奥巴马在巴纳德学院毕业典礼上的讲话时间

第一篇：奥巴马在巴纳德学院毕业典礼上的讲话时间

奥巴马在巴纳德学院毕业典礼上的讲话时间:2012-05-17 17:04来源:口译网作者:口译网点击:10801次

Remarks by President Obama at Barnard College Commencement Ceremony Barnard College Columbia University New York, New York May 14, 2012

美国总统奥巴马在巴纳德学院毕业典礼上的讲话纽约州纽约市

哥伦比亚大学巴纳德学院 2012年5月14日

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Thank you so much.(Applause.)Thank you.Please, please have a seat.Thank you.(Applause.)

非常感谢大家。（掌声）谢谢大家，请入座。谢谢大家。（掌声）

Thank you, President Spar, trustees, President Bollinger.Hello, Class of 2012!(Applause.)Congratulations on reaching this day.Thank you for the honor of being able to be a part of it.谢谢你们，斯巴院长[译者注：中文名石德葆]、各位校董、伯林格校长。2012届毕业生，你们好！（掌声）祝贺你们迎来了这一天。感谢你们让我有幸来参加这个活动。

There are so many people who are proud of you--your parents, family, faculty, friends--all who share in this achievement.So please give them a big round of applause.(Applause.)To all the moms who are here today, you could not ask for a better Mother’s Day gift than to see all of these folks graduate.(Applause.)

有很多人为你们感到骄傲——你们的父母、家人、师长和朋友——都为取得这一成就出了力。因此，请为他们热烈鼓掌。（掌声）今天在座的各位母亲们，再也没有比看到所有这些孩子们毕业更好的母亲节礼物了。（掌声）

但是我得说，每当我来到这种场合，就会想到玛莉娅和萨夏将来毕业的情景，我就会热泪盈眶——（笑声）——真不好意思。我不知道你们大家是怎么把持得住的。（笑声）

我一开始就要说明一个确凿的事实：我是一名哥伦比亚大学的毕业生。（笑声和掌声）我知道可能会有一点同门弟子相争的劲儿。（笑声）但我还是为能够在你们今天的毕业典礼上讲话而感到荣幸——不过我得说，你们在过去三年树立了相当高的标准。（掌声）希拉里·克林顿——（掌声）——梅丽尔·斯特里普——（掌声）——谢里尔·桑德伯格——在她们之后出场可不容易。（掌声）

但我要指出，希拉里的工作极为出色，她是美国有史以来最杰出的国务卿之一。（掌声）我们已授予梅丽尔艺术与人文总统奖章。（掌声）谢里尔不仅是一位好朋友；她还是我们的经济顾问之一。正如那句老话所说——亲近你的朋友，但更要亲近在你们巴纳德学院毕业典礼上讲话的人。（掌声）这话寓意深长。（笑声）

Now, the year I graduated--this area looks familiar--(laughter)--the year I graduated was 1983, the first year women were admitted to Columbia.(Applause.)Sally Ride was the first American woman in space.Music was all about Michael and the Moonwalk.(Laughter.)

话说我毕业那年——这个地方看着眼熟——（笑声）——我毕业于1983年，哥伦比亚大学开始录取女生的第一年。（掌声）当时萨莉·莱德成为第一位进入太空的美国女性。那时的音乐全是麦克尔和太空步。（笑声）

[AUDIENCE MEMBER: Do it!(Laughter.)]

【画外音：一名听众说“走一个！”（笑声）】

No Moonwalking.(Laughter.)No Moonwalking today.(Laughter.)

不走太空步。（笑声）今天不走太空步。（笑声）

You can relate to this because just as you were starting out finding your way around this campus, an economic crisis struck that would claim more than 5 million jobs before the end of your freshman year.Since then, some of you have probably seen parents put off retirement, friends struggle to find work.And you may be looking toward the future with that same sense of concern that my generation did when we were sitting where you are now.你们能够体会到这一点，因为在你们刚开始熟悉这所校园的时候，经济危机降临，不等你们第一学年结束，它已经导致500多万人失业。从那个时候以来，你们大概看到一些父母推迟了退休计划，一些朋友在苦苦求职。面对未来，你们也许像当年我这一代坐在你们的座位上的时候一样，感到忧心忡忡。

Of course, as young women, you’re also going to grapple with some unique challenges, like whether you’ll be able to earn equal pay for equal work;whether you’ll be able to balance the demands of your job and your family;whether you’ll be able to fully control decisions about your own health.当然，作为年轻女性，你们还要应对某些特殊的挑战，比如是否能够享有同工同酬；是否能够平衡工作和家庭的需要；是否能够对自身健康有全部决定权。

And while opportunities for women have grown exponentially over the last 30 years, as young people, in many ways you have it even tougher than we did.This recession has been more brutal, the job losses steeper.Politics seems nastier.Congress more gridlocked than ever.Some folks in the financial world have not exactly been model corporate citizens.(Laughter.)

虽然过去30年来女性的机会有了突飞猛进的增加，但作为年轻人，你们在很多方面面临着比我们当时更严峻的挑战。这场衰退更加严重，失业人数更多。政治争议似乎更加难以调和。国会比以往任何时候更加僵持。金融界的一些人很难被称为模范企业公民。（笑声）

My job today is to tell you don’t believe it.Because as tough as things have been, I am convinced you are tougher.I’ve seen your passion and I’ve seen your service.I’ve seen you engage and I’ve seen you turn out in record numbers.I’ve heard your voices amplified by creativity and a digital fluency that those of us in older generations can barely comprehend.I’ve seen a generation eager, impatient even, to step into the rushing waters of history and change its course.我今天的任务就是要告诉你们，不要相信这些说法。因为尽管困难很大，但我坚信你们的能力更大。我看到过你们的激情，我看到过你们的奉献。我看到过你们的投入，我看到过你们挺身而出，人数空前。我听到了你们的声音，创意和对数码技术的精通使得这种声音格外响亮，而我们这些年长的人几乎不得其解。我看到心情迫切、跃跃欲试的一代人准备跻身历史激流中，扭转其方向。

And that defiant, can-do spirit is what runs through the veins of American history.It’s the lifeblood of all our progress.And it is that spirit which we need your generation to embrace and rekindle right now.这种蔑视困难、积极进取的精神贯穿于整个美国历史的进程。这种精神是我们一切进步的源泉。此时此刻，我们需要你们这一代继承和发扬光大的正是这种精神。

See, the question is not whether things will get better--they always do.The question is not whether we’ve got the solutions to our challenges--we’ve had them within our grasp for quite some time.We know, for example, that this country would be better off if more Americans were able to get the kind of education that you’ve received here at Barnard--(applause)--if more people could get the specific skills and training that employers are looking for today.可以看出，问题并不在于事情是否会好转——情况总是会变好的。问题也不在于我们是否已经有了应对我们面临的挑战的解决办法——我们一直掌握着这些解决办法，已有相当一段时间了。比如说，我们知道，如果有更多的美国人能得到你们在巴纳德得到的这样的教育（掌声）——如果有更多的人能够获得今天的雇主所需要的那些特定的技能和训练，美国的情况会更好。

We know that we’d all be better off if we invest in science and technology that sparks new businesses and medical breakthroughs;if we developed more clean energy so we could use less foreign oil and reduce the carbon pollution that’s threatening our planet.(Applause.)

我们知道，如果我们投资于能够造就新的企业并带动医学突破的科学与技术，如果我们开发出更多的清洁能源以减少使用外国石油并减少对我们的地球构成威胁的碳污染，我们大家的日子会过得更好。（掌声）

We know that we’re better off when there are rules that stop big banks from making bad bets with other people’s money and--(applause)--when insurance companies aren’t allowed to drop your coverage when you need it most or charge women differently from men.(Applause.)Indeed, we know we are better off when women are treated fairly and equally in every aspect of American life--whether it’s the salary you earn or the health decisions you make.(Applause.)

我们知道，如果有一定的规则制止大银行拿别人的钱去恶赌（掌声）——如果不允许保险公司在你最需要的时候取消你的保险资格或者对男女收费标准不一，我们的日子会过得更好。（掌声）确实，我们都知道，如果妇女在国家生活的方方面面都能得到公平与平等的对待——无论是你的薪金所得还是你所作的健康决定，我们的日子会过得更好。（掌声）

我们知道这些都是实实在在的道理。我们知道，我们面临的挑战显然都是可以解决的。问题是，我们是否能够拧成一股绳，拿出意志力——在我们自己的生活中，在我们共同的体制中，在我们的政治事务中——实现我们所需的变革。我坚信，你们这一代具有这种意志力。我相信，这一代女性——你们所有的人将会在这条道路上走在前面。

Now, I recognize that’s a cheap applause line when you're giving a commencement at Barnard.(Laughter.)It’s the easy thing to say.But it’s true.It is--in part, it is simple math.Today, women are not just half this country;you’re half its workforce.(Applause.)More and more women are out-earning their husbands.You’re more than half of our college graduates, and master’s graduates, and PhDs.(Applause.)So you’ve got us outnumbered.(Laughter.)

我承认，这是不用费力就能在巴纳德学院的毕业典礼上赢得鼓掌喝彩的一句话。（笑声）说这样的话很容易。但事实确实如此。这是——在某种程度上，这是简单的数学题。今天，妇女不仅占这个国家总人口的一半，你们还是这个国家劳动力的一半。（掌声）越来越多的女性收入超过了她们的丈夫。你们在我们的大学毕业生中，在拥有硕士学位和博士学位的毕业生中占了一半以上。（掌声）所以，你们在人数上超过了我们。（笑声）

After decades of slow, steady, extraordinary progress, you are now poised to make this the century where women shape not only their own destiny but the destiny of this nation and of this world.在几十年来的缓慢、持续、不凡的进展之后，你们即将在本世纪实现这样的目标：妇女不仅能改变自己的命运，还能改变这个国家乃至这个世界的命运。

But how far your leadership takes this country, how far it takes this world--well, that will be up to you.You’ve got to want it.It will not be handed to you.And as someone who wants that future--that better future--for you, and for Malia and Sasha, as somebody who’s had the good fortune of being the husband and the father and the son of some strong, remarkable women, allow me to offer just a few pieces of advice.That's obligatory.(Laughter.)Bear with me.然而，你们的主动性能使这个国家走多远、能使这个世界走多远，还要取决于你们自己。你们必须有这种愿望。进步不可能由别人拱手奉上。作为一个希望你们、玛莉娅和萨夏拥有这一前途及更美好前途的人，作为一个有幸成为几位坚强杰出的女性的丈夫、父亲和儿子的人，请允许我贡献几条建议。这是义不容辞的。（笑声）容我慢慢道来。

My first piece of advice is this: Don’t just get involved.Fight for your seat at the table.Better yet, fight for a seat at the head of the table.(Applause.)

我的第一条建议是，仅仅参与还不够，要为在决策中赢得一席之地而奋斗。能为坐上首席而奋斗就更好了。（掌声）

What made this document special was that it provided the space--the possibility--for those who had been left out of our charter to fight their way in.It provided people the language to appeal to principles and ideals that broadened democracy’s reach.It allowed for protest, and movements, and the dissemination of new ideas that would repeatedly, decade after decade, change the world--a constant forward movement that continues to this day.这份文件之所以特别，是因为它为那些没有被纳入我们的宪法的人们提供了争取权利的空间和可能性。它为人民提供了借助于一些原则和理想拓展民主范围的语言。它允许发起抗议和运动，允许传播新思想，一代又一代地改变着世界，形成了一股永不休止的潮流，一直延续到今天。

Our founders understood that America does not stand still;we are dynamic, not static.We look forward, not back.And now that new doors have been opened for you, you’ve got an obligation to seize those opportunities.我们的开国元勋认识到，美国并非一成不变；我们充满活力，不会停滞不前。我们向前看，不回头。既然新的大门已为你们敞开，你们就有义务把握这些机会。

You need to do this not just for yourself but for those who don’t yet enjoy the choices that you’ve had, the choices you will have.And one reason many workplaces still have outdated policies is because women only account for 3 percent of the CEOs at Fortune 500 companies.One reason we’re actually refighting long-settled battles over women’s rights is because women occupy fewer than one in five seats in Congress.你们需要这么做，不仅是为了你们自己，也是为了那些没有得到你们已经有过以及还将拥有的种种选择的人。许多工作场所仍在实行过时的政策，原因之一就是妇女只占财富500强公司首席行政官的3%。我们仍在为争取妇女权利而再次进行早已完成的抗争，原因之一就是妇女在国会所占的席位还不到五分之一。

Now, I’m not saying that the only way to achieve success is by climbing to the top of the corporate ladder or running for office--although, let’s face it, Congress would get a lot more done if you did.(Laughter and applause.)That I think we’re sure about.But if you decide not to sit yourself at the table, at the very least you’ve got to make sure you have a say in who does.It matters.我不是说取得成功的唯一途径是晋升到公司的最高层，或是竞选公职，不过，请让我们面对这个事实：如果你们竞选公职，国会将能大有作为。（笑声和掌声）我想大家对此是深信无疑的。但如果你们决定不亲身参政，至少也应该确保自己有权选择议员。这很重要。

Before women like Barbara Mikulski and Olympia Snowe and others got to Congress, just to take one example, much of federally-funded research on diseases focused solely on their effects on men.It wasn’t until women like Patsy Mink and Edith Green got to Congress and passed Title IX, 40 years ago this year, that we declared women, too, should be allowed to compete and win on America’s playing fields.(Applause.)Until a woman named Lilly Ledbetter showed up at her office and had the courage to step up and say, you know what, this isn’t right, women weren’t being treated fairly--we lacked some of the tools we needed to uphold the basic principle of equal pay for equal work.例如，在像芭芭拉·米库尔斯基和奥林匹娅·斯诺及其他女性进入国会前，联邦资助的大部分疾病研究主要侧重于疾病对男性的影响。40年前的今天，帕齐·明克和伊迪丝·格林等女性进入国会并通过[教育法修正案]《第九条》，从而宣布女性也有资格在美国的运动场上参与竞赛并取胜。（掌声）一个名叫莉莉·莱德贝特的女性来到她的办公室，勇敢地而明确地说：你们知道吗，这不对，女性没有得到公正待遇——我们缺乏一些必要的手段捍卫同工同酬的基本原则。

So don’t accept somebody else’s construction of the way things ought to be.It’s up to you to right wrongs.It’s up to you to point out injustice.It’s up to you to hold the system accountable and sometimes upend it entirely.It’s up to you to stand up and to be heard, to write and to lobby, to march, to organize, to vote.Don’t be content to just sit back and watch.所以不要接受别人对于事情理当如何的看法。你应当來纠正错误做法。你应当來指出不公不义。你应当来督促社会体制负起责任，有时需要全盘改变。你应当挺身而出，发表意见，撰文游说，游行示威，组织民众，投票表决。不要满足于袖手旁观。

Those who oppose change, those who benefit from an unjust status quo, have always bet on the public’s cynicism or the public's complacency.Throughout American history, though, they have lost that bet, and I believe they will this time as well.(Applause.)But ultimately, Class of 2012, that will depend on you.Don’t wait for the person next to you to be the first to speak up for what’s right.Because maybe, just maybe, they’re waiting on you.那些反对变革、受益于不公平现状的人，总是赌定公众要不是愤世嫉俗就是洋洋自得。可是纵观美国历史，他们一再下错赌注，我相信这一次也不例外。（掌声）可是说到底，2012届的同学们，这将取决于你们。不要等待你身旁的人第一个为正义发言。因为有可能，只是有此可能，他们正在等你带头。

Which brings me to my second piece of advice: Never underestimate the power of your example.The very fact that you are graduating, let alone that more women now graduate from college than men, is only possible because earlier generations of women--your mothers, your grandmothers, your aunts--shattered the myth that you couldn’t or shouldn’t be where you are.(Applause.)

这就涉及我的第二条建议：切勿低估以身作则的力量。你们即将毕业的事实，且不说目前大学毕业的女生人数超过男生，都是因为前辈女性－－你们的母亲、祖母、姨婶－－打破了你不能或者不应当身在此处的神话。（掌声）

I think of a friend of mine who’s the daughter of immigrants.When she was in high school, her guidance counselor told her, you know what, you’re just not college material.You should think about becoming a secretary.Well, she was stubborn, so she went to college anyway.She got her master’s.She ran for local office, won.She ran for state office, she won.She ran for Congress, she won.And lo and behold, Hilda Solis did end up becoming a secretary--(laughter)--she is America’s Secretary of Labor.(Applause.)

我想起一位朋友，她是移民的女儿。念中学时，她的指导老师告诉她，你不是念大学的材料，你应当考虑去当秘书。她很固执，所以还是念了大学，进而拿到硕士学位。她竞选地方公职，结果胜选。她竞选州政府公职，再度胜选。她竞选国会议员，又是胜选。请听好了，希尔达·索利斯最终的确成为一名秘书－－（笑声）－－她成为美国劳工部的秘书[译者注：“秘书”和“部长”在英文中是同一个单词]。（掌声）

This diploma opens up new possibilities, so reach back, convince a young girl to earn one, too.If you earned your degree in areas where we need more women--like computer science or engineering--(applause)--reach back and persuade another student to study it, too.If you're going into fields where we need more women, like construction or computer engineering--reach back, hire someone new.Be a mentor.Be a role model.这张文凭将会开辟新的可能性，因此，回过头去，说服另一个小女孩也去追求文凭。如果你们学习的专业是需要更多女性投入的领域－－比如计算机科学或者工程学－－（掌声）－－也要说服另一名学生加入你们的学习行列。如果你们进入的是需要更多女性加入的领域，如建筑施工或者计算机工程－－那就回头聘一位新人。做一个指导者。做一个好榜样。

Until a girl can imagine herself, can picture herself as a computer programmer, or a combatant commander, she won’t become one.Until there are women who tell her, ignore our pop culture obsession over beauty and fashion--(applause)--and focus instead on studying and inventing and competing and leading, she’ll think those are the only things that girls are supposed to care about.Now, Michelle will say, nothing wrong with caring about it a little bit.(Laughter.)You can be stylish and powerful, too.(Applause.)That's Michelle’s advice.(Applause.)

一名女孩要成为计算机程序员或者军事指挥官，她必须首先具备这样的理想。如果没有别的女性告诉她，不要在意我们的流行文化对于美丽和时尚的迷恋－－（掌声）－－而是专注学习，发明创新，与人竞争，发挥领导作用，她就会一直在意那些事情。好，米歇尔会说，在意一点又何妨。（笑声）你可以既时髦又有力量。（掌声）那是米歇尔的建议。（掌声）

And never forget that the most important example a young girl will ever follow is that of a parent.Malia and Sasha are going to be outstanding women because Michelle and Marian Robinson are outstanding women.So understand your power, and use it wisely.千万不要忘记一个女孩仿效的最重要榜样就是她的父母。玛莉娅和莎夏将会成为杰出的女性，因为米歇尔和玛丽安·鲁宾逊都是杰出的女性。所以，要认识到你们的力量，并且明智地加以运用。

My last piece of advice--this is simple, but perhaps most important: Persevere.Persevere.Nothing worthwhile is easy.No one of achievement has avoided failure--sometimes catastrophic failures.But they keep at it.They learn from mistakes.They don’t quit.我的最后一点建议－－这很简单，但可能是最重要的一点：坚持不懈。坚持不懈。有价值的事物得之不易。没有一个有成就的人能够避免失败－－有时甚至是一败涂地。可是他们坚持不懈，从错误中学习。他们绝不放弃。

You know, when I first arrived on this campus, it was with little money, fewer options.But it was here that I tried to find my place in this world.I knew I wanted to make a difference, but it was vague how in fact I’d go about it.(Laughter.)But I wanted to do my part to do my part to shape a better world.你们知道，我刚到这个校园时，没多少钱，更没多少选择。但正是在这里，我试图寻找我在这个世界上的立足之地。我知道我想有所作为，但却不清楚如何去做。(笑声）可我想尽自己的力量去建设一个更美好的世界。

So even as I worked after graduation in a few unfulfilling jobs here in New York--I will not list them all--(laughter)--even as I went from motley apartment to motley apartment, I reached out.I started to write letters to community organizations all across the country.And one day, a small group of churches on the South Side of Chicago answered, offering me work with people in neighborhoods hit hard by steel mills that were shutting down and communities where jobs were dying away.因此，即使当我毕业后在纽约从事几份没有成就感的工作的时候——我不会一一列举——（笑声）——即使在我搬出一间杂乱的公寓又搬到另一间同样杂乱的公寓的时候，我也在努力求索。我开始给全国各地的社区组织写信。有一天，芝加哥南区的一个小型教会组织回了信，给了我一份为当地居民服务的工作，他们那里的钢厂停业使他们受到沉重打击，那里的就业机会也一天天消失。

The community had been plagued by gang violence, so once I arrived, one of the first things we tried to do was to mobilize a meeting with community leaders to deal with gangs.And I’d worked for weeks on this project.We invited the police;we made phone calls;we went to churches;we passed out flyers.The night of the meeting we arranged rows and rows of chairs in anticipation of this crowd.And we waited, and we waited.And finally, a group of older folks walked in to the hall and they sat down.And this little old lady raised her hand and asked, “Is this where the bingo game is?”(Laughter.)It was a disaster.Nobody showed up.My first big community meeting--nobody showed up.当地社区一直被帮派暴力所扰，所以我一到那里，我们争取做的第一件事情就是与社区领袖开会商量应对帮派的对策。我为这项工作忙了好几个星期。我们邀请了警察；我们打了电话，我们去了教堂；我们散发了传单。要开会的那天晚上，我们排好了一排排椅子，以为会有一大群人到会。我们等啊等。最后，一群老人走进大厅，然后坐下来。有一位瘦小的老太太举起了手，问道：“宾果游戏是在这里吗？”(笑声)真是糟糕透了。没有人来。我的第一个社区大会——没有人到场。

And later, the volunteers I worked with told me, that's it;we’re quitting.They'd been doing this for two years even before I had arrived.They had nothing to show for it.And I’ll be honest, I felt pretty discouraged as well.I didn't know what I was doing.I thought about quitting.And as we were talking, I looked outside and saw some young boys playing in a vacant lot across the street.And they were just throwing rocks up at a boarded building.They had nothing better to do--late at night, just throwing rocks.And I said to the volunteers, “Before you quit, answer one question.What will happen to those boys if you quit? Who will fight for them if we don’t? Who will give them a fair shot if we leave?

后来，和我一起工作的志愿人员对我说，够了，我们不干了。他们在我来之前已经干了两年之久。他们觉得没有任何成就可言。说实话，我也感到相当气馁。我不知道我在做什么。我想过不干了。当我们交谈的时候，我往外边看了看，看到一群年轻的男孩在马路对面的空地上玩耍。他们正对着一座用板子钉起来的建筑物投掷石块。他们百无聊赖——在深夜，扔石头玩。我对那些志愿人员说：“在你们退出之前，先回答一个问题。如果你们不干了那些男孩会怎么样？如果我们不为他们着想，还有谁会为他们奋斗呢？如果我们走了，还有谁会给他们一个公平的机会呢？

And one by one, the volunteers decided not to quit.We went back to those neighborhoods and we kept at it.We registered new voters, and we set up after-school programs, and we fought for new jobs, and helped people live lives with some measure of dignity.And we sustained ourselves with those small victories.We didn’t set the world on fire.Some of those communities are still very poor.There are still a lot of gangs out there.But I believe that it was those small victories that helped me win the bigger victories of my last three and a half years as President.志愿者们一个接一个地决定不放弃。我们回到那些街区，继续坚持工作。我们给新选民登记，我们安排课后活动，我们争取新的就业机会，并帮助人们活得更有尊严。我们用那些小小的胜利鼓励自己。我们并没有做什么惊天动地的事。这些社区中有一些仍然很贫穷。那里仍然有很多的帮派出没。但我相信，就是这些小小的胜利帮助我在这三年半里作为总统赢得了更大的胜利。

And I wish I could say that this perseverance came from some innate toughness in me.But the truth is, it was learned.I got it from watching the people who raised me.More specifically, I got it from watching the women who shaped my life.我希望我能说这种执着源于我与生俱来的某种毅力。但事实是，这是后天学到的。我是从养育我的人身上学到的。更具体地说，我是从影响了我的生活的那些女性身上学到的。

I grew up as the son of a single mom who struggled to put herself through school and make ends meet.She had marriages that fell apart;even went on food stamps at one point to help us get by.But she didn’t quit.And she earned her degree, and made sure that through scholarships and hard work, my sister and I earned ours.She used to wake me up when we were living overseas--wake me up before dawn to study my English lessons.And when I’d complain, she’d just look at me and say, “This is no picnic for me either, buster.”(Laughter.)

我是一个单身母亲的儿子，她含辛茹苦，在努力维持家庭生计的同时完成学业。她有过破碎的婚姻，甚至一度靠领取食品劵勉强养家度日。但她没有放弃。她获得了学位，并确保我和我妹妹能依靠奖学金和辛勤努力来获得我们的学位。当我们在海外生活时，她常常叫我起床——天不亮就起床，学习英语课程。当我抱怨时，她就会看着我说：“小子，这对我也并不轻松。”(笑声)

She only had a high school education.She got a job at a local bank.She hit the glass ceiling, and watched men she once trained promoted up the ladder ahead of her.But she didn’t quit.Rather than grow hard or angry each time she got passed over, she kept doing her job as best as she knew how, and ultimately ended up being vice president at the bank.She didn’t quit.她仅受过高中教育。她在当地银行找到一份工作，她遇到了事业上的玻璃天花板，眼看着她曾经培训过的男人晋升到比她更高的级别。但她没有退却。她没有因一次次机会旁落而变得冷漠或愤怒，而是继续尽自己最大努力做好工作，最终她成为银行的副总裁。她没有退却。

And later on, I met a woman who was assigned to advise me on my first summer job at a law firm.And she gave me such good advice that I married her.(Laughter.)And Michelle and I gave everything we had to balance our careers and a young family.But let’s face it, no matter how enlightened I must have thought myself to be, it often fell more on her shoulders when I was traveling, when I was away.I know that when she was with our girls, she’d feel guilty that she wasn’t giving enough time to her work, and when she was at her work, she’d feel guilty she wasn’t giving enough time to our girls.And both of us wished we had some superpower that would let us be in two places at once.But we persisted.We made that marriage work.后来，我遇到一位女性，她被派来担任我在一家律师事务所从事的第一份暑期工作的指导。她对我的指导如此之好，以致于我娶了她。（笑声）米歇尔和我竭尽全力在发展事业与照顾幼小的孩子之间找到平衡。但是说实话，不管我当时可能认为自己是多么开通，在我外出旅行时，在我不在家时，家事往往更多地落在她的肩上。我知道，在照顾我们的两个女儿时，她为没有在工作上付出足够时间感到内疚；而当她上班时，又为没有给孩子足够的时间感到内疚。我们俩都唯愿我们有某种超人的能力，使我们能够两者兼顾。但我们坚持住了，我们的努力保证了婚姻的成功。

And the reason Michelle had the strength to juggle everything, and put up with me and eventually the public spotlight, was because she, too, came from a family of folks who didn’t quit--because she saw her dad get up and go to work every day even though he never finished college, even though he had crippling MS.She saw her mother, even though she never finished college, in that school, that urban school, every day making sure Michelle and her brother were getting the education they deserved.Michelle saw how her parents never quit.They never indulged in self-pity, no matter how stacked the odds were against them.They didn't quit.米歇尔之所以能够坚强地招架一切并忍受我，而且最终忍受公众聚光，是因为她同样来自一个不轻易退却的家庭——因为她看到她的父亲每天一大早起来去上班，尽管他从未念完大学，尽管他患有影响行动的多发性硬化症。她看到，尽管她的母亲从未念完大学，但在那个学校，那个贫民区的学校，她每天都确保米歇尔和她的哥哥受到他们应该得到的教育。米歇尔看到她的父母从不放弃。他们从不沉溺于自怜，不管他们面临多么不利的境况。他们从不放弃。

Those are the folks who inspire me.People ask me sometimes, who inspires you, Mr.President? Those quiet heroes all across this country--some of your parents and grandparents who are sitting here--no fanfare, no articles written about them, they just persevere.They just do their jobs.They meet their responsibilities.They don't quit.I'm only here because of them.They may not have set out to change the world, but in small, important ways, they did.They certainly changed mine.正是这些人激励着我。人们有时问我，总统先生，是谁激励着你？是这个国家各地那些默默耕耘的英雄——今天在座的你们一些人的父母和祖父母——他们不张扬，没有文章报道他们，他们只是坚持不懈。他们只是做好本职工作。他们履行自己的责任。他们不放弃。正是因为有他们我才站到这里。他们或许并没有从一开始就要改变世界，但他们以一点一滴的重要方式，改变了世界。他们无疑改变了我的世界。

So whether it’s starting a business, or running for office, or raising an amazing family, remember that making your mark on the world is hard.It takes patience.It takes commitment.It comes with plenty of setbacks and it comes with plenty of failures.因此，无论是创办一家企业、竞选公职、还是抚养一个美好的家庭，请记住：要在这个世界上留下你的影响不是一件轻而易举的事情。它需要耐心。它需要投入。随之而来的是大量挫折，以及无数次的失败。

But whenever you feel that creeping cynicism, whenever you hear those voices say you can’t make a difference, whenever somebody tells you to set your sights lower--the trajectory of this country should give you hope.Previous generations should give you hope.What young generations have done before should give you hope.Young folks who marched and mobilized and stood up and sat in, from Seneca Falls to Selma to Stonewall, didn’t just do it for themselves;they did it for other people.(Applause.)

但每当你感觉到那种迎面扑来的冷嘲热讽，每当你听到人们说你无法改变现状，每当有人告诉你要苟且偷生——这个国家走过的道路应该给你带来希望。前几代人的经历应该给你带来希望。在你之前的一代又一代年轻人做过的一切应该给你带来希望。无论是在塞尼卡福尔斯还是在塞尔玛或是在石墙，当时那些参加游行、动员起来、挺身而出、进行静坐的年轻人，他们不仅仅是为自己这样做；他们这样做是为了别人。（掌声）

That’s how we achieved women’s rights.That's how we achieved voting rights.That's how we achieved workers’ rights.That's how we achieved gay rights.(Applause.)That’s how we’ve made this Union more perfect.(Applause.)

就是这样，我们获得了妇女权利；就是这样，我们获得了选举权；就是这样，我们获得了工人权利；就是这样，我们获得了同性恋权利。（掌声）就是这样，我们使我们的合众国更趋完美。（掌声）

And if you’re willing to do your part now, if you're willing to reach up and close that gap between what America is and what America should be, I want you to know that I will be right there with you.(Applause.)If you are ready to fight for that brilliant, radically simple idea of America that no matter who you are or what you look like, no matter who you love or what God you worship, you can still pursue your own happiness, I will join you every step of the way.(Applause.)

如果你们愿意现在就来尽你们的职责，如果你们愿意竭尽所能缩小美国现状与理想之间的差距，我想让你们知道：我会与你们站在一起。（掌声）。不管你是谁、不管你的外貌如何、不管你爱的是谁或敬拜什么样的神，你仍然可以追求自己的幸福——如果你准备为美国实现这个十分简单却又非常美好的想法而奋斗，我会在前进的道路上与你并肩迈出每一步。（掌声）

Now more than ever--now more than ever, America needs what you, the Class of 2012, has to offer.America needs you to reach high and hope deeply.And if you fight for your seat at the table, and you set a better example, and you persevere in what you decide to do with your life, I have every faith not only that you will succeed, but that, through you, our nation will continue to be a beacon of light for men and women, boys and girls, in every corner of the globe.与以往任何时候相比——与以往任何时候相比，现在美国都更需要你们——2012届的同学们——所能贡献的一切。美国需要你们高瞻远瞩、胸怀大志。如果你们为争取自己的发言权而奋斗，树立一个更好的榜样，坚持做你们一生中立志要做的事情，我坚信，不仅你们会取得成功，而且由于你们的努力，我们的国家将继续是为全球每一个角落的男人和女人、男孩和女孩照耀航程的灯塔。

So thank you.Congratulations.(Applause.)God bless you.God bless the United States of America.(Applause.)

因此，谢谢大家。向你们祝贺。（掌声）上帝保佑你们。上帝保佑美利坚合众国。（掌声）

巴纳德学院简介：

巴纳德学院（Barnard College）是美国的一所私立女子高等学校，1889年于纽约市创办，以原哥伦比亚学院院长费雷德里克·巴纳德的名字命名。1900年并入哥伦比亚大学，仍保留独立的学校董事会和财政机构，有自己的教师、图书馆和与哥伦比亚大学共同享有的设备，但学士学位由哥伦比亚大学授予。课程涉及人文学、社会科学和自然科学，亦提供音乐、戏剧等方面的专门课程。学生可参加哥伦比亚大学的许多活动，亦可到哥伦比亚大学听课。

原文链接：http://

第二篇：奥巴马巴纳德学院毕业典礼演讲

巴纳德学院

Thank you so much.(Applause.)Thank you.Please, please have a seat.Thank you.(Applause.)Thank you, President Spar, trustees, President Bollinger.Hello, Class of 2012.(Applause.)Congratulations on reaching this day.Thank you for the honor of being able to be a part of it.非常感谢,谢谢大家,请入座,谢谢。谢谢你们，斯巴院长（中文名石德葆）、各位校董、伯林格校长。你们好，2012届毕业生！（掌声）祝贺你们迎来了这一天。感谢你们让我有幸来参加这个活动。

There are so many people who are proud of you--your parents, family, faculty and friends--all who share in this achievement.So please give them a big round of applause.(Applause.)To all the moms who are here today, you could not ask for a better Mother’s Day gift than to see all of these folks graduate.(Applause.)有很多人为你们感到骄傲——你们的父母、家人、师长和朋友——都为取得这一成就出了力。请为他们热烈鼓掌。（掌声）今天在座的各位母亲，再没有比看到所有孩子们毕业更好的母亲节礼物了。（掌声）

I have to say, though, whenever I come to these things, I start thinking about Malia and Sasha graduating, and I start tearing up and--(laughter)--it's terrible.I don't know how you guys are holding it together.(Laughter.)但是我得说，每当我来到这种场合，就会想到玛莉娅和萨夏将来毕业的情景，我就会热泪盈眶——（笑声）——真恐怖，我难以想象你们怎么都能够把持得住。（笑声）

I will begin by telling a hard truth: I’m a Columbia college graduate.(Laughter and applause.)I know there can be a little bit of a sibling rivalry here.(Laughter.)But I’m honored nevertheless to be your commencement speaker today--although I’ve got to say, you set a pretty high bar given the past three years.(Applause.)Hillary Clinton--(applause)--Meryl Streep--(applause)--Sheryl Sandberg--these are not easy acts to follow.(Applause.)我一开始就要说明一个确凿的事实：我是一名哥伦比亚大学的毕业生。（笑声和掌声）我知道可能会有一点同门弟子相争的劲儿。（笑声）但我还是为能够在你们今天的毕业典礼上讲话而感到荣幸——不过我得说，你们在过去三年树立了相当高的标准。（掌声）希拉里·克林顿——（掌声）——梅丽尔·斯特里普——（掌声）——谢里尔·桑德伯格——在她们之后出场可不容易。（掌声）

But I will point out Hillary is doing an extraordinary job as one of the finest Secretaries of State America has ever had.(Applause.)We gave Meryl the Presidential Medal of Arts and Humanities.(Applause.)Sheryl is not just a good friend;she’s also one of our economic advisers.So it’s like the old saying goes--keep your friends close, and your Barnard commencement speakers even closer.(Applause.)There's wisdom in that.(Laughter.)但我要指出，希拉里的工作极为出色，她是美国有史以来最杰出的国务卿之一。（掌声）我们已授予梅丽尔艺术与人文总统奖章。（掌声）谢里尔不仅是一位好朋友，还是我们的经济顾问之一。正如那句老话——亲近你的朋友，但更要亲近在你们巴纳德学院毕业典礼上讲话的人。（掌声）这话寓意深长。（笑声）

Now, the year I graduated--this area looks familiar(laughter)--the year I graduated was 1983, the first year women were admitted to Columbia.(Applause.)Sally Ride was the first American woman in space.Music was all about Michael and the Moonwalk.(Laughter.)话说我毕业那年——这地方看着眼熟（笑声）——我毕业于1983年，哥伦比亚大学录取女生的第一年。（掌声）当时萨莉·莱德成为第一位进入太空的美国女性。那时的音乐全是迈克尔和太空步（笑声）

[AUDIENCE MEMBER: Do it!(Laughter.)] 【画外音：一名听众说“走一个！”（笑声）】

No Moonwalking.(Laughter.)No Moonwalking today.(Laughter.)不走太空步。（笑声）今天不走太空步。（笑声）

巴纳德学院

impatient even, to step into the rushing waters of history and change its course.我今天的任务就是要告诉你们，不要相信这些说法。因为尽管困难很大，但我坚信你们的能力更大。我看到过你们的激情，我看到过你们的奉献。我看到过你们的投入，我看到过你们挺身而出，人数空前。我听到了你们的声音，创意和对数码技术的精通使得这种声音格外响亮，而我们这些年长的人几乎不得其解。我看到心情迫切、跃跃欲试的一代人准备跻身历史激流中，扭转其方向。

See, the question is not whether things will get better--they always do.The question is not whether we’ve got the solutions to our challenges--we’ve had them within our grasp for quite some time.We know, for example, that this country would be better off if more Americans were able to get the kind of education that you’ve received here at Barnard--(applause)--if more people could get the specific skills and training that employers are looking for today.可以看出，问题并不在于事情是否会好转——情况总会变好的。问题也不在于我们是否已经有了应对我们面临的挑战的办法——我们一直掌握着这些办法，已有相当一段时间了。比如说，我们知道，如果有更多的美国人能得到你们在巴纳德得到的这样的教育（掌声）——如果有更多的人能够获得今天的雇主所需要的那些特定的技能和训练，美国的情况会更好。

我们知道，如果我们投资于能够造就新的企业并带动医学突破的科学与技术，如果我们开发出更多的清洁能源以减少使用外国石油并减少对我们的地球构成威胁的碳污染，我们的日子会过得更好。（掌声）

We know these things to be true.We know that our challenges are eminently solvable.The question is whether together, we can muster the will--in our own lives, in our common institutions, in our politics--to bring about the changes we need.And I’m convinced your generation possesses that will.And I believe that the women of this generation--that all of you will help lead the way.(Applause.)我们知道这些都是实实在在的道理。我们知道，我们面临的挑战显然都是可以解决的。问题是，我们是否能够拧成一股绳，拿出意志力——在我们自己的生活中，在我们共同的体制中，在我们的政治事务中——实现我们所需的变革。我坚信，你们这一代具有这种意志力。我相信，这一代女性——你们所有的人将会在这条道路上走在前面。

Now, I recognize that’s a cheap applause line when you're giving a commencement at Barnard.(Laughter.)It’s the easy thing to say.But it’s true.It is--in part, it is simple math.Today, women

巴纳德学院

You need to do this not just for yourself but for those who don’t yet enjoy the choices that you’ve had, the choices you will have.And one reason many workplaces still have outdated policies is because women only account for 3 percent of the CEOs at Fortune 500 companies.One reason we’re actually refighting long-settled battles over women’s rights is because women occupy fewer than one in five seats in Congress.你们需要这么做，不仅为了你们自己，也是为了那些没有得到你们已经有过以及还将拥有的种种选择的人。许多工作场所仍在实行过时的政策，原因之一就是妇女只占财富500强公司首席行政官的3%。我们仍在为争取妇女权利而再次进行早已完成的抗争，原因之一就是妇女在国会所占的席位还不到五分之一。

她，不要在意我们的流行文化对于美丽和时尚的迷恋－－（掌声）－－而是专注学习，发明创新，与人竞争，发挥领导作用，她就会一直在意那些事情。好，米歇尔会说，在意一点又何妨。（笑声）你可以既时髦又有力量。（掌声）那是米歇尔的建议。（掌声）

And never forget that the most important example a young girl will ever follow is that of a parent.Malia and Sasha are going to be outstanding women because Michelle and Marian Robinson are outstanding women.So understand your power, and use it wisely.千万不要忘记一个女孩仿效的最重要榜样就是她的父母。玛莉娅和莎夏将会成为杰出的女性，因为米歇尔和玛丽安·鲁宾逊都是杰出的女性。所以，要认识到你们的力量，并且明智地加以运用。

You know, when I first arrived on this campus, it was with little money, fewer options.But it was here that I tried to find my place in this world.I knew I wanted to make a difference, but it was vague how in fact I’d go about it.(Laughter.)But I wanted to do my part to do my part to shape a better world.你知道，我刚到这校园时，没多少钱更没多少选择。但正是在这里，我试图寻找我在这个世界上的立足之地。我知道我想有所作为，但却不清楚如何去做。(笑声）可我想尽自己力量去建设一个更好的世界。

The community had been plagued by gang violence, so once I arrived, one of the first things we tried to do was to mobilize a meeting with community leaders to deal with gangs.And I’d worked for weeks on this project.We invited the police;we made phone calls;we went to churches;we passed out flyers.The night of the meeting we arranged rows and rows of chairs in anticipation of this crowd.And we waited, and we waited.And finally, a group of older folks walked in to the hall and they sat down.And this little old lady raised her hand and asked, “Is this where the bingo game is?”(Laughter.)It was a disaster.Nobody showed up.My first big community meeting--nobody showed up.当地社区一直被帮派暴力所扰，所以我一到那里，我们争取做的第一件事情就是与社区领袖开会商量应对帮派的对策。我为这项工作忙了好几个星期。我们邀请了警察；我们打了电话，我们去了教堂；我们散发了传单。要开会的那天晚上，我们排好了一排排椅子，以为会有一大群人到会。我们等啊等。最后，一??群老人走进大厅，然后坐下来。有一位瘦小的老太太举起了手，问道：“宾果游戏是在这里吗？”(笑声)真是糟糕透了。没有人来。我的第一个社区大会——没有人到场。

And later, the volunteers I worked with told me, that's it;we’re quitting.They'd been doing this for

巴纳德学院

And the reason Michelle had the strength to juggle everything, and put up with me and eventually the public spotlight, was because she, too, came from a family of folks who didn’t quit--because she saw her dad get up and go to work every day even though he never finished college, even though he had crippling MS.She saw her mother, even though she never finished college, in that school, that urban school, every day making sure Michelle and her brother were getting the education they deserved.Michelle saw how her parents never quit.They never indulged in self-pity, no matter how stacked the odds were against them.They didn't quit.米歇尔之所以能坚强地招架一切并忍受我，而且最终忍受公众聚光，是因为她同样来自一个不轻易退却的家庭——因为她看到她的父亲每天一大早起来去上班，尽管他从未念完大学，尽管他患有影响行动的多发性硬化症。她看到，尽管她的母亲从未念完大学，但在那个学校，那个贫民区的学校，她每天都确保米歇尔和她哥哥受到他们应该得到的教育。米歇尔看到她的父母从不放弃。他们从不沉溺于自怜，不管他们面临多么不利的境况。他们从不放弃。

第三篇：奥巴马哥伦比亚大学巴纳德学院的毕业典礼演讲稿

Remarks by the President at Barnard College Commencement CeremonyBarnard College Columbia University New York, New York

1:28 P.M.EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much.(Applause.)Thank you.Please, please have a seat.Thank you.(Applause.)

Thank you, President Spar, trustees, President Bollinger.Hello, Class of 2012!(Applause.)Congratulations on reaching this day.Thank you for the honor of being able to be a part of it.There are so many people who are proud of you--your parents, family, faculty, friends--all who share in this achievement.So please give them a big round of applause.(Applause.)To all the moms who are here today, you could not ask for a better Mother’s Day gift than to see all of these folks graduate.(Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Do it!(Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: No Moonwalking.(Laughter.)No Moonwalking today.(Laughter.)

We had the Walkman, not iPods.Some of the streets around here were not quite so inviting.(Laughter.)Times Square was not a family destination.(Laughter.)So I know this is all ancient history.Nothing worse than commencement speakers droning on about bygone days.(Laughter.)But for all the differences, the Class of 1983 actually had a lot in common with all of you.For we, too, were heading out into a world at a moment when our country was still recovering from a particularly severe economic recession.It was a time of change.It was a time of uncertainty.It was a time of passionate political debates.You can relate to this because just as you were starting out finding your way around this campus, an economic crisis struck that would claim more than 5 million jobs before the end of your freshman year.Since then, some of you have probably seen parents put off retirement, friends struggle to find work.And you may be looking toward the future with that same sense of concern that my generation did when we were sitting where you are now.Of course, as young women, you’re also going to grapple with some unique challenges, like whether you’ll be able to earn equal pay for equal work;whether you’ll be able to balance the demands of your job and your family;whether you’ll be able to fully control decisions about your own health.And while opportunities for women have grown exponentially over the last 30 years, as young people, in many ways you have it even tougher than we did.This recession has been more brutal, the job losses steeper.Politics seems nastier.Congress more gridlocked than ever.Some folks in the financial world have not exactly been model corporate citizens.(Laughter.)

No wonder that faith in our institutions has never been lower, particularly when good news doesn’t get the same kind of ratings as bad news anymore.Every day you receive a steady stream of sensationalism and scandal and stories with a message that suggest change isn’t possible;that you can’t make a difference;that you won’t be able to close that gap between life as it is and life as you want it to be.My job today is to tell you don’t believe it.Because as tough as things have been, I am convinced you are tougher.I’ve seen your passion and I’ve seen your service.I’ve seen you engage and I’ve seen you turn out in record numbers.I’ve heard your voices amplified by creativity and a digital fluency that those of us in older generations can barely comprehend.I’ve seen a generation eager, impatient even, to step into the rushing waters of history and change its course.And that defiant, can-do spirit is what runs through the veins of American history.It’s the lifeblood of all our progress.And it is that spirit which we need your generation to embrace and rekindle right now.See, the question is not whether things will get better--they always do.The question is not whether we’ve got the solutions to our challenges--we’ve had them within our grasp for quite some time.We know, for example, that this country would be better off if more Americans were able to get the kind of education that you’ve received here at Barnard--(applause)--if more people could get the specific skills and training that employers are looking for today.We know that we’d all be better off if we invest in science and technology that sparks new businesses and medical breakthroughs;if we developed more clean energy so we could use less foreign oil and reduce the carbon pollution that’s threatening our planet.(Applause.)

So you’ve got us outnumbered.(Laughter.)After decades of slow, steady, extraordinary progress, you are now poised to make this the century where women shape not only their own destiny but the destiny of this nation and of this world.But how far your leadership takes this country, how far it takes this world--well, that will be up to you.You’ve got to want it.It will not be handed to you.And as someone who wants that future--that better future--for you, and for Malia and Sasha, as somebody who’s had the good fortune of being the husband and the father and the son of some strong, remarkable women, allow me to offer just a few pieces of advice.That's obligatory.(Laughter.)Bear with me.My first piece of advice is this: Don’t just get involved.Fight for your seat at the table.Better yet, fight for a seat at the head of the table.(Applause.)

It’s been said that the most important role in our democracy is the role of citizen.And indeed, it was 225 years ago today that the Constitutional Convention opened in Philadelphia, and our founders, citizens all, began crafting an extraordinary document.Yes, it had its flaws--flaws that this nation has strived to protect(perfect)over time.Questions of race and gender were unresolved.No woman’s signature graced the original document--although we can assume that there were founding mothers whispering smarter things in the ears of the founding fathers.(Applause.)I mean, that's almost certain.What made this document special was that it provided the space--the possibility--for those who had been left out of our charter to fight their way in.It provided people the language to appeal to principles and ideals that broadened democracy’s reach.It allowed for protest, and movements, and the dissemination of new ideas that would repeatedly, decade after decade, change the world--a constant forward movement that continues to this day.Our founders understood that America does not stand still;we are dynamic, not static.We look forward, not back.And now that new doors have been opened for you, you’ve got an obligation to seize those opportunities.You need to do this not just for yourself but for those who don’t yet enjoy the choices that you’ve had, the choices you will have.And one reason many workplaces still have outdated policies is because women only account for 3 percent of the CEOs at Fortune 500 companies.One reason we’re actually refighting long-settled battles over women’s rights is because women occupy fewer than one in five seats in Congress.Now, I’m not saying that the only way to achieve success is by climbing to the top of the corporate ladder or running for office--although, let’s face it, Congress would get a lot more done if you did.(Laughter and applause.)That I think we’re sure about.But if you decide not to sit yourself at the table, at the very least you’ve got to make sure you have a say in who does.It matters.Before women like Barbara Mikulski and Olympia Snowe and others got to Congress, just to take one example, much of federally-funded research on diseases focused solely on their effects on men.It wasn’t until women like Patsy Mink and Edith Green got to Congress and passed Title IX, 40 years ago this year, that we declared women, too, should be allowed to compete and win on America’s playing fields.(Applause.)Until a woman named Lilly Ledbetter showed up at her office and had the courage to step up and say, you know what, this isn’t right, women weren’t being treated fairly--we lacked some of the tools we needed to uphold the basic principle of equal pay for equal work.So don’t accept somebody else’s construction of the way things ought to be.It’s up to you to right wrongs.It’s up to you to point out injustice.It’s up to you to hold the system accountable and sometimes upend it entirely.It’s up to you to stand up and to be heard, to write and to lobby, to march, to organize, to vote.Don’t be content to just sit back and watch.Those who oppose change, those who benefit from an unjust status quo, have always bet on the public’s cynicism or the public's complacency.Throughout American history, though, they have lost that bet, and I believe they will this time as well.(Applause.)But ultimately, Class of 2012, that will depend on you.Don’t wait for the person next to you to be the first to speak up for what’s right.Because maybe, just maybe, they’re waiting on you.Which brings me to my second piece of advice: Never underestimate the power of your example.The very fact that you are graduating, let alone that more women now graduate from college than men, is only possible because earlier generations of women--your mothers, your grandmothers, your aunts--shattered the myth that you couldn’t or shouldn’t be where you are.(Applause.)I think of a friend of mine who’s the daughter of immigrants.When she was in high school, her guidance counselor told her, you know what, you’re just not college material.You should think about becoming a secretary.Well, she was stubborn, so she went to college anyway.She got her master’s.She ran for local office, won.She ran for state office, she won.She ran for Congress, she won.And lo and behold, Hilda Solis did end up becoming a secretary--(laughter)--she is America’s Secretary of Labor.(Applause.)

So think about what that means to a young Latina girl when she sees a Cabinet secretary that looks like her.(Applause.)Think about what it means to a young girl in Iowa when she sees a presidential candidate who looks like her.Think about what it means to a young girl walking in Harlem right down the street when she sees a U.N.ambassador who looks like her.Do not underestimate the power of your example.This diploma opens up new possibilities, so reach back, convince a young girl to earn one, too.If you earned your degree in areas where we need more women--like computer science or engineering--(applause)--reach back and persuade another student to study it, too.If you're going into fields where we need more women, like construction or computer engineering--reach back, hire someone new.Be a mentor.Be a role model.Until a girl can imagine herself, can picture herself as a computer programmer, or a combatant commander, she won’t become one.Until there are women who tell her, ignore our pop culture obsession over beauty and fashion--(applause)--and focus instead on studying and inventing and competing and leading, she’ll think those are the only things that girls are supposed to care about.Now, Michelle will say, nothing wrong with caring about it a little bit.(Laughter.)You can be stylish and powerful, too.(Applause.)That's Michelle’s advice.(Applause.)

And never forget that the most important example a young girl will ever follow is that of a parent.Malia and Sasha are going to be outstanding women because Michelle and Marian Robinson are outstanding women.So understand your power, and use it wisely.My last piece of advice--this is simple, but perhaps most important: Persevere.Persevere.Nothing worthwhile is easy.No one of achievement has avoided failure--sometimes catastrophic failures.But they keep at it.They learn from mistakes.They don’t quit.You know, when I first arrived on this campus, it was with little money, fewer options.But it was here that I tried to find my place in this world.I knew I wanted to make a difference, but it was vague how in fact I’d go about it.(Laughter.)But I wanted to do my part to do my part to shape a better world.So even as I worked after graduation in a few unfulfilling jobs here in New York--I will not list them all--(laughter)--even as I went from motley apartment to motley apartment, I reached out.I started to write letters to community organizations all across the country.And one day, a small group of churches on the South Side of Chicago answered, offering me work with people in neighborhoods hit hard by steel mills that were shutting down and communities where jobs were dying away.The community had been plagued by gang violence, so once I arrived, one of the first things we tried to do was to mobilize a meeting with community leaders to deal with gangs.And I’d worked for weeks on this project.We invited the police;we made phone calls;we went to churches;we passed out flyers.The night of the meeting we arranged rows and rows of chairs in anticipation of this crowd.And we waited, and we waited.And finally, a group of older folks walked in to the hall and they sat down.And this little old lady raised her hand and asked, “Is this where the bingo game is?”(Laughter.)It was a disaster.Nobody showed up.My first big community meeting--nobody showed up.And later, the volunteers I worked with told me, that's it;we’re quitting.They'd been doing this for two years even before I had arrived.They had nothing to show for it.And I’ll be honest, I felt pretty discouraged as well.I didn't know what I was doing.I thought about quitting.And as we were talking, I looked outside and saw some young boys playing in a vacant lot across the street.And they were just throwing rocks up at a boarded building.They had nothing better to do--late at night, just throwing rocks.And I said to the volunteers, “Before you quit, answer one question.What will happen to those boys if you quit? Who will fight for them if we don’t? Who will give them a fair shot if we leave?

And one by one, the volunteers decided not to quit.We went back to those neighborhoods and we kept at it.We registered new voters, and we set up after-school programs, and we fought for new jobs, and helped people live lives with some measure of dignity.And we sustained ourselves with those small victories.We didn’t set the world on fire.Some of those communities are still very poor.There are still a lot of gangs out there.But I believe that it was those small victories that helped me win the bigger victories of my last three and a half years as President.And I wish I could say that this perseverance came from some innate toughness in me.But the truth is, it was learned.I got it from watching the people who raised me.More specifically, I got it from watching the women who shaped my life.I grew up as the son of a single mom who struggled to put herself through school and make ends meet.She had marriages that fell apart;even went on food stamps at one point to help us get by.But she didn’t quit.And she earned her degree, and made sure that through scholarships and hard work, my sister and I earned ours.She used to wake me up when we were living overseas--wake me up before dawn to study my English lessons.And when I’d complain, she’d just look at me and say, “This is no picnic for me either, buster.”(Laughter.)

And my mom ended up dedicating herself to helping women around the world access the money they needed to start their own businesses--she was an early pioneer in microfinance.And that meant, though, that she was gone a lot, and she had her own struggles trying to figure out balancing motherhood and a career.And when she was gone, my grandmother stepped up to take care of me.She only had a high school education.She got a job at a local bank.She hit the glass ceiling, and watched men she once trained promoted up the ladder ahead of her.But she didn’t quit.Rather than grow hard or angry each time she got passed over, she kept doing her job as best as she knew how, and ultimately ended up being vice president at the bank.She didn’t quit.And later on, I met a woman who was assigned to advise me on my first summer job at a law firm.And she gave me such good advice that I married her.(Laughter.)And Michelle and I gave everything we had to balance our careers and a young family.But let’s face it, no matter how enlightened I must have thought myself to be, it often fell more on her shoulders when I was traveling, when I was away.I know that when she was with our girls, she’d feel guilty that she wasn’t giving enough time to her work, and when she was at her work, she’d feel guilty she wasn’t giving enough time to our girls.And both of us wished we had some superpower that would let us be in two places at once.But we persisted.We made that marriage work.And the reason Michelle had the strength to juggle everything, and put up with me and eventually the public spotlight, was because she, too, came from a family of folks who didn’t quit--because she saw her dad get up and go to work every day even though he never finished college, even though he had crippling MS.She saw her mother, even though she never finished college, in that school, that urban school, every day making sure Michelle and her brother were getting the education they deserved.Michelle saw how her parents never quit.They never indulged in self-pity, no matter how stacked the odds were against them.They didn't quit.Those are the folks who inspire me.People ask me sometimes, who inspires you, Mr.President? Those quiet heroes all across this country--some of your parents and grandparents who are sitting here--no fanfare, no articles written about them, they just persevere.They just do their jobs.They meet their responsibilities.They don't quit.I'm only here because of them.They may not have set out to change the world, but in small, important ways, they did.They certainly changed mine.So whether it’s starting a business, or running for office, or raising a amazing family, remember that making your mark on the world is hard.It takes patience.It takes commitment.It comes with plenty of setbacks and it comes with plenty of failures.But whenever you feel that creeping cynicism, whenever you hear those voices say you can’t make a difference, whenever somebody tells you to set your sights lower--the trajectory of this country should give you hope.Previous generations should give you hope.What young generations have done before should give you hope.Young folks who marched and mobilized and stood up and sat in, from Seneca Falls to Selma to Stonewall, didn’t just do it for themselves;they did it for other people.(Applause.)

2012年5月14日

在巴纳德学院（Barnard College）毕业典礼上的讲话

纽约州纽约市

哥伦比亚大学巴纳德学院美国东部夏令时下午1:28

总统：非常感谢大家。（掌声）谢谢大家，请入座。谢谢大家。（掌声）

谢谢你们，斯巴（Spar）院长[译者注：中文名石德葆]、各位校董、伯林格（Bollinger）校长。2012届毕业生，你们好！（掌声）祝贺你们迎来了这一天。感谢你们让我有幸来参加这个活动。

但是我得说，每当我来到这种场合，就会想到玛莉娅（Malia）和萨夏（Sasha）将来毕业的情景，我就会热泪盈眶——（笑声）——真不好意思。我不知道你们大家是怎么把持得住的。（笑声）

我一开始就要说明一个确凿的事实：我是一名哥伦比亚大学的毕业生。（笑声和掌声）我知道可能会有一点同门弟子相争的劲儿。（笑声）但我还是为能够在你们今天的毕业典礼上讲话而感到荣幸——不过我得说，你们在过去三年树立了相当高的标准。（掌声）希拉里·克林顿（Hillary Clinton）——（掌声）——梅丽尔·斯特里普（Meryl Streep）——（掌声）——谢里尔·桑德伯格（Sheryl Sandberg）——在她们之后出场可不容易。（掌声）

但我要指出，希拉里的工作极为出色，她是美国有史以来最杰出的国务卿之一。（掌声）我们已授予梅丽尔艺术与人文总统奖章（Presidential Medal of Arts and Humanities）。（掌声）谢里尔不仅是一位好朋友；她还是我们的经济顾问之一。正如那句老话所说——亲近你的朋友，但更要亲近在你们巴纳德学院毕业典礼上讲话的人。（掌声）这话寓意深长。（笑声）

话说我毕业那年——这个地方看着眼熟——（笑声）——我毕业于1983年，哥伦比亚大学开始录取女生的第一年。（掌声）当时萨莉·莱德（Sally Ride）成为第一位进入太空的美国女性。那时的音乐全是麦克尔（Michael）和太空步（Moonwalk）。（笑声）

一名听众：走一个！（笑声）

总统：不走太空步。（笑声）今天不走太空步。（笑声）

我们当时有“随身听”（Walkman），没有IPod。这四周的一些街区没有现在这样诱人。（笑声）时报广场（Times Square）不是适合全家人去的地方。（笑声）我知道这一切都属于古老的过去了。毕业典礼演讲人絮叨旧事是再糟糕不过的。但是，尽管有种种差别，1983年毕业班其实与你们各位有许多共同之处。这是因为，当时我们踏入社会的时候，也正值国家从一场特别严重的经济衰退中恢复。那是一个变革的时期，一个充满未知的时期，一个政治辨伦激情高涨的时期。

你们能够体会到这一点，因为在你们刚开始熟悉这所校园的时候，经济危机降临，不等你们第一学年结束，它已经导致500多万人失业。从那个时候以来，你们大概看到一些父母推迟了退休计划，一些朋友在苦苦求职。面对未来，你们也许像当年我这一代坐在你们的座位上的时候一样，感到忧心忡忡。

当然，作为年轻女性，你们还要应对某些特殊的挑战，比如是否能够享有同工同酬；是否能够平衡工作和家庭的需要；是否能够对自身健康有全部决定权。

所以，毫不奇怪，对我们体制的信心达到空前之低，特别是好消息不如坏消息引人注意的时候。人们每天接到一连串耸人听闻的消息或者丑闻，其中传递的信息是：变革是不可能的；你们的努力无济于事；你们无法消除现实生活与你们的理想生活之间的差距。

我今天的任务就是要告诉你们，不要相信这些说法。因为尽管困难很大，但我坚信你们的能力更大。我看到过你们的激情，我看到过你们的奉献。我看到过你们的投入，我看到过你们挺身而出，人数空前。我听到了你们的声音，创意和对数码技术的精通使得这种声音格外响亮，而我们这些年长的人几乎不得其解。我看到心情迫切、跃跃欲试的一代人准备跻身历史激流中，扭转其方向。

这种蔑视困难、积极进取的精神贯穿于整个美国历史的进程。这种精神是我们一切进步的源泉。此时此刻，我们需要你们这一代继承和发扬光大的正是这种精神。

可以看出，问题并不在于事情是否会好转——情况总是会变好的。问题也不在于我们是否已经有了应对我们面临的挑战的解决办法——我们一直掌握着这些解决办法，已有相当一段时间了。比如说，我们知道，如果有更多的美国人能得到你们在巴纳德得到的这样的教育（掌声）——如果有更多的人能够获得今天的雇主所需要的那些特定的技能和训练，美国的情况会更好。

在几十年来的缓慢、持续、不凡的进展之后，你们即将在本世纪实现这样的目标：妇女不仅能改变自己的命运，还能改变这个国家乃至这个世界的命运。

然而，你们的主动性能使这个国家走多远、能使这个世界走多远，还要取决于你们自己。你们必须有这种愿望。进步不可能由别人拱手奉上。作为一个希望你们、玛莉娅和萨夏拥有这一前途及更美好前途的人，作为一个有幸成为几位坚强杰出的女性的丈夫、父亲和儿子的人，请允许我贡献几条建议。这是义不容辞的。（笑声）容我慢慢道来。

我的第一条建议是，仅仅参与还不够，要为在决策中赢得一席之地而奋斗。能为坐上首席而奋斗就更好了。（笑声）

有人说，我们民主中最重要的角色是公民角色。的确如此，225年前的今天，费城召开了制宪大会，我们的开国元勋，我们所有的公民，开始起草一项伟大的纲领。是的，该文件有缺陷，这个国家后来为了完善它而作出了努力。种族和性别问题当时没有得到解决。最初的文件上没有妇女的签名来为之增添光彩，但是我们可以想象，一些开国之母在开国之父的耳旁轻声细语地指点一些高招。（掌声）我是说，几乎肯定如此。

这份文件之所以特别，是因为它为那些没有被纳入我们的宪法的人们提供了争取权利的空间和可能性。它为人民提供了借助于一些原则和理想拓展民主范围的语言。它允许发起抗议和运动，允许传播新思想，一代又一代地改变着世界，形成了一股永不休止的潮流，一直延续到今天。

我们的开国元勋认识到，美国并非一成不变；我们充满活力，不会停滞不前。我们向前看，不回头。既然新的大门已为你们敞开，你们就有义务把握这些机会。

你们需要这么做，不仅是为了你们自己，也是为了那些没有得到你们已经有过以及还将拥有的种种选择的人。许多工作场所仍在实行过时的政策，原因之一就是妇女只占财富500强公司首席行政官的3%。我们仍在为争取妇女权利而再次进行早已完成的抗争，原因之一就是妇女在国会所占的席位还不到五分之一。

我不是说取得成功的唯一途径是晋升到公司的最高层，或是竞选公职，不过，请让我们面对这个事实：如果你们竞选公职，国会将能大有作为。（笑声和掌声）我想大家对此是深信无疑的。但如果你们决定不亲身参政，至少也应该确保自己有权选择议员。这很重要。

例如，在像芭芭拉·米库尔斯基（Barbara Mikulski）和奥林匹娅·斯诺（Olympia Snowe）及其他女性进入国会前，联邦资助的大部分疾病研究主要侧重于疾病对男性的影响。40年前的今天，帕齐·明克（Patsy Mink）和伊迪丝·格林（Edith Green）等女性进入国会并通过[教育法修正案]《第九条》，从而宣布女性也有资格在美国的运动场上参与竞赛并取胜。（掌声）一个名叫莉莉·莱德贝特（Lilly Ledbetter）的女性来到她的办公室，勇敢地而明确地说：你们知道吗，这不对，女性没有得到公正待遇——我们缺乏一些必要的手段捍卫同工同酬的基本原则。

所以不要接受别人对于事情理当如何的看法。你应当來纠正错误做法。你应当來指出不公不义。你应当来督促社会体制负起责任，有时需要全盘改变。你应当挺身而出，发表意见，撰文游说，游行示威，组织民众，投票表决。不要满足于袖手旁观。

那些反对变革、受益于不公平现状的人，总是赌定公众要不是愤世嫉俗就是洋洋自得。可是纵观美国历史，他们一再下错赌注，我相信这一次也不例外。（掌声）可是说到底，2012届的同学们，这将取决于你们。不要等待你身旁的人第一个为正义发言。因为有可能，只是有此可能，他们正在等你带头。

我想起一位朋友，她是移民的女儿。念中学时，她的指导老师告诉她，你不是念大学的材料，你应当考虑去当秘书。她很固执，所以还是念了大学，进而拿到硕士学位。她竞选地方公职，结果胜选。她竞选州政府公职，再度胜选。她竞选国会议员，又是胜选。请听好了，希尔达·索利斯（Hilda Solis）最终的确成为一名秘书－－（笑声）－－她成为美国劳工部的秘书[译者注：“秘书”和“部长”在英文中是同一个单词]。（掌声）

所以想想看，当一名拉丁裔的小女孩看到一名长得像她的内阁部长，会作何感想。（掌声）当一名艾奥瓦州的小女孩看到一名长得像她的总统候选人，会作何感想。当一名小女孩走在哈莱姆区的街上，看到一名长得像她的驻联合国大使，她会作何感想。不要低估了你们以身作则的力量。

这张文凭将会开辟新的可能性，因此，回过头去，说服另一个小女孩也去追求文凭。如果你们学习的专业是需要更多女性投入的领域－－比如计算机科学或者工程学－－（掌声）－－也要说服另一名学生加入你们的学习行列。如果你们进入的是需要更多女性加入的领域，如建筑施工或者计算机工程－－那就回头聘一位新人。做一个指导者。做一个好榜样。

千万不要忘记一个女孩仿效的最重要榜样就是她的父母。玛莉娅（Malia）和莎夏（Sasha）将会成为杰出的女性，因为米歇尔和玛丽安·鲁宾逊（Marian Robinson）都是杰出的女性。所以，要认识到你们的力量，并且明智地加以运用。

我的最后一点建议－－这很简单，但可能是最重要的一点：坚持不懈。坚持不懈。有价值的事物得之不易。没有一个有成就的人能够避免失败－－有时甚至是一败涂地。可是他们坚持不懈，从错误中学习。他们绝不放弃。

你们知道，我刚到这个校园时，没多少钱，更没多少选择。但正是在这里，我试图寻找我在这个世界上的立足之地。我知道我想有所作为，但却不清楚如何去做。(笑声）可我想尽自己的力量去建设一个更美好的世界。

因此，即使当我毕业后在纽约从事几份没有成就感的工作的时候——我不会一一列举——（笑声）——即使在我搬出一间杂乱的公寓又搬到另一间同样杂乱的公寓的时候，我也在努力求索。我开始给全国各地的社区组织写信。有一天，芝加哥南区的一个小型教会组织回了信，给了我一份为当地居民服务的工作，他们那里的钢厂停业使他们受到沉重打击，那里的就业机会也一天天消失。

当地社区一直被帮派暴力所扰，所以我一到那里，我们争取做的第一件事情就是与社区领袖开会商量应对帮派的对策。我为这项工作忙了好几个星期。我们邀请了警察；我们打了电话，我们去了教堂；我们散发了传单。要开会的那天晚上，我们排好了一排排椅子，以为会有一大群人到会。我们等啊等。最后，一群老人走进大厅，然后坐下来。有一位瘦小的老太太举起了手，问道：“宾果游戏是在这里吗？”(笑声)真是糟糕透了。没有人来。我的第一个社区大会——没有人到场。

志愿者们一个接一个地决定不放弃。我们回到那些街区，继续坚持工作。我们给新选民登记，我们安排课后活动，我们争取新的就业机会，并帮助人们活得更有尊严。我们用那些小小的胜利鼓励自己。我们并没有做什么惊天动地的事。这些社区中有一些仍然很贫穷。那里仍然有很多的帮派出没。但我相信，就是这些小小的胜利帮助我在这三年半里作为总统赢得了更大的胜利。

我希望我能说这种执着源于我与生俱来的某种毅力。但事实是，这是后天学到的。我是从养育我的人身上学到的。更具体地说，我是从影响了我的生活的那些女性身上学到的。

我的母亲最终完全投入到帮助世界各地妇女获得创业所需资金的工作中——她是微型信贷的一个先驱。但这意味着她经常不在家，而且她有着自身的挣扎，要努力在做母亲和发展事业之间找到平衡。她不在家时，我的外祖母承担起照顾我的责任。

她仅受过高中教育。她在当地银行找到一份工作，她遇到了事业上的玻璃天花板，眼看着她曾经培训过的男人晋升到比她更高的级别。但她没有退却。她没有因一次次机会旁落而变得冷漠或愤怒，而是继续尽自己最大努力做好工作，最终她成为银行的副总裁。她没有退却。

后来，我遇到一位女性，她被派来担任我在一家律师事务所从事的第一份暑期工作的指导。她对我的指导如此之好，以致于我娶了她。（笑声）米歇尔和我竭尽全力在发展事业与照顾幼小的孩子之间找到平衡。但是说实话，不管我当时可能认为自己是多么开通，在我外出旅行时，在我不在家时，家事往往更多地落在她的肩上。我知道，在照顾我们的两个女儿时，她为没有在工作上付出足够时间感到内疚；而当她上班时，又为没有给孩子足够的时间感到内疚。我们俩都唯愿我们有某种超人的能力，使我们能够两者兼顾。但我们坚持住了，我们的努力保证了婚姻的成功。

米歇尔之所以能够坚强地招架一切并忍受我，而且最终忍受公众聚光，是因为她同样来自一个不轻易退却的家庭——因为她看到她的父亲每天一大早起来去上班，尽管他从未念完大学，尽管他患有影响行动的多发性硬化症。她看到，尽管她的母亲从未念完大学，但在那个学校，那个贫民区的学校，她每天都确保米歇尔和她的哥哥受到他们应该得到的教育。米歇尔看到她的父母从不放弃。他们从不沉溺于自怜，不管他们面临多么不利的境况。他们从不放弃。

正是这些人激励着我。人们有时问我，总统先生，是谁激励着你？是这个国家各地那些默默耕耘的英雄——今天在座的你们一些人的父母和祖父母——他们不张扬，没有文章报道他们，他们只是坚持不懈。他们只是做好本职工作。他们履行自己的责任。他们不放弃。正是因为有他们我才站到这里。他们或许并没有从一开始就要改变世界，但他们以一点一滴的重要方式，改变了世界。他们无疑改变了我的世界。

因此，无论是创办一家企业、竞选公职、还是抚养一个美好的家庭，请记住：要在这个世界上留下你的影响不是一件轻而易举的事情。它需要耐心。它需要投入。随之而来的是大量挫折，以及无数次的失败。

但每当你感觉到那种迎面扑来的冷嘲热讽，每当你听到人们说你无法改变现状，每当有人告诉你要苟且偷生——这个国家走过的道路应该给你带来希望。前几代人的经历应该给你带来希望。在你之前的一代又一代年轻人做过的一切应该给你带来希望。无论是在塞尼卡福尔斯（Seneca Falls）还是在塞尔玛（Selma）或是在石墙（Stonewall），当时那些参加游行、动员起来、挺身而出、进行静坐的年轻人，他们不仅仅是为自己这样做；他们这样做是为了别人。（掌声）

与以往任何时候相比——与以往任何时候相比，现在美国都更需要你们——2012届的同学们——所能贡献的一切。美国需要你们高瞻远瞩、胸怀大志。如果你们为争取自己的发言权而奋斗，树立一个更好的榜样，坚持做你们一生中立志要做的事情，我坚信，不仅你们会取得成功，而且由于你们的努力，我们的国家将继续是为全球每一个角落的男人和女人、男孩和女孩照耀航程的灯塔。

因此，谢谢大家。向你们祝贺。（掌声）上帝保佑你们。上帝保佑美利坚合众国。（掌声）

第四篇：美国总统奥巴马在俄罗斯新经济学院毕业典礼上的演讲

美国总统奥巴马在俄罗斯新经济学院毕业典礼上的演讲

Gostinny Dvor 会展中心

俄罗斯,莫斯科 2009年7月7日

Thank you so much.Well, congratulations, Oxana.And to the entire Class of 2009, congratulations to you.I don't know if anybody else will meet their future wife or husband in class like I did, but I'm sure that you're all going to have wonderful careers.多谢大家。祝贺你，奥科萨纳(Oxana)。2009届全体同学，祝贺你们。我不知道是否还有其他人像我一样在同窗读书时遇到未来的妻子或丈夫，不过我肯定你们都会有美好的前途。

I want to acknowledge a few people who are here.We have President Mikhail Gorbachev is here today, and I want everybody to give him a big round of applause.(Applause.)I want to thank Sergei Gurief, Director of the New Economic School.(Applause.)Max Boiko, their Chairman of the Board.(Applause.)And Arkady Dvorkovich, who is the NES board member, President of the Alumni Association and is doing an excellent job for President Medvedev, because he was in our meeting yesterday.(Applause.)我希望向在场的几位致谢。莅会的有米哈伊尔·戈尔巴乔夫(Mikhail Gorbachev)总统，我希望大家给予他热烈的掌声。(掌声)我感谢新经济学院院长谢尔盖·古里埃夫(Sergei Gurief)。(掌声)学院董事会主席马克斯·博伊科(Max Boiko)。(掌声)学院董事会成员兼校友会会长阿尔卡季·德沃科维奇(Arkady Dvorkovich)，他正以出色的表现为梅德韦杰夫(Medvedev)总统工作，他昨天还出席了我们的会谈。(掌声)Good morning.It is a great honor for me to join you at the New Economic School.Michelle and I are so pleased to be in Moscow.And as somebody who was born in Hawaii, I'm glad to be here in July instead of January.(Laughter and applause.)早上好。我非常荣幸能参加新经济学院的这次活动。米歇尔和我来到莫斯科，感到十分高兴。作为出生在夏威夷的人，我感到高兴的是能在7月而不是1月份来到这里。(笑声和掌声)

I know that NES is a young school, but I speak to you today with deep respect for Russia's timeless heritage.Russian writers have helped us understand the complexity of the human experience, and recognize eternal truths.Russian painters, composers, and dancers have introduced us to new forms of beauty.Russian scientists have cured disease, sought new frontiers of progress, and helped us go to space.我知道，新经济学院是一个年轻的院校，但今天我心怀对俄罗斯不朽的传统的高度敬重之情对你们发表讲话。俄罗斯作家帮助我们了解人生的纷繁复杂，认识到永恒的真理。俄罗斯画家、作曲家和舞蹈家使我们领略到了美的新形式。俄罗斯科学家治愈了疾病，开拓了新的发展领域，帮助人们飞向太空。

These are contributions that are not contained by Russia's borders, as vast as those borders are.Indeed, Russia's heritage has touched every corner of the world, and speaks to the humanity that we share.That includes my own country, which has been blessed with Russian immigrants for decades;we've been enriched by Russian culture, and enhanced by Russian cooperation.And as a resident of Washington, D.C., I continue to benefit from the contributions of Russians--specifically, from Alexander Ovechkin.We're very pleased to have him in Washington, D.C.(Applause.)尽管俄罗斯幅员辽阔，但这些贡献并未局限在俄罗斯疆界之内。毫无疑问，俄罗斯的传统已传播到世界每一个角落，激发了我们共有的人性。其中也包括我自己的国家，几十年来因俄罗斯移民获益良多；我国获得俄罗斯文化的丰富营养，也因与俄罗斯的合作得到发展。作为首都华盛顿哥伦比亚特区的居民，我继续获得俄罗斯人的贡献带来的惠益──特别是因为亚力山大·奥韦奇金(Alexander Ovechkin)。他住在华盛顿哥伦比亚特区，我们非常高兴。(掌声)Here at NES, you have inherited this great cultural legacy, but your focus on economics is no less fundamental to the future of humanity.As Pushkin said, “Inspiration is needed in geometry just as much as poetry.” And today, I want particularly to speak to those of you preparing to graduate.You're poised to be leaders in academia and industry;in finance and government.But before you move forward, it's worth reflecting on what has already taken place during your young lives.在新经济学院，你们继承了这个伟大的文化传统。你们尽管以经济为重点，但对人类的未来也同样至关重要。正如普希金所说，“灵感对于几何学，如同灵感对于诗歌一样必不可少。” 今天，我特别希望对即将毕业的同学说一些话。你们即将成为学术界和工业界的领军人，成为金融界和政界的主力。然而，在你们迈出这一步之前，有必要回顾在你们成长期间发生的历史。

Like President Medvedev and myself, you're not old enough to have witnessed the darkest hours of the Cold War, when hydrogen bombs were tested in the atmosphere, and children drilled in fallout shelters, and we reached the brink of nuclear catastrophe.But you are the last generation born when the world was divided.At that time, the American and Soviet armies were still massed in Europe, trained and ready to fight.The ideological trenches of the last century were roughly in place.Competition in everything from astrophysics to athletics was treated as a zero-sum game.If one person won, then the other person had to lose.如同梅德韦杰夫总统和我一样，你们当时年纪尚幼，未能亲历冷战最黑暗的年代，那时在大气层试爆了氢弹，孩子们进入防空洞参加演习，我们曾经走到核灾难的边缘。你们是全世界壁垒分明的时期出生的最后一代人。当年，美国军队和苏联军队仍在欧洲集结、训练并准备交战。上一个世纪意识形态的壁垒大致依旧。从天体物理学到体育运动，相互间的竞赛往往被视为你死我活的争斗。一方获胜，另一方必失。

And then, within a few short years, the world as it was ceased to be.Now, make no mistake: This change did not come from any one nation.The Cold War reached a conclusion because of the actions of many nations over many years, and because the people of Russia and Eastern Europe stood up and decided that its end would be peaceful.此后短短几年时间，世界不复以往。如今毫无疑问的是：这个变革并非由任何一个单独的国家引发。由于无数国家多少年来采取的行动，由于俄罗斯和东欧人民挺身而出，决心以和平方式告别过去，冷战从此宣告结束。

With the end of the Cold War, there were extraordinary expectations--for peace and for prosperity;for new arrangements among nations, and new opportunities for individuals.Like all periods of great change, it was a time of ambitious plans and endless possibilities.But, of course, things don't always work out exactly as planned.Back in 1993, shortly after this school opened, one NES student summed up the difficulty of change when he told a reporter, and I quote him: “The real world is not so rational as on paper.” The real world is not so rational as on paper.随着冷战的结束，人们产生种种殷切的期待── 希望实现和平与繁荣；建立国家间的新秩序，以及为个人提供新机会。如同所有巨大变革的时期一样，这是一个大展宏图的时代，一个充满无限机会的时代。然而，任何事物都不可能时时一帆风顺，事事如人心愿。1993年，贵校成立后不久，新经济学院一位学生在接受记者采访时概括了改革的艰难。他说道：“现实的世界并不像书本上那样理性。”现实的世界并不像书本上那样理性。

Over two tumultuous decades, that truth has been borne out around the world.Great wealth has been created, but it has not eliminated vast pockets of crushing poverty.Poverty exists here, it exists in the United States, and it exists all around the world.More people have gone to the ballot box, but too many governments still fail to protect the rights of their people.Ideological struggles have diminished, but they've been replaced by conflicts over tribe and ethnicity and religion.A human being with a computer can hold the same amount of information stored in the Russian State Library, but that technology can also be used to do great harm.在过去动荡的20年中，这种说法的正确性在全世界得到证实。虽然创造出巨额财富，但它并未消除遍布四方的极度贫困。贫困在这里存在，在美国存在，在全世界存在。有更多的人参加了投票，但仍有太多国家的政府仍旧未能保护本国人民的权利。意识形态的斗争逐渐减少，但代之而起的是部落、种族和宗教冲突。一个拥有电脑的人可以拥有与俄罗斯国家图书馆（Russian State Library）等量的信息，但这种技术也可被用于制造严重伤害。

In a new Russia, the disappearance of old political and economic restrictions after the end of the Soviet Union brought both opportunity and hardship.A few prospered, but many more did not.There were tough times.But the Russian people showed strength and made sacrifices, and you achieved hard-earned progress through a growing economy and greater confidence.And despite painful times, many in Eastern Europe and Russia are much better off today than 20 years ago.在新俄罗斯，旧的政治与经济束缚随着苏联的解体而消失，这既带来机遇，也造成困苦。一些人致富了，但更多的人没有。曾有过艰难的时期。但俄罗斯人民显示了坚韧不拔的力量，作出了牺牲，通过经济增长取得了来之不易的进步，并且增强了信心。尽管经历了痛苦，但东欧和俄罗斯很多人的生活比20年前大大改善。

We see that progress here at NES--a school founded with Western support that is now distinctly Russian;a place of learning and inquiry where the test of an idea is not whether it is Russian or American or European, but whether it works.Above all, we see that progress in all of you--young people with a young century to shape as you see fit.我们在这里——在新经济学院，看到了这种进步。这个在西方支持下成立的学院如今具有鲜明的俄罗斯特色，成为从事研究与探索的学府；在这里，检验一个理念的标准不在于它是俄罗斯的、美国的、还是欧洲的，而是看它是否行得通。最重要的是，我们从你们所有人——将按自己的意愿去塑造一个年轻世纪的年轻人——身上看到这种进步。

Your lifetime coincides with this era of transition.But think about the fundamental questions asked when this school was founded.What kind of future is Russia going to have? What kind of future are Russia and America going to have together? What world order will replace the Cold War? Those questions still don't have clear answers, and so now they must be answered by you--by your generation in Russia, in America, and around the world.You get to decide.And while I cannot answer those questions for you, I can speak plainly about the future that America is seeking.你们恰恰生活在这个转变的时代。想一想在这个学院刚成立时所提出的一些基本问题：俄罗斯将有什么样的未来？俄罗斯和美国将有什么样的共同未来？会有什么样的世界秩序取代冷战？对这些问题仍然没有明确的答案，因此它们必须由你们来回答——由在俄罗斯、美国和全世界的你们这一代人来回答。决定将由你们作出。虽然我无法替你们回答这些问题，但我可以明了地谈一谈美国正在寻求的未来。

To begin with, let me be clear: America wants a strong, peaceful, and prosperous Russia.This belief is rooted in our respect for the Russian people, and a shared history between our nations that goes beyond competition.Despite our past rivalry, our people were allies in the greatest struggle of the last century.Recently, I noted this when I was in Normandy--for just as men from Boston and Birmingham risked all that they had to storm those beaches and scale those cliffs, Soviet soldiers from places like Kazan and Kiev endured unimaginable hardships to repeal--to repel an invasion, and turn the tide in the east.As President John Kennedy said, “No nation in history of battle ever suffered more than the Soviet Union in the Second World War.” 首先，我要清楚表明：美国希望有一个强大、和平和繁荣的俄罗斯。这一信念植根于我们对俄罗斯人民的尊敬以及两国间超越竞争关系的共同历史。尽管两国曾互为对手，但两国人民在上一世纪最伟大的斗争中互为联盟。最近，我在诺曼底（Normandy）时曾指出这一点：如同来自波士顿和伯明翰的战士奋不顾身攻上海滩、登上悬崖一样，来自喀山（Kazan）、基辅（Kiev）等地的苏联士兵忍受了难以想象的艰难困苦，取消了——击退了入侵，在东线扭转了局势。诚如约翰?肯尼迪（John Kennedy）总统所说，“在战争史上，任何国家都不曾遭受过苏联在二次世界大战中所遭受的那种苦难。”

So as we honor this past, we also recognize the future benefit that will come from a strong and vibrant Russia.Think of the issues that will define your lives: security from nuclear weapons and extremism;access to markets and opportunity;health and the environment;an international system that protects sovereignty and human rights, while promoting stability and prosperity.These challenges demand global partnership, and that partnership will be stronger if Russia occupies its rightful place as a great power.因此，在铭记这一历史的同时，我们也认识到一个强大、富有生机的俄罗斯对未来的有益作用。想一想这些将决定你们生活的问题：不受核武器和极端主义伤害；市场准入和机会；卫生与环境；保护国家主权与人权并促进稳定与繁荣的国际体系。应对这些挑战必须靠全球合作，如果俄罗斯占在它应有的大国位置上，这种合作关系会更为有力。

Yet unfortunately, there is sometimes a sense that old assumptions must prevail, old ways of thinking;a conception of power that is rooted in the past rather than in the future.There is the 20th century view that the United States and Russia are destined to be antagonists, and that a strong Russia or a strong America can only assert themselves in opposition to one another.And there is a 19th century view that we are destined to vie for spheres of influence, and that great powers must forge competing blocs to balance one another.但是，令人遗憾的是，有时存在着一种感觉，认为昔日的设想，过去的思维方式一定占上风；一种基于过去而非基于未来的实力观。有一种20世纪的观念，认为美国与俄罗斯注定互为对手，认为一个强大的俄罗斯或强大的美国惟有在相互对立中才可显示自己的威力。还有一种19世纪的观念，认为我们注定要争夺势力范围，认为大国只有形成相互争夺的集团，才可达到平衡。

These assumptions are wrong.In 2009, a great power does not show strength by dominating or demonizing other countries.The days when empires could treat sovereign states as pieces on a chess board are over.As I said in Cairo, given our independence, any world order that--given our interdependence, any world order that tries to elevate one nation or one group of people over another will inevitably fail.The pursuit of power is no longer a zero-sum game--progress must be shared.这些设想都是错误的。在2009年，一个强国不是靠控制或妖魔化其他国家显示实力。帝国可以将主权国家当棋盘上的棋子摆布的时代已经结束。如我在开罗所说，鉴于我们的独立，任何世界秩序——鉴于我们的相互依存，任何企图使一个国家或一个群体凌驾于另一个国家或另一群体之上的世界秩序必将失败。寻求实力不再是零和游戏——进步必须共享。

That's why I have called for a “reset” in relations between the United States and Russia.This must be more than a fresh start between the Kremlin and the White House--though that is important and I've had excellent discussions with both your President and your Prime Minister.It must be a sustained effort among the American and Russian people to identify mutual interests, and expand dialogue and cooperation that can pave the way to progress.这就是我呼吁“重启”美俄关系的理由所在。这决不能仅限于克林姆林宫与白宫关系的新开端——尽管这一点很重要，我与贵国总统和总理分别就此举行了极好的讨论。这必须是美俄两国人民的持久努力，以明确双方的共同利益，扩大对话与合作，从而为取得进步铺平道路。

This will not be easy.It's difficult to forge a lasting partnership between former adversaries, it's hard to change habits that have been ingrained in our governments and our bureaucracies for decades.But I believe that on the fundamental issues that will shape this century, Americans and Russians share common interests that form a basis for cooperation.It is not for me to define Russia's national interests, but I can tell you about America's national interests, and I believe that you will see that we share common ground.这不是容易办到的事。对于以往相互抗衡的对手而言，相互建立持久的伙伴关系有很大的困难，改变我们的政府和官僚机构数十年来形成的根深蒂固的习惯势力，任务也十分艰巨。但我相信在决定本世纪走向的基本问题上，美国人民与俄罗斯人民拥有共同的利益，从而提供了合作的基础。俄罗斯的国家利益用不着我来阐释，但我可以告诉你们，美国的国家利益是什么。我相信你们会发现我们拥有共同的基点。

First, America has an interest in reversing the spread of nuclear weapons and preventing their use.首先，逆转核武器扩散的趋势，防止核武器的使用，是美国的利益所在。

In the last century, generations of Americans and Russians inherited the power to destroy nations, and the understanding that using that power would bring about our own destruction.In 2009, our inheritance is different.You and I don't have to ask whether American and Russian leaders will respect a balance of terror--we understand the horrific consequences of any war between our two countries.But we do have to ask this question: We have to ask whether extremists who have killed innocent civilians in New York and in Moscow will show that same restraint.We have to ask whether 10 or 20 or 50 nuclear-armed nations will protect their arsenals and refrain from using them.上一个世纪，美国和俄罗斯的几代人继承了可以毁灭其他国家的力量，同时也认识到使用这种力量也会造成自身的毁灭。2009年，我们传承的是完全不同的事物。你和我都不必提出这样的问题：美国和俄罗斯领导人是否将奉行恐怖的均势──我们了解，我们两国之间发生任何战争，都将产生悲惨的结局。但我们确实有必要问这样一个问题：我们有必要问一问，在纽约和莫斯科杀害无辜平民的极端主义分子会不会表现同样的克制。我们有必要问一问，10个、20个，或者50个有核武装的国家是否会保障本国核武库的安全并避免使用核武器。This is the core of the nuclear challenge in the 21st century.The notion that prestige comes from holding these weapons, or that we can protect ourselves by picking and choosing which nations can have these weapons, is an illusion.In the short period since the end of the Cold War, we've already seen India, Pakistan, and North Korea conduct nuclear tests.Without a fundamental change, do any of us truly believe that the next two decades will not bring about the further spread of these nuclear weapons? 这就是21世纪核挑战的核心问题。认为拥有这些核武器就能提高自己的地位，或认为一旦确认和鉴别哪些国家可以拥有这些核武器，我们就能保护自己，都?不切实际的幻想。在冷战结束后的短时期内，我们已经看到印度、巴基斯坦和北韩进行了核试验。如果不发生根本性的变化，我们中间有谁真正相信今后20年不会出现核武器的进一步扩散？

That's why America is committed to stopping nuclear proliferation, and ultimately seeking a world without nuclear weapons.That is consistent with our commitment under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.That is our responsibility as the world's two leading nuclear powers.And while I know this goal won't be met soon, pursuing it provides the legal and moral foundation to prevent the proliferation and eventual use of nuclear weapons.正是出于这个原因，美国坚决要求制止核扩散，最终争取实现全世界不存在核武器的目标。这与我们在《不扩散核武器条约》(Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty)中作出的承诺相一致。这是我们作为全世界两个核大国需要承担的责任。尽管我知道这个目标不可能很快实现，但争取实现这个目标可以为防止核武器扩散并避免其实际使用提供法律和道义的基础。

We're already taking important steps to build this foundation.Yesterday, President Medvedev and I made progress on negotiating a new treaty that will substantially reduce our warheads and delivery systems.We renewed our commitment to clean, safe and peaceful nuclear energy, which must be a right for all nations that live up to their responsibilities under the NPT.And we agreed to increase cooperation on nuclear security, which is essential to achieving the goal of securing all vulnerable nuclear material within four years.我们已经为奠定这个基础迈出了重大步伐。昨天，梅德韦杰夫总统和我为两国谈判达成一项新的条约取得了进展。这个条约将大大减少我们的弹头和运载系统的数量。我们重申我们致力于核能源的洁净、安全与和平使用，所有根据《不扩散核武器条约》履行其职责的国家都有权获得这样的核能。我们同意加强在核安全问题上的合作，这对于达到在四年内保障所有危险核材料的安全的目标至关重要。

As we keep our own commitments, we must hold other nations accountable for theirs.Whether America or Russia, neither of us would benefit from a nuclear arms race in East Asia or the Middle East.That's why we should be united in opposing North Korea's efforts to become a nuclear power, and opposing Iran's efforts to acquire a nuclear weapon.And I'm pleased that President Medvedev and I agreed upon a joint threat assessment of the ballistic challenges--ballistic missile challenges of the 21st century, including from Iran and North Korea.在我们履行自己的承诺之时，我们还必须使其他国家为他们做出的承诺负责。不论美国还是俄罗斯，我们两国都不可能从东亚和中东的核武器竞赛中获益。正是由于这个原因，我们应该共同反对北韩成为核国家，共同反对伊朗获得核武器。我感到高兴的是，梅德韦杰夫总统和我同意对弹道导弹问题──21世纪弹道导弹构成的挑战，包括来自伊朗和北韩的威胁──联合进行威胁评估。

This is not about singling out individual nations--it's about the responsibilities of all nations.If we fail to stand together, then the NPT and the Security Council will lose credibility, and international law will give way to the law of the jungle.And that benefits no one.As I said in Prague, rules must be binding, violations must be punished, and words must mean something.此事并非针对个别国家，而是涉及到所有国家的责任。如果我们不能采取共同立场，那么《不扩散核武器条约》和联合国安理会的信誉就会丧失殆尽，国际法就会被弱肉强食的法则取代。这对任何人都没有好处。我曾在布拉格(Prague)表示，规则必须有约束力，违者必罚，言必有信。

The successful enforcement of these rules will remove causes of disagreement.I know Russia opposes the planned configuration for missile defense in Europe.And my administration is reviewing these plans to enhance the security of America, Europe and the world.And I've made it clear that this system is directed at preventing a potential attack from Iran.It has nothing to do with Russia.In fact, I want to work together with Russia on a missile defense architecture that makes us all safer.But if the threat from Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program is eliminated, the driving force for missile defense in Europe will be eliminated, and that is in our mutual interests.成功地执行这些规则有助于消除产生分歧的根源。我知道俄罗斯反对在欧洲部署导弹防御系统的计划。为了加强美国、欧洲和全世界的安全，本届政府正在审议有关计划。我已明确表示，这个系统的目的在于防止可能来自伊朗的袭击，与俄罗斯无关。事实上，我希望与俄罗斯在导弹防御框架的问题上相互合作，从而加强我们大家的安全。但一旦排除了来自伊朗核计划和弹道导弹计划的威胁，在欧洲部署导弹防御系统的驱动力将不再存在。这符合我们的共同利益。

Now, in addition to securing the world's most dangerous weapons, a second area where America has a critical national interest is in isolating and defeating violent extremists.除了限制全世界最危险的武器之外，美国具有重大国家利益的第二个问题是孤立并战胜暴力极端主义分子。

For years, al Qaeda and its affiliates have defiled a great religion of peace and justice, and ruthlessly murdered men, women and children of all nationalities and faiths.Indeed, above all, they have murdered Muslims.And these extremists have killed in Amman and Bali;Islamabad and Kabul;and they have the blood of Americans and Russians on their hands.They're plotting to kill more of our people, and they benefit from safe havens that allow them to train and operate--particularly along the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan.多年来，“基地”组织及其附庸亵渎了一个代表和平与正义的伟大宗教，残酷无情地杀害各种国籍和各种信仰的男子、妇女和儿童。尤其值得注意的是，他们甚至也杀害穆斯林。这些极端主义分子在安曼和巴厘岛杀人；在伊斯兰堡和喀布尔杀人；他们的手上也沾满美国人和俄罗斯人的血。他们正在密谋杀害我们更多的人民，他们得到一些安全庇护所，在那里进行训练和活动──特别是在巴基斯坦和阿富汗边境地区。

And that's why America has a clear goal: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan.We seek no bases, nor do we want to control these nations.Instead, we want to work with international partners, including Russia, to help Afghans and Pakistanis advance their own security and prosperity.And that's why I'm pleased that Russia has agreed to allow the United States to supply our coalition forces through your territory.Neither America nor Russia has an interest in an Afghanistan or Pakistan governed by the Taliban.It's time to work together on behalf of a different future--a future in which we leave behind the great game of the past and the conflict of the present;a future in which all of us contribute to the security of Central Asia.正是因为如此，美国有一个明确的目标：瓦解、捣毁和击败“基地”组织及其在阿富汗和巴基斯坦的同夥。我们不谋求建立基地，也不希望控制这些国家。相反，我们希望与国际夥伴相互合作，其中包括俄罗斯，帮助阿富汗和巴基斯坦促进其安全与繁荣。正是因为这个原因，我对俄罗斯允许美国经贵国领土为我们的盟军运送物资感到高兴。无论美国还是俄罗斯，均不希望看到塔利班统治阿富汗或巴基斯坦。现在，我们应该为实现另一种前途携手努力 ── 我们不再进行以往的大规模竞赛，同时努力解决当前的冲突，让我们都为中亚的安全做贡献。

Now, beyond Afghanistan, America is committed to promoting the opportunity that will isolate extremists.We are helping the Iraqi people build a better future, and leaving Iraq to the Iraqis.We're pursuing the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living in peace and security.We're partnering with Muslim communities around the world to advance education, health, and economic development.In each of these endeavors, I believe that the Russian people share our goals, and will benefit from success--and we need to partner together.现在，在阿富汗之外，美国还致力于争取更多的机会孤立极端主义分子。我们正在帮助伊拉克人民建设更美好的未来，将伊拉克交由伊拉克人自己治理。我们正在寻求实现以色列和巴勒斯坦两个国家在和平与安全的环境中共存的目标。我们正在与世界各地的穆斯林进行伙伴合作，以推进教育、卫生和经济发展。在每一项努力中，我相信俄罗斯人民都与我们有共同的目标，并将从成功中获益──为此，我们需要结成伙伴关系。

Now, in addition to these security concerns, the third area that I will discuss is America's interest in global prosperity.And since we have so many economists and future businessmen and women in the room, I know this is of great interest to you.现在，除了这些安全问题之外，我将谈论的第三方面的问题是美国对全球繁荣的关注。今天有如此众多的经济学家和未来的工商界人士在场，我知道这是你们很关心的问题。

We meet in the midst of the worst global recession in a generation.I believe that the free market is the greatest force for creating and distributing wealth that the world has known.But wherever the market is allowed to run rampant--through excessive risk-taking, a lack of regulation, or corruption--then all are endangered, whether we live on the Mississippi or on the Volga.我们在此会见，正值全球陷入这一代人最严重的衰退。我认为，自由市场众所周知是创造和分配全球财富的最强大的力量。但是，无论在什么地方，如果市场不受任何约束──因承担过度的风险，缺乏监管或腐败──那么一切都会受到威胁，不论我们居住在密西西比河(Mississippi)流域，还是伏尔加(Volga)河畔。

In America, we're now taking unprecedented steps to jumpstart our economy and reform our system of regulation.But just as no nation can wall itself off from the consequences of a global crisis, no one can serve as the sole engine of global growth.You see, during your lives, something fundamental has changed.And while this crisis has shown us the risks that come with change, that risk is overwhelmed by opportunity.在美国，我们现在正在采取前所未有的步骤，刺激经济回升，改革我们的监管体制。但是，如同没有任何国家能够在全球危机中独善其身一样，没有任何国家能够单独成为全球发展的动力。你们看，你们生活中发生了某种根本性的变化。虽然这场危机显示出变化带来的风险，但是机会远大于风险。Think of what's possible today that was unthinkable two decades ago.A young woman with an Internet connection in Bangalore, India can compete with anybody anywhere in the world.An entrepreneur with a start-up company in Beijing can take his business global.An NES professor in Moscow can collaborate with colleagues at Harvard or Stanford.That's good for all of us, because when prosperity is created in India, that's a new market for our goods;when new ideas take hold in China, that pushes our businesses to innovate;when new connections are forged among people, all of us are enriched.想想有多少在今天可能、而在20年前却不可思议的事。一位印度班加罗尔（Bangalore）的女青年可以通过互联网与世界上的任何人竞争。一位在北京创立公司的实业家可以让生意走向世界。一位在莫斯科的新经济学院教授可以与哈佛或斯坦福的同行展开合作。这些对我们所有人有益，因为当印度出现繁荣，我们的商品能有新市场；当新思维在中国扎根，它促使我们的商界创新；当人与人之间建立起新的关系，它丰富开阔了我们所有人。

There is extraordinary potential for increased cooperation between Americans and Russians.We can pursue trade that is free and fair and integrated with the wider world.We can boost investment that creates jobs in both our countries, we can forge partnerships on energy that tap not only traditional resources, like oil and gas, but new sources of energy that will drive growth and combat climate change.All of that, Americans and Russians can do together.美国人和俄罗斯人之间有着扩大合作的巨大潜能。我们可以发展自由、公平的贸易，与世界更广大地区融合；我们可以推动投资，给两国创造就业机会；我们可以在能源领域发展伙伴关系，不仅调动石油和天然气等传统资源，而且开发新能源，带动增长，应对气候变化。对所有这一切，美国人和俄罗斯人都可以进行合作。Now, government can promote this cooperation, but ultimately individuals must advance this cooperation, because the greatest resource of any nation in the 21st century is you.It's people;it's young people especially.And the country which taps that resource will be the country that will succeed.That success depends upon economies that function within the rule of law.As President Medvedev has rightly said, a mature and effective legal system is a condition for sustained economic development.People everywhere should have the right to do business or get an education without paying a bribe.Whether they are in America or Russia or Africa or Latin America, that's not a American idea or a Russian idea--that's how people and countries will succeed in the 21st century.然而，政府虽能够倡导这些合作，但最终还要靠每一个人来发展合作，因为对任何一个国家来说，21世纪的最宝贵资源是你们──是人；特别是年轻人。调动这项资源的国家将是一个成功的国家。而成功要基于在法治中运作的经济。正如梅德韦杰夫总统所正确指出的，成熟和有效的法律体制是经济持续发展的条件。人们在任何地方都应享有不靠行贿而经商或求学的权利，无论他们是在美国、在俄罗斯、在非洲、还是在拉丁美洲。这并不是美国的理念或俄罗斯的理念──这是人以及国家在21世纪的成功之路。

And this brings me to the fourth issue that I will discuss--America's interest in democratic governments that protect the rights of their people.接下来我准备讲述的第四个问题是，保护本国人民权利的民主政府体现了美国的利益。

By no means is America perfect.But it is our commitment to certain universal values which allows us to correct our imperfections, to improve constantly, and to grow stronger over time.Freedom of speech and assembly has allowed women, and minorities, and workers to protest for full and equal rights at a time when they were denied.The rule of law and equal administration of justice has busted monopolies, shut down political machines that were corrupt, ended abuses of power.Independent media have exposed corruption at all levels of business and government.Competitive elections allow us to change course and hold our leaders accountable.If our democracy did not advance those rights, then I, as a person of African ancestry, wouldn't be able to address you as an American citizen, much less a President.Because at the time of our founding, I had no rights--people who looked like me.But it is because of that process that I can now stand before you as President of the United States.美国并非十全十美。但正是因为我们坚持某些普遍的价值观，我们才有可能弥补不足之处，不断努力改进，假以时日即可愈益强大。由于倡导言论自由和集会自由，妇女、少数族裔和工人可以在自己的权利被剥夺的时候为获得全部的平等权利进行抗争。由于实行法治和司法平等，垄断被打破，腐败的政治机器被关闭，滥用权力的行为被制止。由于存在独立的媒体，工商业和政府的各级腐败行为被公之于众。由于采取竞选制度，我们可以改弦易辙，责成领导人忠于职守。如果我国的民主没有发挥促进这些权利的作用，那么我本人作为非洲裔的后代，就不可能以美国公民的身份向你们发表讲话，更不可能以美国总统的身份站在这里。在我国建国之初，我还没有什么权利——指当年和我类似的人们。但正是因为经历了这样的过程，现在我可以作为美国总统站在你们面前。

So around the world, America supports these values because they are moral, but also because they work.The arc of history shows that governments which serve their own people survive and thrive;governments which serve only their own power do not.Governments that represent the will of their people are far less likely to descend into failed states, to terrorize their citizens, or to wage war on others.Governments that promote the rule of law, subject their actions to oversight, and allow for independent institutions are more dependable trading partners.And in our own history, democracies have been America's most enduring allies, including those we once waged war with in Europe and Asia--nations that today live with great security and prosperity.因此，在世界各地，美国支持这些价值观，因为它们是道义的，也因为它们是有效的。历史的轨迹显示，为民服务的政府生存壮大；为自身谋利的政府则非如此。代表民意的政府很少会导致国家堕落衰败或恫吓公民、挑起战争。那些促进法治、接受监督、容许独立机构的政府是更为可靠的贸易伙伴。在美国自身历史上，民主国家一直是我们最持久的同盟，其中包括我们曾与之交战的欧洲和亚洲国家──这些国家如今享有极大的安全与繁荣。

Now let me be clear: America cannot and should not seek to impose any system of government on any other country, nor would we presume to choose which party or individual should run a country.And we haven't always done what we should have on that front.Even as we meet here today, America supports now the restoration of the democratically-elected President of Honduras, even though he has strongly opposed American policies.We do so not because we agree with him.We do so because we respect the universal principle that people should choose their own leaders, whether they are leaders we agree with or not.但让我明确这一点：美国不能够也不应该谋求将任何政府体制强加于任何国家；我们也不会擅自认为应该由哪个政党或个人主管国家。在这方面我们不是一向做得很理想。就在我们在这里聚会的今天，美国现在支持洪都拉斯民选总统复职，尽管他强烈反对美国的政策。我们这样做并不是因为我们赞同他。我们这样做是因为我们尊重这样一个普世原则，即应该由人民选择他们自己的领导人，无论我们对这些领导人赞同与否。

And that leads me to the final area that I will discuss, which is America's interest in an international system that advances cooperation while respecting the sovereignty of all nations.由此引到我要讨论的最后一个方面，即美国希望看到一个推动合作同时尊重所有国家主权的国际体制。

State sovereignty must be a cornerstone of international order.Just as all states should have the right to choose their leaders, states must have the right to borders that are secure, and to their own foreign policies.That is true for Russia, just as it is true for the United States.Any system that cedes those rights will lead to anarchy.That's why we must apply this principle to all nations--and that includes nations like Georgia and Ukraine.America will never impose a security arrangement on another country.For any country to become a member of an organization like NATO, for example, a majority of its people must choose to;they must undertake reforms;they must be able to contribute to the Alliance's mission.And let me be clear: NATO should be seeking collaboration with Russia, not confrontation.国家主权必须是国际秩序的根基。犹如所有国家应该有权选择自己的领导人一样，国家也必须有权保障自己边境的安全和制定自己的外交政策。这包括俄罗斯，也包括美国。任何割让那些权利的体制都将导致政治混乱。因此，我们必须将这一原则用于所有国家──其中包括像格鲁吉亚和乌克兰这样的国家。美国将绝不把安全机制强加于另一个国家。例如，任何国家要成为北约组织的一员都必须是基于其大多数公民的意愿；这些国家必须实行改革；它们必须能够为北约组织的使命贡献力量。让我明确表示：北约应该谋求与俄罗斯的合作，而不是对抗。

And more broadly, we need to foster cooperation and respect among all nations and peoples.As President of the United States, I will work tirelessly to protect America's security and to advance our interests.But no one nation can meet the challenges of the 21st century on its own, nor dictate its terms to the world.That is something that America now understands, just as Russia understands.That's why America seeks an international system that lets nations pursue their interests peacefully, especially when those interests diverge;a system where the universal rights of human beings are respected, and violations of those rights are opposed;a system where we hold ourselves to the same standards that we apply to other nations, with clear rights and responsibilities for all.在更广泛的层次上，我们需要增进在所有国家和人民之间的合作与尊重。作为美国总统，我要不懈地为维护美国的安全和推进美国的利益而努力。但是，没有任何一个国家能够独自应对21世纪的挑战或让世界按自己的意志行事。美国现在认识到这点，俄罗斯也是如此。正因为如此，美国所寻求的是一个能够让各国和平发展自身利益──尤其是当这些利益相异时──的国际体制；一个使普世人权受尊重、践踏人权行为受抵制的体制；一个我们将自己和其他国家一视同仁、所有国家都具有明确的权利与责任的体制。

There was a time when Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin could shape the world in one meeting.Those days are over.The world is more complex today.Billions of people have found their voice, and seek their own measure of prosperity and self-determination in every corner of the planet.Over the past two decades, we've witnessed markets grow, wealth spread, and technology used to build--not destroy.We've seen old hatreds pass, illusions of differences between people lift and fade away;we've seen the human destiny in the hands of more and more human beings who can shape their own destinies.Now, we must see that the period of transition which you have lived through ushers in a new era in which nations live in peace, and people realize their aspirations for dignity, security, and a better life for their children.That is America's interest, and I believe that it is Russia's interest as well.当年罗斯福(Roosevelt)、邱吉尔(Churchill)和斯大林(Stalin)可以通过一次会议改变世界。但那个时代已经结束。今天，全世界的情况更为复杂。在全球每一个角落，数十亿人民已经发出自己的声音，并寻求以自己的方式实现繁荣和自决。过去20多年来，我们亲眼目睹了市场的发达、财富的扩展和利用技术进行建设——不是为了毁灭。我们看见老一代人的仇恨归于消泯，人与人之间想像中的差异逐渐淡薄和消逝；我们看见人类的未来掌握在越来越多能够决定自己命运的人手中。现在，我们应该看见，你们经历的过渡时期正迎来一个新时代，世界各国可以和平相处，各国人民也可以实现对尊严、安全和为子孙后代改善生活的渴望。这正是美国的利益所在。我相信，这也是俄罗斯的利益所在。

I know that this future can seem distant.Change is hard.In the words of that NES student back in 1993, the real world is not so rational as on paper.But think of the change that has unfolded with the passing of time.One hundred years ago, a czar ruled Russia, and Europe was a place of empire.When I was born, segregation was still the law of the land in parts of America, and my father's Kenya was still a colony.When you were born, a school like this would have been impossible, and the Internet was only known to a privileged few.我知道，这样的未来似乎还很遥远。变革并非轻而易举。正如新经济学院的那位学生在1993年所说的，现实的世界并不像书本上那样理性。但是不妨想一想过去已经发生的变革。一百年前，俄罗斯还在受沙皇的统治。整个欧洲仍然是帝国的天下。我出生的时候，种族隔离在美国部份地区仍属当地合法的行为。我父亲的原籍肯尼亚(Kenya)还是别国的殖民地。你们刚出生的时候，还不可能建立这样一个学院，同时只有少数有条件的人知道因特网。

You get to decide what comes next.You get to choose where change will take us, because the future does not belong to those who gather armies on a field of battle or bury missiles in the ground;the future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create.That is the source of power in this century.And given all that has happened in your two decades on Earth, just imagine what you can create in the years to come.你们必须确定下一步怎么走。你们必须选择变革引导我们前进的方向，因为未来不属于在战场上调兵遣将的人，也不属于在地面上安置导弹的人；未来属于有教养的、充满想象力开创新天地的年轻一代。这才是这个世纪力量的源泉。考虑到你们这一代20多年来全世界发生的一切变化，不妨想一想你们在今后的年代可以有哪些开创性的作为。

Every country charts its own course.Russia has cut its way through time like a mighty river through a canyon, leaving an indelible mark on human history as it goes.As you move this story forward, look to the future that can be built if we refuse to be burdened by the old obstacles and old suspicions;look to the future that can be built if we partner on behalf of the aspirations we hold in common.Together, we can build a world where people are protected, prosperity is enlarged, and our power truly serves progress.And it is all in your hands.Good luck to all of you.Thank you very much.(Applause.)每一个国家都需要规划本国的道路。俄罗斯已经走过了岁月的征程，正如一条汹涌澎湃的大河穿越深深的峡谷，在身后留下了人类历史不可磨灭的印记。在你们继续奋进的道路上展望远大前程，只要我们抛弃历史的障碍和疑虑，不再背负沉重的包袱；展望远大前程，╗要我们为了实现共同的愿望相互合作。我们如果携手共进，完全可以建成能够保护人民，拓展繁荣和真正运用我们的实力不断进步的世界。愿上帝保佑你们大家一切顺利。多谢诸位。(掌声)

第五篇：奥巴马在父亲节讲话

奥巴马在父亲节讲话

“在我们建立我们生活所依附的岩石中，今天我们要记起来的是，最重要的岩石是家庭。我们须要认识到并予以肯定的是，每位父亲对这个基础能起多么关键的作用。父亲是教师和教练，他们是导师和生活角色的模范，是成功的榜样，亦是老推动我们走向成功的人。

“但如果我们坦诚的话，我们应该承认有太多的父亲不在其位——不在太多人的生活里，不在太多的家里。他们置他们的责任于不顾，表现得像小男孩而不是男子汉。我们许许多多家庭的基础也因此而变得更加薄弱了。

“你我都知道这种情况在非洲裔美国人的社会里多么真实。我们知道一半以上的黑人小孩住在单亲家庭里，这个数字比我们童年时代高出一倍。统计资料告诉我们：生活里没有父亲的孩子比较容易落入贫困或犯罪的可能性高出五倍；他们比较容易弃学的可能性高出九倍；比较容易关进监狱的可能性高出二十倍。他们比较可能出现行为问题，比较可能离家出走，比较可能成为青春发育年龄期父母。由于父亲的缺席，我们社会的基础变得更加薄弱。

„„

“但我们也需要家庭来抚育我们的子女。我们需要父亲们能认识到做父亲的责任并不终止于导致怀孕。我们需要他们认识到，不是有生孩子的能力，而是有抚养孩子的勇气才配称男子汉。

“我们需要帮助那些正在靠自己抚养孩子的母亲。她们送孩子上学，去上班，下午接孩子回家，再上一次班，做饭和准备午餐饭盒，付帐单，打点家务，以及种种需要双亲干的工作。许许多多的妇女正干着这些英勇伟大的工作，但她们需要支持啊。她们需要另一个家长。她们的孩子也需要另一个家长。唯有如此他们才有牢靠的基础，我们的国家也才有牢靠的基础。

“我知道身边没有一个父亲的苦处，当然我的处境没有像今天许多年轻人的处境那么不幸。虽然我的父亲在我两岁时就离开了我们，而我只从他所写的信和我家庭讲到他的故事中了解到他，但我比大多数无父的小孩都幸运。我在夏威夷长大，我有两个来自堪萨斯州的外祖父母，他们尽他们的一切帮我母亲抚养我和我妹妹，也帮她教导我们对人要有爱心、尊重和有责任感。我做错过许多不应做错的事，但我获得了许多改过自新的机会。虽然我们没有很多钱，但奖学金让我有机会上我们国家一些最好的学校。今天很多小孩未能获得这些机会。他们的生活中不容他们有犯错误而改过自新的机会。所以在这一点上我个人的故事与他们是不同的。

“尽管如此，我了解我母亲作为一个单亲所要付出的艰辛：有时候她吃力挣扎着清还账单；挣扎着给我们那些别的孩子有的东西；挣扎着扮演应该由双亲扮演的角色。我也知道因此我所要付出的艰辛。所以我多年前已下定决心要打破这个恶性循环——我下定决心，如果我一生中有何成就的话，我要作为我女儿的好父亲；如果我能给予她们任何东西的话，我要给她们那个她们能建立她们生活的岩石——那个基础。那将是我所能给予她们的最贵重的礼物。

“我在讲这些话时，我心里明白我是一个缺点多多的父亲——我知道我犯过错误并且将仍不断地犯更多错误；我希望我能比现在有更多时间在家陪伴我女儿和太太，可是又做不到。我心里明白这一切，因为纵然我们缺点多多，纵然我们困难重重，有某些教训是我们为父的应该尽可能地去亲历和总结的——不管我们是黑人或白人；富人或穷人；来自“南边”区（芝加哥南部较穷的住宅区）或来自富裕的郊区。

“第一个教训是给我们的子女做出一个绝佳的榜样，因为如果我们对他们抱有很高的期望，我们对自己也应该抱有同样高的期望。你有一个职业是件好事；有一个大学文凭更好一些。结了婚而又能跟孩子住在一起是再好不过了，但却不能只坐在家里而整个周末看电视的“体育中心”节目。许多孩子就是因为有这样的父亲而在电视机前成长起来的。作为父亲和家长，我们应该花更多时间在他们身上，帮他们完成作业，时不时让他们抛开电脑游戏或遥控器而捧上一本书。这就是我们要建立那个基础所应做的事。

“我们明白学校教育是孩子未来的关键。我们明白他们不再是只跟印地安那州的孩子竞争获取未来的好职业，而是跟印度、跟中国、跟世界各地的孩子竞争。我们明白为此所需的努力、学习和教育水平。

“你知道吗，有时候我去参加八年级（初中）毕业典礼，那里张灯结彩、花团锦簇、学生一个个礼服盛装。我在想，那只不过初中毕业呗。要想真正参与竞争，他们必须高中毕业，然后必须大学毕业，也许还得拿一张研究生文凭呢。在今天，只完成初中教育是竞争不过人的。让我们握一握他们的手，叫他们把屁股移到图书馆的座椅上吧！

“如果我们要把这种追求卓越的精神输进我们孩子脑里的话，就得靠作为父亲和家长的我们了。要靠我们告诉我们的女孩，别让你的自身价值被电视上的形象所操纵影响，因为我要你能做你最大的梦，去为之而奋斗。要靠我们告诉我们的男孩，收音机里的歌曲有美化暴力的可能，但在我家里我们的生活是为了美化成就、美化自尊、美化辛勤的劳动。让他们知道我们对他们抱有这些期望就全靠我们。这也就是说，我们自己也得达到这些期望的水平，我们在生活中也要做个追求卓越的榜样。

“第二个教训是，我们为父所应做的是传给我们孩子对人应有同感empathy的人生价值。不是同情，而是同感——即能设身处地地为人着想，将心比心；能透过别人的眼观世界。有时候我们是那么容易地执著于“我们”，而忘了我们相互之间所应承担的义务。我们的社会有这么一种文化（流行的看法），认为牢记我们相互之间所应承担的义务是一种软弱的表现，因此我们不应该对人表示关爱。

“但我们年轻的男孩女孩都会观察到这一切。他们会观察到你不理会或虐待你的妻子；会观察到你在家不为别人着想的表现；会观察到你的冷漠无情；会观察到你只为一己之私着想。所以，我们在学校或在街上会看到这些同样的行为表现是不足为奇的。这就是为什么我们必须以身作则来把同感和关爱这些人生价值传给我们的孩子。我们须要给他们做出这样的榜样——强者不是把别人击倒而是把别人扶起来，这才是强者。这就是我们为父的所应负起的责任。”

„„

接下去奥巴马谈到政府应如何帮助尽责的父亲和所应采取的措施。然后他接着说道： “我们应该采取这一切措施来为我们的孩子建立一个坚实的基础。但我们也必须明白，即使我们做到这一切，既使我们做父亲和家长的尽了我们的义务，即使华盛顿政府履其职责，我们在生活中仍然会碰到许多艰难的挑战。人将仍会有挣扎与痛苦的日子。风仍会在吹，雨仍会在打。

“因此最后我们为父的应总结的教训，也是我们可以传给我们孩子最贵重的礼物，就是希望这个礼物。

“我讲的希望不是空谈的希望——那种类似盲目的乐观主义或对问题不加考虑的盲干。我讲的希望是那种寄托于我们内心的精神——即坚信在逆境中我们只要愿意为之努力而奋斗，就会有更好的事在等待着我们。只要我们有这个信念啊。

“前一天我在威斯康星州的一个市政厅座谈会上回答问题。有一个年轻人举起手，我猜想他想问的是有关大学学费、能源问题或者也许有关伊拉克战争。但他不问这些，却很严肃地瞪着我问道：‘生活对你有何意义？’

“欸，我必须承认我对这个问题毫无准备。我当时开始回答得有点结巴，然后我停下来，想了一会儿就说道：

“我年轻的时候，我想到的生活就是关于我——我如何为自己在世界闯出一条路来，我如何取得成功，以及我如何获得我所要的东西。

“但现在，我的生活围绕着我的两个小女儿。我想到的是我要留给她们一个什么样的世界。她们应该生活在一个只有一小拨人富有而一大拨人为了生存而必须每天挣扎的国家吗？她们应该生活在一个依旧有种族歧视的国家吗？生活在一个由于她们是女孩而不能享有与男孩同样多机会的国家吗？她们应该生活在一个由于我们不能与其他国家有效地合作而被世人所讨厌的国家吗？她们应该生活在一个由于我们对气候所造成的不良影响而出现严重危机的世界吗？

“我所深刻认识到的是，你如果不愿意为我们的孩子——所有我们的孩子，作出一丁点贡献而留下一个更美好世界的话，生活就没有多大价值。哪怕这很困难，哪怕所要做的工作有多艰巨，哪怕在我们一生中所能做到的还远离目标甚远。

“这就是我们做父亲和做家长的最重大的责任。我们尝试，我们希望，我们尽力把我们的房子建在一个最坚实的岩石上。风吹雨打时，让风雨吹打房屋吧，我们坚信我们的主会领导我们，看着我们，保护着我们，带领着祂的孩子穿过暴风雨的极度黑暗而走向更美好未来的光明。这就是今天父亲节我为我们大家作的祈祷，也是我对我们国家将来所抱有的希望。原上帝保佑您和您们的孩子。谢谢大家。”

奥巴马在巴纳德学院毕业典礼上的讲话时间

第一篇：奥巴马在巴纳德学院毕业典礼上的讲话时间

第二篇：奥巴马巴纳德学院毕业典礼演讲

第三篇：奥巴马哥伦比亚大学巴纳德学院的毕业典礼演讲稿

第四篇：美国总统奥巴马在俄罗斯新经济学院毕业典礼上的演讲

第五篇：奥巴马在父亲节讲话

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