变革与传承——奥巴马与肯尼迪就职演说评析

第一篇：变革与传承——奥巴马与肯尼迪就职演说评析

2009年第8期

边疆经济与文化 №8．2009

(总第68期)THEBORDER ECONOMY AND CULTURE General．No．65

娄革写倦承

——奥巴马与肯尼迪就职演说评析

声雨华

(攀枝花学院外国语学院，四川攀枝花617000)

摘要：美国新任总统奥已马与前总统肯尼迪之间在诸多方面有着极为相似的地方，尤其是他们的就职演说背景、演说内容以及演说策略中所采用的修辞格。分析两住总统的就职演说背景、演说内容和演说中所采取的策略。分析美国在其国内和世界范围内所采取的政策中的变革与传承关系，可以提高人们对美国文化的认识。

关键词：就职演说；肯尼迪；奥巴马；变革与传承

中图分类号：D815 文献标志码：A 文章编号：1672-5409(2009)08-0058-02

从1789年美国第一任总统华盛顿就职以来，美国历届新任总统在就职典礼上发表演说已经成为惯例。作为一种政治演讲，总统就职演说可以展现总统个人的风采和执政理念。本文将通过对比肯尼迪与奥巴马就职演说的背景、内容以及演说策略中修辞格的运用，来评析两位总统就职演说所承载的美国政治与文化的传承与变革。

一、演说背景

奥巴马在竞选总统中得到了肯尼迪家族的支持，被视为是可以继承肯尼迪政治遗产的“ 年轻人”。巧合的是，奥巴马生于肯尼迪就任总统的 1961年。奥巴马与肯尼迪确有几分相似，两人的祖辈都具有移民背景：肯尼迪的祖父移民自爱尔兰，而奥巴马的父亲来自于非洲肯尼亚。他们的父辈都曾经历初到美国时的不公正待遇，激发了他们努力奋斗的决心和意志。两人都毕业于哈佛大学，都是参议员出身，都因在民主党全国代表大会上的精彩发言而一夜走红。“tlZ都写过畅销书：肯尼迪在 1956年出版的《勇敢者的画像》，被译成了几十种文字，并为他赢得了普利策传记文学奖；时隔50 年后全面阐述奥巴马政治理念和政策主张的《无畏的希望：重申美国梦》，也为民主党和他本人赢得了广大选民。

1961年1月21日肯尼迪就任总统时，美国国内正处于战后第四次经济危机，民权运动高涨；国际上，苏联的咄咄逼人、西欧和日本的迅速发展、亚非拉的崛起，都使美国的全球扩张受挫。于是，肯尼迪在大选中就提出了“ 新边疆” 的口号，倡导在科学技术、经济发展、战争与和平等各个领域开拓新天地；加上他年轻气盛、身世显赫，美国人纷纷投票支持他。而奥巴马在竞选中以“ 变革” 为主题，强调结束伊拉克战争、实现能源自给、停

收稿日期：2009-04-02

止减税政策和普及医疗保险等，并承诺实现党派团结、在国际上重建同盟关系、恢复美国领导地位。奥巴马就职演说的主题和目的，就是唤醒人民的信心、决心以及对国家的责任感，共同渡过美国现在面临的经济危机难关。

美国第35任总统肯尼迪和第44任总统奥巴马都是

美国历史上较为年轻的当选总统。他们都有着法学的教育背景，擅长公共演讲；他们借助当时的科技媒体发表就职演说，影响范围都达到了空前的程度。当年，肯尼迪之所以能够战胜尼克松，在很大程度上归功于广播电视的力量，而今奥巴马战胜麦凯恩，则得益于网络媒体的发展对美国人产生很大的感召力，从而获得广大选民的支持。

二、演说内容

在演说中，两位总统都提到先辈的忍辱负重，追求自由平等和独立。用先辈的经历说话，既表明了该政府建立在各届政府执政理念基础上的合法性和形象，也是政治上的煽情，起到了更大的鼓舞作用。

美国人有着浓重的领袖情结，即使面临巨大的危机，美国人依然看重世界的领袖地位。肯尼迪号召“ 建立一个把东西南北联在一起的伟大的全球联盟来对付这些敌人，以确保人类享有更为富有成效的生活” ；而奥巴马在演讲中说，“ 对于每个追求和平和自尊的国家和个人而言，美国都是朋友，我们愿意再次领导大家踏上追寻之旅。” 力主在维护美国霸主地位的同时，使世界格局发生～些变化。

两位总统都欲平衡社会各个阶层的力量。在为富人阶层谋利益的同时，针对中下层民众减税，加大公共开支，加强医疗保障，加大教育投入等。肯尼迪相信，如果什么事物有足够的力量去感动人民，并且在历史上留下痕迹，就可以离人民的心更近一些。而奥巴马在演说中强调“ 偏袒富人的国家无法长久”，与肯尼迪的“ 一个自由社会如若不能帮助众多的穷人，也就无法保全少数的富人”，具有相同的含义。

肯尼迪通过较为特殊的结构聚焦“ 自由”(1iberty)这一全体国民乃至整个世界都熟知和关注的话题，表达了确保自由的存在和自由胜利的勇气和决心。作为典型的美国总统就职演说，整体上还是借助了欧美人共同的宗教信仰和生活习俗，特别是民主自由、美国理想等途径来传达其一般会话含义。而在本质上，联系着奥巴马与肯尼迪的，是他们那种开创未来的历史感。

三、演说策略

两位总统在演说中都采用了第一人称的复数使用。一方面，这样的演说使听众感到亲切，容易赢得支持；另一方面，可以唤起一种团体意识，使演说具有很强的煽动性。为了使就职演说充分体现它所负载的美国历史与文化含义，给听众留下深刻印象，他们主要采用了以下几种修辞手段。

1．排比parallelism。排比是指用结构相似、语气一致、关系并列的一组语句，接连表达几个相

关意思的一种修辞方式。运用排比演讲，可使演讲产生感人肺腑、振奋人心的威力；可使演讲的气势如同磅礴的江水，汹涌向前；可使人感情奔放四溢、豪情万丈。肯尼迪的演讲中在如何处理“ 两大强大阵营” 的关系问题上，运用了结构相同的四个短语“ 让双方⋯ ⋯ ” 表示强调和层层深入。通过排比，既使得他对这些团体的承诺划分出层次，也与对敌对国家的要求显示出差异，展示其政策的区别性和思维的严密性。奥巴马在缅怀先辈时接连用了三个“ 为了我们⋯ ⋯ 忍辱负重，辛勤耕作，乃至征战、牺牲⋯ ⋯ ” 排比句的使用可谓是别具匠心，使整篇文章布局合理，层次分明，加强语气。这种结构方法是极讲究的，既能全面深刻地表达主旨，体现出层次和分寸，又能使演讲从整体上产生朗朗的节奏、激越的韵律和明快向上的气势。

2．反复repetition。反复是指通过重复同一单词、词组或语句使人加深印象，重复部分往往含有强烈的情感或优美的节奏。演讲中相同的语言形式反复地使用叫“ 重复”。演讲中为加强印象、突出主题及展现情感等，经常运用相同语言形式的 “ 重复艺术”，不断对重要词语进行重复。如：肯尼迪的就职演说中针对不同的对象运用了“ To 参考文献：

卢丙华：变革与传承— — 奥巴马与青尼迪就职演说评析

those⋯ ⋯(对那些⋯ ⋯)” ；奥巴马在讲到面临的挑战时，连续三个段落的开头都用了“ Today(今天)⋯ ⋯ ” 3．头韵alliteration。头韵是英国文学作品中使用相当广泛的一种语音修辞手法。这种押韵的技巧在肯尼迪的演说中也有所体现，读起来朗朗上口、音韵优美。如：“ friend andfoe”(朋友和敌人)在肯尼迪和奥巴马的演说中均有出现。“ foe(敌人)” 是“ enemy(敌人)” 的较为文雅或古老的形式，一般来说，人们会使用“ enemy”。在这里使用“ foe” 是为了和“ friend” 重复辅音[f]，增强了节奏感、感染力和演讲的气势。

4．对照antithesis。对照是运用在意义或感情上对立的词，以形成鲜明的对比或对照。对照不同于比喻，它把两个概念对比，不是指出其相似点，而是指出其差

异。使用X,-J”照法来增强语势和使演说更为生动形

象。如：肯尼迪的演说中，“ 如果一个 自由的社会不能帮助贫穷的大多数，那么它也不能拯救富有的少数人” 的“ the many(多数)” 和 “the few(少数)” 与“ therich(富人)” 和“ the poor(穷

增强了演说的美感和表现力。如肯尼迪的演说中把“ 美洲” 比作“ 家园”，把不容许别国干涉美洲的事务，形象地说成“ 仍然想做自己家园的主人”。而奥巴马在演说中将美国所面临的世界经济危机和国际形势比喻成“ 严峻的寒冬” 和“ 可能会发生的风暴”。比喻形象、贴切、有力，既简练、含蓄，又寓意深长。

此外，肯尼迪与奥巴马在就职演说中还引用了《圣经》中的话语，使演讲表达准确、富有感染力。又引用了一些名人先贤的话，或采撷一些警句、成语、谚语和典籍中的话，使演讲生色增辉。把奥巴马与前总统肯尼迪的就职演讲进行比较，从很多角度和不同程度上可以说，奥巴马是肯尼迪的传承者。人)”。这和奥巴马演说中“ 你们不可能拖垮我们，我们定将战胜你们” 的“ you(你们)” 和“ we(我们)” 与“ outlast(拖垮)” 和“ defeat(战胜)”，在两个分句中交错使用，使句子整体上达到一种平衡。表现出他们期望在历史与现实的衔接时刻，唤起民众的信心、力量和献身精神，以牢牢地抓住听众的心。

5．隐喻metaphor。隐喻又称“ 暗喻”，它直接把被比喻物说成比喻物，是明喻的隐含形式。在肯尼迪和奥巴马的就职演说中，大量隐喻的使用让听众意会，从而[1]李志坤，刘宗强．肯尼迪就职演说词的语用含义探究[J]．三峡大学学报：人文社会科学版，2008(4)． [2]任泽湘．约翰· 肯尼迪就职演说辞格探析[J]．郧阳师范高等专科学校学报，2006，26(3)． [3]李天道．外国演讲辞名篇快读[M]．成都：四川文艺出版社，2004． [4]方梦之，张顺梅，等．译学辞典[M]．上海：上海外语教育出版社，2003．

[5]张汉熙，王立礼．高级英语：修订本第二册[M]．北京：外语教学与研究出版社，1995． [6]武传涛．著名演讲辞鉴赏[M]．济南：山东人民出版社，1996． [7]谢祖钧．英语修辞[M]．北京：机械工业出版社，1988．

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变革与传承——奥巴马与肯尼迪就职演说评析

作者： 作者单位： 刊名： 英文刊名： 年，卷(期)： 卢丙华

攀枝花学院外国语学院,四川,攀枝花,617000 边疆经济与文化

THE BORDER ECONOMY AND CULTURE 2009(8)

参考文献(7条)

1.李志坤;刘宗强 肯尼迪就职演说词的语用含义探究[期刊论文]-三峡大学学报(人文社会科学版)2008(04)2.任泽湘 约翰@肯尼迪就职演说辞格探析 2006(03)3.李天道 外国演讲辞名篇快读 2004 4.方梦之;张顺梅 译学辞典 2003 5.张汉熙;王立礼 高级英语 1995 6.武传涛 著名演讲辞鉴赏 1996 7.谢祖钧 英语修辞 1988

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第二篇：奥巴马与肯尼迪就职演说比较(英文)

The Comparison between Obama and Kennedy's Inaugural Speech

The president Obama is always compared with Kenedy, who ranks 35th in the list of American presidents.They indeed have something in common in different aspects, for example, their inaugurals.This article will focus on the languages and contents of inaugurals of president Obama and Kennedy.Firstly, I will compare the rhetorical features of the languages of these two inaugurals.As we all know, a proper use of rhetoric will make an inaugurals more powerful and convinced, while a powerful and convinced inaugurals will inspire citizens and make it easier for government to get the support.So for all the presidents, rhetorical is very necessary.When comparing the inaugurals of Obama and Kennedy, we can find that both of them have used same rhetorical.I will explain them one by one as follows:

Parallelism: parallelism is about consistency, and having all the parts in the same form.In a sentence, compound verbs or other words should be in the same form.In the inaugural of Obama, parallelism has been used for more than 40 times.For example: The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit, to choose our better history, to carry forward that precious gift.(para 9)The same thing happens in the inaugural of Kennedy.There are four phrases with the same structure“ let both sides...” in Kennedy's speech.Antithesis: Antithesis is the use of juxtaposition with two opposite characters or ideas in literature, it is used to place these opposing forces parallel to one another and to see the traits in each one.In Obama's speech, for example, “ where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward.Where the answer is no, program will end.” In Kennedy's speech, “if a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich”, “the rich” and “the poor” are also a pair of antithesis.Metaphor: It refers to a comparison between unlike things without the use of “like” or “as”.In the speech of Obama, we can find many metaphor, for example, “Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or setting for less.” we can also find a lot of metaphor in the speech of Kennedy.by using metaphor, author can show us a vivid image, and the article will become more attractive.Secondly, I will compare the religious features from the view of languages of the two inaugurals.As we all know that religion is an indispensable part of western culture.So all the presidents like to delivery their speeches in the name of Gods.in Obama's speech, he said that “the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness”, and in the speech of Kennedy, religious also play an important part.“let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking his blessing and his help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.”

The last part, I will briefly compare the two speeches in content aspect.I think both of the speech convey a same spirit.They both stress a fact that American is a united country, and every citizen should contribute their efforts to their motherland.“ Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” this is the most important sentence in Kennedy's inaugural.We can find same spirit in Obama's speech.“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.” so in the content aspect, we can say that Obama inherit the spirit of Kenedy.From the language and content of the inaugurals of Obama and Kenedy, we can find many common places, and we can say that they are both great speakers.

第三篇：肯尼迪就职演讲与奥巴马对比

President Kennedy was an excellent speaker and writer.Kennedy’s speech object is global, does not only aimed at the American citizen, moreover in view of international judgment.He applied various historic.Such as, alleles, repetition, alliteration, antithesis, metaphor, synecdoche.And he used the first person, let people in the same standpoint, feel comfortable, so make it easy to win their support.He aroused American’s sense of pride and responsibility.In his address, we can learn the political, social, cultural situation at that moment and appreciate the art of his language.Firstly, Kennedy’s victory is all the people’s victory.―We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom--symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning--signifying renewal, as well as change…‖ Kennedy emphasized that he become the president of America is not only a victory of a party but also reflect the celebration of freedom.It symbolizing a new start which fulfill hope, freedom and equal rights.Secondly, the new generations advocate freedom, equal rights and peace.―…We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution.Let the word go forth from this time and place...and to which we are committed today at home and around the world…‖ The United States had made huge profits in the Second World War.As a result, the post-war years saw a degree of prosperity of capitalist economy.The relation between capital and labor became less intense.There was a relative peace.As to the new generation, few of them have been influenced by the old doctrine of pre-world war，they witness the tragedy of war and the power of the nucleus.Americans are free—free to express to create, and ideally, to solve problems, and expect to make the world a better place.They rose with a respect, recognition for and expectation of continued freedom;they have immense freedom and their ancient people fought to have freedom.Thirdly, Kennedy was an eloquent speaker.He is specially trained.This speech is very powerful and wonderful.He lays his emphasis on the successful appeals to the emotion of the listeners.For example,1.Highly rhetorical---parallelism, antithesis, metaphor, simile, metonymy, hyperbole, alliteration.2.Invoking the name of God, the

use of biblical style.3.Use of key abstract words: faith, devotion, freedom, liberty, courage, loyalty, belief, These abstractions are impossible to define precisely, conquer, dare, which are inspiring and emotional.Barack Obama's Victory Speech also has some features.Firstly, related information of Obama and his Victory speech.Obama was born in Hawaii, and his father was a student from Kenya while his mother was a white Kansas.Obama graduated from Columbia University and Harvard University, and for the first time in 1996, he was elected Illinois senator while, in 2004, for the first time elected as a Senator, to become the U.S.Congress in the history of the 5th session of Congress—the only black senator.In July 2004, the convening of the Democratic Party National Congress, Obama has been designated to do the next day, ―the keynote speech.‖, which is the Democrats on the party’s program and policy statements, usually by the party’s most promising political star to make.Obama delivered the speech he wrote and published an impassioned speech.In his speech, he proposed the elimination of differences between political parties and ethnic differences, ―a U.S.‖ dream.Secondly, grammatical features.We know that casual speech tends to use short sentences.But a glance at Obama’s speech reveals that its sentences vary much in length.there are many paragraphs only including one sentence.Though there can be several clauses in a longer sentence, they mainly come after the main sentence, which presents no great difficulty for the audience to comprehend.There are no incomplete sentences.These characteristics show the double traits of public speaking: it is formal as is required of written language, and it is yet not difficult to understand at the time of its delivery as is required of the spoken mode.For example: She was born just a generation past slavery;a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky;when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons – because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.Thirdly, Lexical features.In order to adapt the message to the particular audience being addressed, there seems to be a tendency for the speaker to incline his/her language toward the relatively less formal, less rigid ways of speaking, making

reference to himself/ herself, introducing humor, asking for direct response from the audience, or using some colloquial items or idioms, even some dialect words, to appear “closer”to his/her audience.Public speech is careful about of words.It tends to use words accurate and clear in meaning.For instance: There will be setbacks and false starts.There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can’t solve every problem.But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face.I will listen to you, especially when we disagree.And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.英语09-4 李俊欣

第四篇：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.

第五篇：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。