是下雪天？?。ㄐΓ?/p>

absolutely ad.絕對地

cram v.臨時抱佛腳；吃得過飽

But let me tell you, what you’re doing is worth it.There is nothing more important than what you’re doing right now.Nothing is going to have as great an impact on your success in life as your education, how you’re doing in school.但是讓我告訴你，你所做的一切都是值得的。你們現在要做的事情無比重要。沒有什么比你的受教育程度以及你在學校的所做之事更能決定你的成功。

More and more, the kinds of opportunities that are open to you are going to be determined by how far you go in school.The farther you go in school, the farther you’re going to go in life.And at a time when other countries are competing with us like never before, when students around the world in Beijing, China, or Bangalore, India, are working harder than ever, and doing better than ever, your success in school is not just going to determine your success, it’s going to determine America’s success in the 21st century.能否能抓住機遇，越來越取決于你們在學校的努力。你們在學校的表現越好，生活中就能走得越遠。當今，其他國家正與我們競爭，而且比以往任何時候都激烈。在中國北京或者印度邦加羅爾的學生比以前更加努力，而且比以前表現更好。你們在學校的成功并不只決定了自己一人的成功，還決定了美國在21世界是否能夠成功。

So you’ve got an obligation to yourselves, and America has an obligation to you, to make sure you’re getting the best education possible.And making sure you get that kind of education is going to take all of us working hard and all of us working hand in hand.所以，你們要承擔起這樣的責任和義務。同時國家也向你們承擔責任和義務，那就是為你們提供最好的教育，為此我們要努力，共同奮斗。

obligation n.責任，義務

It takes all of us in government--from the governor to the mayor to the superintendent to the President--all of us doing our part to prepare our students, all of them, for success in the classroom and in college and in a career.It’s going to take an outstanding principal, like Principal Neff, and outstanding teachers like the ones you have here at Masterman--teachers who are going above and beyond the call of duty for their students.And it’s going to take parents who are committed to your education.所有政府工作人員，從州長到市長，到院長，到總統，所有人都要履行職責為我們的學生做好準備，幫助他們在教室、在大學、在事業上取得成功。這就需要我們有一個杰出的校長，像校長Neff，和優秀的老師，正如你們的馬斯特曼的老師們。老師們要履行好對學生所應擔負起的責任。我也希望家長負起責任。

佳句欣賞

Nobody gets to write your destiny but you.Your future is in your hands.Your life is what you make of it.沒有人，只有你才能書寫你自己的命運。未來在你自己手中，生活由自己締造。背景知識

這是奧巴馬第二次發表開學演講。奧巴馬2009年的演講招來了許多批評和抵制。一些反對者指責稱，奧巴馬試圖通過演講向學生灌輸政治理念。部分媒體還批評奧巴馬試圖建立個人崇拜。在美國各地，也有許多家長向當地教育官員表示抗議，一些家長甚至威脅在奧巴馬演講時把孩子離教室。有了去年的“教訓”，今年的總統開學演講，白宮意強調這是一次“非政治活動”，而奧巴馬本人也在演講中回避政治話題。

弗吉尼亞州，阿林頓市，2009年9月8日 嗨，大家好！你們今天過得怎么樣？我現在和弗吉尼亞州阿林頓郡韋克菲爾德高中的學生們在一起，全國各地也有從幼兒園到高三的眾多學生們通過電視關注這里，我很高興你們能共同分享這一時刻。

我知道，對你們中的許多人來說，今天是開學的第一天，你們中的有一些剛剛進入幼兒園或升上初高中，對你們來說，這是在新學校的第一天，因此，假如你們感到有些緊張，那也是很正常的。我想也會有許多畢業班的學生們正自信滿滿地準備最后一年的沖刺。不過，我想無論你有多大、在讀哪個年級，許多人都打心底里希望現在還在放暑假，以及今天不用那么早起床。

我可以理解這份心情。小時候，我們家在印度尼西亞住過幾年，而我媽媽沒錢送我去其他美國孩子們上學的地方去讀書，因此她決定自己給我上課——時間是每周一到周五的凌晨4點半。顯然，我不怎么喜歡那么早就爬起來，很多時候，我就這么在廚房的桌子前睡著了。每當我埋怨的時候，我媽總會用同一副表情看著我說：“小鬼，你以為教你我就很輕松？” 所以，我可以理解你們中的許多人對于開學還需要時間來調整和適應，但今天我站在這里，是為了和你們談一些重要的事情。我要和你們談一談你們每個人的教育，以及在新的學年里，你們應當做些什么。

我做過許多關于教育的講話，也常常用到“責任”這個詞。我談到過教師們有責任激勵和啟迪你們，督促你們學習。我談到過家長們有責任看管你們認真學習、完成作業，不要成天只會看電視或打游戲機。

我也很多次談到過政府有責任設定高標準嚴要求、協助老師和校長們的工作，改變在有些學校里學生得不到應有的學習機會的現狀。

但哪怕這一切都達到最好，哪怕我們有最盡職的教師、最好的家長、和最優秀的學校，假如你們不去履行自己的責任的話，那么這一切努力都會白費?！悄忝刻鞙蕰r去上學、除非你認真地聽老師講課、除非你把父母、長輩和其他大人們說的話放在心上、除非你肯付出成功所必需的努力，否則這一切都會失去意義。而這就是我今天講話的主題：對于自己的教育，你們中每一個人的責任。首先，我想談談你們對于自己有什么責任。

你們中的每一個人都會有自己擅長的東西，每一個人都是有用之材，而發現自己的才能是什么，就是你們要對自己擔起的責任。教育給你們提供了發現自己才能的機會。

或許你能寫出優美的文字——甚至有一天能讓那些文字出現在書籍和報刊上——但假如不在英語課上經常練習寫作，你不會發現自己有這樣的天賦；或許你能成為一個發明家、創造家——甚至設計出像今天的iPhone一樣流行的產品，或研制出新的藥物與疫苗——但假如不在自然科學課程上做上幾次實驗，你不會知道自己有這樣的天賦；或許你能成為一名議員或最高法院法官，但假如你不去加入什么學生會或參加幾次辯論賽，你也不會發現自己的才能。

而且，我可以向你保證，不管你將來想要做什么，你都需要相應的教育?！阆氘斆t生、當名教師或當名警官？你想成為護士、成為建筑設計師、律師或軍人？無論你選擇哪一種職業，良好的教育都必不可少，這世上不存在不把書念完就能拿到好工作的美夢，任何工作，都需要你的汗水、訓練與學習。

不僅僅對于你們個人的未來有重要意義，你們的教育如何也會對這個國家、乃至世界的未來產生重要影響。今天你們在學校中學習的內容，將會決定我們整個國家在未來迎接重大挑戰時的表現。

你們需要在數理科學課程上學習的知識和技能，去治療癌癥、艾滋那樣的疾病，和解決我們面臨的能源問題與環境問題；你們需要在歷史社科課程上培養出的觀察力與判斷力，來減輕和消除無家可歸與貧困、犯罪問題和各種歧視，讓這個國家變得更加公平和自由；你們需要在各類課程中逐漸累積和發展出來的創新意識和思維，去創業和建立新的公司與企業，來制造就業機會和推動經濟的增長。我們需要你們中的每一個人都培養和發展自己的天賦、技能和才智，來解決我們所面對的最困難的問題。假如你不這么做——假如你放棄學習——那么你不僅是放棄了自己，也是放棄了你的國家。當然，我明白，讀好書并不總是件容易的事。我知道你們中的許多人在生活中面臨著各種各樣的問題，很難把精力集中在專心讀書之上。我知道你們的感受。我父親在我兩歲時就離開了家庭，是母親一人將我們拉扯大，有時她付不起帳單，有時我們得不到其他孩子們都有的東西，有時我會想，假如父親在該多好，有時我會感到孤獨無助，與周圍的環境格格不入。因此我并不總是能專心學習，我做過許多自己覺得丟臉的事情，也惹出過許多不該惹的麻煩，我的生活岌岌可危，隨時可能急轉直下。

但我很幸運。我在許多事上都得到了重來的機會，我得到了去大學讀法學院、實現自己夢想的機會。我的妻子——現在得叫她第一夫人米歇爾·奧巴馬了——也有著相似的人生故事，她的父母都沒讀過大學，也沒有什么財產，但他們和她都辛勤工作，好讓她[本_文_來_源_于_我_的_學_習_網

http://www.tmdps.cnic 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.)END

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