奥巴马卸任前的经典演讲——中英文对照

第一篇：奥巴马卸任前的经典演讲——中英文对照

奥巴马发表告别演讲----中英文全文

It‟s good to be home.My fellow Americans, Michelle and I have been so touched by all the well-wishes we‟ve received over the past few weeks.But tonight it‟s my turn to say thanks.Whether we‟ve seen eye-to-eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people – in living rooms and schools;at farms and on factory floors;at diners and on distant outposts – are what have kept me honest, kept me inspired, and kept me going.Every day, I learned from you.You made me a better President, and you made me a better man.I first came to Chicago when I was in my early twenties, still trying to figure out who I was;still searching for a purpose to my life.It was in neighborhoods not far from here where I began working with church groups in the shadows of closed steel mills.It was on these streets where I witnessed the power of faith, and the quiet dignity of working people in the face of struggle and loss.This is where I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged, and come together to demand it.After eight years as your President, I still believe that.And it‟s not just my belief.It‟s the beating heart of our American idea – our bold experiment in self-government.It‟s the conviction that we are all created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.It‟s the insistence that these rights, while self-evident, have never been self-executing;that We, the People, through the instrument of our democracy, can form a more perfect union.This is the great gift our Founders gave us.The freedom to chase our individual dreams through our sweat, toil, and imagination – and the imperative to strive together as well, to achieve a greater good.For 240 years, our nation‟s call to citizenship has given work and purpose to each new generation.It‟s what led patriots to choose republic over tyranny, pioneers to trek west, slaves to brave that makeshift railroad to freedom.It‟s what pulled immigrants and refugees across oceans and the Rio Grande, pushed women to reach for the ballot, powered workers to organize.It‟s why GIs gave their lives at Omaha Beach and Iwo Jima;Iraq and Afghanistan – and why men and women from Selma to Stonewall were prepared to give theirs as well.So that‟s what we mean when we say America is exceptional.Not that our nation has been flawless from the start, but that we have shown the capacity to change, and make life better for those who follow.Yes, our progress has been uneven.The work of democracy has always been hard, contentious and sometimes bloody.For every two steps forward, it often feels we take one step back.But the long sweep of America has been defined by forward motion, a constant widening of our founding creed to embrace all, and not just some.If I had told you eight years ago that America would reverse a great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history…if I had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the Cuban people, shut down Iran‟s nuclear weapons program without firing a shot, and take out the mastermind of 9/11…if I had told you that we would win marriage equality, and secure the right to health insurance for another 20 million of our fellow citizens – you might have said our sights were set a little too high.But that‟s what we did.That‟s what you did.You were the change.You answered people‟s hopes, and because of you, by almost every measure, America is a better, stronger place than it was when we started.In ten days, the world will witness a hallmark of our democracy: the peaceful transfer of power from one freely-elected president to the next.I committed to President-Elect Trump that my administration would ensure the smoothest possible transition, just as President Bush did for me.Because it‟s up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face.We have what we need to do so.After all, we remain the wealthiest, most powerful, and most respected nation on Earth.Our youth and drive, our diversity and openness, our boundless capacity for risk and reinvention mean that the future should be ours.But that potential will be realized only if our democracy works.Only if our politics reflects the decency of the our people.Only if all of us, regardless of our party affiliation or particular interest, help restore the sense of common purpose that we so badly need right now.That‟s what I want to focus on tonight – the state of our democracy.Understand, democracy does not require uniformity.Our founders quarreled and compromised, and expected us to do the same.But they knew that democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity – the idea that for all our outward differences, we are all in this together;that we rise or fall as one.There have been moments throughout our history that threatened to rupture that solidarity.The beginning of this century has been one of those times.A shrinking world, growing inequality;demographic change and the specter of terrorism – these forces haven‟t just tested our security and prosperity, but our democracy as well.And how we meet these challenges to our democracy will determine our ability to educate our kids, and create good jobs, and protect our homeland.In other words, it will determine our future.Our democracy won‟t work without a sense that everyone has economic opportunity.Today, the economy is growing again;wages, incomes, home values, and retirement accounts are rising again;poverty is falling again.The wealthy are paying a fairer share of taxes even as the stock market shatters records.The unemployment rate is near a ten-year low.The uninsured rate has never, ever been lower.Health care costs are rising at the slowest rate in fifty years.And if anyone can put together a plan that is demonstrably better than the improvements we‟ve made to our health care system – that covers as many people at less cost – I will publicly support it.That, after all, is why we serve – to make people‟s lives better, not worse.But for all the real progress we‟ve made, we know it‟s not enough.Our economy doesn‟t work as well or grow as fast when a few prosper at the expense of a growing middle class.But stark inequality is also corrosive to our democratic principles.While the top one percent has amassed a bigger share of wealth and income, too many families, in inner cities and rural counties, have been left behind – the laid-off factory worker;the waitress and health care worker who struggle to pay the bills – convinced that the game is fixed against them, that their government only serves the interests of the powerful – a recipe for more cynicism and polarization in our politics.There are no quick fixes to this long-term trend.I agree that our trade should be fair and not just free.But the next wave of economic dislocation won‟t come from overseas.It will come from the relentless pace of automation that makes many good, middle-class jobs obsolete.And so we must forge a new social compact – to guarantee all our kids the education they need;to give workers the power to unionize for better wages;to update the social safety net to reflect the way we live now and make more reforms to the tax code so corporations and individuals who reap the most from the new economy don‟t avoid their obligations to the country that‟s made their success possible.We can argue about how to best achieve these goals.But we can‟t be complacent about the goals themselves.For if we don‟t create opportunity for all people, the disaffection and division that has stalled our progress will only sharpen in years to come.There‟s a second threat to our democracy – one as old as our nation itself.After my election, there was talk of a post-racial America.Such a vision, however well-intended, was never realistic.For race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society.I‟ve lived long enough to know that race relations are better than they were ten, or twenty, or thirty years ago – you can see it not just in statistics, but in the attitudes of young Americans across the political spectrum.But we‟re not where we need to be.All of us have more work to do.After all, if every economic issue is framed as a struggle between a hardworking white middle class and undeserving minorities, then workers of all shades will be left fighting for scraps while the wealthy withdraw further into their private enclaves.If we decline to invest in the children of immigrants, just because they don‟t look like us, we diminish the prospects of our own children – because those brown kids will represent a larger share of America‟s workforce.And our economy doesn‟t have to be a zero-sum game.Last year, incomes rose for all races, all age groups, for men and for women.Going forward, we must uphold laws against discrimination – in hiring, in housing, in education and the criminal justice system.That‟s what our Constitution and highest ideals require.But laws alone won‟t be enough.Hearts must change.If our democracy is to work in this increasingly diverse nation, each one of us must try to heed the advice of one of the great characters in American fiction, Atticus Finch, who said “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” For blacks and other minorities, it means tying our own struggles for justice to the challenges that a lot of people in this country face – the refugee, the immigrant, the rural poor, the transgender American, and also the middle-aged white man who from the outside may seem like he‟s got all the advantages, but who‟s seen his world upended by economic, cultural, and technological change.For white Americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and Jim Crow didn‟t suddenly vanish in the „60s;that when minority groups voice discontent, they‟re not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness;that when they wage peaceful protest, they‟re not demanding special treatment, but the equal treatment our Founders promised.For native-born Americans, it means reminding ourselves that the stereotypes about immigrants today were said, almost word for word, about the Irish, Italians, and Poles.America wasn‟t weakened by the presence of these newcomers;they embraced this nation‟s creed, and it was strengthened.So regardless of the station we occupy;we have to try harder;to start with the premise that each of our fellow citizens loves this country just as much as we do;that they value hard work and family like we do;that their children are just as curious and hopeful and worthy of love as our own.None of this is easy.For too many of us, it‟s become safer to retreat into our own bubbles, whether in our neighborhoods or college campuses or places of worship or our social media feeds, surrounded by people who look like us and share the same political outlook and never challenge our assumptions.The rise of naked partisanship, increasing economic and regional stratification, the splintering of our media into a channel for every taste – all this makes this great sorting seem natural, even inevitable.And increasingly, we become so secure in our bubbles that we accept only information, whether true or not, that fits our opinions, instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that‟s out there.This trend represents a third threat to our democracy.Politics is a battle of ideas;in the course of a healthy debate, we‟ll prioritize different goals, and the different means of reaching them.But without some common baseline of facts;without a willingness to admit new information, and concede that your opponent is making a fair point, and that science and reason matter, we‟ll keep talking past each other, making common ground and compromise impossible.Isn‟t that part of what makes politics so dispiriting? How can elected officials rage about deficits when we propose to spend money on preschool for kids, but not when we‟re cutting taxes for corporations? How do we excuse ethical lapses in our own party, but pounce when the other party does the same thing? It‟s not just dishonest, this selective sorting of the facts;it‟s self-defeating.Because as my mother used to tell me, reality has a way of catching up with you.Take the challenge of climate change.In just eight years, we‟ve halved our dependence on foreign oil, doubled our renewable energy, and led the world to an agreement that has the promise to save this planet.But without bolder action, our children won‟t have time to debate the existence of climate change;they‟ll be busy dealing with its effects: environmental disasters, economic disruptions, and waves of climate refugees seeking sanctuary.Now, we can and should argue about the best approach to the problem.But to simply deny the problem not only betrays future generations;it betrays the essential spirit of innovation and practical problem-solving that guided our Founders.It‟s that spirit, born of the Enlightenment, that made us an economic powerhouse – the spirit that took flight at Kitty Hawk and Cape Canaveral;the spirit that that cures disease and put a computer in every pocket.It‟s that spirit – a faith in reason, and enterprise, and the primacy of right over might, that allowed us to resist the lure of fascism and tyranny during the Great Depression, and build a post-World War II order with other democracies, an order based not just on military power or national affiliations but on principles – the rule of law, human rights, freedoms of religion, speech, assembly, and an independent press.That order is now being challenged – first by violent fanatics who claim to speak for Islam;more recently by autocrats in foreign capitals who see free markets, open democracies, and civil society itself as a threat to their power.The peril each poses to our democracy is more far-reaching than a car bomb or a missile.It represents the fear of change;the fear of people who look or speak or pray differently;a contempt for the rule of law that holds leaders accountable;an intolerance of dissent and free thought;a belief that the sword or the gun or the bomb or propaganda machine is the ultimate arbiter of what‟s true and what‟s right.Because of the extraordinary courage of our men and women in uniform, and the intelligence officers, law enforcement, and diplomats who support them, no foreign terrorist organization has successfully planned and executed an attack on our homeland these past eight years;and although Boston and Orlando remind us of how dangerous radicalization can be, our law enforcement agencies are more effective and vigilant than ever.We‟ve taken out tens of thousands of terrorists – including Osama bin Laden.The global coalition we‟re leading against ISIL has taken out their leaders, and taken away about half their territory.ISIL will be destroyed, and no one who threatens America will ever be safe.To all who serve, it has been the honor of my lifetime to be your Commander-in-Chief.But protecting our way of life requires more than our military.Democracy can buckle when we give in to fear.So just as we, as citizens, must remain vigilant against external aggression, we must guard against a weakening of the values that make us who we are.That‟s why, for the past eight years, I‟ve worked to put the fight against terrorism on a firm legal footing.That‟s why we‟ve ended torture, worked to close Gitmo, and reform our laws governing surveillance to protect privacy and civil liberties.That‟s why I reject discrimination against Muslim Americans.That‟s why we cannot withdraw from global fights – to expand democracy, and human rights, women‟s rights, and LGBT rights – no matter how imperfect our efforts, no matter how expedient ignoring such values may seem.For the fight against extremism and intolerance and sectarianism are of a piece with the fight against authoritarianism and nationalist aggression.If the scope of freedom and respect for the rule of law shrinks around the world, the likelihood of war within and between nations increases, and our own freedoms will eventually be threatened.So let‟s be vigilant, but not afraid.ISIL will try to kill innocent people.But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our Constitution and our principles in the fight.Rivals like Russia or China cannot match our influence around the world – unless we give up what we stand for, and turn ourselves into just another big country that bullies smaller neighbors.Which brings me to my final point – our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted.All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves into the task of rebuilding our democratic institutions.When voting rates are some of the lowest among advanced democracies, we should make it easier, not harder, to vote.When trust in our institutions is low, we should reduce the corrosive influence of money in our politics, and insist on the principles of transparency and ethics in public service.When Congress is dysfunctional, we should draw our districts to encourage politicians to cater to common sense and not rigid extremes.And all of this depends on our participation;on each of us accepting the responsibility of citizenship, regardless of which way the pendulum of power swings.Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift.But it‟s really just a piece of parchment.It has no power on its own.We, the people, give it power – with our participation, and the choices we make.Whether or not we stand up for our freedoms.Whether or not we respect and enforce the rule of law.America is no fragile thing.But the gains of our long journey to freedom are not assured.In his own farewell address, George Washington wrote that self-government is the underpinning of our safety, prosperity, and liberty, but “from different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken…to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth;” that we should preserve it with “jealous anxiety;” that we should reject “the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties” that make us one.We weaken those ties when we allow our political dialogue to become so corrosive that people of good character are turned off from public service;so coarse with rancor that Americans with whom we disagree are not just misguided, but somehow malevolent.We weaken those ties when we define some of us as more American than others;when we write off the whole system as inevitably corrupt, and blame the leaders we elect without examining our own role in electing them.It falls to each of us to be those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy;to embrace the joyous task we‟ve been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours.Because for all our outward differences, we all share the same proud title: Citizen.Ultimately, that‟s what our democracy demands.It needs you.Not just when there‟s an election, not just when your own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime.If you‟re tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try to talk with one in real life.If something needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do some organizing.If you‟re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself.Show up.Dive in.Persevere.Sometimes you‟ll win.Sometimes you‟ll lose.Presuming a reservoir of goodness in others can be a risk, and there will be times when the process disappoints you.But for those of us fortunate enough to have been a part of this work, to see it up close, let me tell you, it can energize and inspire.And more often than not, your faith in America – and in Americans – will be confirmed.Mine sure has been.Over the course of these eight years, I‟ve seen the hopeful faces of young graduates and our newest military officers.I‟ve mourned with grieving families searching for answers, and found grace in Charleston church.I‟ve seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch, and our wounded warriors walk again.I‟ve seen our doctors and volunteers rebuild after earthquakes and stop pandemics in their tracks.I‟ve seen the youngest of children remind us of our obligations to care for refugees, to work in peace, and above all to look out for each other.That faith I placed all those years ago, not far from here, in the power of ordinary Americans to bring about change – that faith has been rewarded in ways I couldn‟t possibly have imagined.I hope yours has, too.Some of you here tonight or watching at home were there with us in 2004, in 2008, in 2012 – and maybe you still can‟t believe we pulled this whole thing off.You‟re not the only ones.Michelle – for the past twenty-five years, you‟ve been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend.You took on a role you didn‟t ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humor.You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody.And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model.You‟ve made me proud.You‟ve made the country proud.Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women, smart and beautiful, but more importantly, kind and thoughtful and full of passion.You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily.Of all that I‟ve done in my life, I‟m most proud to be your dad.To Joe Biden, the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware‟s favorite son: you were the first choice I made as a nominee, and the best.Not just because you have been a great Vice President, but because in the bargain, I gained a brother.We love you and Jill like family, and your friendship has been one of the great joys of our life.To my remarkable staff: For eight years – and for some of you, a whole lot more – I‟ve drawn from your energy, and tried to reflect back what you displayed every day: heart, and character, and idealism.I‟ve watched you grow up, get married, have kids, and start incredible new journeys of your own.Even when times got tough and frustrating, you never let Washington get the better of you.The only thing that makes me prouder than all the good we‟ve done is the thought of all the remarkable things you‟ll achieve from here.And to all of you out there – every organizer who moved to an unfamiliar town and kind family who welcomed them in, every volunteer who knocked on doors, every young person who cast a ballot for the first time, every American who lived and breathed the hard work of change – you are the best supporters and organizers anyone could hope for, and I will forever be grateful.Because yes, you changed the world.That‟s why I leave this stage tonight even more optimistic about this country than I was when we started.Because I know our work has not only helped so many Americans;it has inspired so many Americans – especially so many young people out there – to believe you can make a difference;to hitch your wagon to something bigger than yourselves.This generation coming up – unselfish, altruistic, creative, patriotic – I‟ve seen you in every corner of the country.You believe in a fair, just, inclusive America;you know that constant change has been America‟s hallmark, something not to fear but to embrace, and you are willing to carry this hard work of democracy forward.You‟ll soon outnumber any of us, and I believe as a result that the future is in good hands.My fellow Americans, it has been the honor of my life to serve you.I won‟t stop;in fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my days that remain.For now, whether you‟re young or young at heart, I do have one final ask of you as your President – the same thing I asked when you took a chance on me eight years ago.I am asking you to believe.Not in my ability to bring about change – but in yours.I am asking you to hold fast to that faith written into our founding documents;that idea whispered by slaves and abolitionists;that spirit sung by immigrants and homesteaders and those who marched for justice;that creed reaffirmed by those who planted flags from foreign battlefields to the surface of the moon;a creed at the core of every American whose story is not yet written: Yes We Can.Yes We Did.Yes We Can.Thank you.God bless you.And may God continue to bless the United States of America.[

中文翻译： 你好，芝加哥！

正如你们所见，我现在是个“跛脚鸭”总统，因为没有人 再听从我的指示。请大家坐下来。

我和米歇尔对于近几周我们收到来自各方的祝福表示十分的感动。今晚，我该向大家说句谢谢了！也许我们未曾见面，也许我们意见不合，但谢谢美国人民对我的真诚。是你们让我成为了一位美国总统，是你们让我成为一个更棒的人。

我二十多岁的时候来到芝加哥，那个时候我还在探求我是谁，人生的意义是什么。那个时候我工作的地方就离现在这里不远，也正是在这几条街道上我意识到了信念的力量和面临林磨难的尊严。在这里，我知道，只有普通人真正融入、团结在一起，我们才可以做出改变。即使在我作为总统的这八年中，我依然坚信。

这不仅只是我的信仰，也是全体美国人的心声。美国的与众不同是我们能变得更好的能力。

权力从一个自由选举的总统向下一任转移的过程是平稳有序的，这是非常重要的。我曾向特朗普承诺，我的政治团队将确保此次换届过程非常平稳，就像当初布什总统把权力交接给我一样。因为，我们每个人首先要保证美国政府未来有能力解决我们现在仍然面临的问题。

在美国历史中，曾经有过几次内部团结被破坏的时候。本世纪初，就是美国社会团结遭到威胁的一个时期。世界各国联系更加紧密，但是社会不平等问题更加突出，恐怖主义的威胁也更加严重。这些因素不仅仅会考验美国的安全和法弄，也对美国的民众体制产生威胁。未来，我们如何迎接这些民主挑战将关系到我们是否能正确教育下一代、继续创造就业岗位并保护美国的国土安全“ 奥巴马告别演讲医疗保险

目前，美国未参保人数比例大幅下降，医疗保健费用增速已将降至过去50年以来最低水平。如果任何人能够提出一项医保政策，并切实证明新政策比上一届政府提出的医保改革更加有效，能够尽可能地以较低价格覆盖广大美国人民，我会公开支持这种新的医保政策。奥巴马告别演讲种族和移民

美国总统大选结束后，一些人认为美国已经进入后种族时代。尽管这种种族融合的愿望是好的，但是却不太可能真正实现。目前，种族问题仍然是一个可能造成社会分裂的重大问题。以我个人经历来看，如今美国社会的种族问题比二十、三十年前有了较大改善，这种社会进步不仅仅体现在统计数字中，也可以从不同政治观念的年轻一代美国人的态度中看出来。

但是，我们的工作还远远没有结束。我们每个人都还有很多工作去做。如果每个经济问题都通过勤劳的美国中产阶级与少数族群之间的冲突来解读，那么各个种族的工人阶级将为一点点剩余的劳动果实争得头破血流，而那些富人会进一步收缩进他们自己的小圈子。如果我们仅仅因为移民后裔长得不像我们，就拒绝给这些孩子投资，那我们也是在牺牲美国人后代的希望，因为这些移民后裔未来会在美国工薪阶层占很大比例。奥巴马告别演讲少数族裔

对于黑人和其他少数族群需要共同奋斗来解决许多美国人面临的问题，这不仅仅包括难民、移民、农村的群人和变性人，也包括那些看上去享受各种社会优待的中年男性白人，因为这些人都面临全社会经济、文化和科技发生重大变革的挑战。

政治是一场观点的较量，这也是民主体制的设计理念。但是，如果每个政治团体没有一些社会共识，不愿意去了解新的信息，不愿意去承认对手方的论点合理，也不愿意通过科学论据理性思考，那么这场辩论中没有人在聆听，双方就不可能产生共识或者妥协。奥巴马告别演讲环境保护

如果我们不采取更加积极的环境保护措施，我们的下一代就没有时间再讨论环境变化是否存在，而是忙于处理环境变化带来的后果，包括自然灾害、经济发展停滞以及环境难民寻求避难等问题。现在，我们能够也应当讨论如何最好地解决环境变化问题。但是，如果我们仅仅否认环境问题存在，这不仅仅是背叛下一代，也背叛了历史先驱们寻求创新并解决实际问题的精神。奥巴马告别演讲恐怖袭击

过去八年中，没有任何一个境外恐怖主义组织成功地在美国本土上计划并执行一次恐怖袭击。尽管美国发生了本土滋生的恐怖主义袭击事件，包括波士顿马拉松炸弹袭击以及圣博娜迪诺袭击事件。对于那些一直坚守在工作岗位上的反恐工作人员，担任你们的指挥官是我一辈子的荣耀。

我反对任何歧视美国穆斯林群体的行为。我们需要更加警惕，但是不需要害怕ISIL组织（伊拉克和黎凡特伊斯兰国）杀害更多无辜的人民。如果我们在斗争中坚守美国宪法和核心精神，他们就无法战胜美国。俄罗斯或者中国等其他国家无法匹敌美国在全球范围内的影响，除非我们自己放弃这种影响力，变成一个只会欺负周边小国的大国。

不论我们属于哪一个党派，我们所有人都应当致力于重建美国的民主政治制度。我们的民主宪法是一项杰出的成就，也是上天赐予的礼物，但是这仅仅是一张纸，宪法本身不具备任何力量。宪法的力量是我们美国人民通过参与选举、做出决议赋予的。

美国人应当成为积极参与政治的公民，让参与政治成为日常生活的一部分，特别是如果一些人对目前美国政治的现状不满的话：“如果你厌倦了与互联网上的陌生人争辩，可以考虑在现实生活中与异见人士辩论。如果你认为一些问题需要被解决，那就采取行动组织力量。如果你对选举出来的政府官员不满意，那就争取其他人的支持来自己竞选。奥巴马告别演讲致谢 米歇尔，过去二十五年中，你不仅仅是我的妻子孩子的母亲，也是我最好的朋友。你担任了一个不是你争取来的职责，但是你的优雅、勇气和幽默都给这个身份烙上了你自己的印记。

(奥巴马转向他的女儿)你们两个女孩聪明、美丽，更重要的是，你们善良而又充满热情。过去几年中，你们没有被聚光灯所累。在我的一生中，我为成为你们的父亲而自豪。

(感谢副总统拜登)从宾州斯克兰顿到特拉华州，你是我当选美国总统后提名的第一个人选，也是我最好的选择。拜登是一个好兄弟，就像家人一样。

(感谢工作人员)你们改变了这个世界。今晚，我将离开这个舞台，但是我对于这个国家比我刚上任时更加乐观.美国民众对国家充满信心

我希望你相信，不仅仅相信我能够为美国带来改变的能力，也相信你自己能够改变这个国家的能力。

希望你们坚信美国建国宪章中记载的精神，相信奴隶和废奴主义者传播的平等观念，相信曾经通过游行争取移民公平权利的精神，相信那些将美利坚旗帜插在海外战场和月球表面的国家信念。这种信念存在于每个普通美国人的心中。

是的，我们能行。是的，我们做到了。是的，我们能行！

第二篇：奥巴马卸任演讲(中英文全文)

以下是奥巴马的告别演说全文：

你好，芝加哥！回家的感觉真好！谢谢，谢谢大家！（省略N个谢谢）

在过去几个星期里，我和Michelle收到了各种美好的祝愿，我们非常感动，感谢大家对我的支持。今晚我仍然要向你们表达我的感谢，是你们，身处各地，各个场所的每一位美国人让我保持真诚，是你们给了我灵感，并一直激励着我前进。我每天都在向你们学习，是你们让我成为一个更好的总统，成为一个更优秀的人。

我第一次来到芝加哥还是20岁出头的时候，当时我还处在找寻自我的阶段，还在为自己的生活寻找方向。就在离这不远的一个社区，我开始参与教会团体工作。在这些街区，我看到了信仰的力量，看到了劳动人民面对困境和失意时那种安静的尊严。就是在这里，我了解到只有普通民众都参与进来，变革才会发生，只有我们的力量联合起来，社会才会进步。

现在八年时间过去了，我仍然坚信这一点。我相信，这不只是我自己的一个信念，也是我们整个美国思想的核心所在——对自治进行大胆地尝试。

我们的信念一直是，生来平等，造物者赋予我们一些不可剥夺的权利，其中包括生命、自由以及对幸福的追求。这些权利，虽然人人都有，但并不能自动实现。我们，每一个公民，必须通过民主的工具，来创建一个更加完美的国家。

这是造物者赐予我们的礼物，我们拥有用汗水、辛劳和想象力去追逐我们的个人梦想和自由，同时也承担有团结一致，实现更高目标的义务。我们的国家并不是一开始就是完美的，但是我们已经展示出了改变的能力，并为每一位追随者提供更好的生活。

是的，我们的进步并不均衡，民主工作也一直很艰难，同时存在一定的争议，并且有时是血腥的。每向前迈两步，给人的感觉往往是还要往后退一步。但是美国在漫长的发展过程中，我们一直锐意进取，不断拓宽我们的信条，去拥抱所有，而不仅仅是其中一部分。

如果八年前，我告诉你们，美国将扭转大衰退，重振汽车行业，并创造出历史以来最多的就业机会；如果当时我告诉你们，我们将与古巴人民开启一个新的篇章，停止伊朗核武器计划并揪出9/11事件的幕后主使；如果当时我告诉你们，我们将实现婚姻平等，为另外2000万的同胞赢得健康保险的权利；如果当时我告诉你们这些，你们可能会说我的目标定得有点高。但是现在这就是我们所做到的，这就是你们所做到的。是你们促成了这些变化，你们让希望成真，也正是因为你们，现在的美国比我上任时变得更好、更强。

十天之内，世界将会见证我们民主的一个标志：通过自由选举，将总统的权利和平地移交给下一位总统。我向当选总统特朗普承诺，我会为他提供最平稳的过渡，就像布什总统之前为我做的一样。因为我们所有人都需要确保政府可以帮助我们应对目前面临的诸多挑战。

我们需要去应对这些挑战，因为我们仍然是地球上最富有、最强大也最受尊重的国家，我们的青年和发展动力，我们的多样性和开放程度，我们应对风险和进行革新的能力，都在向我们表明未来应该是属于我们的。

但是，只有我们保持民主这些潜力才会发挥出来。只有当我们的政治反映出人民的正直，只有我们所有人，不论党派关系或特殊利益，都有助于推动我们实现共同目的的渴望时，这些潜力才会发挥出来。

民主不需要同一性，我们的领袖会争吵，会妥协，但他们知道民主需要一种基本的团结意识，虽然我们存在各种差异，但我们仍要团结一致，共同进退。

历史上总会有一些时刻会威胁到这种团结，本世纪便是这样的时刻：世界不断变小，不平等持续扩大，人口变化以及恐怖主义蔓延，这些因素不只是对我们国家安全和经济繁荣的考验，也是对我们民主的考验。我们如何来应对这些挑战，将决定我们是否有能力教育好我们的孩子，创造优质的工作，并保护我们的家园。换言之，它将决定我们的未来。

在过去五十年以来，现在的医疗保健成本正在以最慢的速度上升。如果任何人能够制定一个明显优于目前医疗保健系统的改进计划，并尽可能覆盖更多的人，那我一定会公开表示支持。

我当选后，出现了一种说法是美国进入后种族时代（种族歧视已经不存在），这只是一个愿景，并不是现实。因为种族问题在我们的社会中仍然是一种强有力的分裂力量。虽然这一问题得到了某种程度的改善，但我们每一个人都需要做出更多的努力。毕竟，如果每一个经济问题都被看作是勤劳的白人中产阶级和不受欢迎的少数民族之间的矛盾，那所有种族的工人只能是争夺蝇头小利，而富人坐收渔翁之利。

这一切都不容易。对于我们中的太多人来说，退回到我们自己的温床里最安全，无论是我们的社区或大学校园或礼拜场所或我们的社交媒体中，和那些与我们相似，有着同样的政治背景，从不质疑我们的假设的人相处最舒适。赤裸裸的党派之争、日益增加的经济和区域分层、媒体的分裂都成为政党宣传的工具——所有这一切使得这种区分似乎变得自然，甚至是不可避免的。我们变得躲在自己的泡沫里，只接受符合我们意见的信息，而不是基于现有证据形成自己的观点。

这不是总是使政治如此沮丧的那部分吗？当我们建议将财务经费投入到孩子们的学龄前教育时，选举官员对赤字感到如此愤怒，但是当为公司削减税收时，为什么不感到愤怒？其它党派做出道德沦丧的事情时，我们紧紧抓住不放，但为什么当我们自己的党派做出相同的事情时，我们却选择原谅？这不仅是不诚实，而是对事实进行选择；这会自取其咎，因为我的妈妈曾经告诉我，―事实总有一天会暴露在你面前。‖

在短短8年时间里，我们减少了对外国石油的依赖，使我们的可再生能源增加了一倍，并带领世界达成了一项拯救地球的协议。如果不果断行动，我们的孩子将不会再有时间来辩论气候变化的存在；因为，他们将忙于应对其影响：环境灾难、经济破坏和寻求庇护的气候难民潮。

假装问题不存在不仅背叛了后代，它暴露了这个国家的本质精神。

由于我们的官员、执法人员和外交官的非凡勇气，无论男性还是女性，在过去八年中，没有外国恐怖组织成功实施对我们的家园的袭击，虽然波士顿和奥兰多提醒我们激进组织的危险性，单我们的执法机构比以往更加具有有效性和警惕性。我们已经制服了数万名恐怖分子——包括乌萨马·本·拉登。

我们领导的全球联盟已经牵制了伊拉克和黎凡特伊斯兰国领导人，占领了大约一半的领土。伊黎伊斯兰国将被摧毁，任何威胁美国的人都将被制服。

这就是为什么，在过去八年中，我一直致力于在一个更坚定的法律基础上努力打击恐怖主义，这就是为什么我们能够结束折磨，关闭关塔那摩湾（以作为美军的拘留营而著名），并改革我们的监管法律，以保护隐私和公民自由。

这就是为什么我反对歧视穆斯林美国人，这就是为什么我们不能退出大规模的全球斗争——我们要扩大民主、人权、妇女权利和LGBT权利，无论我们的努力有多么不完美。因为，这是捍卫美国的一部分。为了反对极端主义以及宗派主义和沙文主义，这是与反威权主义和民族主义侵略的斗争。

这也是我想要表达的最后一点：当我们把民主视为理所当然时，我们的民主就会受到威胁。我们所有人，不论党派，都应该致力于重建我们的民主体制的任务。当投票率是发达民主国家中最低之一时，我们应该使投票更容易，而不是更难。当我们的组织信任度降低时，我们应该减少金钱在政治中的腐蚀性影响，并坚持透明度和道德的公共服务原则。当国会功能失调时，我们应该吸引我们的地区鼓励政客迎合大众需求，而不是僵化的极端。

所有这一切都取决于我们的参与；我们每个人都有公民的责任，无论权力以何种方式摆动。

我们的宪法是一个了不起的，美丽的礼物。但它真的只是一块羊皮纸。它自己没有力量。而是我们，人民，赋予它的权力——我们的参与，和我们做出的选择。我们是否支持我们的自由，是否尊重和执行法治。美国并不脆弱，但是，我们漫长的自由之旅的成果并不确定。

如果你厌倦了在网络上与陌生人争论，尝试在现实生活中与他们进行谈话吧。如果有什么需要改变，那就系好你的鞋带，组织一些事情。如果你对你当选的官员感到失望，可以拿一张剪贴板，拿一些签名，自己去办公室，出面，深入追究，坚持不懈。

有时你会赢，有时你会输。假设别人都具有善良的美德可能是一种风险，而且会有一段时间，这个过程会让你失望。但是，对于我们这些有幸成为这项工作的一份子的人来说，仔细想想，我可以告诉你，它可以使每个人得到激励和启发。在这个过程中，你对美国和美国人的信心将得到证实，而我的信仰已经得到证实。

感谢Michelle，在过去的25年中，你不仅是我的妻子和我的孩子的母亲，也一直是我最好的朋友。你所要承担的这个角色并不是你自己要求的，但你却用优雅、坚韧、独特的风格和幽默感成功地完成了角色转变。你使白宫成为属于每个人的地方。而新一代的年轻人视野会更高，因为他们有你作为榜样。

感谢玛丽亚和萨莎，你们成为了两个了不起的年轻女性，聪明和美丽，但更重要的是，善良和周到，充满激情。你们在聚光灯下承受了多年的负担。在我一生中所做的所有事情中，我最为自豪的是成为你们的父亲。

副总统拜登，是我做出的首个提名，也是最棒的提名。不仅仅是因为你是一个伟大的副总统，也是因为我收获到了你这样一个兄弟。你就像我的家人一样，与你的友谊也是我生活中的一大快乐所在。

对于我那些杰出的工作人员，八年的时间，甚至对其中一些人来说，时间还要更久，我被你们的精力所感染，回想你们每一天的表现，你们的性格、心灵和理想。八年的时间，其中有些人由单身，到结婚生子，开始自己人生路上的新旅程。虽然世事艰难，但你们一直没有被打倒，你们让我自豪。

对于你们所有的人，每位搬到陌生城市的组织者，每一名敲门宣传的志愿者，每一名第一次投票的年轻人，每个为这种变化努力的美国人，你们是最棒的支持者和组织者，我将永远感激在心，因为是你们改变了世界，是你们的功劳。

这也是为什么，我虽然离开仍保持乐观的原因所在，因为我们的工作不仅仅是帮助到很多人，更是激发了很多美国人，尤其是年轻人，相信你们可以有一番作为。

这一代美国人无私、富有创造性，并饱含爱国精神，你们相信公平、公正和包容，你们知道不断保持变化是美国的标志，所以不要害怕，拥抱这些变化，你们会愿意承担这项艰巨的民主工作。你们很快就会超越我们这些人，我相信，未来在你们手中。

我的同胞们，为你们服务是我的荣幸。我不会停止为你们服务，以后我将作为一个公民，与你们站在一起。最后，就像八年前一样，我希望你们能够坚持我们最开始的信念，那些来自奴隶和废奴主义者争取平等的信念，那些移民和自耕农人群的奋斗不息的精神，以及那些对于民主自由权利的争取，这些也是每一位美国人的信念，未来的篇章等待着你们去谱写。

我希望你们能够坚持我们最开始的信念，那些来自奴隶和废奴主义者的想法，那些移民和自耕农人群的精神，以及那些正义的追随者的信仰，这一信念是每个美国人的核心信念，未来的篇章等待着你们去谱写。

是的，我们能行。（Yes We Can.）是的，我们做到了。（Yes We Did.）是的，我们能行！（Yes We Can.）愿上帝保佑你们，愿上帝保佑美国！

英文原文

It‘s good to be home.My fellow Americans, Michelle and I have been so touched by all the well-wishes we‘ve received over the past few weeks.But tonight it‘s my turn to say thanks.Whether we‘ve seen eye-to-eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people – in living rooms and schools;at farms and on factory floors;at diners and on distant outposts – are what have kept me honest, kept me inspired, and kept me going.Every day, I learned from you.You made me a better President, and you made me a better man.I first came to Chicago when I was in my early twenties, still trying to figure out who I was;still searching for a purpose to my life.It was in neighborhoods not far from here where I began working with church groups in the shadows of closed steel mills.It was on these streets where I witnessed the power of faith, and the quiet dignity of working people in the face of struggle and loss.This is where I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged, and come together to demand it.After eight years as your President, I still believe that.And it‘s not just my belief.It‘s the beating heart of our American idea – our bold experiment in self-government.It‘s the conviction that we are all created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.It‘s the insistence that these rights, while self-evident, have never been self-executing;that We, the People, through the instrument of our democracy, can form a more perfect union.This is the great gift our Founders gave us.The freedom to chase our individual dreams through our sweat, toil, and imagination – and the imperative to strive together as well, to achieve a greater good.For 240 years, our nation‘s call to citizenship has given work and purpose to each new generation.It‘s what led patriots to choose republic over tyranny, pioneers to trek west, slaves to brave that makeshift railroad to freedom.It‘s what pulled immigrants and refugees across oceans and the Rio Grande, pushed women to reach for the ballot, powered workers to organize.It‘s why GIs gave their lives at Omaha Beach and Iwo Jima;Iraq and Afghanistan – and why men and women from Selma to Stonewall were prepared to give theirs as well.So that‘s what we mean when we say America is exceptional.Not that our nation has been flawless from the start, but that we have shown the capacity to change, and make life better for those who follow.Yes, our progress has been uneven.The work of democracy has always been hard, contentious and sometimes bloody.For every two steps forward, it often feels we take one step back.But the long sweep of America has been defined by forward motion, a constant widening of our founding creed to embrace all, and not just some.If I had told you eight years ago that America would reverse a great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history…if I had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the Cuban people, shut down Iran‘s nuclear weapons program without firing a shot, and take out the mastermind of 9/11…if I had told you that we would win marriage equality, and secure the right to health insurance for another 20 million of our fellow citizens – you might have said our sights were set a little too high.But that‘s what we did.That‘s what you did.You were the change.You answered people‘s hopes, and because of you, by almost every measure, America is a better, stronger place than it was when we started.In ten days, the world will witness a hallmark of our democracy: the peaceful transfer of power from one freely-elected president to the next.I committed to President-Elect Trump that my administration would ensure the smoothest possible transition, just as President Bush did for me.Because it‘s up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face.We have what we need to do so.After all, we remain the wealthiest, most powerful, and most respected nation on Earth.Our youth and drive, our diversity and openness, our boundless capacity for risk and reinvention mean that the future should be ours.But that potential will be realized only if our democracy works.Only if our politics reflects the decency of the our people.Only if all of us, regardless of our party affiliation or particular interest, help restore the sense of common purpose that we so badly need right now.That‘s what I want to focus on tonight – the state of our democracy.Understand, democracy does not require uniformity.Our founders quarreled and compromised, and expected us to do the same.But they knew that democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity – the idea that for all our outward differences, we are all in this together;that we rise or fall as one.There have been moments throughout our history that threatened to rupture that solidarity.The beginning of this century has been one of those times.A shrinking world, growing inequality;demographic change and the specter of terrorism – these forces haven‘t just tested our security and prosperity, but our democracy as well.And how we meet these challenges to our democracy will determine our ability to educate our kids, and create good jobs, and protect our homeland.In other words, it will determine our future.Our democracy won‘t work without a sense that everyone has economic opportunity.Today, the economy is growing again;wages, incomes, home values, and retirement accounts are rising again;poverty is falling again.The wealthy are paying a fairer share of taxes even as the stock market shatters records.The unemployment rate is near a ten-year low.The uninsured rate has never, ever been lower.Health care costs are rising at the slowest rate in fifty years.And if anyone can put together a plan that is demonstrably better than the improvements we‘ve made to our health care system – that covers as many people at less cost – I will publicly support it.That, after all, is why we serve – to make people‘s lives better, not worse.But for all the real progress we‘ve made, we know it‘s not enough.Our economy doesn‘t work as well or grow as fast when a few prosper at the expense of a growing middle class.But stark inequality is also corrosive to our democratic principles.While the top one percent has amassed a bigger share of wealth and income, too many families, in inner cities and rural counties, have been left behind – the laid-off factory worker;the waitress and health care worker who struggle to pay the bills – convinced that the game is fixed against them, that their government only serves the interests of the powerful – a recipe for more cynicism and polarization in our politics.There are no quick fixes to this long-term trend.I agree that our trade should be fair and not just free.But the next wave of economic dislocation won‘t come from overseas.It will come from the relentless pace of automation that makes many good, middle-class jobs obsolete.And so we must forge a new social compact – to guarantee all our kids the education they need;to give workers the power to unionize for better wages;to update the social safety net to reflect the way we live now and make more reforms to the tax code so corporations and individuals who reap the most from the new economy don‘t avoid their obligations to the country that‘s made their success possible.We can argue about how to best achieve these goals.But we can‘t be complacent about the goals themselves.For if we don‘t create opportunity for all people, the disaffection and division that has stalled our progress will only sharpen in years to come.There‘s a second threat to our democracy – one as old as our nation itself.After my election, there was talk of a post-racial America.Such a vision, however well-intended, was never realistic.For race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society.I‘ve lived long enough to know that race relations are better than they were ten, or twenty, or thirty years ago – you can see it not just in statistics, but in the attitudes of young Americans across the political spectrum.But we‘re not where we need to be.All of us have more work to do.After all, if every economic issue is framed as a struggle between a hardworking white middle class and undeserving minorities, then workers of all shades will be left fighting for scraps while the wealthy withdraw further into their private enclaves.If we decline to invest in the children of immigrants, just because they don‘t look like us, we diminish the prospects of our own children – because those brown kids will represent a larger share of America‘s workforce.And our economy doesn‘t have to be a zero-sum game.Last year, incomes rose for all races, all age groups, for men and for women.Going forward, we must uphold laws against discrimination – in hiring, in housing, in education and the criminal justice system.That‘s what our Constitution and highest ideals require.But laws alone won‘t be enough.Hearts must change.If our democracy is to work in this increasingly diverse nation, each one of us must try to heed the advice of one of the great characters in American fiction, Atticus Finch, who said ―You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.‖

For blacks and other minorities, it means tying our own struggles for justice to the challenges that a lot of people in this country face – the refugee, the immigrant, the rural poor, the transgender American, and also the middle-aged white man who from the outside may seem like he‘s got all the advantages, but who‘s seen his world upended by economic, cultural, and technological change.For white Americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and Jim Crow didn‘t suddenly vanish in the ‗60s;that when minority groups voice discontent, they‘re not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness;that when they wage peaceful protest, they‘re not demanding special treatment, but the equal treatment our Founders promised.For native-born Americans, it means reminding ourselves that the stereotypes about immigrants today were said, almost word for word, about the Irish, Italians, and Poles.America wasn‘t weakened by the presence of these newcomers;they embraced this nation‘s creed, and it was strengthened.So regardless of the station we occupy;we have to try harder;to start with the premise that each of our fellow citizens loves this country just as much as we do;that they value hard work and family like we do;that their children are just as curious and hopeful and worthy of love as our own.None of this is easy.For too many of us, it‘s become safer to retreat into our own bubbles, whether in our neighborhoods or college campuses or places of worship or our social media feeds, surrounded by people who look like us and share the same political outlook and never challenge our assumptions.The rise of naked partisanship, increasing economic and regional stratification, the splintering of our media into a channel for every taste – all this makes this great sorting seem natural, even inevitable.And increasingly, we become so secure in our bubbles that we accept only information, whether true or not, that fits our opinions, instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that‘s out there.This trend represents a third threat to our democracy.Politics is a battle of ideas;in the course of a healthy debate, we‘ll prioritize different goals, and the different means of reaching them.But without some common baseline of facts;without a willingness to admit new information, and concede that your opponent is making a fair point, and that science and reason matter, we‘ll keep talking past each other, making common ground and compromise impossible.Isn‘t that part of what makes politics so dispiriting? How can elected officials rage about deficits when we propose to spend money on preschool for kids, but not when we‘re cutting taxes for corporations? How do we excuse ethical lapses in our own party, but pounce when the other party does the same thing? It‘s not just dishonest, this selective sorting of the facts;it‘s self-defeating.Because as my mother used to tell me, reality has a way of catching up with you.Take the challenge of climate change.In just eight years, we‘ve halved our dependence on foreign oil, doubled our renewable energy, and led the world to an agreement that has the promise to save this planet.But without bolder action, our children won‘t have time to debate the existence of climate change;they‘ll be busy dealing with its effects: environmental disasters, economic disruptions, and waves of climate refugees seeking sanctuary.Now, we can and should argue about the best approach to the problem.But to simply deny the problem not only betrays future generations;it betrays the essential spirit of innovation and practical problem-solving that guided our Founders.It‘s that spirit, born of the Enlightenment, that made us an economic powerhouse – the spirit that took flight at Kitty Hawk and Cape Canaveral;the spirit that that cures disease and put a computer in every pocket.It‘s that spirit – a faith in reason, and enterprise, and the primacy of right over might, that allowed us to resist the lure of fascism and tyranny during the Great Depression, and build a post-World War II order with other democracies, an order based not just on military power or national affiliations but on principles – the rule of law, human rights, freedoms of religion, speech, assembly, and an independent press.That order is now being challenged – first by violent fanatics who claim to speak for Islam;more recently by autocrats in foreign capitals who see free markets, open democracies, and civil society itself as a threat to their power.The peril each poses to our democracy is more far-reaching than a car bomb or a missile.It represents the fear of change;the fear of people who look or speak or pray differently;a contempt for the rule of law that holds leaders accountable;an intolerance of dissent and free thought;a belief that the sword or the gun or the bomb or propaganda machine is the ultimate arbiter of what‘s true and what‘s right.Because of the extraordinary courage of our men and women in uniform, and the intelligence officers, law enforcement, and diplomats who support them, no foreign terrorist organization has successfully planned and executed an attack on our homeland these past eight years;and although Boston and Orlando remind us of how dangerous radicalization can be, our law enforcement agencies are more effective and vigilant than ever.We‘ve taken out tens of thousands of terrorists – including Osama bin Laden.The global coalition we‘re leading against ISIL has taken out their leaders, and taken away about half their territory.ISIL will be destroyed, and no one who threatens America will ever be safe.To all who serve, it has been the honor of my lifetime to be your Commander-in-Chief.But protecting our way of life requires more than our military.Democracy can buckle when we give in to fear.So just as we, as citizens, must remain vigilant against external aggression, we must guard against a weakening of the values that make us who we are.That‘s why, for the past eight years, I‘ve worked to put the fight against terrorism on a firm legal footing.That‘s why we‘ve ended torture, worked to close Gitmo, and reform our laws governing surveillance to protect privacy and civil liberties.That‘s why I reject discrimination against Muslim Americans.That‘s why we cannot withdraw from global fights – to expand democracy, and human rights, women‘s rights, and LGBT rights – no matter how imperfect our efforts, no matter how expedient ignoring such values may seem.For the fight against extremism and intolerance and sectarianism are of a piece with the fight against authoritarianism and nationalist aggression.If the scope of freedom and respect for the rule of law shrinks around the world, the likelihood of war within and between nations increases, and our own freedoms will eventually be threatened.So let‘s be vigilant, but not afraid.ISIL will try to kill innocent people.But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our Constitution and our principles in the fight.Rivals like Russia or China cannot match our influence around the world – unless we give up what we stand for, and turn ourselves into just another big country that bullies smaller neighbors.Which brings me to my final point – our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted.All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves into the task of rebuilding our democratic institutions.When voting rates are some of the lowest among advanced democracies, we should make it easier, not harder, to vote.When trust in our institutions is low, we should reduce the corrosive influence of money in our politics, and insist on the principles of transparency and ethics in public service.When Congress is dysfunctional, we should draw our districts to encourage politicians to cater to common sense and not rigid extremes.And all of this depends on our participation;on each of us accepting the responsibility of citizenship, regardless of which way the pendulum of power swings.Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift.But it‘s really just a piece of parchment.It has no power on its own.We, the people, give it power – with our participation, and the choices we make.Whether or not we stand up for our freedoms.Whether or not we respect and enforce the rule of law.America is no fragile thing.But the gains of our long journey to freedom are not assured.In his own farewell address, George Washington wrote that self-government is the underpinning of our safety, prosperity, and liberty, but ―from different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken…to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth;‖ that we should preserve it with ―jealous anxiety;‖ that we should reject ―the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties‖ that make us one.We weaken those ties when we allow our political dialogue to become so corrosive that people of good character are turned off from public service;so coarse with rancor that Americans with whom we disagree are not just misguided, but somehow malevolent.We weaken those ties when we define some of us as more American than others;when we write off the whole system as inevitably corrupt, and blame the leaders we elect without examining our own role in electing them.It falls to each of us to be those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy;to embrace the joyous task we‘ve been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours.Because for all our outward differences, we all share the same proud title: Citizen.Ultimately, that‘s what our democracy demands.It needs you.Not just when there‘s an election, not just when your own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime.If you‘re tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try to talk with one in real life.If something needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do some organizing.If you‘re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself.Show up.Dive in.Persevere.Sometimes you‘ll win.Sometimes you‘ll lose.Presuming a reservoir of goodness in others can be a risk, and there will be times when the process disappoints you.But for those of us fortunate enough to have been a part of this work, to see it up close, let me tell you, it can energize and inspire.And more often than not, your faith in America – and in Americans – will be confirmed.Mine sure has been.Over the course of these eight years, I‘ve seen the hopeful faces of young graduates and our newest military officers.I‘ve mourned with grieving families searching for answers, and found grace in Charleston church.I‘ve seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch, and our wounded warriors walk again.I‘ve seen our doctors and volunteers rebuild after earthquakes and stop pandemics in their tracks.I‘ve seen the youngest of children remind us of our obligations to care for refugees, to work in peace, and above all to look out for each other.That faith I placed all those years ago, not far from here, in the power of ordinary Americans to bring about change – that faith has been rewarded in ways I couldn‘t possibly have imagined.I hope yours has, too.Some of you here tonight or watching at home were there with us in 2004, in 2008, in 2012 – and maybe you still can‘t believe we pulled this whole thing off.You‘re not the only ones.Michelle – for the past twenty-five years, you‘ve been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend.You took on a role you didn‘t ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humor.You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody.And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model.You‘ve made me proud.You‘ve made the country proud.Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women, smart and beautiful, but more importantly, kind and thoughtful and full of passion.You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily.Of all that I‘ve done in my life, I‘m most proud to be your dad.To Joe Biden, the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware‘s favorite son: you were the first choice I made as a nominee, and the best.Not just because you have been a great Vice President, but because in the bargain, I gained a brother.We love you and Jill like family, and your friendship has been one of the great joys of our life.To my remarkable staff: For eight years – and for some of you, a whole lot more – I‘ve drawn from your energy, and tried to reflect back what you displayed every day: heart, and character, and idealism.I‘ve watched you grow up, get married, have kids, and start incredible new journeys of your own.Even when times got tough and frustrating, you never let Washington get the better of you.The only thing that makes me prouder than all the good we‘ve done is the thought of all the remarkable things you‘ll achieve from here.And to all of you out there – every organizer who moved to an unfamiliar town and kind family who welcomed them in, every volunteer who knocked on doors, every young person who cast a ballot for the first time, every American who lived and breathed the hard work of change – you are the best supporters and organizers anyone could hope for, and I will forever be grateful.Because yes, you changed the world.That‘s why I leave this stage tonight even more optimistic about this country than I was when we started.Because I know our work has not only helped so many Americans;it has inspired so many Americans – especially so many young people out there – to believe you can make a difference;to hitch your wagon to something bigger than yourselves.This generation coming up – unselfish, altruistic, creative, patriotic – I‘ve seen you in every corner of the country.You believe in a fair, just, inclusive America;you know that constant change has been America‘s hallmark, something not to fear but to embrace, and you are willing to carry this hard work of democracy forward.You‘ll soon outnumber any of us, and I believe as a result that the future is in good hands.My fellow Americans, it has been the honor of my life to serve you.I won‘t stop;in fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my days that remain.For now, whether you‘re young or young at heart, I do have one final ask of you as your President – the same thing I asked when you took a chance on me eight years ago.I am asking you to believe.Not in my ability to bring about change – but in yours.I am asking you to hold fast to that faith written into our founding documents;that idea whispered by slaves and abolitionists;that spirit sung by immigrants and homesteaders and those who marched for justice;that creed reaffirmed by those who planted flags from foreign battlefields to the surface of the moon;a creed at the core of every American whose story is not yet written: Yes We Can.Yes We Did.Yes We Can.Thank you.God bless you.And may God continue to bless the United States of America.

第三篇：奥巴马致辞演讲,中英文对照

Remarks in an Exchange of Toasts at State Dinner

by Barack Obama, President of the United States of America State Dining Room, White House, Washington

January 19, 2011

在欢迎胡锦涛主席国宴上的致辞

美利坚合众国总统 巴拉克·奥巴马

美国华盛顿 白宫 国宴厅

2011年1月19日

Good evening, everybody.Please have a seat.On behalf of Michelle and myself, welcome to the White House.And thank you for joining us as we host President Hu and the Chinese delegation, and as we pay tribute to the bonds between two great nations and two proud peoples.大家晚上好。请坐。米歇尔和我欢迎大家光临白宫。感谢各位与我们一道欢迎胡锦涛主席和中国代表团，对中美两国和人民的紧密关系致意。

There are too many distinguished guests to mention all of you tonight.But I do want to acknowledge a few who have championed relations between our nations:First of all, President Jimmy Carter and his wonderful wife Rosalynn Carter are here.As well as President Bill Clinton and my outstanding Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.今晚在座的有非常多的贵宾，我想特别介绍一下对我们两国关系起到关键作用的人：吉米·卡特总统和他的夫人罗萨琳·卡特，还有比尔·克林顿总统及我们出色的国务卿希拉里·克林顿。

President Hu, we have met today in a spirit of mutual respect:the United States--the oldest democracy in the world, and China--one of the oldest civilizations in the world.And while it’s easy to focus on our differences of culture and perspective, let us never forget the values that our people share:A reverence for family;the belief that, with education and hard work and with sacrifice, the future is what we make it;and most of all, the desire to give our children a better life.胡主席，今天的聚会体现了我们相互尊重的精神，美国是世界上最悠久的民主制度国家，中国是世界上最古老的文明之一。我们很容易将注意力放在文化与观点的差别之上，但我们也不应该忘记两国人民共有的价值观——对家庭的重视，对通过教育、勤奋和牺牲创造未来的信念，更重要的，对子女提供更好生活的愿望。

Let’s also never forget that throughout our history our people have worked together for mutual progress.We’ve traded together for more than 200 years.We stood together in the Second World War.Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans have helped to build America, including many who join us here tonight.我们也不应该忘记历史上我们两国人民为了共同的进步而共同努力。我们有二百多年的贸易历史，在二战中我们并肩作战，中国的移民和华裔美国人对美国的建设做出了贡献，其中包括许多今晚在座的嘉宾。

The Chinese and American people work together and create new opportunities together every single day.Mr.President, today

we’ve shown that our governments can work together as well, for our mutual benefit.And that includes this bit of news-— under a new agreement, our National Zoo will continue to dazzle children and visitors with the beloved giant pandas.中美两国人民每天都在共同努力创造新的机会。主席先生，今天我们也表明了两国政府可以同样为了共同的利益一起努力，其中也包括这条消息——根据一项新的协议，我们的国家动物园将可以继续保留吸引孩子和游客们的中国大熊猫。

I'm told that there is a Chinese proverb that says:If you want one year of prosperity, then grow grain.If you want 10 years of prosperity, then grow trees.But if you want 100 years of prosperity, then you grow people.我知道一句中国的谚语：一年树谷，十年树木，百年树人。

And so I propose a toast--to our people, the citizens of the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America.May they grow together in friendship.May they prosper together in peace.And may they realize their dream of the future for themselves, for their children, and for their grandchildren.所以我提议让我们一起举杯——为我们的人民，中华人民共和国和美利坚合众国的公民。愿两国人民加深友谊，和平繁荣，实现自己及子孙的未来的梦想！

Ganbei.干杯

第四篇：奥巴马演讲中英文对照学习

Hi, everybody.大家好！

Restoring the idea of opportunity for all requires a year of action from all of us.Wherever I can acton my own, I will – and whenever I can ask more Americans to help, I’ll do that too.为所有人恢复机会的想法，需要我们大家在今年做出不懈努力，在我能独自采取行动的地方，我会毫不犹豫地这样去做——在我可以请求美国人民帮助的时候，我也会毫不迟疑地发出声音。

In my State of the Union Address, for example, I asked more business leaders to take action toraise their employees’ wages.Because even though our economy is growing, and our businesseshave created about eight and a half million new jobs over the past four years, average wages havebarely budged.例如，在国情咨文中，我请求更多的企业领袖采取行动，提高员工工资。因为，尽管我们的经济正在增长，过去四年中，我们的企业已创造了八百五十万个新工作，可我们的平均工资却几乎没有增加。

So it’s good news that, earlier this week, one of America’s largest retailers, The Gap, decided to raisewages for its employees beginning this year.Their decision will benefit about 65,000 workers in theU.S.That means more families will be able to raise their kids, finish their studies, or keep up on theirbills with a little less financial stress and strain.所以，本周早些时候，美国最大零售商之一盖普公司决定，今年开始为员工提高工资，这是个好消息。他们的决定将惠及约65,000名美国工人。这意味着更多的家庭，将能以更小的财政压力和负担，抚养孩子、完成学业或支付账单。Gap’s CEO explained their decision simply – he said, ―[It’s] right for our brands, good for ourpeople, and beneficial to our customers.‖ And he’s right – raising Americans’ wages isn’t just agood deed;it’s good business and good for our economy.It helps reduce turnover, it boostsproductivity, and it gives folks some more money to spend at local businesses.盖普的首席执行官简单解释了他们的决定——他表示：―[这一决定]对我们的品牌是合适的，对我们的员工是有帮助的，对我们的客户也是有益的。‖他是正确的——提高美国人民的工资，不只是件善事；它是件好事，有益于我们的经济。它帮助减少人员流动率、它提高生产力，它给人们更多的钱可以花到当地企业身上。

And as a chief executive myself, that’s why I took action last week to lift more workers’ wages byrequiring federal contractors to pay their employees a fair wage of at least $10.10 an hour.正是出于这一理由，作为美国总统，我上周采取行动，要求联邦承包商支付员工每小时至少10.10美元的合理工资，以此提高更多工人的工资。

In the year since I first asked Congress to raise the minimum wage, six states have passed laws toraise theirs, and more states are working on it as we speak.But only Congress can finish the joband lift Americans’ wages across the country.自我首先请求国会提高最低工资以来的一年中，六个州已通过提高最低工资的立法，就在我们谈话过程中，更多的州正在完成立法程序。但是，只有国会可以完成这一工作，在全国范围提高美国人民的工资。

Right now, there’s a bill before Congress that would boost America’s minimum wage to $10.10 anhour.That’s easy to remember –

―ten-ten.‖ That bill would lift wages for more than 16 millionAmericans without requiring a single dollar in new taxes or spending.But even though a majorityof Democrats, Independents, and Republicans across the country support raising the minimumwage, Republicans in Congress don’t want to give it a vote.此刻，就有一份把美国最低工资提高到每小时10.10美元的法案已送达国会。这很容易记住——―两个10‖。不需要增加一美元的税收或财政支出，这份法案将为1600万美国人提高工资。不过，尽管全国绝大多数民主党人、无党派人士和共和党人都支持提高最低工资，国会共和党人却不想就该法案进行表决。

Hardworking Americans deserve better than ―no.‖ Let’s tell Congress to say ―yes.‖ Pass that bill.Give America a raise.Because here in America, no one who works hard should have to live inpoverty – and everyone who works hard should have a chance to get ahead.勤奋工作的美国人民应该得到比―不‖更好的答案。让我们告诉国会说―同意‖吧。通过这一法案！给美国加薪吧！努力工作的人，不应该生活在贫困之中——每位努力工作的人，都应该拥有获得成功的机会！Thanks, and have a great weekend.谢谢！祝周末愉快！

In the Garden:Getting the Most Out of Mums

This is the VOA Special English Agriculture Report.People have grown chrysanthemums for more than two thousand years.Chinese and other Asian cultures make tea with the flowers.But mums also make bright and colorful gardens.One basic kind of mum is the hardy or garden mum.The other basic kind is the florist mum.The garden mum is better able to handle different growing conditions than the florist mum.There are many varieties of mums.The decorative mum is often seen in gardens.Another popular type, the quill mum, has long, straight petals like a tube or needle.Chrysanthemum blooms can be white, yellow, gold, red or other colors.The plants often grow to one meter in height.The soil should be kept moist but well drained so it does not get too wet.Newly planted mums should be watered two or three times a week, depending on conditions.Plants established in the ground may do well just with normal rainfall.In dry conditions they will need more water.Mums grow best in full sunshine.They produce colorful blooms when days get shorter and nights get longer.The life cycle of the plant depends on the amount of daylight.This is why experts advise against placing mums near nightlights or streetlights.The light may interfere with their normal growth cycle.The plants may develop buds too soon.In climates where temperatures fall below freezing, plant mums at least six weeks before the first frost is expected.That way, the plants will be well established for cold weather.Placing mulch around the plants can protect them from the cold.Doug Akers from the cooperative extension service at Purdue University in Indiana suggests straw or shredded leaves for the mulch.The material will also add nutrients to the soil.Some gardeners say the most beautiful presentation comes from planting mums close together.But they also advise leaving enough space between the plants so air can flow.If not, the chance of disease may increase.To get more blooms, gardeners pinch back the branches when new growth has extended to fifteen centimeters.Squeeze about five to seven centimeters off each branch.Pinch again when a branch grows another twelve to fifteen

centimeters.Stop pinching about one hundred days before you want the plants to bloom.And that's the VOA Special English Agriculture Report, written by Jerilyn Watson.You can find all of our reports with transcripts and MP3s at /20100629/22404.html

第五篇：奥巴马上海演讲中英文对照

奥巴马上海演讲稿 2009-12-13 14:53

奥巴马上海演讲稿

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 remarks, 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 comes 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 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 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.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。）