奥巴马关于气候变化的演讲词

第一篇：奥巴马关于气候变化的演讲词

1)Part one Thank you very much.Good morning.I want to thank the Secretary General for organizing this summit, and all the leaders who are participating.We are here for a common recognition that the threat from climate change is serious, urgent, and growing.Our generation’s response to this challenge will be judged by history.No nation, however large or small, wealthy or poor, can escape the impact of climate change.Rising sea levels threaten every coastline.More powerful storms and floods threaten every continent.More frequent droughts and crop failures breed hunger and conflicts.On shrinking islands, families are already being forced to flee their homes as climate refugees.The security and stability of each nation and all peoples--our prosperity, our health, and our safety--are in jeopardy.And the time we have to reverse this tide is running out.And yet, we can reverse it.John F.Kennedy once observed that “Our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man.” It is true that for too many years, mankind has been slow to respond or even recognize the magnitude of the climate threat.But this is a new day.It is a new era.2)part two And I am proud to say that we have done more to promote clean energy and reduce carbon pollution in the last eight months than at any other time in our history.We’ve proposed policies aimed at both increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks--a standard that will also save consumers money and our nation oil.We’re moving forward with our nation’s first offshore wind energy projects.We’re investing billions to capture carbon pollution so that we can clean up our coal plants.And just this week, we announced that for the first time ever, we’ll begin tracking how much greenhouse gas pollution is being emitted throughout the country.But though many of our nations have taken bold action, we did not come here to celebrate progress today.We came because there’s so much more progress to be made.We came because there’s so much more work to be done.It is work that will not be easy.As we head towards Copenhagen, there should be no illusions that the hardest part of our journey is in front of us.3)part 3 We seek sweeping but necessary change in the midst of a global recession, where every nation’s most immediate priority is reviving their economy and putting their people back to work.And so all of us will face doubts and difficulties in our own capitals as we try to reach a lasting solution to the climate challenge.But those rapidly growing developing nations that will produce nearly all the growth in global carbon emissions in the decades ahead must do their part, as well.Some of these nations have already made great strides with the development and deployment of clean energy.Still, they need to commit to strong measures at home and agree to stand behind those commitments just as the developed nations must stand behind their own.We cannot meet this challenge unless all the largest emitters of greenhouse gas pollution act together.There’s no other way.We must also energize our efforts to put other developing nations--especially the poorest and most vulnerable--on a path to sustained growth.These countries are already suffering from the warming planet--famine, drought, disappearing coastal villages, and the conflicts that arise from scarce resources.Their future depends not only on the growing economy but also on a cleaner planet.Because without clean water and fertile land to plant, it will do little to alleviate the poverty.4)part 4 Mr.Secretary, as we meet here today, the good news is that there’s finally widespread recognition of the urgency of the challenge before us.We know what needs to be done.We know that our planet’s future depends on a global commitment to permanently reduce greenhouse gas pollution.We know that if we put the right rules and incentives in place, we will unleash the creative power of our best scientists and engineers and entrepreneurs to build a better world.And so many nations have already taken the first step on the journey towards that goal.But the journey is long and the journey is hard.It’s a journey that will require each of us to persevere through setbacks, and fight for every inch of progress.So let us begin.For if we are flexible and pragmatic, if we can resolve to work tirelessly in common effort, then we will achieve our common purpose: a world that is safer, cleaner, and healthier;and a future that is worthy of our children.

第二篇：奥巴马演讲词

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

Issac: So, what do you think? Vicky: I thought it would have some simple sweet nothings.I didn’t expect it to be this heavy.Issac: Do you think it needs more terms of endearment? Maybe I should have called her “my love,” “my darling,” or “sweetheart.” Tell me the truth, do you think it’s too much? I don’t want to scare her off.Vicky: Well, I know you’re head over heels in love with her, but if I were you, I’d play it by ear.Give it to her when you feel the time is right.Issac: Okay, thanks.I’ll try to play it cool, for now.《纯正英语一分钟》第194课：Multiculturalism Multiculturalism is everywhere today.As the world gets smaller, multiculturalism becomes bigger.Few of us today live in towns in which there is only one culture.Today, we live in towns where we are surrounded by many other cultures.If we live in a city, we will see people from all over the world.Of course, some cities are more multicultural than others.New York is a real melting pot.It is called the most multicultural city on Earth.A city like Tokyo isn’t so multicultural.I think multiculturalism is a great thing.It’s fantastic walking out of your door and seeing other cultures.This didn’t happen when I was young.People didn’t understand other cultures.They didn’t even want to understand.I’m glad things are changing today.打赌

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

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

第三篇：奥巴马演讲词

奥巴马演讲词

2009年11月16日, 首次访华的美国总统奥巴马在上海科技博物馆与数百名中国学生对话

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good afternoon.It is a great honor for me to be here in Shanghai, and to have this opportunity to speak with all of you.I'd like to thank Fudan University's President Yang for his hospitality and his gracious welcome.I'd also like to thank our outstanding Ambassador, Jon Huntsman, who exemplifies the deep ties and respect between our nations.I don't know what he said, but I hope it was good.(Laughter.)奥巴马总统：你们好。能够有机会在上海跟你们大家交谈，我深感荣幸。我要感谢复旦大学的杨校长，感谢他的款待和热情的欢迎。我还要感谢我们出色的大使洪博培，他代表了我们两国之间的深远联系和相互尊重。我不知道他刚才说什么，但是希望他说得不错。（笑声）

What I'd like to do is to make some opening comments, and then what I'm really looking forward to doing is taking questions, not only from students who are in the audience, but also we've received questions online, which will be asked by some of the students who are here in the audience, as well as by Ambassador Huntsman.And I am very sorry that my Chinese is not as good as your English, but I am looking forward to this chance to have a dialogue.我今天准备先做一个开场白，但我真正希望做的是回答问题，不但回答在座的学生提出的问题，同时也回答从网上提出的一些问题，这些问题由在座的一些学生和洪博培大使代为提出。很抱歉，我的中文不如你们的英文，但我期待着这个和你们对话的机会。

This is my first time traveling to China, and I'm excited to see this majestic country.Here, in Shanghai, we see the growth that has caught the attention of the world--the soaring skyscrapers, the bustling streets and entrepreneurial activity.And just as I'm impressed by these signs of China's journey to the 21st century, I'm eager to see those ancient places that speak to us from China's distant past.Tomorrow and the next day I hope to have a chance when I'm in Beijing to see the majesty of the Forbidden City and the wonder of the Great Wall.Truly, this is a nation that encompasses both a rich history and a belief in the promise of the future.这是我首次访问中国，看到你们壮丽的国家，我感到很兴奋。在上海，我们看到了全球瞩目的发展——高耸的大厦、繁忙的街道、创业的动态。这些都是中国步入 21世纪的迹象，让我感到赞叹。同时，我也期盼看到向我们展现中国悠久历史的古迹。明天和后天我会在北京，希望有机会看到壮观的故宫和奇迹般的长城。的确，这是一个既有丰富的历史，又对未来的希望充满信心的国家。The same can be said of the relationship between our two countries.Shanghai, of course, is a city that has great meaning in the history of the relationship between the United States and China.It was here, 37 years ago, that the Shanghai Communique opened the door to a new chapter of engagement between our governments and among our people.However, America's ties to this city--and to this country--stretch back further, to the earliest days of America's independence.我们两国的关系也是如此。毫无疑问，上海在美中关系史上是一个具有重大意义的城市。正是在这里，37年前发布的《上海公报》（Shanghai Communique）开启了我们两国政府和两国人民接触交往的新篇章。然而，美国与这个城市以及这个国家的纽带可以追溯到更久远的过去，直至美国独立初期。

In 1784, our founding father, George Washington, commissioned the Empress of China, a ship that set sail for these shores so that it could pursue trade with the Qing Dynasty.Washington wanted to see the ship carry the flag around the globe, and to forge new ties with nations like China.This is a common American impulse--the desire to reach for new horizons, and to forge new partnerships that are mutually beneficial.1784年，我们的建国之父乔治·华盛顿主持了“中国女皇号”（Empress of China）的下水仪式。这条船前往中国海岸，寻求与清朝通商。华盛顿希望看到这条悬挂美国国旗的船前往世界各地，与像中国这样的国家缔结新的纽带。这是通常的美国人的愿望——希望达到新的地平线，建立新的、互利的伙伴关系。Over the two centuries that have followed, the currents of history have steered the relationship between our countries in many directions.And even in the midst of tumultuous winds, our people had opportunities to forge deep and even dramatic ties.For instance, Americans will never forget the hospitality shown to our pilots who were shot down over your soil during World War II, and cared for by Chinese civilians who risked all that they had by doing so.And Chinese veterans of that war still warmly greet those American veterans who return to the sites where they fought to help liberate China from occupation.在此后的两个世纪中，历史洪流使我们两国关系向许多不同的方向发展，但即使在动荡的岁月中，两国人民也抓住机会发展了深入的、甚至极不平凡的关系。例如，美国人民永远不会忘记，二战期间，美国飞行员在中国上空被击落后，中国公民冒着失去一切的危险护理他们。参加过二战的中国老兵仍然热情欢迎故地重游的美国老兵，他们曾经在那里作战，帮助中国从占领下获得解放。A different kind of connection was made nearly 40 years ago when the frost between our countries began to thaw through the simple game of table tennis.The very unlikely nature of this engagement contributed to its success--because for all our differences, both our common humanity and our shared curiosity were revealed.As one American player described his visit to China--“[The]people are just like us„The country is very similar to America, but still very different.”近40年前，简单的乒乓球比赛带来了两国关系的解冻，使我们两国建立起另一种联系。这种接触令人意外，但却恰恰促成了其成功，因为尽管我们之间存在许多分歧，但是我们共同的人性和共同的好奇心得以从中显现。正如一位美国乒乓球队员在回忆对中国的访问时所说：“那里的人民和我们一样„„这个国家和美国有许多相似之处，也有很大区别。”

Of course this small opening was followed by the achievement of the Shanghai Communique, and the eventual establishment of formal relations between the United States and China in 1979.And in three decades, just look at how far we have come.无须赘言，这个小小的契机带来了《上海公报》的问世，并最终促使美中两国在1979年建立正式外交关系。请看在此后的30年，我们取得了多么长足的进展。

In 1979, trade between the United States and China stood at roughly $5 billion--today it tops over $400 billion each year.The commerce affects our people's lives in so many ways.America imports from China many of the computer parts we use, the clothes we wear;and we export to China machinery that helps power your industry.This trade could create even more jobs on both sides of the Pacific, while allowing our people to enjoy a better quality of life.And as demand becomes more balanced, it can lead to even broader prosperity.1979年，美中贸易额约为50亿美元，今天，贸易额已经超过4000亿美元。贸易在许多方面影响着两国人民的生活，美国电脑中的许多元件以及我们身穿的服装都是从中国进口的，我们向中国出口你们的工业需要的机器。这种贸易可以在太平洋两岸创造更多的就业机会，让我们的人民过上质量更高的生活。随着需求趋于平衡，繁荣的范围将进一步扩大。

In 1979, the political cooperation between the United States and China was rooted largely in our shared rivalry with the Soviet Union.Today, we have a positive, constructive and comprehensive relationship that opens the door to partnership on the key global issues of our time--economic recovery and the development of clean energy;stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and the scourge of climate change;the promotion of peace and security in Asia and around the globe.All of these issues will be on the agenda tomorrow when I meet with President Hu.1979年，美中之间的政治合作主要立足于双方共同面对的竞争对手苏联。如今我们享有积极的、建设性的、全面的关系，为我们在当今时代的关键性全球问题上建立伙伴关系打开了大门，这些问题包括：经济复苏和清洁能源开发、制止核武器扩散和气候变化的影响、在亚洲及全球各地促进和平与安全。所有这些问题都是我明天与胡主席会谈的内容。

And in 1979, the connections among our people were limited.Today, we see the curiosity of those ping-pong players manifested in the ties that are being forged across many sectors.The second highest number of foreign students in the United States come from China, and we've seen a 50 percent increase in the study of Chinese among our own students.There are nearly 200 “friendship cities” drawing our communities together.American and Chinese scientists cooperate on new research and discovery.And of course, Yao Ming is just one signal of our shared love of basketball--I'm only sorry that I won't be able to see a Shanghai Sharks game while I'm visiting.1979年，我们两国人民的联系十分有限。今天，我们看到当年乒乓球队员的好奇心已经化为许多领域的纽带，中国留学生在美国的人数名列第二，而在美国学生中，学中文的人数增加了50%。我们两国有近200个友好城市，把我们的社区连接在一起。美中科学家合作进行新的研究与发现。而姚明是我们两国人民都热爱篮球的仅仅一个标志而已——令我遗憾的是，此行中我不能观看上海大鲨鱼队的比赛。

It is no coincidence that the relationship between our countries has accompanied a period of positive change.China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty--an accomplishment unparalleled in human history--while playing a larger role in global events.And the United States has seen our economy grow along with the standard of living enjoyed by our people, while bringing the Cold War to a successful conclusion.我们两国之间的关系相伴着一个积极变化的时期，这不是偶然的。中国实现了亿万人民脱贫，这一成就史无前例，同时，中国在全球问题中也在发挥更大的作用。美国在促使冷战顺利结束的同时，经济也取得了增长，人民的生活水平提高。

There is a Chinese proverb: “Consider the past, and you shall know the future.” Surely, we have known setbacks and challenges over the last 30 years.Our relationship has not been without disagreement and difficulty.But the notion that we must be adversaries is not predestined--not when we consider the past.Indeed, because of our cooperation, both the United States and China are more prosperous and more secure.We have seen what is possible when we build upon our mutual interests, and engage on the basis of mutual respect.中国有句名言：“温故而知新。”当然，过去30年中我们也曾遇到挫折和挑战，我们的关系不是没有分歧和困难。但是，“我们必然是对手”的概念并非是注定不变的——回顾过去不会是这样。由于我们的合作，美中两国都更加繁荣、更加安全。我们已经看到我们本着共同的利益和相互的尊重去努力所能取得的成果。

And yet the success of that engagement depends upon understanding--on sustaining an open dialogue, and learning about one another and from one another.For just as that American table tennis player pointed out--we share much in common as human beings, but our countries are different in certain ways.可是，这种接触的成功取决于理解，取决于继续进行开诚布公的对话，相互了解，相互学习。正如前面提到的那位美国乒乓球队员所说——作为人，我们有着许多共同之处，但是我们两国在某些方面存在着差别。

I believe that each country must chart its own course.China is an ancient nation, with a deeply rooted culture.The United States, by comparison, is a young nation, whose culture is determined by the many different immigrants who have come to our shores, and by the founding documents that guide our democracy.Those documents put forward a simple vision of human affairs, and they enshrine several core principles--that all men and women are created equal, and possess certain fundamental rights;that government should reflect the will of the people and respond to their wishes;that commerce should be open, information freely accessible;and that laws, and not simply men, should guarantee the administration of justice.我认为每个国家都必须规划自己的前进方向。中国是一个文明古国，文化深远。而美国相对而言是一个年轻的国家，它的文化由来自许多不同国家的移民以及指导我国民主制度的建国纲领所形成。这些纲领中提出了对人类事务的简单明了的瞩望，并包含了一些核心原则——不论男女人人生而平等，都享有某些基本权利；政府应当反映民意，并对人民的愿望作出回应；商贸应该是开放的，信息应该自由流通；司法保障应该来自法治而不是人治。

Of course, the story of our nation is not without its difficult chapters.In many ways--over many years--we have struggled to advance the promise of these principles to all of our people, and to forge a more perfect union.We fought a very painful civil war, and freed a portion of our population from slavery.It took time for women to be extended the right to vote, workers to win the right to organize, and for immigrants from different corners of the globe to be fully embraced.Even after they were freed, African Americans persevered through conditions that were separate and not equal, before winning full and equal rights.当然，我国的历史也并非没有困难的篇章。在很多方面，在很长的时间里，我们要通过斗争去实现这些原则对全体人民的承诺，缔造一个更趋完善的联邦。我们曾打过一场很痛苦的南北战争，将我国的一部分人口从奴役下解放出来。妇女获得投票权、劳工赢得组织权、来自世界各地的移民得到完全的接纳——这些都是经过了一段时间才实现的。非洲裔美国人即使在获得自由后依然生活在被隔离和不平等的条件下，他们经过不懈努力才最终赢得全面、平等的权利。None of this was easy.But we made progress because of our belief in those core principles, which have served as our compass through the darkest of storms.That is why Lincoln could stand up in the midst of civil war and declare it a struggle to see whether any nation, conceived in liberty, and “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” could long endure.That is why Dr.Martin Luther King could stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and ask that our nation live out the true meaning of its creed.That's why immigrants from China to Kenya could find a home on our shores;why opportunity is available to all who would work for it;and why someone like me, who less than 50 years ago would have had trouble voting in some parts of America, is now able to serve as its President.所有这些都不曾轻而易举。但是，由于我们对这些核心原则的坚定信念，我们取得了进步，这些原则指引我们冲过了最黑暗的风暴。这就是为什么林肯能在南北战争中挺身而出并宣布，这是一场考验一个孕育于自由之中、“忠实于人人生而平等这一原则”的国家能否永存的斗争。这也就是为什么马丁·路德·金博士能够站立在林肯纪念堂的台阶上，要求我们的国家实践自身信仰的真正含义。这也就是为什么来自从中国到肯尼亚的各国移民能够在我国的土地上安家；为什么所有努力寻求机会的人都能获得机会；为什么像我这种在不到50年前在美国的某些地方连投票都遇到困难的人，现在能够出任这个国家的总统。

And that is why America will always speak out for these core principles around the world.We do not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation, but we also don't believe that the principles that we stand for are unique to our nation.These freedoms of expression_r_r_r and worship--of access to information and political participation--we believe are universal rights.They should be available to all people, including ethnic and religious minorities--whether they are in the United States, China, or any nation.Indeed, it is that respect for universal rights that guides America's openness to other countries;our respect for different cultures;our commitment to international law;and our faith in the future.这就是为什么美国一直在全世界为这些核心原则而大声疾呼。我们不寻求把任何政治体制强加给任何别的国家，但是我们也不认为我们主张的这些原则是我们国家所独有的。表达自由和宗教信仰自由——获得信息和政治参与的自由——我们认为这些自由都是普世的权利，所有人都应当享有，包括少数民族和宗教少数派，不管是在美国、中国还是在任何其他国家。正是对普世权利的尊重指导着美国向其他国家开放，尊重各种不同的文化，致力于遵守国际法，并对未来抱有信念。

These are all things that you should know about America.I also know that we have much to learn about China.Looking around at this magnificent city--and looking around this room--I do believe that our nations hold something important in common, and that is a belief in the future.Neither the United States nor China is content to rest on our achievements.For while China is an ancient nation, you are also clearly looking ahead with confidence, ambition, and a commitment to see that tomorrow's generation can do better than today's.这些都是你们应当了解的美国的情况。我也知道中国有很多有待我们了解的情况。环顾一下这座伟大的城市——环顾一下这个大厅——我确信我们两个国家有一个很重要的共同点，那就是我们对未来的信念。美国和中国都不想满足于已取得的成就，止步不前。虽然中国是一个古老的国家，但你们显然也对未来满怀信心、雄心和使年轻一代能比这一代人更有作为的决心。

In addition to your growing economy, we admire China's extraordinary commitment to science and research--a commitment borne out in everything from the infrastructure you build to the technology you use.China is now the world's largest Internet user--which is why we were so pleased to include the Internet as a part of today's event.This country now has the world's largest mobile phone network, and it is investing in the new forms of energy that can both sustain growth and combat climate change--and I'm looking forward to deepening the partnership between the United States and China in this critical area tomorrow.But above all, I see China's future in you--young people whose talent and dedication and dreams will do so much to help shape the 21st century.我们不但钦佩中国日益增长的经济，还赞赏你们在科学研究方面极不平凡的努力——从你们建设的基础设施到你们使用的技术，均体现出这种努力。中国现在是世界上最大的互联网使用国——这也是我们今天很高兴能把互联网作为此次活动的一部分的原因。这个国家目前拥有世界上最大的移动电话网络，它正在投资发展既能维持可持续增长，又能应对气候变化的新型能源——我期待着明天在这个至关重要的领域中深化两国的合作关系。然而，最重要的是，我在你们身上看到了中国的未来 ——年轻一代的聪明才智、献身精神和梦想将为塑造21世纪发挥巨大作用。

I've said many times that I believe that our world is now fundamentally interconnected.The jobs we do, the prosperity we build, the environment we protect, the security that we seek--all of these things are shared.And given that interconnection, power in the 21st century is no longer a zero-sum game;one country's success need not come at the expense of another.And that is why the United States insists we do not seek to contain China's rise.On the contrary, we welcome China as a strong and prosperous and successful member of the community of nations--a China that draws on the rights, strengths, and creativity of individual Chinese like you.我已说过多次，我相信我们现在的世界是紧密相连的。我们所做的工作，我们所建设的繁荣，我们所保护的环境，以及我们所寻求的安全——所有这一切都是共有的。鉴于这种相互联系，在21世纪，权力不应再成为一场零和游戏；一国的成功发展不应以他国为代价。这也就是为什么美国坚决表示我们不谋求遏制中国的崛起。恰恰相反，我们欢迎中国成为国际社会中一个强大、繁荣、成功的成员——一个从你们这样的每个中国人的权利、实力和创造力中获得力量的中国。

To return to the proverb--consider the past.We know that more is to be gained when great powers cooperate than when they collide.That is a lesson that human beings have learned time and again, and that is the example of the history between our nations.And I believe strongly that cooperation must go beyond our government.It must be rooted in our people--in the studies we share, the business that we do, the knowledge that we gain, and even in the sports that we play.And these bridges must be built by young men and women just like you and your counterparts in America.回到前面提到的那句古语——回顾过去。我们知道，大国之间选择合作而非对抗会带来更大的惠益。这是人类不断汲取的一个教训，我们两国的关系史中也不乏其例。我深信，合作必须不止于政府间的合作。合作必须植根于我们的人民——植根于我们共同进行的研究，我们的商贸活动，我们所学到的知识，乃至我们的体育运动。这些桥梁必须由你们这样的年轻人和美国的年轻人共同构筑。

That's why I'm pleased to announce that the United States will dramatically expand the number of our students who study in China to 100,000.And these exchanges mark a clear commitment to build ties among our people, as surely as you will help determine the destiny of the 21st century.And I'm absolutelyconfident that America has no better ambassadors to offer than our young people.For they, just like you, are filled with talent and energy and optimism about the history that is yet to be written.因此，我高兴地宣布，美国准备将在中国留学的美国学生人数大幅度增加到10万人。这种交流是对在我们两国人民之间建立联系的明确承诺，毫无疑问，你们将帮助决定21世纪的命运。我完全相信，对美·来说，再好的使者莫过于我们的年轻人。因为他们和你们一样，才华横溢，充满活力，对有待书写的历史篇章充满乐观。

So let this be the next step in the steady pursuit of cooperation that will serve our nations, and the world.And if there's one thing that we can take from today's dialogue, I hope that it is a commitment to continue this dialogue going forward.那么，就让这个举措成为我们稳步寻求合作的下一个步骤，这种合作有利于我们两国乃至整个世界。如果能从今天的对话中得到一点启示的话，我希望那就是致力于今后继续进行这种对话。

So thank you very much.And I look forward now to taking some questions from all of you.Thank you very much.(Applause.)非常感谢诸位。现在我希望回答你们大家提出的一些问题。非常感谢。（掌声。）

第四篇：奥巴马演讲词

Good evening.Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.晚上好。今天晚上，我终于能向美国人民和全世界宣布，美国指挥的一项行动已经将基地组织的头目奥萨马·本·拉登击毙，他要为成千上万美国无辜的男人女人和儿童的死亡负责。

It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history.The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory--hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky;the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground;black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon;the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.那个阳光明媚的九月被美国有史以来遭受的最惨重的恐怖袭击遮蔽，距今就要十年了。911事件的情景一直留在全国人民的记忆中——被劫持的飞机划过万里无云的九月晴空；双子塔轰然倒塌；五角大楼冒出浓浓黑烟；93航班上英勇的乘客们为了挽救更多无辜生命采取行动让飞机坠毁在宾夕法尼亚。

And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world.The empty seat at the dinner table.Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father.Parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace.Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.然而，我们知道，最惨痛的景象是那些无法展示在世人面前的。餐桌边空空的座位，孩子们不得不在没有父母的环境下成长。父母们再也感受不到孩子们的拥抱。我们的身边被夺走了将近3000个生命，在我们的心中留下沉痛的悲伤。

On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together.We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood.We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country.On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family.2001年9月11日，在我们悲伤的时刻，美国人民团结在一起了。我们向邻居们伸出援手，我们向伤者捐出献血，我们重新确认了彼此之间的羁绊以及我们对社区和国家的爱。在那一天，不管我们来自何方、信仰什么宗教、属于什么种族，我们都被紧紧联系在了美国这个大家庭里。

We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice.We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda--an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe.And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies.在保护我们的国家，给那些应该对这起恶性攻击负责的人以正义制裁的决心面前，我们也万众一心。很快我们就意识到911恐怖袭击是由基地组织策划的，这个组织的头目就是奥萨马·本·拉登，他曾经公开对美国宣战，在我们的国家和全世界都犯下了杀害无辜生命的罪行。于是，我们对基地组织开战，以保护我们的人民、我们的朋友和我们的盟友们。

Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort.We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense.In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support.And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.过去的十年里，在我们的军人和反恐专家们不懈而英勇的努力下，我们取得了巨大的成效。我们粉碎了恐怖袭击、加强了我们的国土安全。在阿富汗，我们击退了为基地组织提供安全避难和支持的塔利班政府。在全球，我们和朋友及盟友一起或抓住或击毙了数十名基地恐怖分子，其中包括一些911事件的始作俑者。

Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan.Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.然而奥萨马·本·拉登逃避了抓捕并在阿富汗和巴基斯坦边境逃窜。同时，基地组织也继续通过这条边境线以及世界的分支组织运行着。

And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network.所以，在上任之后，我命令中情局局长里昂·帕内塔把击毙或活捉本拉登当作我们和基地作战的头等大事，我们也仍在加强力量来瓦解、拆分和击溃他的联系网。

Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden.It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground.I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan.And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.然后，去年八月，在情报机构数年的辛勤工作之后，我得到本拉登的一份简报。那时还不能确认，我们花费了几个月的时间来确认这条线索，我和咱们国家安全小组的成员们不断的会面，我们得到了更多可能性的信息，把本拉登的藏身地锁定在了巴基斯坦很隐蔽的一个院子里。终于在上周，我决定我们已经有了足够的情报来采取行动，授权打击奥萨马·本·拉登，让他得到正义的制裁。

Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability.No Americans were harmed.They took care to avoid civilian casualties.After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.今天，在我的指挥下，美国发动了一项对巴基斯坦阿伯塔巴德的针对性打击。一小队美国人在超凡的勇气和能力下执行了这个任务，没有美国人受伤。他们很小心的避免了平民的伤亡。在一次交火后，他们击毙了奥萨马·本·拉登，将他绳之以法。

For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies.The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.在过去的二十年里，本拉登作为基地组织的头目和象征，一直在策划对我们的国家、我们的朋友和盟友们进行袭击。本拉登的死标志着我们国家在和基地组织的战斗中取得了重大的成就。

Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort.There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us.We must –-and we will--remain vigilant at home and abroad.然而，他的死并不意味着我们战斗的终止。基地组织无疑会继续寻求对我们的攻击。我们必须——也必将——在国内和国外保持高度警惕。

As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not –-and never will be-– at war with Islam.I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam.Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader;he was a mass murderer of Muslims.Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own.So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.同时，我们也必须重申，美国没有也永远不会向伊斯兰世界开展。我要清楚的表明，正如小布什总统在911不久后所说，我们的战争并不针对伊斯兰世界，本拉登也不是一个穆斯林领袖，他是杀害穆斯林教徒的凶手。基地组织在很多国家，包括我们自己的国家内确实屠杀了很多穆斯林教徒。所以，他的死亡应该受到所有相信世界和平维护人的尊严的人们的欢迎。

Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was.That is what we’ve done.But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding.Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.在过去数年，我也一直重申一旦我们确认拉登所在，我们可能在巴基斯坦境内采取行动，我们也是这么做的。但要特别拿出来说的一点是我们的反恐是在巴基斯坦的协作下找到本拉登和他的藏身之所的。本拉登也曾经对巴基斯坦宣战，也曾下命令攻击巴基斯坦人民。

Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts.They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations.And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.今晚，我给巴基斯坦总统扎尔达里打了电话，我的小队也和巴基斯坦相关人士通了话。今天对我们两国来说都是具有历史意义的好日子，在这一点上大家都达成了共识。

The American people did not choose this fight.It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens.After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war.These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded.美国人民没有选择战争，战争来到了我们的海岸，对我们的人民进行无意义的屠杀。经过近十年的服役、战争和牺牲，我们太知道战争的代价了。每当我作为三军统帅，必须要给那些失去了心爱之人以及那些遭受重大创伤的服役人员的家人写信的时候，种种艰难时时刻刻都压在我的心头。

So Americans understand the costs of war.Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed.We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies.We will be true to the values that make us who we are.And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror: Justice has been done.美国人民知道战争的代价。然而作为一个国家，我们永远都不能忍受国家安全受到威胁，或者在人民被杀的时候袖手旁观。我们会一直保护我们的居民、我们的朋友和盟友。我们会真实的面对这些代价。然后像今天这个夜晚，我们终于能对那些被基地组织夺去家人生命的家庭说：正义得到了伸张。

Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome.The American people do not see their work, nor know their names.But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.今晚，我要感谢数不清的情报人员和反恐专家们，正是你们不知疲倦的努力才有了这项成就。美国人民看不到他们的工作，也不知道他们的名字，但是今晚，他们会对自己的工作感到满足，他们对正义的追求得到了收获。

We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country.And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.我们感谢那些执行这项行动的人，这是他们服务国家的职业化、爱国主义和无可匹敌的勇气的明证。自从九月那天起，他们就成了背负最沉重负担的一代人。

Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores.最后，让我对那些在911事件中失去家人的家庭们说，我们永远不会忘记你们的损失，我们会采取任何措施来防止对我们国土的另一次袭击，这个承诺我们也永远不会动摇。

And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11.I know that it has, at times, frayed.Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.今晚，让我们回顾一下911那天我们的团结一心，我知道随着时间的流逝这种感觉已经渐渐淡去，但是今天的成就见证了我们国家的伟大和人民的坚不可摧。

The cause of securing our country is not complete.But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to.That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens;our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.我们保护国家的任务还没有完成，但是今晚，我们再次相信，美国人民可以完成任何我们下定决心完成的事情。这就是我们的历史：不管是对人民繁荣的追求、或是对人人平等的奋斗，我们传播我们的价值观的承诺以及我们为维护世界和平所作出的牺牲。

Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.让我们铭记，我们做这件事并不因为我们的财富或力量，而是因为我们自身：我们是在上帝之下，所有人都拥有自由和正义的不可分割的一个国家。

Thank you.May God bless you.And may God bless the United States of America.谢谢大家，愿上帝保佑你们，上帝保佑美国。

今晚，我可以向美国民众和全世界宣布，美国已经完成了消灭基地组织头目本-拉丹的行动，此人是屠杀数以千计无辜男女老少的恐怖分子。

将近十年前，9月一个阳光明媚的早晨，美国民众遭受了历史上最严重的袭击。9-11袭击的一幕幕在我国民众记忆中挥之不去。遭劫持的飞机划破了 9月云淡风轻的天空；世贸中心双子塔瞬间倒塌；黑烟从五角大楼滚滚上升；坠毁在宾夕法尼亚州尚克斯维尔的93号航班残骸，乘客们的英勇行为避免了更多惨剧和摧毁的发生。

然而我们知道，最惨痛的是那些未向全世界播出的画面：餐桌旁空空如也的椅子；失去父母的儿童们；再也无法体会孩子拥抱的父母们。将近3000名市民离开了我们，同时在我们心中留下巨大空洞。

2001年9月11日，在我们这个悲痛的时刻，全体美国人走到了一起。我们向邻居们伸出援手，为受伤者献血。我们相互之间的关系更加牢固，我们对社区和国家的爱更加浓烈。

在那一天，不管我们来自何处、不管我们向哪一位神灵祈祷，也无论我们的种族如何，我们都团结在一起，整个美国就像一个大家庭。我们有着共同的决心，即矢志保卫我们的国家，并把那些发动了这场邪恶袭击的人绳之以法。

我们很快查明，发动9-11袭击的是基地组织，该组织以奥萨马-本-拉丹为首，他们早已公开对美国宣战，并在我们国家和全球其他地方杀害无辜人民。为了保护我们的公民、我们的朋友以及我们的盟友，我们展开了针对基地组织的战争。

过去十年以来，得益于我们军队和专业反恐人员不知疲倦的英勇工作，我们在打击基地组织方面取得了巨大进展。我们挫败了多起恐怖袭击，强化了本土安全。

在阿富汗，我们推翻了向本-拉丹和基地组织提供庇护伞和支持的塔利班政府。在世界范围内，我们与友邦盟国共同合作逮捕或者击毙大量的基地组织恐怖分子，包括那些参与9-11袭击的。

但是奥萨马-本-拉丹逃脱了追捕，从阿富汗边境潜逃进入巴基斯坦。与此同时，基地组织继续在阿巴边境地区以及通过其分支机构在全球地区活动。

我就任美国总统后不久，就曾命令中央情报局局长莱昂-帕内塔把击毙或者抓捕本？拉丹作为打击基地组织战争的首要任务。我们也加强努力破坏、分解和打击拉丹的恐怖网络。

去年八月，在我们的情报部门历经数年的艰苦工作之后，我获悉已经有了本-拉丹的线索，尽管那时还远远无法确定。我们花费了数月才得以顺藤摸瓜。

我多次同国家安全人员会谈，也有更多信息锁定本-拉丹就藏在巴基斯坦的一座建筑内。

终于在上周，在我们有了充分的情报之后，我下令对奥萨马-本-拉丹采取行动，将他绳之以法。

今天，在我的指示下，美军对巴基斯坦阿巴德的一处目标实施了有针对性的行动。本次行动的执行者是一小队有着非凡勇气和能力的美国士兵，并没有造成任何美国人伤亡。双方交火后，美国士兵打死了奥萨马-本-拉丹，并且掌握了本-拉丹的尸体。

在过去的二十年里，本-拉丹一直是基地组织的头目和象征，并且不断地策划针对我们国家、朋友和盟友的袭击。

本？拉丹之死是我们在打击基地组织的努力中，迄今为止取得的最为重要的成就。

本？拉丹的死并不意味着我们工作的结束。毫无疑问，基地组织将会继续对我们实施攻击。因此，我们必须并且继续对国内外的情况保持警惕。

如我们做的那样，我们还必须重申美国没有也绝对不会对伊斯兰发动战争。正如小布什总统在9-11事件之后我曾经明确表示，我们的战争并非针对伊斯兰。本-拉丹并非一个穆斯林领袖，相反，他屠杀了大量的穆斯林人民。事实上，基地组织在包括美国在内的很多国家都屠杀了许多穆斯林。

所有爱好和平并相信人之尊严者都会为他的死而欢欣鼓舞。在过去的数年里，我一再重申，如果我们确认本拉丹在巴基斯坦境内栖身，我们将采取行动。我们这次就是这么做的。

这里我们必须指出同巴基斯坦在反恐上的合作在这次行动中帮助我们找到并确认了本拉丹的藏身之所。事实上，本-拉丹早已对巴基斯坦宣战并且命令采取行动袭击巴基斯坦人民。

今晚我已经同扎尔达里总统通了电话，同时我的同事也与巴基斯坦方面的相应官员进行了交流。我们一致认为今天对美巴两国人民来说都是一个值得纪念的日子。双方都同意未来巴基斯坦还将同美国一起展开针对基地组织及其分支机构的行动。美国人民并不想要这场战争，这一切都源于一场对美国本土无辜平民的无端残杀。10年的斗争和牺牲，使我们深切体会到这场战争的代价。

作为美国三军统帅，每次在给阵亡士兵家人的信上签名，每次看到被重伤军人的眼睛，我都感到沉重的压力。

美国人民清楚战争必然会有伤亡，知道战争必然要我们付出代价。但是作为一个国家，我们更是绝对不能容忍有人威胁我们的安全，也不能看着我们的人民被杀害还坐视不管。我们将坚持不懈地保护美国公民、朋友和盟友。我们将永远坚持那些我们所认可的价值。这个晚上，让我们对那些因基地恐怖分子而失去亲人至爱的家庭说，正义终于得到了伸张。

我们要感谢那些情报和反恐界的专业人士，正是他们孜孜不倦的工作才促成了今天的胜利。美国人民看不到他们的工作，也不知道他们的名字。但是在这个晚上，这些人能够真切地感受到付出得到回报、正义得以伸张的满足。我们还要感谢那些参与了这次行动的军人，他们是所有为国尽忠的士兵们的代表，展现出了专业、爱国和无可比拟的勇气。他们在9-11之后承担了最重的责任。

最后，我还要对那些在9-11恐怖袭击中失去至亲至爱的家庭说，我们从来没有忘记过你们的损失，我们也从来没有动摇所做出的承诺，那就是竭尽全力让国家免遭新的袭击。

这个夜晚，让我们重新回顾在9-11袭击发生后美国上下紧密团结的情景，我知道那种团结在有些时候已经淡化。但是今天的成就证明了美国的伟大和美国人的决心。

请记住，保卫我们国家的事业并没有终结。但是今天我们再次印证只要美国下定决心，这个国家想做的事情就一定能够实现。这是我们国家的历史：不管是为了人民的繁荣还是国民的平等，我们对全球传递美国价值观的承诺不变，我们为世界安全宁愿自我牺牲的承诺不变。

我们要牢记，做这些并仅是为了财富或者权势，而是因为我们生来如此，我们生来要为所有人争取自由和公正。

感谢你们，上帝保佑大家，上帝保佑美利坚合众国。

第五篇：奥巴马开学演讲词

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary ______________________________________________________________

_____________ For Immediate Release September 8, 2009

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

Wakefield High School Arlington, Virginia 12:06 P.M.EDT THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody!Thank you.Thank you.Thank you, everybody.All right, everybody go ahead and have a seat.How is everybody doing today?(Applause.)How about Tim Spicer?(Applause.)I am here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia.And we've got students tuning in from all across America, from kindergarten through 12th grade.And I am just so glad that all could join us today.And I want to thank Wakefield for being such an outstanding host.Give yourselves a big round of applause.(Applause.)I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school.And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it's your first day in a new school, so it's understandable if you're a little nervous.I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now--(applause)--with just one more year to go.And no matter what grade you're in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer and you could've stayed in bed just a little bit longer this morning.I know that feeling.When I was young, my family lived overseas.I lived in Indonesia for a few years.And my mother, she didn't have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school, but she thought it was important for me to keep up with an American education.So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday.But because she had to go to work, the only time she could do it was at 4:30 in the morning.Now, as you might imagine, I wasn't too happy about getting up that early.And a lot of times, I'd fall asleep right there at the kitchen table.But whenever I'd complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and she'd say, “This is no picnic for me either, buster.”(Laughter.)So I know that some of you are still adjusting to being back at school.But I'm here today because I have something important to discuss with you.I'm here because I want to talk with you about your education and what's expected of all of you in this new school year.Now, I've given a lot of speeches about education.And I've talked about responsibility a lot.I've talked about teachers' responsibility for inspiring students and pushing you to learn.I've talked about your parents' responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and you get your homework done, and don't spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with the Xbox.I've talked a lot about your government's responsibility for setting high standards, and supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren't working, where students aren't getting the opportunities that they deserve.But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, the best schools in the world--and none of it will make a difference, none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities, unless you show up to those schools, unless you pay attention to those teachers, unless you listen to your parents and grandparents and other adults and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.That's what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education.I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself.Every single one of you has something that you're good at.Every single one of you has something to offer.And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is.That's the opportunity an education can provide.Maybe you could be a great writer--maybe even good enough to write a book or articles in a newspaper--but you might not know it until you write that English paper--that English class paper that's assigned to you.Maybe you could be an innovator or an inventor--maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or the new medicine or vaccine--but you might not know it until you do your project for your science class.Maybe you could be a mayor or a senator or a Supreme Court justice--but you might not know that until you join student government or the debate team.And no matter what you want to do with your life, I guarantee that you'll need an education to do it.You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You're going to need a good education for every single one of those careers.You cannot drop out of school and just drop into a good job.You've got to train for it and work for it and learn for it.And this isn't just important for your own life and your own future.What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country.The future of America depends on you.What you're learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future.You'll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop new energy technologies and protect our environment.You'll need the insights and critical-thinking skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more fair and more free.You'll need the creativity and ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that will create new jobs and boost our economy.We need every single one of you to develop your talents and your skills and your intellect so you can help us old folks solve our most difficult problems.If you don't do that--if you quit on school--you're not just quitting on yourself, you're quitting on your country.Now, I know it's not always easy to do well in school.I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork.I get it.I know what it's like.My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mom who had to work and who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn't always able to give us the things that other kids had.There were times when I missed having a father in my life.There were times when I was lonely and I felt like I didn't fit in.So I wasn't always as focused as I should have been on school, and I did some things I'm not proud of, and I got in more trouble than I should have.And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.But I was--I was lucky.I got a lot of second chances, and I had the opportunity to go to college and law school and follow my dreams.My wife, our First Lady Michelle Obama, she has a similar story.Neither of her parents had gone to college, and they didn't have a lot of money.But they worked hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in this country.Some of you might not have those advantages.Maybe you don't have adults in your life who give you the support that you need.Maybe someone in your family has lost their job and there's not enough money to go around.Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don't feel safe, or have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren't right.But at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life--what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you've got going on at home--none of that is an excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude in school.That's no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school.There is no excuse for not trying.Where you are right now doesn't have to determine where you'll end up.No one's written your destiny for you, because here in America, you write your own destiny.You make your own future.That's what young people like you are doing every day, all across America.Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas.Jazmin didn't speak English when she first started school.Neither of her parents had gone to college.But she worked hard, earned good grades, and got a scholarship to Brown University--is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to becoming Dr.Jazmin Perez.I'm thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who's fought brain cancer since he was three.He's had to endure all sorts of treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took him much longer--hundreds of extra hours--to do his schoolwork.But he never fell behind.He's headed to college this fall.And then there's Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois.Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest neighborhoods in the city, she managed to get a job at a local health care center, start a program to keep young people out of gangs, and she's on track to graduate high school with honors and go on to college.And Jazmin, Andoni, and Shantell aren't any different from any of you.They face challenges in their lives just like you do.In some cases they've got it a lot worse off than many of you.But they refused to give up.They chose to take responsibility for their lives, for their education, and set goals for themselves.And I expect all of you to do the same.That's why today I'm calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education--and do everything you can to meet them.Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending some time each day reading a book.Maybe you'll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community.Maybe you'll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all young people deserve a safe environment to study and learn.Maybe you'll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn.And along those lines, by the way, I hope all of you are washing your hands a lot, and that you stay home from school when you don't feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter.But whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it.I want you to really work at it.I know that sometimes you get that sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work--that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star.Chances are you're not going to be any of those things.The truth is, being successful is hard.You won't love every subject that you study.You won't click with every teacher that you have.Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right at this minute.And you won't necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try.That's okay.Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who've had the most failures.J.K.Rowling's--who wrote Harry Potter--her first Harry Potter book was rejected 12 times before it was finally published.Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.He lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career.But he once said, “I have failed over and over and over again in my life.And that's why I succeed.” These people succeeded because they understood that you can't let your failures define you--you have to let your failures teach you.You have to let them show you what to do differently the next time.So if you get into trouble, that doesn't mean you're a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to act right.If you get a bad grade, that doesn't mean you're stupid, it just means you need to spend more time studying.No one's born being good at all things.You become good at things through hard work.You're not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new sport.You don't hit every note the first time you sing a song.You've got to practice.The same principle applies to your schoolwork.You might have to do a math problem a few times before you get it right.You might have to read something a few times before you understand it.You definitely have to do a few drafts of a paper before it's good enough to hand in.Don't be afraid to ask questions.Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.I do that every day.Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength because it shows you have the courage to admit when you don't know something, and that then allows you to learn something new.So find an adult that you trust--a parent, a grandparent or teacher, a coach or a counselor--and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals.And even when you're struggling, even when you're discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you, don't ever give up on yourself, because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.The story of America isn't about people who quit when things got tough.It's about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best.It's the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and they founded this nation.Young people.Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war;who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon.Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google and Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other.So today, I want to ask all of you, what's your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a President who comes here in 20 or 50 or 100 years say about what all of you did for this country? Now, your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions.I'm working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books and the equipment and the computers you need to learn.But you've got to do your part, too.So I expect all of you to get serious this year.I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do.I expect great things from each of you.So don't let us down.Don't let your family down or your country down.Most of all, don't let yourself down.Make us all proud.Thank you very much, everybody.God bless you.God bless America.Thank you.(Applause.)