第一篇:奥巴马就职演说的体裁分析
摘要:体裁分析是语篇分析发展的较高阶段,研究了不同体裁由于交际目的的不同而展现的不同的语言特点和语篇结构特点。美国总统就职演说是倍受瞩目的体裁,运用体裁分析的方法,可以帮助理解交际目的如何决定语言的特点,对理解语篇和写作实践都有一定的现实意义。
关键词:体裁;体裁分析;就职演说
体裁分析充分考虑语篇结构中的社会文化、心理语言因素,将语篇分析从描述扩展到解释[1],企图对一个专业社团拥有的特定语篇体裁在语法选择、语篇结构等方面作出解释。就职演说可以看作是演讲这一体裁的一个内嵌体裁。本文用布哈奇亚(Bhatia)有关体裁分析的相关理论,以奥巴马就职演说为例来研究其语言特点和语篇构成。
一、体裁与体裁分析
体裁(genre)一词来自于法语,是指以写实手法画出日常生活的风俗画。在现代语言学中,狭义的“体裁”有时是文体(style)的同义词,有广告体裁、新闻体裁等分类。布哈奇亚(1993)认为,体裁是可辨认的交际事件,不是一般的交际事件,而是一种内部结构特征鲜明、高度约定俗成的交际事件;在建构语篇时,我们必须遵循某种特定体裁所需要的惯例[2]。因此,体裁是交际目的的实现,表现了典型的认知结构。在同一研究体裁中,还分为大体裁(macro genre)和内嵌体裁(embedded genre)。体裁分析能帮助读者解析语篇的组织模式,从而挖掘特定语篇所具有的特定的客观认知结构[3]。根据布哈奇亚有关体裁分析的理论,体裁分析的操作步骤分为三个层次:语言特征、语言特征所体现的交际功能和语篇的结构特征。为了便于研究和陈述,对语言特征、语言特征所体现的交际功能的分析一般同时进行,然后分析语篇的结构特征。
二、演讲与就职演说
演讲是在公众场合下对各行各业的听众进行的一种活动,它是通过口头来表达的。演讲都是经过事先精心准备的,大多是有讲稿的讲话。演讲的传播途径是声音,演讲者通过说,听众通过听来进行交流[4]。
演说的种类主要是根据实践需要决定的,具体有求职演说词、竞聘演说词、就职演说词、述职演说词、先进事迹报告词、典型经验报告词、比赛演讲词、会议讲话稿、论辩词等。美国总统就职演说属于特定的交际事件,具有特定的交际目的和交际对象,在语篇结构、文体风格、社会功能等方面都具有特定的体裁特征,因此具有典型的形式特征和语境得体性[5]。美国总统就职演说可以看作是演说这一大体裁的内嵌体裁,既符合演讲的一般特征又具有其独特之处。美国当地时间2009 年1 月20 日上午12 点05 分美国当选总统、民主党人奥巴马(Barack Obama)在美国国会大厦西侧的露天平台上正式宣誓就任美国第44 任总统。宣誓就职后,奥巴马发表就职演说。一篇就职演说,展现的是奥巴马个人的政治素养与思想境界,背后也透露出民主党执政理念的影子与美国多数民众的心声心愿。本文运用体裁分析的理论和方法对这篇演说稿的语言特点和语篇结构进行分析。
三、奥巴马就职演说的语言分析
就职演说的交际功能决定了其在词语选用、句式和修辞等方面的特点。
(一)代词的使用
在就职演说中,演讲者要想得到听众的支持,就必须使听众感到亲切,拉近演讲者与听众的距离。这种微妙的社会关系影响了就职演说的语言风格。演讲者常用第一人称代词复数来实现这一目的。例如:That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood.Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.“we /our”的使用使得听众感受到自己和总统是站在一起的,总统和普通民众一起面对困难,解决问题,从而拉近距离,引起听众共鸣。
(二)表示价值观的词语 在美国总统就职演说中,重述美国的传统价值观以激励全国人民是不可缺少的一部分。奥巴马在就职演说中,对公民互助、奉献、牺牲精神进行了赞扬,重述了美国自由、平等、勤奋、诚实、勇气、爱国等价值观,因此honesty、courage、freedom 等词汇出现频率较高。例如,The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit;to choose our better history;to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.(三)表示时局的词语对国内外局势的描述和评价也是就职演说中必不可少的内容。奥巴马在演讲中,表达了自己对时局的判断:Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.Homes have been lost;jobs shed;businesses shuttered.Our health care is too costly;our schools fail too many;and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet。为了鼓舞国民的士气,增强克服困难的信心,奥巴马强调民生问题,因此,family、job、school、retirement 等具体反映百姓基本生活问题的词语也反复出现。另外,在提到国民时,多次使用men、women、Children、parents 等具有亲和力的词语,增加了演说的感情色彩。
(四)口语式语言的使用
演讲本身就是演讲者和听众的心灵对话,对话语言容易产生感情交流,口语式语言简单,句子短小精悍,通俗易懂,使演讲者话音一落,听众就能明白意思。例如:So it has been.So it must be with this generation of Americans.But know this, America: They will be met.All this we can do.And all this we will do.在奥巴马的就职演说中,这些短句往往出现在一段话的末尾,增强了演说的感染力。
(五)修辞手法反复使用
演讲的目的主要是激起听众的热情,获得听众的支持。由于大部分听众只是对演讲当时的内容感兴趣,不会在以后反复地听录音,所以即时效果就成了演讲成败的衡量标准,并且极大影响了演讲的内容和形式。在奥巴马的就职演说中,较为突出的特点是排比结构的使用。演说词中一些相同的介词结构、状语等结构放于句首形成排比,或相同结构的句子并列使用,突出了演说的效果。如:
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West;endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg;Normandy and Khe Sahn.This is the price and the promise of citizenship.This is the source of our confidence--the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed.此外,段首结构的排比使演说的表义更加清楚明了。例如,在提到对外政策时,介词短语To the Muslim world 和To the people of poor nations 并列使用,分别为一个话题的开始句,使听众很容易跟上演讲者的思路。
四、奥巴马就职演说的语篇结构分析
美国总统就职演说体裁的语篇结构为:确立总统身份;评价国内外局势;提出新一届政府的未来政策;开发传统的价值观;号召全民众协同努力以实现新任总统的政治抱负[6]。本部分对照此结构对奥巴马就职演说进行分析。
(一)确立总统身份
奥巴马作为一个非洲黑人移民的后代,能够当选成为美国总统,可以说是开创了美国的一个历史先河。在演说中,他首先表示了一下谦逊的品格,随后,表达了对选民的感谢以及对先辈的敬意,对布什总统也表达了感谢。
(二)评价国内外局势
在演讲中,奥巴马反复提到美国处于危机之中,并分析了造成危机的原因。奥巴马主张对市场加强监管,号召人们要重拾坚韧精神,靠自己的努力战胜危机。同时,列举国内外形势,如提到中东问题、阿富汗问题、石油问题等。奥巴马在谈论这些问题时不是客观的描述,而是带有强烈的个人政治观点。
(三)提出新一届政府的未来政策
就职演说的主要目的和内容是阐述新政府的主要政策。奥巴马就任之时美国国内和国外都遇到了困境,如何激起国民的士气,使国民对新政府充满信心是当务之急。奥巴马不仅表达了变革的决心,而且列举了美国历史上黑人为了自由和平等奋斗的历程以激励不同民族、不同种族、不同信仰的全国人民。
(四)开发传统的价值观
在就职演说中,新任总统不遗余力地试图激发公众的爱国情感并重新巩固传统的价值观念,如民族、自由、宗教、历史等[7]。奥巴马是美国第一任黑人总统,在美国历史上具有划时代的意义。因此,与以往总统就职演说不同,奥巴马运用黑人解放的历史事实来重申价值观。例如奥巴马提到蒙哥马利公车杯葛事件、伯明翰运动、塞尔马——蒙大拿和平大进军、马丁·路德·金博士等,这些都是美国黑人民权运动历史上的经典事件,进一步坚定了人们对美国梦实现的信心。
(五)号召全民众协同努力以实现新任总统的政治抱负作为演说的最后一部分,其主要目的是号召全民众协同努力。奥巴马反复使用代词we,动词let,构成“we do”句型和祈使句,向人民发出了呼吁。在结尾句使用freedom 和safely,迎合了美国人乃至全世界人民的心声。通过对奥巴马就职演说词汇和句法等方面的特点,我们可以欣赏到作为演讲体裁的内嵌体裁的就职演说的语言魅力。使用体裁分析的方法,可以帮助理解交际目的如何决定语言的特点。这对我们理解语篇和写作实践都有一定的现实意义。参考文献:
[1]章远荣.语篇的文体分析语域分析和体裁分析[J].山东外语教学,1997,(3).[2]Bhatia, V.K Analyzing Genre: language Use in Professional Setting [M].London: Longman, 1993.[3]秦秀白“.体裁分析”概说[J].外国语,1997,(6).[4]胡景凯.演讲文体的语言运用[J].教育艺术,2004,(12).[5]李晓云.美国总统就职演说的体裁分析[J].广东农工商职业技术学院学报,2007,(3).
第二篇:奥巴马就职演说全文
奥巴马就职演说全文(中英文版)
奥巴马手按林肯当年用《圣经》宣誓就任美总统
Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath.The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace.Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.So it has been.So it must be with this generation of Americans.That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood.Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.Homes have been lost;jobs shed;businesses shuttered.Our health care is too costly;our schools fail too many;and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics.Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our landthey will be met.On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things.The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit;to choose our better history;to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given.It must be earned.Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less.It has not been the path for the faint-heartedsome celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West;endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg;Normandy and Khe Sanh.Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life.They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions;greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.This is the journey we continue today.We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth.Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began.Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year.Our capacity remains undiminished.But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisionsnot only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth.We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together.We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost.We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.All this we can do.And all this we will do.Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitionsthat the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it worksto spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of dayand that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity;on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing hearteven greater cooperation and understanding between nations.We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet.We will not apologize for our way
of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken;you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindusknow that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history;but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow;to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders;nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect.For the world has changed, and we must change with it.As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains.They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service;a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves.And yet, at this momentit is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours.It is the firefighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.Our challenges may be new.The instruments with which we meet them may be new.But those values upon which our success dependsthese things are old.These things are true.They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.What is demanded then is a return to these truths.What is required of us now is a new era of responsibilitythe knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed-why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled.In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river.The capital was abandoned.The enemy was advancing.The snow was stained with blood.At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
“Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”
America.In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words.With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter;and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.奥巴马就职演讲
各位同胞:
今天我站在这里,为眼前的重责大任感到谦卑,对各位的信任心怀感激,对先贤的牺牲铭记在心。我要谢谢布什总统为这个国家的服务,也感谢他在政权转移期间的宽厚和配合。
四十四位美国人发表过总统就职誓言,这些誓词或是在繁荣富强及和平宁静之际发表,或是在乌云密布,时局动荡之时。在艰困的时候,美国能箕裘相继,不仅因为居高位者有能力或愿景,也因为人民持续对先人的抱负有信心,也忠於创建我国的法统。
因此,美国才能承继下来。因此,这一代美国人也必须承继下去。
现在大家都知道我们正置身危机核心,我国正在与四处蔓延的暴力和憎恨作战。我们的经济元气大伤——这既是某些人贪婪且不负责任的後果,也是大众未能做出艰难的选择,对国家进入新时代做准备不足所致。许多人失去房子,丢了工作,生意萧条。我们的医疗太昂贵,学校教育让人失望。每天都有更多证据显示,我们利用能源的方式壮大我们的对敌,威胁我们的星球。
这些都是得自资料和统计数据的危机指标。比较无法测量但同样深沉的,是举国信心尽失——持续担心美国将无可避免地衰退,也害怕下一代一定会眼界变低。
今天我要告诉各位,我们面临的挑战是真的,挑战非常严重,且不在少数。它们不是可以轻易,或在短时间内解决。但是,美国要了解,这些挑战会被解决。
在这一天,我们聚在一起,因为我们选择希望而非恐惧,有意义的团结而非纷争和不合。
在这一天,我们来此宣示,那些无用的抱怨和虚伪的承诺已终结,那些扭曲我们政治已久的相互指控和陈旧教条已终结。
我们仍是个年轻的国家,但借用圣经的话,摆脱幼稚事物的时刻到来了,重申我们坚忍精神的时刻到来了,选择我们更好的历史,实践那种代代传承的珍贵权利,那种高贵的理念:就是上帝的应许,我们每个人都是平等的,每个人都是自由的,每个人都应该有机会追求全然的幸福。
再次肯定我们国家的伟大,我们了解伟大绝非赐予而来,必须努力达成。我们的旅程从来就不是抄捷径或很容易就满足。这条路一直都不是给不勇敢的人走的,那些偏好逸乐胜过工作,或者只想追求名利就满足的人。恰恰相反,走这条路的始终是勇於冒险的人,做事的人,成事的人,其中有些人很出名,但更常见的是在各自岗位上的男男女女无名英雄,在这条漫长崎岖的道路上支撑我们,迈向繁荣与自由。
为了我们,他们携带很少的家当,远渡重洋,追寻新生活。
为了我们,他们胼手胝足,在西部安顿下来;忍受风吹雨打,筚路蓝缕。
为了我们,他们奋斗不懈,在康科特和盖茨堡,诺曼地和溪山等地葬身。
前人不断的奋斗与牺牲,直到双手皮开肉绽,我们才能享有比较好的生活。他们将美国视为大於所有个人企图心总和的整体,超越出身、财富或小圈圈的差异。
这是我们今天继续前进的旅程。我们仍旧是全球最繁荣强盛的国家。这场危机爆发时,我们的劳工生产力并未减弱。我们的心智一样创新,我们的产品和劳务和上周或上个月或去年相比,一样是必需品。我们的能力并未减损。但是我们墨守成规、维护狭小利益、推迟引人不悦的决定,这段时期肯定已经过去。由今天开始,我们必须振作起来,拍掉身上的灰尘,再度开始重塑美国。
我们无论朝何处望去,都有工作必须完成。经济情势需要大胆、迅速的行动,我们将有所行动,不光是创造新工作,更要奠定成长的新基础。我们将造桥铺路,为企业兴建电力网格与数位线路,将我们联系在一起。我们将让科学回归合适的用途,运用科技的奇蹟来提高医疗品质并降低费用。我们将利用太阳能、风力和土壤作为汽车的燃料和工厂的能源。我们将让中小学及大专院校转型,因应新时代的需要。这些我们可以作到。我们也将会作到。
现在,有人质疑我们的雄心,暗示说我们的体系无法承受太多的大计画。这些人的记性不好。因为他们忘记了这个国家已经完成的成就,当创造力朝同一个目标发展,不受约束的男男女女可以完成何等成就,必要的是勇气。
怀疑者无法理解的是他们的主张已经站不住脚,长期以来折磨我们的陈腐政治争议已经行不通。我们今天的问题不是政府太大或太小,而是有无功效,是否能帮助家庭找到薪水不错的工作,支付得起照顾费用,有尊严的退休。哪个方向能够提供肯定的答案,我们就往那里走。答案是否定的地方,计画就会停止。所有我们这些管理大众金钱的人都将负起责任,花钱要精明,改掉恶习,正大光明作事情,只有这样我们才能重建政府与人民间最重要的信任。
我们眼前的问题也不是说市场的力量是善或恶。市场创造财富和增加自由的力量无与伦比,但是这场危机提醒我们没有监督时,市场发展将失控,当市场只偏爱有钱人时,国家无法永续繁荣。我们经济成功的依据,不只是国内生产毛额的规模,还有繁荣可及的范围,以及我们将机会拓展给每个愿意打拚的人,不是因为施舍,而是因为这就是达到我们共同利益最稳健的途径。
至於我们的共同防卫,让我们必须在自由和理想之间作一抉择,是错误的,我们拒绝接受。我们建国诸父在我们难以想像的危难之中。拟具了确保法治和人权的宪章,被一代代以鲜血扩大充实的宪章。这些理想依然照亮这个世界,我们不会为了便宜行事而扬弃它。同样地,今日在观看此情此景的其他民族和政府,从最宏伟的都城到家父出生的小村庄,我要说:任何一个国家、男、女、和孩童,只要你在追求一个和平且有尊严的未来,美国就是你的朋友,我们准备再次带领大家。
回想先前的世代力抗法西斯主义和共产主义,靠的除了飞弹和战车之外,还有强固的联盟和持久的信念。他们知道单单力量本身不足以让我们自保,也不能让我们为所欲为。相反地,他们知道我们的力量因为谨慎使用而增强,我们的安全源自我们理想的正当性,我们所树立楷模的力量,以及谦逊和克制所具有的调和特质。
我们是这些遗产的保存者。在这些原则的再次指引下,我们可以面对那些新的威胁,这些威胁有赖国与国间更大的合作与谅解方能因应。我们将开始以负责任的方式把伊拉克还给它的人民,并在阿富汗建立赢来不易的和平。我们会努力不懈地与老朋友和昔日的对手合作,以减轻核子威胁,和地球的暖化。我们不会为我们的生活方式而道歉,也会毫不动摇地保护它,对那些想要藉由带来恐怖与杀害无辜以遂其目的者,我们现在告诉你,我们的精神强过你们,无法摧折,你们不可能比我们长久,我们必定打败你们。
因为我们知道,我们拼凑组合而成的遗产是我们的强处,而非弱点。我们是由基督徒和穆斯林,犹太教徒和印度教徒,以及非信徒组成的国家。我们由取自世界四面八方的各种语文和文化所形塑。而且由於我们曾尝过内战和种族隔离的苦果,并且在走出那黑暗时期之後变得更坚强和团结,这让我们不得不相信旧日的仇恨终究会过去,部族之间的界线很快就会泯灭。随着世界越来越小,我们共通的人性也会彰显,而美国必须扮演引进新和平时代的角色。
对穆斯林世界,我们寻求一种新的前进方式,以共同的利益和尊重为基础。那些想播植冲突并把自己社会的问题怪罪於西方的领袖,须知你的国民藉以判断你的,是你能建立什麽,而非你能毁坏什麽。那些靠着贪腐欺骗和箝制异己保住权势的人,须知你门站在历史错误的一边,而只要你愿意松手,我们就会帮忙。
那些穷国的人民,我们保证会和你们合作,让们的农场丰收,让清流涌入,滋补饿坏的身体,喂养饥饿的心灵。而对那些和我们一样比较富裕的国家,我要说,我们不能再对国界以外的苦痛视而不见,也不能再消耗世上的资源而不计後果。因为世界已经变了,我们也要跟着改变。
在我们思索眼前道路的此际,我们以谦虚感激的心想到,有些勇敢的美国同胞正在遥远的沙漠和山岭上巡逻。今天他们有话要对我们说,就和躺在阿灵顿(公墓)的英雄们世世代代轻声诉说的一样。我们尊荣他们,不只因为他们扞卫我们的自由,更因为他们代表着服务的精神;愿意在比自己更大的事物上找寻意义。而在此刻,能够界定一个世代的此刻,必须常驻你我心中的,正是这种精神。
即使政府能做和必须做,这个国家最终仍得靠美国人民的信念与决心。在堤防决堤时,是人们的善心,让他们招待陌生人。是工作人员的无私,让他们宁可减工时,也不愿看到朋友失业,陪伴我们度过最黑暗时期。是消防员的勇气,让他们冲进满是浓烟的楼梯间。是父母心甘情愿培育孩子,最终决定我们的命运。
我们的挑战也许是新的,我们迎接挑战的工具也许是新的,但我们赖以成功的价值观─辛勤工作和诚实、勇气和公平竞争、容忍和好奇心、忠实和爱国心─这些都是固有的。这些价值是真实的,是我们历史上进步的沉默力量。我们有必要找回这些真实价值。我们现在需要一个勇於负责的新时代,每一个美国人都体认到我们对自己、对国家、对世界负有责任,我们不是不情愿地接受这些责任,而是欣然接受,坚信没有什麽比全力以赴完成艰难的工作,更能得到精神上的满足,更能找到自我。
这是公民的代价和承诺。
这是我们信心的来源,体认上帝召唤我们创造不确定的命运。
这是我们的自由和信条的真谛,为什麽不同种族和信仰的男女老幼能在这个大草坪上共同庆祝,为什麽一个人的父亲在不到六十年前也许还不能进当地的餐厅用餐,现在却能站在你们面前做最神圣的宣誓。
让我们记住这一天,记住我们是谁、我们走了多远。在美国诞生这一年,在最寒冷的几个月,在结冰的河岸,一群爱国人士抱着垂死的同志。首都弃守,敌人进逼,雪沾了血。在那时,我们革命的成果受到质疑,我们的国父下令向人民宣读这段话:
“让这段话流传后世,在深冬,只剩下希望和美德,这个城市和这个国家,面临共同危险,站起来迎向它。”美国,面对我们共同的危险,在这个艰困的冬天,让我们记得这些永恒的话语。怀着希望和美德,让我们再度冲破结冰的逆流,度过接下来可能来临的暴风雪。让我们孩子的孩子继续流传下去,说我们受到考验时,我们拒绝让旅程结束,我们不回头,也不踌躇;眼睛注视着远方,上帝的恩典降临我们,我们带着自由这个伟大的礼物,安全送达未来的世世代代。
第三篇:奥巴马就职演说
Good afternoon.It is a great honor for me to be here in Shanghai, and to have this opportunity to speak with all of you.I'd like to thank Fudan University's President Yang for his hospitality(好客)and his gracious(有礼貌的,亲切的)welcome.I'd also like to thank our outstanding Ambassador(大使), Jon Huntsman, who exemplifies the deep ties and respect between our nations.I don't know what he said, but I hope it was good.(Laughter.)
What I'd like to do is to make some opening comments, and then what I'm really looking forward to doing is taking questions, not only from students who are in the audience, but also we've received questions online, which will be asked by some of the students who are here in the audience, as well as by Ambassador Huntsman.And I am very sorry that my Chinese is not as good as your English, but I am looking forward to this chance to have a dialogue.This is my first time traveling to China, and I'm excited to see this majestic(雄伟壮丽的,威严的)country.Here, in Shanghai, we see the growth that has caught the attention of the world--the soaring skyscrapers, the bustling(熙攘的)streets and entrepreneurial(企业家的,创业者的)activity.And just as I'm impressed by these signs of China's journey to the 21st century, I'm eager to see those ancient places that speak to us from China's distant past.Tomorrow and the next day I hope to have a chance when I'm in Beijing to see the majesty of the Forbidden City and the wonder of the Great Wall.Truly, this is a nation that encompasses both a rich history and a belief in the promise of the future.The same can be said of the relationship between our two countries.Shanghai, of course, is a city that has great meaning in the history of the relationship between the United States and China.It was here, 37 years ago, that the Shanghai Communique opened the door to a new chapter of engagement between our governments and among our people.However, America's ties to this city--and to this country--stretch back further, to the earliest days of America's independence.In 1784, our founding father, George Washington, commissioned the Empress of China, a ship that set sail for these shores so that it could pursue trade with the Qing Dynasty.Washington wanted to see the ship carry the flag around the globe, and to forge new ties with nations like China.This is a common American impulse--the desire to reach for new horizons, and to forge new partnerships that are mutually beneficial.Over the two centuries that have followed, the currents of history have steered the relationship between our countries in many directions.And even in the midst of tumultuous winds, our people had opportunities to forge deep and even dramatic ties.For instance, Americans will never forget the hospitality shown to our pilots who were shot down over your soil during World War II, and cared for by Chinese civilians who risked all that they had by doing so.And Chinese veterans of that war still warmly greet those American veterans who return to the sites where they fought to help liberate China from occupation.A different kind of connection was made nearly 40 years ago when the frost between our countries began to thaw through the simple game of table tennis.The very unlikely nature of this engagement contributed to its success--because for all our differences, both our common humanity and our shared curiosity were revealed.As one American player described his visit to China--“[The]people are just like us…The country is very similar to America, but still very different.”
Of course this small opening was followed by the achievement of the Shanghai Communique, and the eventual establishment of formal relations between the United States and China in 1979.And in three decades, just look at how far we have come.In 1979, trade between the United States and China stood at roughly $5 billion--today it tops over $400 billion each year.The commerce affects our people's lives in so many ways.America imports from China many of the computer parts we use, the clothes we wear;and we export to China machinery that helps power your industry.This trade could create even more jobs on both sides of the Pacific, while allowing our people to enjoy a better quality of life.And as demand becomes more balanced, it can lead to even broader prosperity.In 1979, the political cooperation between the United States and China was rooted largely in our shared rivalry with the Soviet Union.Today, we have a positive, constructive and comprehensive relationship that opens the door to partnership on the key global issues of our time--economic recovery and the development of clean energy;stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and the scourge of climate change;the promotion of peace and security in Asia and around the globe.All of these issues will be on the agenda tomorrow when I meet with President Hu.And in 1979, the connections among our people were limited.Today, we see the curiosity of those ping-pong players manifested in the ties that are being forged across many sectors.The second highest number of foreign students in the United States come from China, and we've seen a 50 percent increase in the study of Chinese among our own students.There are nearly 200 “friendship cities” drawing our communities together.American and Chinese scientists cooperate on new research and discovery.And of course, Yao Ming is just one signal of our shared love of basketball--I'm only sorry that I won't be able to see a Shanghai Sharks game while I'm visiting.It is no coincidence that the relationship between our countries has accompanied a period of positive change.China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty--an accomplishment unparalleled in human history--while playing a larger role in global events.And the United States has seen our economy grow along with the standard of living enjoyed by our people, while bringing the Cold War to a successful conclusion.There is a Chinese proverb: “Consider the past, and you shall know the future.” Surely, we have known setbacks and challenges over the last 30 years.Our relationship has not been without disagreement and difficulty.But the notion that we must be adversaries is not predestined--not when we consider the past.Indeed, because of our cooperation, both the United States and China are more prosperous and more secure.We have seen what is possible when we build upon our mutual interests, and engage on the basis of mutual respect.And yet the success of that engagement depends upon understanding--on sustaining an open dialogue, and learning about one another and from one another.For just as that American table tennis player pointed out--we share much in common as human beings, but our countries are different in certain ways.I believe that each country must chart its own course.China is an ancient nation, with a deeply rooted culture.The United States, by comparison, is a young nation, whose culture is determined by the many different immigrants who have come to our shores, and by the founding documents that guide our democracy.Those documents put forward a simple vision of human affairs, and they enshrine several core principles--that all men and women are created equal, and possess certain fundamental rights;that government should reflect the will of the people and respond to their wishes;that commerce should be open, information freely accessible;and that laws, and not simply men, should guarantee the administration of justice.Of course, the story of our nation is not without its difficult chapters.In many ways--over many years--we have struggled to advance the promise of these principles to all of our people, and to forge a more perfect union.We fought a very painful civil war, and freed a portion of our population from slavery.It took time for women to be extended the right to vote, workers to win the right to organize, and for immigrants from different corners of the globe to be fully embraced.Even after they were freed, African Americans persevered through conditions that were separate and not equal, before winning full and equal rights.None of this was easy.But we made progress because of our belief in those core principles, which have served as our compass through the darkest of storms.That is why Lincoln could stand up in the midst of civil war and declare it a struggle to see whether any nation, conceived in liberty, and “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” could long endure.That is why Dr.Martin Luther King could stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and ask that our nation live out the true meaning of its creed.That's why immigrants from China to Kenya could find a home on our shores;why opportunity is available to all who would work for it;and why someone like me, who less than 50 years ago would have had trouble voting in some parts of America, is now able to serve as its President.And that is why America will always speak out for these core principles around the world.We do not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation, but we also don't believe that the principles that we stand for are unique to our nation.These freedoms of expression and worship--of access to information and political participation--we believe are universal rights.They should be available to all people, including ethnic and religious minorities--whether they are in the United States, China, or any nation.Indeed, it is that respect for universal rights that guides America's openness to other countries;our respect for different cultures;our commitment to international law;and our faith in the future.These are all things that you should know about America.I also know that we have much to learn about China.Looking around at this magnificent city--and looking around this room--I do believe that our nations hold something important in common, and that is a belief in the future.Neither the United States nor China is content to rest on our achievements.For while China is an ancient nation, you are also clearly looking ahead with confidence, ambition, and a commitment to see that tomorrow's generation can do better than today's.In addition to your growing economy, we admire China's extraordinary commitment to science and research--a commitment borne out in everything from the infrastructure you build to the technology you use.China is now the world's largest Internet user--which is why we were so pleased to include the Internet as a part of today's event.This country now has the world's largest mobile phone network, and it is investing in the new forms of energy that can both sustain growth and combat climate change--and I'm looking forward to deepening the partnership between the United States and China in this critical area tomorrow.But above all, I see China's future in you--young people whose talent and dedication and dreams will do so much to help shape the 21st century.I've said many times that I believe that our world is now fundamentally interconnected.The jobs we do, the prosperity we build, the environment we protect, the security that we seek--all of these things are shared.And given that interconnection, power in the 21st century is no longer a zero-sum game;one country's success need not come at the expense of another.And that is why the United States insists we do not seek to contain China's rise.On the contrary, we welcome China as a strong and prosperous and successful member of the community of nations--a China that draws on the rights, strengths and creativity of individual Chinese like you.To return to the proverb--consider the past.We know that more is to be gained when great powers cooperate than when they collide.That is a lesson that human beings have learned time and again, and that is the example of the history between our nations.And I believe strongly that cooperation must go beyond our government.It must be rooted in our people--in the studies we share, the business that we do, the knowledge that we gain, and even in the sports that we play.And these bridges must be built by young men and women just like you and your counterparts in America.That's why I'm pleased to announce that the United States will dramatically expand the number of our students who study in China to 100,000.And these exchanges mark a clear commitment to build ties among our people, as surely as you will help determine the destiny of the 21st century.And I'm absolutely confident that America has no better ambassadors to offer than our young people.For they, just like you, are filled with talent and energy and optimism about the history that is yet to be written.So let this be the next step in the steady pursuit of cooperation that will serve our nations, and the world.And if there's one thing that we can take from today's dialogue, I hope that it is a commitment to continue this dialogue going forward.So thank you very much.And I look forward now to taking some questions from all of you.Thank you very much.
第四篇:奥巴马就职演说
据美国媒体报道,当地时间1月20日上午12点05分(北京时间21日凌晨1点05分)第44届美国总统奥巴马发表了就职演说。奥巴马说,美国仍然是年轻的国家,但这个时代受到挑战,我们必须凝聚力量,重新塑造美国。以下为奥巴马演讲全文:
亲爱的同胞们:
今天我站在这里,为我们将面对的任重道远而慨叹。感谢你们对我寄托的信任,同时缅怀我们的前人所做出的牺牲。感谢布什总统为美国做出的贡献,以及他在总统任期交叠过程中的慷慨合作。
至此,共有四十四位美国人曾进行过总统宣誓。这一誓言曾在国家和平、欣欣向荣时做出过。然而这一誓词更曾在乌云笼罩和风暴袭来之时被宣读。美国人民之所以能够走过那些艰难的时刻,不仅仅是因为领袖的能力或远见;更是因为我们,我们人民,保持着对先人理想的忠诚,对我们国家创始文件的追随。
对于我们这一代美国人来说,也是这样,也必须这样。
国家正面临危机,这一点大家已经没有疑问。美国处在战争之中,面对一个有巨大影响力、充满暴力和仇恨的网络。我们的经济严重衰退。这来源于部分人的贪婪和不负责任,更由于作为一个整体,我们未能做出面对一个新时代的艰难决策。人民失去房屋、工作机会减少、商业活动遭到破坏。医疗保障过于昂贵,学校教育系统出现太多失败。而我们对能源的使用,日益让对手强大,与此同时又威胁着我们的星球。
这些,是从数据和统计中可以看到的危机信号。还有难以度量但同样深远的问题,那就是整个国家信心的缺失。那萦绕在我们头上的恐惧,认为美国的衰败不可避免,认为我们的下一代人不可能再有太高的期望。
今天我要对你们说,我们面临的挑战是真切的、严重的,而且有很多重。解决他们不可能很轻松,也不可能在短时间内发生。但美国人民,请记住这一点:这些挑战会被解决。
今天,我们聚集在一起,因为我们选择了希望而不是恐惧;我们选择了为共同的目标团结在一起,而不是冲突与争执。
今天,我们共同终结那些虚假的承诺、陈腐的教条、以及指摘与怨言。这些已经困扰了我们的政治体系太长时间。
我们的国家仍旧年轻,但借用圣经中的话,该是抛开那些孩子气的时候了。现在,需要重新拿出我们的坚韧精神,选择自己的历史。我们要延续代代相传的宝贵礼物,延续神圣的理想,那就是上帝赐予我们的承诺--人人平等,人人自由,人人都有机会去追求最大程度的幸福。
在重温我们国家伟大的同时,我们必须明白,伟大不是凭空而来的,而是赢得的。在我们的历程中,从来没有走捷径或是退而求其次。这一历程不是为懦弱者准备的,不是为那些享乐高于工作、只知追求名利的人准备的。相反,是那些甘于承担风险的人,实干家,创造者--有些众人皆知,而更多的在辛勤工作中默默无闻--是他们带着我们穿越漫长、崎岖的道路走向繁荣与自由。
为了我们,他们把仅有的财物装进行囊,漂洋过海追求新的生活。为了我们,他们开拓西部,在条件恶劣的工厂中流血流汗;他们忍受鞭笞,开垦贫瘠的土地。
为了我们,他们战斗和牺牲在协和镇(Concord)、葛底斯堡(Gettysburg)、诺曼底和科萨恩(KheSahn)。
一次又一次,这些男男女女,他们奋斗和牺牲;他们将双手磨破为了给我们带来更好的生活。在他们眼中,美国超越了我们每个人雄心的总和,超越了个人、财富和派系的差别。
今天,我们仍在这样的历程上。我们仍旧是地球上最繁荣、最强大的国家。美国工人们的效率并不比危机开始之前低。我们的头脑具有同样的创造力。我们的产品与服务和上周、上月、或者去年一样有需求。我们的能力从未被削弱。但墨守陈规、维护狭隘的利益、面对艰难的决策畏首畏尾的日子将一去不复返了。从今天开始,我们必须重新找回我们自己,掸去身上的尘土,开始重塑美国的重任。
环顾四周,有无数工作等着我们。经济状况期待着我们大胆和快速的行动。我们会付诸行动--不仅仅是创造就业机会,同时还要为未来的增长打下新的基础。我们将建设公路、桥梁和电网,以及将我们紧密联系起来、提供商业信息的数字高速公路。我们会重新树立科学应有的地位,并利用技术手段提高医疗保障的质量,同时降低其费用。我们将利用太阳、风与土壤,来驱动我们的汽车和工厂。我们将改革我们的学校和大学,以满足新时代的需要。这些都有可能实现,更会去实现。
现在,有人还在怀疑我们的信心──他们认为我们的国家无法承担这样的重大计划。他们太健忘了,他们忘记了这个国家曾经取得的成就,他们忘记了当拥有了理想、共同的目标和必要的勇气,这些自由的人民曾经取得的辉煌成就。
这些愤世嫉俗的人无法理解这个国家所发生的转变──那些陈腐的政治已经缠绕了我们太久太长。我们现在面临的问题不是政府太大还是太小,而是政府所扮演的角色──应该帮助家庭获得体面的收入,购买他们的所需,有尊严地退休。当这些答案都是肯定的时,我们才能继续前进。如果答案是否定的,一切都将不复存在。我们这些管理公共财产的人应该负起责任──把钱花在刀刃上、改掉恶习、光明正大地行事──因为只有这样我们才能重塑人民和政府之间的信任。
市场力量的好坏不是我们的问题。市场在创造财富和推进自由进程方面是无可代替的,但是这场危机也提醒了我们没有审慎的监管,市场的力量将如野马一样脱缰──一个仅有财富的国家不可能持续繁荣。我们在经济上所取得的成功不仅体现在我们的经济总量上,也体现在我们的繁荣程度上,体现在我们为每个渴望成功的心灵所提供的机会上─这并非出自恻隐之心,而是我们实现共同利益的必经之路。
我们拒绝在安全和理想之间妥协。我们的建国先辈们,面对我们无法想象的凶险,却依然用几代人的鲜血维护了神圣的法律和人权。那些理想依然在照亮着这个世界,我们不会因一时的困难而放弃这些理想。我要对那些正在看着我们的国家和人民说,无论你身处繁华的都市还是像养育了我父亲那样的小村庄:对于那些追求和平与尊严的男人、女人和孩子,美国将永远是你们的朋友,我们将继续和你们一起前进。
我们是这种传统的捍卫者。我们继续追寻这些信念的指引,我们将直面这些挑战并更加努力─更多的沟通与合作。我们会负责地将伊拉克还给当地的人民,并在阿富汗保卫来之不易的和平。我们将与老朋友和原来的敌人一道,共同消除核威胁,解决全球变暖的根源。我们不会为自己的做法道歉,更不会动摇捍卫和平的决心,对于那些崇尚恐怖、滥杀无辜的人,我们的精神是强大而不可战胜的。你拖不垮我们,我们将会打败你。
我们多种族混居是一种优势。我们是一个由基督徒、穆斯林、犹太教徒、印度教徒和无神论者共同组成的国家。我们吸收了各种文化的精髓,从世界的每个角落学习。因为我们经历过内战和种族隔离的痛苦洗礼,并在黑暗中更加坚强和团结,我们无法保证,但是我们相信憎恨终将消弭,分隔终将散去。随着世界越来越紧密地联系在一起,我们共同的人性将显露出来,美国必须承担引领新时代和平的重任。
对于穆斯林世界,我们将基于共同的利益和信仰,寻找更好的合作之路。对于那些在世界各个地方挑起冲突或一味批评西方不良影响的领导者:你的人民评判你的依据是你建立了什么,而不是破坏了什么。对于那些依靠腐败和欺骗并压制异议而追求权利的人们:你们站在了人类历史的对立面。如果你们能张开紧握的拳头,我们也将伸出友谊之手。
对于那些贫穷的人们,我们保证和你们一起建设繁茂的农场和干净的水源,滋养那些饥寒交迫的身体和心灵。对于那些与我们一样相对富裕的国家,我们不能再对外界的苦难漠不关心,更不能继续大肆索取世界的资源。世界必须改变,我们都必须改变。
当我们审视前方的道路时,我们会感激那些跨越千山万水来到这里的人们。今天,他们有话对我们说,也是安息在阿林顿国家公墓里的先烈们时刻提醒我们的。我们尊敬他们不仅因为是他们捍卫了我们的自由,更因为他们正是奉献精神的化身;他们致力于寻找远高于自身的生命真谛。而此时,在这个特殊的时代,我们更需让这种精神长存。因为归根结底,政府所能做的,也是必须做到的,是体现每个美国人的信念和决心,这也是这个国家赖以生存的精神力量。这种力量是洪灾泛滥时,陌生人之间的温暖善举;是经济困难时期,人们自损利益保全朋友工作的无私忘我。这是消防员们毅然冲入浓烟火海的勇气,也是父母培养孩子的无私之心,这些都决定了我们的命运。
或许,我们今日遇到挑战前所未有,所有的情况完全陌生。但是,我们赖以走向成功的价值观从未改变——诚实、勤勉、勇敢、公正、宽容、好学、忠贞和爱国。我们的历史亦由这些真理推进,亘古不变。如今,我们面对的是一个全新的责任时代——人人都需重视,对我们自己,我们的国家乃至整个世界,都有一份责任。我们会欣然接受这份责任,人生也正因此而充实。
这是公民的价值和承诺。
这是我们信心的源泉——上帝赐予我们知识以应对无常的命运。这是我们所崇尚的自由与信念的真谛——这就是为什么今天,不同肤色,不同信仰的男女老少在此汇聚一堂;这就是为什么六十年前,一位父亲走入餐厅甚至无人理睬,而今天他的儿子可以站在这里,在你们面前许下最庄严的誓言。
所以让我们记住这一天,记住自己,记住为此的付出。在我们的国家诞生之初,先辈们在最寒冷的日子里,围聚在结冰的河边靠微弱的篝火取暖。离乡背井,后有敌军,鲜血染红了白雪。就在革命的道路如此模糊,意志也开始踌躇之时,我们的国父有这样几句话:
“告诉未来的世界……当一切陷入寒冬,万物俱灭,只有希望和勇气可以长存……这座城市和这个国家,在共同的危机下团结起来,共同面对前方的艰难。”
美国,面对我们共同的危机,在这艰难的寒冬,让我们牢记那些永恒的字句。怀着希望和美德,让我们再一次勇敢地面对冰冷的现实,迎接任何可能的风浪。让我们的子孙传唱,当我们面对挑战时,我们没有怯懦、没有退缩,更没有踟蹰不前。我们在上帝的关爱下眺望远方,我们在自由的道路上继续前进,我们的精神将永远闪耀着光芒。
第五篇:奥巴马就职演说全文
奥巴马就职演说全文
我的国民:
今天我站在这里,为我们将面对的任重道远而慨叹。感谢你们对我寄托的信任,同时缅怀我们的前人所做出的牺牲。感谢布什总统为美国做出的贡献,以及他在总统任期交叠过程中的慷慨合作。
至此,共有四十四位美国人曾进行过总统宣誓。这一誓言曾在国家和平、欣欣向荣时做出过。然而这一誓词更曾在乌云笼罩和风暴袭来之时被宣读。美国人民之所以能够走过那些艰难的时刻,不仅仅是因为领袖的能力或远见;更是因为我们,我们人民,保持着对先人理想的忠诚,对我们国家创始文件的追随。
对于我们这一代美国人来说,也是这样,也必须这样。
国家正面临危机,这一点大家已经没有疑问。美国处在战争之中,面对一个有巨大影响力、充满暴力和仇恨的网络。我们的经济严重衰退。这来源于部分人的贪婪和不负责任,更由于作为一个整体,我们未能做出面对一个新时代的艰难决策。人民失去房屋、工作机会减少、商业活动遭到破坏。医疗保障过于昂贵,学校教育系统出现太多失败。而我们对能源的使用,日益让对手强大,与此同时又威胁着我们的星球。
这些,是从数据和统计中可以看到的危机信号。还有难以度量但同样深远的问题,那就是整个国家信心的缺失。那萦绕在我们头上的恐惧,认为美国的衰败不可避免,认为我们的下一代人不可能再有太高的期望。
今天我要对你们说,我们面临的挑战是真切的、严重的,而且有很多重。解决他们不可能很轻松,也不可能在短时间内发生。但美国人民,请记住这一点:这些挑战会被解决。
今天,我们聚集在一起,因为我们选择了希望而不是恐惧;我们选择了为共同的目标团结在一起,而不是冲突与争执。
今天,我们共同终结那些虚假的承诺、陈腐的教条、以及指摘与怨言。这些已经困扰了我们的政治体系太长时间。
我们的国家仍旧年轻,但借用圣经中的话,该是抛开那些孩子气的时候了。现在,需要重新拿出我们的坚韧精神,选择自己的历史。我们要延续代代相传的宝贵礼物,延续神圣的理想,那就是上帝赐予我们的承诺--人人平等,人人自由,人人都有机会去追求最大程度的幸福。
在重温我们国家伟大的同时,我们必须明白,伟大不是凭空而来的,而是赢得的。在我们的历程中,从来没有走捷径或是退而求其次。这一历程不是为懦弱者准备的,不是为那些享乐高于工作、只知追求名利的人准备的。相反,是那些甘于承担风险的人,实干家,创造者--有些众人皆知,而更多的在辛勤工作中默默无闻--是他们带着我们穿越漫长、崎岖的道路走向繁荣与自由。
为了我们,他们把仅有的财物装进行囊,漂洋过海追求新的生活。
为了我们,他们开拓西部,在条件恶劣的工厂中流血流汗;他们忍受鞭笞,开垦贫瘠的土地。
为了我们,他们战斗和牺牲在协和镇(Concord)、葛底斯堡(Gettysburg)、诺曼底和科萨恩(KheSahn)。
一次又一次,这些男男女女,他们奋斗和牺牲;他们将双手磨破为了给我们带来更好的生活。在他们眼中,美国超越了我们每个人雄心的总和,超越了个人、财富和派系的差别。
今天,我们仍在这样的历程上。我们仍旧是地球上最繁荣、最强大的国家。美国工人们的效率并不比危机开始之前低。我们的头脑具有同样的创造力。我们的产品与服务和上周、上月、或者去年一样有需求。我们的能力从未被削弱。但墨守陈规、维护狭隘的利益、面对艰难的决策畏首畏尾的日子将一去不复返了。从今天开始,我们必须重新找回我们自己,掸去身上的尘土,开始重塑美国的重任。
环顾四周,有无数工作等着我们。经济状况期待着我们大胆和快速的行动。我们会付诸行动--不仅仅是创造就业机会,同时还要为未来的增长打下新的基础。我们将建设公路、桥梁和电网,以及将我们紧密联系起来、提供商业信息的数字高速公路。我们会重新树立科学应有的地位,并利用技术手段提高医疗保障的质量,同时降低其费用。我们将利用太阳、风与土壤,来驱动我们的汽车和工厂。我们将改革我们的学校和大学,以满足新时代的需要。这些都有可能实现,更会去实现。
现在,有人还在怀疑我们的信心──他们认为我们的国家无法承担这样的重大计划。他们太健忘了,他们忘记了这个国家曾经取得的成就,他们忘记了当拥有了理想、共同的目标和必要的勇气,这些自由的人民曾经取得的辉煌成就。
这些愤世嫉俗的人无法理解这个国家所发生的转变──那些陈腐的政治已经缠绕了我们太久太长。我们现在面临的问题不是政府太大还是太小,而是政府所扮演的角色──应该帮助家庭获得体面的收入,购买他们的所需,有尊严地退休。当这些答案都是肯定的时,我们才能继续前进。如果答案是否定的,一切都将不复存在。我们这些管理公共财产的人应该负起责任──把钱花在刀刃上、改掉恶习、光明正大地行事──因为只有这样我们才能重塑人民和政府之间的信任。
市场力量的好坏不是我们的问题。市场在创造财富和推进自由进程方面是无可代替的,但是这场危机也提醒了我们没有审慎的监管,市场的力量将如野马一样脱缰──一个仅有财富的国家不可能持续繁荣。我们在经济上所取得的成功不仅体现在我们的经济总量上,也体现在我们的繁荣程度上,体现在我们为每个渴望成功的心灵所提供的机会上─这并非出自恻隐之心,而是我们实现共同利益的必经之路。
我们拒绝在安全和理想之间妥协。我们的建国先辈们,面对我们无法想象的凶险,却依然用几代人的鲜血维护了神圣的法律和人权。那些理想依然在照亮着这个世界,我们不会因一时的困难而放弃这些理想。我要对那些正在看着我们的国家和人民说,无论你身处繁华的都市还是像养育了我父亲那样的小村庄:对于那些追求和平与尊严的男人、女人和孩子,美国将永远是你们的朋友,我们将继续和你们一起前进。
回想先前的世代力抗法西斯主义和共产主义,靠的除了飞弹和战车之外,还有强固的联盟和持久的信念。他们知道单单力量本身不足以让我们自保,也不能让我们为所欲为。相反地,他们知道我们的力量因为谨慎使用而增强,我们的安全源自我们理想的正当性,我们所树立楷模的力量,以及谦逊和克制所具有的调和特质。
我们是这种传统的捍卫者。我们继续追寻这些信念的指引,我们将直面这些挑战并更加努力─更多的沟通与合作。我们会负责地将伊拉克还给当地的人民,并在阿富汗保卫来之不易的和平。我们将与老朋友和原来的敌人一道,共同消除核威胁,解决全球变暖的根源。我们不会为自己的做法道歉,更不会动摇捍卫和平的决心,对于那些崇尚恐怖、滥杀无辜的人,我们的精神是强大而不可战胜的。你拖不垮我们,我们将会打败你。
我们多种族混居是一种优势。我们是一个由基督徒、穆斯林、犹太教徒、印度教徒和无神论者共同组成的国家。我们吸收了各种文化的精髓,从世界的每个角落学习。因为我们经历过内战和种族隔离的痛苦洗礼,并在黑暗中更加坚强和团结,我们无法保证,但是我们相信憎恨终将消弭,分隔终将散去。随着世界越来越紧密地联系在一起,我们共同的人性将显露出来,美国必须承担引领新时代和平的重任。
对于穆斯林世界,我们将基于共同的利益和信仰,寻找更好的合作之路。对于那些在世界各个地方挑起冲突或一味批评西方不良影响的领导者:你的人民评判你的依据是你建立了什么,而不是破坏了什么。对于那些依靠腐败和欺骗并压制异议而追求权利的人们:你们站在了人类历史的对立面。如果你们能张开紧握的拳头,我们也将伸出友谊之手。
对于那些贫穷的人们,我们保证和你们一起建设繁茂的农场和干净的水源,滋养那些饥寒交迫的身体和心灵。对于那些与我们一样相对富裕的国家,我们不能再对外界的苦难漠不关心,更不能继续大肆索取世界的资源。世界必须改变,我们都必须改变。
当我们审视前方的道路时,我们会感激那些跨越千山万水来到这里的人们。今天,他们有话对我们说,也是安息在阿林顿国家公墓里的先烈们时刻提醒我们的。我们尊敬他们不仅因为是他们捍卫了我们的自由,更因为他们正是奉献精神的化身;他们致力于寻找远高于自身的生命真谛。而此时,在这个特殊的时代,我们更需让这种精神长存。
因为归根结底,政府所能做的,也是必须做到的,是体现每个美国人的信念和决心,这也是这个国家赖以生存的精神力量。这种力量是洪灾泛滥时,陌生人之间的温暖善举;是经济困难时期,人们自损利益保全朋友工作的无私忘我。这是消防员们毅然冲入浓烟火海的勇气,也是父母培养孩子的无私之心,这些都决定了我们的命运。
或许,我们今日遇到挑战前所未有,所有的情况完全陌生。但是,我们赖以走向成功的价值观从未改变——诚实、勤勉、勇敢、公正、宽容、好学、忠贞和爱国。我们的历史亦由这些真理推进,亘古不变。如今,我们面对的是一个全新的责任时代——人人都需重视,对我们自己,我们的国家乃至整个世界,都有一份责任。我们会欣然接受这份责任,人生也正因此而充实。
这是公民的价值和承诺。
这是我们信心的源泉——上帝赐予我们知识以应对无常的命运。
这是我们所崇尚的自由与信念的真谛——这就是为什么今天,不同肤色,不同信仰的男女老少在此汇聚一堂;这就是为什么六十年前,一位父亲走入餐厅甚至无人理睬,而今天他的儿子可以站在这里,在你们面前许下最庄严的誓言。
所以让我们记住这一天,记住自己,记住为此的付出。在我们的国家诞生之初,先辈们在最寒冷的日子里,围聚在结冰的河边靠微弱的篝火取暖。离乡背井,后有敌军,鲜血染红了白雪。就在革命的道路如此模糊,意志也开始踌躇之时,我们的国父有这样几句话:
“告诉未来的世界……当一切陷入寒冬,万物俱灭,只有希望和勇气可以长存……这座城市和这个国家,在共同的危机下团结起来,共同面对前方的艰难。”
美国,面对我们共同的危机,在这艰难的寒冬,让我们牢记那些永恒的字句。怀着希望和美德,让我们再一次勇敢地面对冰冷的现实,迎接任何可能的风浪。让我们的子孙传唱,当我们面对挑战时,我们没有怯懦、没有退缩,更没有踟蹰不前。我们在上帝的关爱下眺望远方,我们在自由的道路上继续前进,我们的精神将永远闪耀着光芒。