第一篇:巴拉克_奥巴马就职演说
巴拉克·奥巴马就职演说
My fellow citizens: 我的同胞们:
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.今天我站在这里,看到眼前面临的重大任务,深感卑微。我感谢你们对我的信任,也知道先辈们为了这个国家所作的牺牲。我要感谢布什总统为国家做出的贡献,以及感谢他在两届政府过渡期间给与的慷慨协作。
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.迄今为止,已经有44个美国总统宣誓就职。总统的宣誓有时面对的是国家的和平繁荣,但通常面临的是乌云密布的紧张形势。在紧张的形势中,支持美国前进的不仅仅是领导人的能力和远见,也在于美国人民对国家先驱者理想的信仰,以及对美国立国文件的忠诚。前辈们如此,我们这一代美国人也要如此。
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 healthcare 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.现在我们都深知,我们身处危机之中。我们的国家在战斗,对手是影响深远的暴力和憎恨;国家的经济也受到严重的削弱,原因虽有一些人的贪婪和不负责任,但更为重要的是我们作为一个整体在一些重大问题上决策失误,同时也未能做好应对新时代的准备。我们的人民正在失去家园,失去工作,很多企业倒闭。社会的医疗过于昂贵、学校教育让许多人失望,而且每天都会有新的证据显示,我们利用能源的方式助长了我们的敌对势力,同时也威胁着我们的星球。
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.今天我要说,我们的确面临着很多严峻的挑战,而且在短期内不大可能轻易解决。但是我们要相信,我们一定会度过难关。
今天,我们在这里齐聚一堂,因为我们战胜恐惧选择了希望,摒弃了冲突和矛盾而选择了团结。
今天,我们宣布要为无谓的摩擦、不实的承诺和指责画上句号,我们要打破牵制美国政治发展的若干陈旧教条。
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.美国仍是一个年轻的国家,借用《圣经》的话说,放弃幼稚的时代已经到来了。重拾坚韧精神的时代已经到来,我们要为历史作出更好的选择,我们要秉承历史赋予的宝贵权利,秉承那种代代相传的高贵理念:上帝赋予我们每个人以平等和自由,以及每个人尽全力去追求幸福的机会。
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 labour, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.在重申我们国家伟大之处的同时,我们深知伟大从来不是上天赐予的,伟大需要努力赢得。(我们的民族一路走来),这旅途之中从未有过捷径或者妥协,这旅途也不适合胆怯之人、或者是爱安逸胜过爱工作的人、或者单单追求名利之人。这条路是勇于承担风险者之路,是实干家、创造者之路。这其中有一些人名留青史,但是更多的人却在默默无闻地工作着。正是这些人带领我们走过了漫长崎岖的旅行,带领我们走向富强和自由。
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.为了我们,先辈们带着微薄的细软,横渡大洋,寻找新生活;为了我们,先辈们忍辱负重,用血汗浇铸工厂;
为了我们,先辈们在荒芜的西部大地辛勤耕作,定居他乡; 为了我们,先辈们奔赴(独立战争中的)康科德城和葛底斯堡、(二战中的)诺曼底、(越战中的)Khe Sahn,他们征战、死去。
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.一次又一次,我们的先辈们战斗着、牺牲着、操劳着,只为了我们可以生活得更好。在他们看来,美国的强盛与伟大超越了个人雄心,也超越了个人的出身、贫富和派别差异。
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 healthcare'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.我目之所及,都有工作有待完成。国家的经济情况要求我们采取大胆且快速的行动,我们的确是要行动,不仅是要创造就业,更要为(下一轮经济)增长打下新的基础。我们将造桥铺路,为企业铺设电网和数字线路,将我们联系在一起。我们将回归科学,运用科技的奇迹提高医疗质量,降低医疗费用。我们将利用风能、太阳能和土壤驱动车辆,为工厂提供能源。我们将改革中小学以及大专院校,以适应新时代的要求。这一切,我们都能做到,而且我们都将会做到。
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 favours 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 f;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 apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence, 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.我们继承了这些遗产。在这些原则的再次领导下,我们有能力应对新的威胁,我们需要付出更多的努力、进行国家间更广泛的合作以及增进国家间的理解。首先,我们将以负责任的态度,将伊拉克交还给伊拉克人民,同时巩固阿富汗来之不易的和平。对于老朋友和老对手,我们将继续努力,不遗余力,削弱核威胁,遏制全球变暖的幽灵。我们不会为我们的生活方式感到报歉,我们会不动摇地扞卫我们的生活方式。对于那些企图通过恐怖主义或屠杀无辜平民达成目标的人,我们要对他们说:我们的信仰更加坚定,不可动摇,你们不可能拖垮我们,我们定将战胜你们。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.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。
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.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。
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 honour 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.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。
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.因为无论美国政府能做多少,必须做多少,美国国家的立国之本最终还是美国人的决心和信念。于防洪堤坝决堤之时收留陌生受难者的善意,于在经济不景气的时候宁愿减少自己工时也不肯看着朋友失业的无私,正是他们支撑我们走过黑暗的时刻。消防队员冲入满是浓烟的楼梯抢救生命的勇气,父母养育孩子的坚持,正是这些决定了我们的命运。
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.我们自信源于对上帝的信仰,上帝号召我们要掌握自己的命运。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.这就是我们自由和信仰的意义,这也是为何不同种族、不同信仰、不同性别和年龄的人可以同聚一堂在此欢庆的原因,也是我今天能站在这里庄严宣誓的原因,而在50多年前我的父亲甚至都不能成为地方餐馆的服务生。
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:
所以,让我们铭记自己的身份,镌刻自己的足迹。在美国诞生的时代,那最寒冷的岁月里,一群勇敢的爱国人士围着篝火在冰封的河边取暖。首都被占领,敌人在挺进,冬天的雪被鲜血染成了红色。在美国大革命最受质疑的时刻,我们的国父们这样说:
“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.”
“我们要让未来的世界知道„„在深冬的严寒里,唯有希望和勇气才能让我们存活„„面对共同的危险时,我们的城市和国家要勇敢地上前去面对。”
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.今天的美国也在严峻的寒冬中面对共同的挑战,让我们记住国父们不朽的语言。带着希望和勇气,让我们再一次勇敢地面对寒流,迎接可能会发生的风暴。我们要让我们的子孙后代记住,在面临挑战的时候,我们没有屈服,我们没有逃避也没有犹豫,我们脚踏实地、心怀信仰,秉承了宝贵的自由权利并将其安全地交到了下一代的手中。
第二篇:巴拉克·奥巴马的就职演说
总统巴拉克:谢谢你们,谢谢。
群众:奥巴马!奥巴马!奥巴马!奥巴马!
我的同胞们:今天我站在这里,我们面前的任务使我心怀谦卑,而你们赐予我的信任则让我感动,祖先们承受的牺牲更令我感怀。我要感谢布什总统对祖国的贡献,(APPLAUSE 鼓掌欢呼)同时也要感谢他在此次交接过程里展现出的风度与协作。
迄今,已有44个美国人完成了总统宣誓。那些话语,曾在繁荣浪潮与静如止水之间被诵读。但更多时候,在密布的乌云与猛烈的暴风之下,咏诵为誓言。在这些艰难时刻,美国能一路挺进并非仅仅因为领袖们的才能与远见,更是由于我们,美国人民,保持了对先辈们美好理想和基本信条的信仰与忠诚。
历久弥新,这一代美国人也必须一如既往。
我们现在深陷危机,这一点毋庸置疑。我们的国家正与广泛交织的暴力与仇恨之网斗争。我们的经济严重恶化,虽可以归咎于某些人的贪得无厌与不负责任,在该做出艰难抉择及为未来准备方面,整个国家都集体迷失了。
人们失去了房屋,丢掉了工作,关闭了生意。我们的医疗保障太过昂贵,我们的学校教育令人失望,每天,都有越来越多的证据表明,我们使用能源的方式增强了对手,也威胁到了我们的星球。众多的数据及统计资料显示,我们现在深陷危机之中。难以测量,但影响同样深远的,是对国民信心的侵蚀:他们会忧心忡忡,担心美国的衰退是无法避免的,担忧下一代人必须降低期待。
今天,我要对你们说,我们面对的挑战是真实的,是严重的,是繁多的。这些问题不容易也不会在短时间内解决。但是,理解美利坚的同胞请相信:我们一定会解决!(APPLAUSE 鼓掌欢呼)
就在这一天,我们团结起来拥抱希望驱逐恐惧,我们联合起来抗拒冲突与分歧。就在这一天,我们在此宣告,相互指摘与陈规旧律已经束缚我们的政策太久了,无谓的争论与不实的承诺必须终结。
祖国依然是一个年轻的国家,但以圣经之言:脱离幼稚,恰逢其时。这个时机已经到了,要重申我们不朽的精神;要为我们更好的未来做出抉择;要接过并传承一代又一代人手里的宝贵礼物,那个崇高的理想:上帝订立了承诺,我们都是平等的,人人都是自由的,每个人都拥有机会追求属于自己的最大幸福。(众生平等,人皆自由,天赋机会,追求幸福)
(APPLAUSE 鼓掌欢呼)重温祖国的伟大之处,我们领悟到,伟大不是被赐予的。而必须是努力挣得的。我们在征程中历险,但从没有走捷径或逃避。这征程不属于胆怯者的路径,更不属于好逸恶劳之徒,或享乐追名图利之辈。相反,这一路上的冒险者、实干者、创新者--有些闻名于耳,但更多的是默默无闻辛勤工作的男男女女--正是这些人,引领我们走上繁荣与自由的漫长之路。
为了我们,他们打点行装,跨越海洋,寻找新生活。为了我们,他们劳累于血汗工厂、定居在西部蛮荒,忍受鞭笞的痛苦及开垦荒地的艰辛。为了我们,他们战死在康考德城和葛底斯堡、诺曼底和陣溪生。一次又一次,这些男男女女奋斗、牺牲、工作直到双手老茧丛生,只为我们能过上更好的生活。他们认识到建设美利坚这一事业比任何人的雄心壮志都更加宏大,比各不相同的出身、财富或是党派更加伟大。这就是我们前赴后继的道路。而祖国也仍然是地球上最繁荣、强盛的国家。就算危机来临,人们的生产力也并未因此降低。我们的心灵依然渴望创造,与上周、往月、去年相比,我们的商品和服务照样需求旺盛。我们的生产能力毫发未损。但维护一小撮人的利益、迟迟不肯做出果敢决定的时代确实过去了。
从今天起,我们必须提起信心,排除杂念,重塑美国。(APPLAUSE 鼓掌欢呼)看看我们身边,那有许多工作亟待完成。
经济状况需要迅速而有力的行动应对。而且我们不仅要创造新的工作,更要为增长打下新的基础。我们将建造道路和桥梁,以及电网和网络,供应给我们的商业并将我们紧紧相连。我们将恢复科学到原有的正确方向,运用技术成果提升健康保障的质量„„(APPLAUSE 鼓掌欢呼).„„并降低成本。我们将利用阳光、风力以及土壤来为汽车补充燃料并运行工厂。我们还将变革我们的学校(初等教育)、学院(中等教育)与大学(高等教育),去适应新时代的要求。这一切的一切,我们能做到,也必将做到。
现在,有人质疑我们的远大抱负,认为我们的社会难以支撑太多的宏大计划。他们的目光短浅,因为他们已然忘记了这个国家业已达到的成就,而那些正是当创造力将共同的目标与必要的勇气结合起来之后,自由的人民所能取得的。质疑者们未能理解的是,世界已然发生巨变,腐朽的政治倾轧消耗了我们太多的精力,不能再如此继续下去。
先生们,今天我们关心的问题不是政府(权力)太大或太小,而在于它能否起作用,是否能帮助人们找到合适的工作,以负担社会保障并体面地退休。
当回答是肯定的,我们将不断推行。否则,各种计划会终止。并且,公共财政的管理人必须负起责任、合理支出、纠正恶习以及公开透明地展开工作,唯有如此,我们才能恢复起人民与政府间生死与共的信任。摆在我们面前的问题也不是市场主导的利与弊。(因为)市场创造财富与扩展自由的力量是无与伦比的。
但这次的危机提示我们,如果不有效地进行监管,市场就会失去控制。当国家偏袒富人时,繁荣就不能长久。一直以来,我们经济的成功从不仅仅依靠GDP的规模,而在于繁荣的广度、在于将机会延伸到每个志愿之心的能力--不是出于慈善,而因为这是我们共同利益的保障之路。(APPLAUSE 鼓掌欢呼)
至于我们的共同安全,我们拒绝安全与理想不能两全的抉择。面对我们难以想象的困境,国父们草拟了确定法治与民权的宪章,并由世代的鲜血加以扩充。那些理想依然照亮着世界,而我们也不会为了出于权宜之计而放弃这些理想。
因此,对今天正在观看(仪式)的所有其他的人民和政府,无论你来自最雄伟的首都,还是如我的父亲出生地那样的小村庄,我要请你们理解:美利坚是寻求和平未来与尊严之道的各国民族、男女老少的朋友,而且我们已经整装待发,不断领先。(APPLAUSE 鼓掌欢呼)
回想先辈,他们挫败了法西斯主义和共产主义,不是靠炮弹与坦克,而是靠稳固的联盟与坚定的信仰。先辈们深知独自的力量无法保护自己,也无权让我们为所欲为。相反,先辈们知道我们的力量会随着谨慎地使用而增强。
我们是这一遗产的守护者,在这些原则的再次指引下,我们能应对那些新的威胁,那需要更多的努力,更多国际间的互助与互信。我们会开始负责任地撤离伊拉克并交给她的人民,我们也会在阿富汗巩固来之不易的和平。我们将与老朋友与新对手一道,不遗余力地为降低核威胁、抑制全球变暖的恶化态势而工作。
我们不会为我们的生活方式而道歉,也不会动摇我们捍卫生活的决心。不仅如此,对那些企图通过引发恐怖与滥杀无辜来谋求目标的人,我们现在要对你们说:“我们的斗志会因此而更加昂扬,不可摧毁。你们必将失败,而我们终将获胜”。(APPLAUSE 鼓掌欢呼)
因为我们知道我们多样性的传统是一种优势,而不是弱点。我们的民族由基督信徒、回教信徒、犹太信徒以及非宗教信仰人士组成。源自地球上的各种语言和文化塑造了我们。
正因为我们曾经品尝过国内战争、种族隔离的苦酒,翻过那些黑暗篇章,我们愈发强大、更加团结,这使我们不由自主地相信:久远的仇恨终有一天会成为过去;种族的隔阂将会很快化解;随着世界越来越小,我们共有的人性将会显现;而在引领进入全新和平纪元的过程中,美国必须发挥自己的作用。对于穆斯林世界,我们寻求一条基于互利与相互尊重的前进道路。(信仰伊斯兰教--也称回教--的人被称为穆斯林)对于那些全球各地的掌权者,那些挑起冲突,将他们社会的弊病归咎于西方的人,要知道你们的人民是通过你们能创造的,而不是所破坏的来评断你们。对于那些...(APPLAUSE 鼓掌欢呼)对于那些依附权势,通过腐败与欺骗并消除异己的人,要知道你们位于历史的反面,但如果你们愿意松开拳头,我们也会伸出援手。(APPLAUSE 鼓掌欢呼)
对于那些生活在贫穷国度里的人们,我们发誓与你们一起努力,使田庄丰产,让清水淌流;滋养瘦弱的身体,哺育衰弱的心灵。对于那些与我们一样享有相对富足生活的人们,我们呼吁:我们不能对外界的苦难漠不关心,更不能不顾效率地浪费世界资源。世界已然变化,我们必须随之而变。
随着前方徐徐展开的道路,我们走入沉思,心怀谦卑与感激的我们想念起那些勇敢的美国人,此时此刻,正巡逻在遥远戈壁、茫茫重山之中。他们的叮嘱,有如长眠在阿灵顿的无名英雄们发出穿越时空的沉吟。我们以他们为荣,不仅是因为他们捍卫了我们的自由,更是因为他们所化身的奉献精神:愿意找寻比自身更具伟大意义的存在价值。而就在此刻,将会成为定义一个时代的时刻,那必永存于我们心中的,正是这种精神。因为政府能做的与必须做到的,最终都取决于美国人民的信心与决心,而这正是我国的立国之本。
那是堤坝决溃时对受难者的善行义举,那是宁可降低收入也不愿看到朋友失去工作的无私工友,正是由于他们,我们度过了危难时刻。那是消防战士冲入浓烟滚滚的勇气,更是父母哺育后代的悉心,正是这些,最终决定了我们的命运。
面对全新的挑战,我们可能施行全新的措施,但决定我们成功的价值--诚实并勤劳、勇敢和公正、宽容与好奇、忠诚及爱国--这些传统,都是悠久的。这些传统,也是正确的。这些传统贯穿我们的历史,默默发挥着强大作用。
我们所需要做的,就是回归这些真理。我们所要求得到的,是一个负责任的新时代--形成一个共识,作为美国人的一份子,我们对自己、对国家以至世界都负有责任,这些责任与其被迫接受,不如欣然领命,并牢牢记住:没有什么物质能满足精神,给予身份的定义远不如托付艰巨的任务。
这就是成为公民的代价与誓约(通常公民的最基本责任就是赋税以及兵役)。这就是信心之源:智慧--上帝赋予我们智慧造化未知命运。(因为不定,所以无法决定)这就是我们自由与信念的真谛,也是各色种族、各种信仰的男女老少齐聚一堂、共祝庆典的原因:60年前一个男人的父亲曾不得服务于当地的小餐馆,但现在,这个男人却可以站在你们面前,庄严宣誓。
(APPLAUSE 鼓掌欢呼)
因此,让我们铭记这一天,纪念我们是谁,以及我们是如何一路走来。在美利坚诞生的年代,在那些最寒冷的岁月里,一群爱国者因将熄的营火聚集在冰封河畔。首都沦陷,敌人来势汹汹,漫天白雪映血红。在我们的变革最受质疑的时刻,我们的国父写下文字读与众人:
“必告之于后世,入深冬绝境之时,唯希望与美德仅存,城邦皆尽告难,吾辈挺身赴死。”
美国,面对共同的危难,在这困难的寒冬,让我们记住这些永恒的话语:带着希望与美德,让我们再次勇敢面对寒流,经受住暴风雪的考验。让我们的子子孙孙代代传诵:当我们接受考验时,我们拒绝停止脚步,没有退缩,没有踌躇,凝视远方,临着上帝的恩典,我们秉承自由的天赋并传之后世。
谢谢你们,上帝保佑你们。(APPLAUSE 鼓掌欢呼)上帝保佑美利坚合众国。(APPLAUSE 鼓掌欢呼)
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
巴拉克·奥巴马(Barack Obama)于2009年1月20日宣誓就职美国第44任总统。以下是奥巴马总统就职演说的中英文对照全文,中文由美国国务院国际信息局(IIP)根据演说记录稿翻译。
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.同胞们:
我今天站在这里,深感面前使命的重大,深谢你们赋予的信任,并铭记我们前辈所付的代价。我感谢布什总统对国家的贡献以及他在整个过渡阶段给予的大度合作。
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 forebears, and true to our founding documents.至此,有四十四个美国人发出总统誓言。这些字词曾在蒸蒸日上的繁荣时期和宁静安详的和平年代诵读。但是间或,它们也响彻在阴云密布、风暴降临的时刻。美国能够历经这些时刻而勇往直前,不仅因为当政者具有才干或远见,而且也因为“我们人民”始终坚信我们先辈的理想,对我们的建国理念忠贞不渝。
So it has been.So it must be with this generation of Americans.这是过来之路。这是这一代美国的必由之路。
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.我们处于危机之中,这一点已得到充分认识。我国在进行战争,打击分布广泛的暴力和仇恨势力。我们的经济严重衰弱,部分归咎于一些人的贪婪不轨,同时也因为我们作为一个整体,未能痛下决心,让国家作好面对新时代的准备。如今,住房不再,就业减少,商业破产。医疗保健费用过度昂贵;学校质量没有保障;而每一天都在不断显示,我们使用能源的方式在助长敌人的威风,威胁我们的星球。
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics.Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.这些是危机的迹象,数据统计将予以证明。不易于衡量然而同样严重的是全国各地受动摇的信心——一种挥之不去的恐惧感,认为美国将不可避免地走下坡路,下一代人不得不放低眼光。
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real.They are serious and they are many.They will not be met easily or in a short span of time.But know this, America — they will be met.今天,我告诉大家,我们面临的挑战真实存在,并且严重而多重。它们不可能在一个短时间内被轻易征服。但是,美国,请记住这句话——它们将被征服。
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.我们今天聚集在这里是因为我们选择希望而不是恐惧,选择齐心协力而不是冲突对立。
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.我们今天在这里宣告,让斤斤计较与虚假承诺就此结束,让窒息我国政治为时太久的相互指责和陈词滥调就此完结。
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.我们仍是一个年轻的国家,但用圣经的话说,现在是抛弃幼稚的时侯了。现在应是我们让永恒的精神发扬光大的时侯,应是选择创造更佳历史业绩的时侯,应是将代代相传的宝贵财富、崇高理想向前发展的时侯:上帝赋予所有人平等、所有人自由和所有人充分追求幸福的机会。
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 shortcuts or settling for less.It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame.Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.在重申我们国家伟大精神的同时,我们懂得,伟大从非天生,而是必须赢得。我们的历程从来不是走捷径或退而求其次的历程。它不是弱者的道路——它不属于好逸恶劳或只图名利享受的人;这条路属于冒险者,实干家,创造者——有些人享有盛名,但大多数是默默无闻耕耘劳作的男女志士,是他们带我们走向通往繁荣和自由的漫长崎岖之路。
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.为了我们,他们打点起贫寒的行装上路,远涉重洋,追求新生活。
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West;endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.为了我们,他们在血汗工厂劳作,在西部原野拓荒,忍着鞭笞之痛在坚硬的土地上耕耘。
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg;Normandy and Khe Sanh.为了我们,他们奔赴疆场,英勇捐躯,长眠于康科德、葛底斯堡、诺曼底和溪山。
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.为了我们能够过上更好的生活,他们前赴后继,历尽艰辛,全力奉献,不辞劳苦,直至双手结起层层老茧。他们看到的美国超越了我们每一个人的雄心壮志,也超越了所有种族、财富或派系的差异。
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 decisions — that time has surely passed.Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.今天,作为后来者,我们踏上了这一未竟的旅程。我们依然是地球上最繁荣、最强大的国家。我们的劳动者的创造力并没有因为眼前的这场危机而减弱。我们的头脑依然像以往那样善于发明创新。我们的产品与服务仍旧像上星期、上个月或去年一样受人欢迎。我们的能力丝毫无损。但是,维持现状、保护狭隘的利益集团、推迟困难的抉择的时代无疑已成为过去。从今天起,我们必须振作起来,扫除我们身上的尘土,重新开启再造美国的事业。
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done.The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not 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.All this we will do.无论我们把目光投向何处,都有工作在等待着我们。经济形势要求我们果敢而迅速地行动,我们将不辱使命——不仅要创造新的就业机会,而且要打下新的增长基础。我们将建造道路和桥梁,架设电网,铺设承载我们的商务和把我们紧密相连的电子通讯网络。我们将恢复尊重科学的传统,利用高新技术的超常潜力提高医疗保健质量并降低成本。我们将利用太阳能、风力和地热为车辆和工厂提供能源。我们将改造我们的中小学和高等院校,以应对新时代的挑战。这一切我们都能做到。这一切我们必将做到。
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans.Their memories are short.For they have forgotten what this country has already done;what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.现在,有人怀疑我们的雄心壮志——他们说我们的体制不能承受太多的宏伟规划。他们的记忆是短暂的,因为他们忘记了这个国家已经取得的成就,忘记了一旦共同的目标插上理想的翅膀、现实的要求鼓起勇气的风帆,自由的人民就会爆发出无穷的创造力。
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that 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 works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward.Where the answer is no, programs will end.Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.那些冷眼旁观的人没有认识到他们脚下的大地已经移动——那些长期以来空耗我们的精力的陈腐政治观点已经过时。我们今天提出的问题不是我们的政府太大还是太小,而是它是否行之有效——它是否能够帮助人们找到报酬合理的就业机会,是否能够为他们提供费用适度的医疗保健服务,是否能够确保他们在退休后不失尊严。如果回答是肯定的,我们就要向前推进。如果回答是否定的,计划和项目必须终止。作为公共资金的管理者,我们必须承担责任——明智地使用资金,抛弃坏习惯,在阳光下履行职责——因为只有这样我们才能恢复人民对政府的至关重要的信任。
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill.Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and 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 heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.我们提出的问题也不在于市场力量是替天行道还是为虎作伥。市场在生成财富和传播自由方面具有无与伦比的力量,但这场危机提醒我们:没有严格的监督,市场就会失控——如果一个国家仅仅施惠于富裕者,其富裕便不能持久。我们的经济成功从来不是仅仅依赖国内总产值的规模,而是还依赖繁荣的普及,即为每一位愿意致富的人提供机会的能力——不是通过施舍——因为这才是最可靠的共同富裕之路。
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.Our founding fathers...our found fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations.Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.至于我们的共同防御,我们决不接受安全与理念不可两全的荒谬论点。建国先贤面对我们难以想见的险恶局面,起草了一部保障法治和人权的宪章,一部子孙后代以自己的鲜血使之更加完美的宪章。今天,这些理念仍然照耀着世界,我们不会为一时之利而弃之。因此,对于今天正在观看此情此景的其他各国人民和政府──从最繁华的首都到我父亲出生的小村庄──我们希望他们了解:凡追求和平与尊严的国家以及每一位男人、妇女和儿童,美国是你们的朋友。我们已经做好准备,再一次走在前面。
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please.Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use;our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.回顾过去,几代人在战胜法西斯主义和共产主义时依靠的不仅仅是导弹和坦克,更是牢固的联盟和不渝的信念。他们懂得单凭实力无法保护我们的安全,实力也并不赋予我们随心所欲的权利。相反,他们知道审慎使用实力会使我们更强大;我们的安全源于事业的正义性、典范的感召力、以及谦卑和克制的平衡作用。
We are the keepers of this legacy.Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even 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.我们是这一传统的继承者。我们只要从新以这些原则为指导,就能应对那些新威胁,为此必须付出更大的努力──推动国家间更多的合作与理解。我们将开始以负责任的方式把伊拉克移交给伊拉克人民,并在阿富汗巩固来之不易的和平。我们将与多年的朋友和昔日的对手一道不懈地努力,减轻核威胁,扭转全球变暖的厄运。我们不会在价值观念上退缩,也不
会动摇捍卫它的决心,对于那些妄图以煽动恐怖和屠杀无辜的手段达到其目的的人,我们现在就告诉你们,我们的意志更加顽强、坚不可摧;你们无法拖垮我们,我们必将战胜你们。
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers.We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth;and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass;that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve;that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself;and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.因为我们知道,我们百衲而成的传统是一种优势,而不是劣势。我们是一个由基督教徒和穆斯林、犹太教徒和印度教徒、以及无宗教信仰者组成的国家。我们受惠于地球上四面八方每一种语言和文化的影响。由于我们饮过南北战争和种族隔离的苦水,走出了那个黑暗时代并变得更加坚强和团结,我们不能不相信昔日的仇恨终有一天会成为过去;部族之间的界线很快会消失;随着世界变得越来越小,我们共同的人性将得到彰显;美国必须为迎来一个和平的新纪元发挥自己的作用。
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know 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.面对穆斯林世界,我们寻求一条新的前进道路,以共同利益和相互尊重为基础。对于世界上那些妄图制造矛盾、将自己社会的弊端归罪于西方的领导人,我们奉劝你们:你们的人民将以你们的建设成就而不是你们的毁灭能力来评判你们。对于那些依靠腐败、欺骗、压制不同意见等手段固守权势的人,我们提醒你们:你们站在了历史错误的一边;但只要你们放弃压迫,我们将伸手相助。
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 the 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.对于贫困国家的人民,我们保证同你们并肩努力,为你们的农田带来丰收,让清洁的用水取之不竭;使饥饿的身体得以饱食,使饥渴的心灵受到滋润。对于那些象我们一样比较富裕的国家,我们要说我们再不能对他人的苦难无动于衷,也再不能肆意消耗世界的资源。世界已经改变,我们必须与时俱进。
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, 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 moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.在思索我们面前的道路时,我们怀着崇敬的心情感谢此刻正在偏远的沙漠和山区巡逻的英勇无畏的美国人。他们向我们述说着什么,正如在阿灵顿公墓长眠的阵亡英雄在漫漫岁月
中低浅的吟诵。我们崇敬他们,不仅因为他们捍卫着我们的自由,而且因为他们代表着献身精神,体现了超越个人,寻求远大理想的意愿。然而,在这个时刻,这个具有划时代意义的时刻,我们大家必须具备的正是这种精神。
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.虽然政府能有许多作为也必须有许多作为,但最终离不开美国人民的信仰和决心,这便是我国的立国之本。正是因为人们在大堤崩裂时接纳陌生人的关爱之情,正是因为工人们宁愿减少自己的工时而不愿看到朋友失去工作的无私精神,才使我们度过了最暗淡的时光。正是因为消防队员们有勇气冲进浓烟滚滚的楼道,也正是因为做父母的希望培养一个孩子,我们才能决定最后的命运。
Our challenges may be new.The instruments with which we meet them may be new.But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these 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 responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.我们面临的挑战可能前所未闻。我们迎接挑战的方式也可能前所未有。然而,我们赖以成功的价值观──诚实和勤奋、勇气和公平、宽容心和探索精神、忠诚和爱国──均由来以久。这些价值观都是千真万确的。这些价值观是我国整个历史过程中一股无声的进步力量。现在需要的便是重归这些真理。我们现在需要做的是开创负责任的新时代──每一位美国人都需要认识到我们对自己、对国家、对全世界都承担着义务。对于这些义务,我们并非勉强接受,而是心甘情愿主动承担,同时坚信我们为艰巨的使命付出一切,没有任何事可以如此满足我们的道义感,也没有任何事能如此体现我们的特性。
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.这就是公民的义务和承诺。
This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.这就是我们自信的来源──认识到上帝呼唤我们在前途不明的情况下掌握自己的命运。
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.这就是我们的自由和我们坚守的信条具有的意义──说明了为什么各种族、各类信仰的男女老少能在这个雄伟的大草坪上欢聚一堂,也说明了为什么今天有人能站在这里进行最庄严的宣誓,但他的父亲在不到60年前还不能在当地餐馆受到接待。
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).” 为此,让我们记住这一天,记住我们是什么样的人,记住我们已经走过了多长的路。在美利坚诞生的年月,在那些最寒冷的日子里,为数不多的爱国者聚集在一条冰河的岸边,身旁的篝火即将熄灭。首都已经撤防。敌人正在进军。雪地沾满了斑斑血迹。在我们的革命何去何从,结局最难以估计的时刻,我国的开国元勋决定向人民宣读以下这段话:
“让我们昭告未来的世界......在这个酷寒的冬季,万物一片萧苏,只有希望和美德坚忍不拔的时候......这个城市和这个国家,受到共同危难的召唤,挺身而出,奋起迎战。” 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.美利坚,在我们面临共同危难之际,在我们遇到艰难险阻的冬日,让我们牢记这些永恒的话语。心怀希望和美德,让我们再一次迎着寒风中流击水,不论什么风暴来袭,必将坚不可摧。今后,让我们的后代子孙如此评说:我们在遇到考验的时候没有半途而废,没有退缩不前,也没有丝毫动摇;让我们全神贯注于前方的目标,感谢上帝对我们的恩典,继承自由这个宝贵的传统,世代相传,永志不忘。
Thank you.God bless you.And God bless the United States of America.谢谢。上帝保佑你们。天佑美国。
第五篇:奥巴马就职演说
奥巴马就职演说
词汇与短语 part1 *humble ['hʌmbl] adj.1.谦卑的,谦虚的,谦恭的,恭顺的2.(等级、身份、重要性等)低下的;粗劣的,粗陋的;微末的3.(自我感觉)卑微的;卑下的4.卑躬屈膝的,奴颜媚骨的 vt.1.使谦恭,使谦卑;使温顺:例句: to humble oneself 自卑,低声下气to humble one's heart 谦恭,温顺2.压下…的锐气,使威风扫地:例句: He was humbled by her good scolding.她的一顿数落打掉了他的锐气。3.使卑贱;贬低;羞辱:例句: They tried to humble your importance in that achievement.他们企图贬低你在那次功绩中的重要作用。近义词: lowly.meek.modest.反义词: proud.conceited.*bestow [bi'stəu] vt.使用;授予;放置;留宿 bestow for: 留宿
*mindful ['maindful] adj.留心的;记住的;警觉的 *sacrifice ['sækrifais] n.牺牲;祭品;供奉 vt.牺牲;献祭;亏本出售 vi.献祭;奉献
*borne [bɔ:n] v.忍受;负荷;结果实;生子女(bear的过去分词)*ancestor ['ænsestə] n.始祖,祖先;被继承人 *generosity [,dʒenə'rɔsəti]
• n.慷慨,大方;宽宏大量 • [ 复数generosities ]
*cooperation [kəu,ɔpə'reiʃən] n.合作,协作;协力
*transition [træn'siʒən,-'ziʃən, trɑ:n-] n.过渡;转变;转换;[音]变调(文中政权转移)*presidential [,prezi'denʃəl] adj.总统的;统辖的;首长的 *oath [əuθ] n.誓言,誓约;诅咒,咒骂
The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity 这些字词曾在蒸蒸日上的繁荣时期
*tide [taid] n.趋势,潮流;潮汐vt.随潮漂流(汰渍)*prosperity [prɔs'periti] n.繁荣,成功[ 复数prosperities ] and the still waters of peace和宁静安详的和平年代诵读 *still adj.静止的,不动的;寂静的,平静的 every so often adv.偶尔;常常;时常
*amidst [ə'midst] prep.在…当中 下文midst同义 raging storms 风暴降临的时刻
*forbear ['fɔ:'bεə] vt.忍耐;克制vi.忍耐;克制n.祖先
and true to our founding documents.: 对我们的建国理念忠贞不渝 *crisis ['kraisis] n.危机
Homes have been lost;jobs shed;businesses shuttered 住房不再,就业减少,商业破产 *hatred ['heitrid] n.憎恨;怨恨;敌意 *greed [ɡri:d] n.贪婪,贪心
*irresponsibility ['iri,spɔnsə'biləti] n.无责任,无责任感 *adversary ['ædvəsəri] n.对手;敌手 复数adversaries worthy adversaries重量级的对手
*measurable ['meʒərəbl] adj.可测量的;重要的;重大的厚的;意义深远的;渊博的 *profound [prəu'faund] adj.深厚的;意义深远的;渊博的 a nagging fear挥之不去的恐惧(sapping 削弱)
*inevitable [in'evitəbl] adj.必然的,不可避免的 in a short span of time 短时间内,短期内
*conflict n.冲突,矛盾;斗争;争执vi.冲突,抵触;争执;战斗 *discord ['diskɔ:d, dis'kɔ:d] n.不和;不调和;嘈杂声vi.不一致;刺耳 *proclaim [prəu'kleim] vt.声明;宣告,公布;表明;赞扬 *petty ['peti] adj.小规模的;小气的;琐碎的 *grievance ['ɡri:vəns] n.不满,不平;委屈;冤情 *recrimination n.反责,反控;揭丑
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas…
今天,我们是来宣布,结束无谓的抱怨和不实的承诺,结束相互的指责和陈旧的教条… *strangle ['stræŋgl]
vt.把…勒死;使…窒息 vi.窒息而死;被勒死