奥巴马西点军校演讲

第一篇：奥巴马西点军校演讲

奥巴马西点军校演讲

奥巴马

本周一是阵亡将士纪念日，所以在今天这个场合，美国来缅怀那些为捍卫自由牺牲的人们，特别合适。你们是“911”以来第一届不用奔赴伊拉克或阿富汗前线的毕业生。当我2009年第一次在西点演讲时，我们在伊拉克还有10万多名驻军。我们还准备增兵阿富汗。我们反恐行动的重点还集中在基地组织的核心领导层——那些策划了“911”袭击的人。我们的国家才刚刚从大萧条以来最严重的经济危机中爬起身来。

四年半之后，当你们毕业之时，局面已经改变了。我们从伊拉克撤出了军队。我们正在阿富汗收缩战线。盘踞在巴基斯坦和阿富汗边境地区的若干基地组织领导人已被诛杀，奥萨马•本—拉登已不复存在。经此巨变，我们已将资源重新集中于美国实力的本源：不断成长的经济——能够为每一个愿在国内勤勉工作、尽职尽责的人创造机会。

实际上，以大多数指标来衡量，相对于世界其他国家，美国很少像今天这样强大。那些持不同论调——说美国正在衰落，或说她已丧失全球领导地位——的人，要么是误解了历史，要么就是被党派立场蒙住了双眼。想想看。我们的军事实力举世无匹。来自任何一个国家的直接威胁都很低，远不能同冷战时期的危险相比。同时，我们的经济仍是全球最具活力的经济，我们的企业是最富创新能力的企业。我们在能源供应上一年比一年更独立。从欧洲到亚洲，如此众多的盟友簇拥在我们周围，为万国历史上所仅见。

美国仍在吸引努力奋斗的移民前来。我们的建国理念在世界各地激励着议会中的领袖和广场上参与运动的人群。当菲律宾受台风肆虐，尼日利亚女学童遭到劫持，或是乌克兰的蒙面枪手占据大楼，美国仍然是全世界寻求帮助的对象。我国是而且仍然是一个不可或缺的国家。上一个世纪是这样，下一个世纪仍将如此。

然而，世界正在加速变迁。这种变迁带来机遇，但也带来新的危险。“911”以后我们深刻地认识到，新技术和全球化如何让个人掌握了原本只有国家才有的力量，提升了恐怖主义者实施伤害的能力。俄罗斯对前苏联加盟国的侵凌踩痛了欧洲各国的神经，而中国的经济和军事崛起则引发其邻国的紧张。从巴西到印度，新兴的中产阶级社会同我们展开竞争，它们的政府在国际议题上寻求更大的发言权。尽管许多发展中国家拥抱民主和市场经济，但24小时新闻和社交媒体让人难以忽视派系冲突、国家失灵和民众暴动的持续存在，而这一切在10年前只会偶尔受到关注。

应对这样一个新世界，是你们这一代的任务。我们所面临的问题，你们每一个人所要面临的问题，不是美国还会不会领导世界，而是我们将如何领导世界——不仅仅确保我们自身的和平和繁荣，还要把和平和繁荣扩展到全世界。

其实，这个问题并不是新问题。最晚从华盛顿在独立战争中担任大陆军总司令以来，总有人说，干嘛要关心那些并不直接牵涉我国安全和经济福利的外国烂摊子？如今，按照那些自诩为现实主义者的人的说法，不管是叙利亚、乌克兰还是中非共和国的纷争，都不关我们的事。并不奇怪，在经历了靡费的战争和国内的重重挑战之后，很多美国人都有类似想法。

左的和右的干涉主义者则持另一种看法，他们说，无视这些冲突，最终会令我们自己遭殃。他们说，美国在全世界运用实力的意志是防止世界陷入混乱的终极保障，如果美国面对叙利亚的暴行或俄罗斯的挑衅而无所行动，不仅违背我们的良心，而且也是在纵容未来更加肆无忌惮的行径。

两边都可以从历史上找到论据。但我认为，上面两种观点都没有充分满足当今时代所提出的要求。毫无疑问，在21世纪，美国孤立主义绝对行不通。我们不可能对国境之外的事态坐视不理。如果国外的核材料得不到妥善保存，美国的城市就会遭受威胁。当叙利亚内战向境外蔓延，经过战争历练的极端组织攻击美国的能力只会有增无减。如果地区扩张行为得不到约束——不论是在乌克兰南部还是南中国海，或是其他地方——最终会触及我们的盟友，并将我们自己的军队卷入冲突。我们不能对国境外的种种事态袖手旁观。

除了上面那些利益计算，我相信我们还有一个真实的关切、一个长远利益：保证我们的子孙后代在一个女学童不被劫持，人们不因部落、信仰或政治立场而遭屠戮的世界里长大。我坚信，建设一个更自由、更宽容的世界不仅是一种道德要求，也有助于保障我们本国的安全。

然而，说我们有必要在国境之外推进和平与自由，并不是说所有所有问题都要用军事手段解决。自第一次世界大战以来，我们所犯过的一些代价最高昂的错误不是来自我们的克制，而是因为我们在贸然投入军事冒险前对后果考虑不周——没有为我们的行动获得国际支持与合法性；没有对美国人民坦陈需要他们做出的牺牲。强硬言辞容易博取新闻版面，但战争的真相很少能够符合口号。对这个问题理解深刻的艾森豪威尔将军1947年在这个典礼上说得好：“战争是人类最可悲、最愚昧的蠢行。故意挑起战争，不论是自己决断还是出谋划策，都是对全人类犯下的邪恶罪行。”

像艾森豪威尔一样，这一代的男女军人对战争的代价理解甚深，你们西点毕业生也是如此。当我5年前在此宣布增兵阿富汗的时候，听众中的四人后来就在那个战场上捐躯。还有很多西点生负伤。我相信美国的国家安全需要采取那次军事部署。但那些伤亡者的英灵和苦痛令我寝食难安。如果我把你们送去冒生命危险，只是因为觉得世界上的哪个地方出了问题得有人管管，或者因为怕别人说不派兵干涉就会显得美国很软弱，那我就是背叛了我对你们、对我所爱的这个国家所负有的责任。

这是我的底线：在世界舞台上，美国必须坚持发挥领导作用。如果我们不做，就没人会去承担那份责任。你们加入的美国军队一直是支持美国领导作用的中坚力量。但是美国的军事行动不能在所有情况下都构成美国领导力的唯一内容，甚至不能总是其首要内容。我们手中握有最好的榔头，并不意味着所有的问题就都成了钉子。而且，正因为军事行动成本高昂，你们理当期待，每一位平民政府的总统——尤其他又是你们的总司令——在动用这种令人敬畏的力量之时，都应该怀着何种戒慎恐惧的心情。

所以，我将用接下来的时间，描述一下我设想的前景：美利坚合众国及其军队如何在未来若干年内领导世界，因为你们都将组成那种领导力的一部分。

首先，请允许我重复我在初任总统时所说的一句话：美国将运用军事力量，如必要时甚至是单边运用，如果我们的核心利益要求如此——如果我们的人民受到威胁，如果我们的生计蒙受风险，如果我们的盟友陷入危难。在这些情况下，我们仍须追问，我们的行动是否适度、有效和正义。国际舆论很重要，但保护我们的人民、国土和生活方式，美国不需要请求允许。

另一方面，如果全球关心的问题并没有直接威胁到美国，却也有所关涉的时候——当国外的危机刺痛了我们的良心，或者将世界推向一个更危险的方向却并未直接威胁到我们时，军事行动的门槛必须提高。在这些情况下，我们不应独自动武。而是必须动员盟友和伙伴采取集体行动。我们必须拓展手段，包括外交和国际开发、制裁和孤立、诉诸国际法和采取多边军事行动——前提是正义、必要和有效性。我们必须同其他方面合作，因为在此类情况下，集体行动更容易成功，更容易持久，也更不容易导致严重的错误。

这就引出我的第二个论点：在可预见的未来，在国内外对美国构成最直接威胁的还是恐怖主义。但是入侵所有庇护恐怖主义网络的国家，这种战略既是天真的，也是不可持续的。我认为我们必须改变我们的反恐战略，吸取我们在伊拉克和阿富汗的经验教训，更有效地同那些恐怖主义试图渗透的国家合作。

之所以需要新战略，是因为现在的主要威胁不在来自一个集中化的基地组织核心，而是来自分散化的基地外围和在各国各自为战的极端势力。这种变化降低了“911”式大规模袭击美国本土的可能性，但它却加剧了美国人员在海外遇袭的危险，就像我们在班加西领馆遇袭事件中看到的情况一样。它也加剧了防卫薄弱的目标遇袭的危险，就像我们在内罗毕购物中心袭击事件中看到的情况一样。

所以我们必须设计出一套战略，以应对此类分散化的威胁。那套战略要能让我们在扩大干预范围的同时，不至于把我们的军力过度摊薄，或引发当地人的仇恨。我们需要伙伴来和我们并肩打击恐怖主义。培养伙伴的能力正是我们在阿富汗所做的主要工作之一。

与盟友携手，美国重拳打击了基地组织核心，并反击了旨在推翻阿富汗政权的暴动。但要保住这些果实，前提是阿富汗方面有足够的能力完成任务。所以我们在训练数十万的阿富汗士兵和警察。今年年初，正是那些阿富汗部队保障了这个国家完成其历史上首次民主的政权交接。今年年末，一位新的阿富汗总统将会走马上任，而美国的战斗任务届时也就结束了。

那是美国武装部队帮助完成的一个了不起的成就。当我们在阿富汗转向训练和顾问任务，我们在该国的收缩让我们可以更有效地应对在中东与北非出现的新威胁。所以，今年早些时候，我要求我的国家安全团队制定一套计划，从南亚到非洲萨赫勒地区打造一个伙伴网络。今天，作为这一努力的一部分，我呼吁国会支持设立一个50亿美元的反恐怖主义伙伴基金，以使我们训练和装备处于反恐前线的伙伴。这些资源将使我们能够灵活胜任各种不同任务，包括帮助受到基地渗透的也门训练安全部队、在索马里部署多国维和部队、同欧洲盟友一起训练利比亚安全部队和边界巡逻队以及协助法国在马里采取行动等。

这一切努力的一个关键焦点是旷日持久的叙利亚危机。这场令人沮丧的危机没有容易的解决办法，用任何军事手段都不可能很快消除那里令人发指的暴行。作为总统，我决定不让美国的部队介入那场日益演变成派系战争的冲突，我相信这一决定是正确的。但那并不意味着我们不应该帮助叙利亚人民反抗那轰炸、饿死自己人民的独裁者。通过帮助那些为全体叙利亚人决定自身命运的权利而战的人，我们也就是在反击那些试图从这场混乱中渔利的极端主义者。

依靠我今天倡议设立的这个新基金，我们将帮助叙利亚的邻国约旦、黎巴嫩、土耳其和伊拉克，帮助他们在叙利亚边境疏导难民，拒斥恐怖分子。我将和国会通力合作，支持叙利亚反对派中最有希望替代恐怖分子和残暴独裁者的那些力量。我们还会继续同我们在欧洲和阿拉伯世界的盟友协调，推动这场危机得到政治解决，确保那些国家而不仅仅是美国在帮助叙利亚人民的过程中做出一份合理的贡献。

关于反恐怖主义，我还有最后一点要讲。我所描述的伙伴关系并不意味着，不需要采取任何直接行动，实施必要的自卫了。当我们掌握了可以据以采取行动的充分情报以后，我们就会采取行动。例如抓捕1998年阴谋炸毁美国使馆的恐怖分子、在也门和索马里实施无人机打击等等。在必须行动的时候，我们不能犹豫。

但就像我去年所说，在采取直接行动时我们必须坚持标准，持守我们的价值观。那意味着仅当面对持续的、实质性的威胁时才进行打击，而且要尽量确保不会造成平民伤亡。因为我们的行动要符合一条简单标准：我们不能在清除敌人的过程中，制造更多的敌人。

我也相信，关于反恐行动的基础和实施方式，我们必须更加透明。我们必须对公众作出解释。我会更多地让军方主导并向公众提供行动信息。我们的情报部门做了很多出色的工作，我们还会继续保护它们的信息源和工作方法。但如果我们无法清楚、公开地解释我们的行为，我们就得应付恐怖分子的宣传和国际上的质疑，我们在伙伴和人民眼里的合法性会遭到削弱，我们对自己政府的报告义务会遭到忽视。

透明度问题直接关系到美国领导力的第三个层面，那就是加强国际秩序。

第二次世界大战以后，美国智慧地创造出一些制度，以维护和平，促进人类进步——从北约到联合国再到世界银行和国际货币基金组织。这些制度并不完美，但它们是力量的放大器。它们减少了美国采取单边行动的需要，增加了对其他国家的约束。

如今，正如这个世界已经变化，这一国际治理架构也需要因时而变。在冷战高潮时期，肯尼迪总统说过，和平需要建立在“人类制度的渐进演化”之上。促使这些国际制度进一步演化，以应今时今日之需，是美国领导力的关键内容。

现在有不少人、不少怀疑论者老是要贬低多边行动的有效性。在他们看来，通过联合国这种国际组织来做事或遵守国际法是软弱的标志。我说他们错了。容我举两个例子来说明为什么。

俄罗斯最近在乌克兰的行动让人回想起苏联坦克碾压东欧的年代。但这并不是冷战重演。我们塑造世界舆论的能力帮助我们成功孤立了俄罗斯。由于美国的领导力，各国都很快对俄罗斯的行径做出谴责，欧洲和七国集团联合我们实施制裁，北约加强了对东欧盟友的承诺，国际货币基金组织协助稳定乌克兰经济，欧洲安全与合作组织的监督将全世界的目光引向了乌克兰南部的动荡。这场对世界舆论和国际组织的动员有力地抗衡了俄罗斯的宣传攻势、其部署在俄乌边境的军队和渗透在乌克兰的蒙面武装分子。

上周周末，数以百万计的乌克兰公民投了票。昨天我同乌克兰当选总统通了话。我们不知道局势会怎样演变，不知道前方还会有何种凶险，但同盟友并肩、同国际组织携手捍卫国际秩序的做法，已经给了乌克兰人民一个选择未来的机会，而我们并没有费一枪一弹。

与此类似，尽管美国、以色列和其他国家反复警告，伊朗近年来一直在稳步推进核计划。但就在我担任总统的初期，我们组成了一个联盟，对伊朗经济实施制裁，并对伊朗政府伸出外交之手。如今我们有机会和平地化解分歧。

虽然谈论成功为时尚早，我们也为防止伊朗拥有核武器而保留一切手段。但十年来，我们首次有机会达成突破性的协议。这份协议比我们用武力所能达成的更有效，更牢靠。在所有这些谈判中，我们自愿通过多边渠道开展工作，让全世界站到我们一边。

这就说明，这才是美国的领导力。这才是美国的强项。在上述两个例子中，我们打造同盟应对挑战。如今我们需要进一步加强这些制度，使其能够预见并组织问题扩散。例如北约是全世界迄今为止最强大的军事联盟。我们正着眼于新的任务加强同北约盟友的合作，一方面在东欧巩固新获得的盟友，另一方面要求北约盟友在欧洲以外参与反恐，应对崩溃国家的挑战并且训练伙伴网络。

与之相似，联合国提供了一个在冲突不断的各国之间维持和平的平台。现在我们需要确保参与维和行动的国家有足够的训练和设备来完成使命，以避免刚果（金）和苏丹战乱那样的大屠杀再次出现。我们要深化对那些参与维和国家的投入，因为如果其他国家能够就近维持有关地区的秩序，我们就无需投入自己的军队去冒险。这是一笔划算的投资。这是正确的领导方式。

请记住，并不是所有的国际规则都直接关乎武装冲突。网络攻击是一个棘手问题，因此我们正在努力塑造和加强网络治理规则，以保障网络和公民安全。在亚太地区，我们支持东南亚国家同中国谈判，以在南中国海岛屿争端中制定行为准则。我们也试图通过国际法解决那些争端。我们也需要发扬合作精神，来为全球应对气候变化重振活力。气候变化这个悄无声息的国家安全危机会影响你们一代军人所面对的形势，诸如难民潮、自然灾害和争抢水资源以及食物的各种挑战。因此明年我将努力确保在美国引领下建立全球框架，保护我们的星球。

诸君请看，美国的影响力最强之际，都是我们用榜样的力量领导世界之时。我们不能把自己排除于规则之外，而让他人遵守规则。我们不能一边呼吁其他国家应对气候变化，另一边许多我们自己的政治领袖却在否认气候变化的存在。我们不能一边试图解决南中国海问题，另一边却无法确保《国际海洋法公约》在美国参议院获得批准，尽管我们的高级将领也认为该公约有利于国家安全。那不是领导，那是退却。那不是强大，那是软弱。在罗斯福、杜鲁门、艾森豪威尔和肯尼迪那样的领袖身上，完全看不到这些东西。

我全身心地信仰美国例外论。但让我们成为例外的不是我们违反国际规则和法治的能力，而是我们以实际行动来肯定它们的意愿。正是因此，我将继续推动关闭关塔那摩监狱，因为美国的价值观和司法传统不允许在海外无限期关押犯人。正是因此，我将设立新规，规范美国收集使用情报的行为，因为如果人们都认定我们监听普通公民，我们会失去朋友，工作效率也会大打折扣。美国不仅仅代表着不惜一切代价谋求稳定或没有冲突。我们代表着更长远的和平，而只有当其他地方的人们获得机会和自由，那种和平才会来临。

这就关系到美国领导力的第四个也是最后一个要素：我们捍卫人类尊严的意志。美国对民主和人权的支持超乎理想主义，它也是国家安全的一个考量。民主国家是我们最亲近的朋友，也最不易走向战争。基于自由、开放市场的经济体表现更佳，也会成为我们产品的市场。尊重人权则有助于克服不稳定因素，有利于消解滋生暴力与恐怖的仇恨土壤。

新世纪的来临并没有带来暴政的黄昏。在世界各国，甚至是美国的一些伙伴，对公民社会的压制依然存在。腐败的癌症让太多的政府官员和他们的圈内人一夜暴富，激怒了从偏远乡村到伟大广场上的普通公民。看到这些趋势以及阿拉伯世界的一些暴力行径，很容易让人变得玩世不恭。

但也请记得，恰恰是因为美国的努力，因为美国的外交和对外援助，因为美国军队的牺牲，很多人如今已经生活在民选的政府之下，比人类历史上的任何时期都要多。技术使公民社会变得更有力量，让铁拳更难对它们加以控制。各种新突破让数以亿计的人脱离贫困。即便是阿拉伯世界的动荡也表现出拒斥威权统治的倾向——它们绝不稳固——而且也预示了更负责、更有效的治理前景。

我们承认，我们同埃及等国家的关系是出于安全利益考量，包括巴以和平进程和共同反对暴力极端势力等等。所以我们并未切断同新政府的联系，但我们能够也将会继续施压，敦促埃及政府实施其民众所要求的改革。

与此同时，像缅甸，几年前还是不可理喻、对美国充满敌意的专制国家，那可是4千万人口的国家啊。依靠该国人民巨大的勇气以及我们的外交努力，我们已经看到一个曾经封闭的社会开启了政治改革的进程，缅甸领导层开始疏远朝鲜，转向美国和盟友。我们正在支持该国的改革和亟需的民族和解进程，通过劝说和偶尔公开批评的方式。那里的进步还有陷入倒退的可能，不过，如果缅甸能够成功，我们就是未开一枪而赢得了新的伙伴。这就是美国的领导力。

在所有这些例子中，我们不能期待改变一夜之间完成。因此我们不仅同政府结盟，也同普通人民交好。和其他一些国家不同，美国不惧怕个体的人变得强大，有力的个人是美国的力量之源。公民社会、新闻自由令我们的力量有增无减。勤奋的企业家和小业主夯实我们的经济实力。教育交流和为一切男人、女人和儿童提供机会，这种开放性让我们近悦远来。那才是我们美国。那是我们所代表的一切。

去年在访问非洲的时候，我看到美国的援助令许多年轻人免受艾滋病的感染，同时也使得非洲居民能够照顾自己的病人。我们帮助农夫把出产送往市场，让饥民获得口粮。我们让撒哈拉以南非洲的电力供应翻番，让当地人得以分享全球经济的繁荣。这一切都在为我们赢得新的伙伴，挤压恐怖主义和暴力冲突的空间。

不幸的是，美国的安全努力都不足以消除博科圣地等极端组织造成的威胁，该组织劫持了200多名女学生。所以我们不能只顾营救学生，还要帮助尼日利亚教育他们的青年。这是我们在伊拉克和阿富汗来之不易的经验之一，美国驻军要成为外交和当地经济社会发展的最有力推动者。我们的部队明白了，对外援助不是细枝末节，不是可以跟国防分开考虑的事情。它是壮大我们的重要一环。

归根结底，全球领导力要求我们直面世界的本来面目，看清其全部危险和不确定性。我们得做最坏打算，防备一切意外。但美国的领导力也要求我们前瞻世界的应然状态：个人的愿望得到尊重，统治人们的是希望而非恐惧，我们的立国文献中所写下的真理可以引导世界历史潮流走向正义的方向。

资料来源：一财网

第二篇：奥巴马西点军校演讲词

Remarks by the President at United States Military Academy at West Point Commencement

Michie Stadium, West Point, New York 10:31 A.M.EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.Thank you.Thank you.Thank you.Please be seated.Thank you very much.Good morning.AUDIENCE: Good morning.THE PRESIDENT: It is wonderful to be back at the United States Military Academy--the oldest continuously occupied military post in America--as we commission the newest officers in the United States Army.Thank you, General Hagenbeck, for your introduction, on a day that holds special meaning for you and the Dean, General Finnegan.Both of you first came to West Point in the Class of 1971 and went on to inspire soldiers under your command.You’ve led this Academy to a well-deserved recognition: best college in America.(Applause.)And today, you’re both looking forward to a well-deserved retirement from the Army.General Hagenbeck and Judy, General Finnegan and Joan, we thank you for 39 years of remarkable service to the Army and to America.(Applause.)

To the Commandant, General Rapp, the Academy staff and faculty, most of whom are veterans, thank you for your service and for inspiring these cadets to become the “leaders of character” they are today.(Applause.)Let me also acknowledge the presence of General Shinseki, Secretary McHugh, the members of Congress who are with us here today, including two former soldiers this Academy knows well, Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Patrick Murphy.(Applause.)

To all the families here--especially all the moms and dads--this day is a tribute to you as well.The decision to come to West Point was made by your sons and daughters, but it was you who instilled in them a spirit of service that has led them to this hallowed place in a time of war.So on behalf of the American people, thank you for your example and thank you for your patriotism.(Applause.)

To the United States Corps of Cadets, and most of all, the Class of 2010--it is a singular honor to serve as your Commander-in-Chief.As your Superintendent indicated, under our constitutional system my power as President is wisely limited.But there are some areas where my power is absolute.And so, as your Commander-in-Chief, I hereby absolve all cadets who are on restriction for minor conduct offenses.(Applause.)I will leave the definition of “minor”--(laughter)--to those who know better.(Laughter.)

Class of 2010, today is your day--a day to celebrate all that you’ve achieved, in the finest tradition of the soldier-scholar, and to look forward to the important service that lies ahead.You have pushed yourself through the agony of Beast Barracks, the weeks of training in rain and mud, and, I’m told, more inspections and drills than perhaps any class before you.Along the way, I’m sure you faced a few moments when you asked yourself: “What am I doing here?” I have those moments sometimes.(Laughter.)

You’ve trained for the complexities of today’s missions, knowing that success will be measured not merely by performance on the battlefield, but also by your understanding of the cultures and traditions and languages in the place where you serve.You’ve reached out across borders, with more international experience than any class in Academy history.You’ve not only attended foreign academies to forge new friendships, you’ve welcomed into your ranks cadets from nearly a dozen countries.You’ve challenged yourself intellectually in the sciences and the humanities, in history and technology.You’ve achieved a standard of academic excellence that is without question, tying the record for the most post-graduate scholarships of any class in West Point history.(Applause.)

This includes your number one overall cadet and your valedictorian--Liz Betterbed and Alex Rosenberg.And by the way, this is the first time in Academy history where your two top awards have been earned by female candidates.(Applause.)

This underscores a fact that I’ve seen in the faces of our troops from Baghdad to Bagram--in the 21st century, our women in uniform play an indispensable role in our national defense.And time and again, they have proven themselves to be role models for our daughters and our sons--as students and as soldiers and as leaders in the United States armed forces.And the faces in this stadium show a simple truth: America’s Army represents the full breadth of America’s experience.You come from every corner of our country--from privilege and from poverty, from cities and small towns.You worship all of the great religions that enrich the life of our people.You include the vast diversity of race and ethnicity that is fundamental to our nation’s strength.There is, however, one thing that sets you apart.Here in these quiet hills, you’ve come together to prepare for the most difficult test of our time.You signed up knowing your service would send you into harm’s way, and you did so long after the first drums of war were sounded.In you we see the commitment of our country, and timeless virtues that have served our nation well.We see your sense of duty--including those who have earned their right shoulder patch--their right shoulder combat patches, like the soldier who suffered a grenade wound in Iraq, yet still helped his fellow soldiers to evacuate--your First Captain of the Corps of Cadets, Tyler Gordy.(Applause.)

We see your sense of honor--in your respect for tradition, knowing that you join a Long Grey Line that stretches through the centuries;and in your reverence for each other, as when the Corps stands in silence every time a former cadet makes the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.Indeed, today we honor the 78 graduates of this Academy who have given their lives for our freedom and our security in Iraq and Afghanistan.And we see your love of country--a devotion to America captured in the motto you chose as a class, a motto which will guide your lives of service: “Loyal ‘Til the End.”

Duty.Honor.Love of country.Everything you have learned here, all that you’ve achieved here, has prepared you for today--when you raise your right hand;when you take that oath;when your loved one or mentor pins those gold bars on your shoulders;when you become, at long last, commissioned officers in the United States Army.This is the ninth consecutive commencement that has taken place at West Point with our nation at war.This time of war began in Afghanistan--a place that may seem as far away from this peaceful bend in the Hudson River as anywhere on Earth.The war began only because our own cities and civilians were attacked by violent extremists who plotted from a distant place, and it continues only because that plotting persists to this day.For many years, our focus was on Iraq.And year after year, our troops faced a set of challenges there that were as daunting as they were complex.A lesser Army might have seen its spirit broken.But the American military is more resilient than that.Our troops adapted, they persisted, they partnered with coalition and Iraqi counterparts, and through their competence and creativity and courage, we are poised to end our combat mission in Iraq this summer.(Applause.)

Even as we transition to an Iraqi lead and bring our troops home, our commitment to the Iraqi people endures.We will continue to advise and assist Iraqi security forces, who are already responsible for security in most of the country.And a strong American civilian presence will help Iraqis forge political and economic progress.This will not be a simple task, but this is what success looks like: an Iraq that provides no haven to terrorists;a democratic Iraq that is sovereign and stable and self-reliant.And as we end the war in Iraq, though, we are pressing forward in Afghanistan.Six months ago, I came to West Point to announce a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan.And I stand here humbled by the knowledge that many of you will soon be serving in harm’s way.I assure you, you will go with the full support of a proud and grateful nation.We face a tough fight in Afghanistan.Any insurgency that is confronted with a direct challenge will turn to new tactics.And from Marja to Kandahar, that is what the Taliban has done through assassination and indiscriminate killing and intimidation.Moreover, any country that has known decades of war will be tested in finding political solutions to its problems, and providing governance that can sustain progress and serve the needs of its people.So this war has changed over the last nine years, but it’s no less important than it was in those days after 9/11.We toppled the Taliban regime--now we must break the momentum of a Taliban insurgency and train Afghan security forces.We have supported the election of a sovereign government--now we must strengthen its capacities.We’ve brought hope to the Afghan people--now we must see that their country does not fall prey to our common enemies.Cadets, there will be difficult days ahead.We will adapt, we will persist, and I have no doubt that together with our Afghan and international partners, we will succeed in Afghanistan.(Applause.)

Now even as we fight the wars in front of us, we also have to see the horizon beyond these wars--because unlike a terrorist whose goal is to destroy, our future will be defined by what we build.We have to see that horizon, and to get there we must pursue a strategy of national renewal and global leadership.We have to build the sources of America’s strength and influence, and shape a world that’s more peaceful and more prosperous.Time and again, Americans have risen to meet and to shape moments of change.This is one of those moments--an era of economic transformation and individual empowerment;of ancient hatreds and new dangers;of emerging powers and new global challenges.And we’re going to need all of you to help meet these challenges.You’ve answered the call.You, and all who wear America’s uniform, remain the cornerstone of our national defense, the anchor of global security.And through a period when too many of our institutions have acted irresponsibly, the American military has set a standard of service and sacrifice that is as great as any in this nation’s history.(Applause.)

Now the rest of us--the rest of us must do our part.And to do so, we must first recognize that our strength and influence abroad begins with steps we take at home.We must educate our children to compete in an age where knowledge is capital, and the marketplace is global.We must develop clean energy that can power new industry and unbound us from foreign oil and preserve our planet.We have to pursue science and research that unlocks wonders as unforeseen to us today as the microchip and the surface of the moon were a century ago.Simply put, American innovation must be the foundation of American power--because at no time in human history has a nation of diminished economic vitality maintained its military and political primacy.And so that means that the civilians among us, as parents and community leaders, elected officials, business leaders, we have a role to play.We cannot leave it to those in uniform to defend this country--we have to make sure that America is building on its strengths.(Applause.)

As we build these economic sources of our strength, the second thing we must do is build and integrate the capabilities that can advance our interests, and the common interests of human beings around the world.America’s armed forces are adapting to changing times, but your efforts have to be complemented.We will need the renewed engagement of our diplomats, from grand capitals to dangerous outposts.We need development experts who can support Afghan agriculture and help Africans build the capacity to feed themselves.We need intelligence agencies that work seamlessly with their counterparts to unravel plots that run from the mountains of Pakistan to the streets of our cities.We need law enforcement that can strengthen judicial systems abroad, and protect us here at home.And we need first responders who can act swiftly in the event of earthquakes and storms and disease.The burdens of this century cannot fall on our soldiers alone.It also cannot fall on American shoulders alone.Our adversaries would like to see America sap its strength by overextending our power.And in the past, we’ve always had the foresight to avoid acting alone.We were part of the most powerful wartime coalition in human history through World War II.We stitched together a community of free nations and institutions to endure and ultimately prevail during a Cold War.Yes, we are clear-eyed about the shortfalls of our international system.But America has not succeeded by stepping out of the currents of cooperation--we have succeeded by steering those currents in the direction of liberty and justice, so nations thrive by meeting their responsibilities and face consequences when they don’t.So we have to shape an international order that can meet the challenges of our generation.We will be steadfast in strengthening those old alliances that have served us so well, including those who will serve by your side in Afghanistan and around the globe.As influence extends to more countries and capitals, we also have to build new partnerships, and shape stronger international standards and institutions.This engagement is not an end in itself.The international order we seek is one that can resolve the challenges of our times –-countering violent extremism and insurgency;stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and securing nuclear materials;combating a changing climate and sustaining global growth;helping countries feed themselves and care for their sick;preventing conflict and healing wounds.If we are successful in these tasks, that will lessen conflicts around the world.It will be supportive of our efforts by our military to secure our country.More than anything else, though, our success will be claimed by who we are as a country.This is more important than ever, given the nature of the challenges that we face.Our campaign to disrupt, dismantle, and to defeat al Qaeda is part of an international effort that is necessary and just.But this is a different kind of war.There will be no simple moment of surrender to mark the journey’s end--no armistice, no banner headline.Though we have had more success in eliminating al Qaeda leaders in recent months than in recent years, they will continue to recruit, and plot, and exploit our open society.We see that in bombs that go off in Kabul and Karachi.We see it in attempts to blow up an airliner over Detroit or an SUV in Times Square, even as these failed attacks show that pressure on networks like al Qaeda is forcing them to rely on terrorists with less time and space to train.We see the potential duration of this struggle in al Qaeda’s gross distortions of Islam, their disrespect for human life, and their attempt to prey upon fear and hatred and prejudice.So the threat will not go away soon, but let’s be clear: Al Qaeda and its affiliates are small men on the wrong side of history.They lead no nation.They lead no religion.We need not give in to fear every time a terrorist tries to scare us.We should not discard our freedoms because extremists try to exploit them.We cannot succumb to division because others try to drive us apart.We are the United States of America.(Applause.)We are the United States of America, and we have repaired our union, and faced down fascism, and outlasted communism.We’ve gone through turmoil, we’ve gone through Civil War, and we have come out stronger--and we will do so once more.(Applause.)

And I know this to be true because I see the strength and resilience of the American people.Terrorists want to scare us.New Yorkers just go about their lives unafraid.(Applause.)Extremists want a war between America and Islam, but Muslims are part of our national life, including those who serve in our United States Army.(Applause.)Adversaries want to divide us, but we are united by our support for you--soldiers who send a clear message that this country is both the land of the free and the home of the brave.(Applause.)

You know, in an age of instant access to information, a lot of cynicism in the news, it’s easy to lose perspective in a flood of pictures and the swirl of political debate.Power and influence can seem to ebb and flow.Wars and grand plans can be deemed won or lost day to day, even hour to hour.As we experience the immediacy of the image of a suffering child or the boasts of a prideful dictator, it’s easy to give in to the belief sometimes that human progress has stalled--that events are beyond our control, that change is not possible.But this nation was founded upon a different notion.We believe, “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”(Applause.)And that truth has bound us together, a nation populated by people from around the globe, enduring hardship and achieving greatness as one people.And that belief is as true today as it was 200 years ago.It is a belief that has been claimed by people of every race and religion in every region of the world.Can anybody doubt that this belief will be any less true--any less powerful--two years, two decades, or even two centuries from now?

And so a fundamental part of our strategy for our security has to be America’s support for those universal rights that formed the creed of our founding.And we will promote these values above all by living them--through our fidelity to the rule of law and our Constitution, even when it’s hard;even when we’re being attacked;even when we’re in the midst of war.And we will commit ourselves to forever pursuing a more perfect union.Together with our friends and allies, America will always seek a world that extends these rights so that when an individual is being silenced, we aim to be her voice.Where ideas are suppressed, we provide space for open debate.Where democratic institutions take hold, we add a wind at their back.When humanitarian disaster strikes, we extend a hand.Where human dignity is denied, America opposes poverty and is a source of opportunity.That is who we are.That is what we do.We do so with no illusions.We understand change doesn’t come quick.We understand that neither America nor any nation can dictate every outcome beyond its borders.We know that a world of mortal men and women will never be rid of oppression or evil.What we can do, what we must do, is work and reach and fight for the world that we seek--all of us, those in uniform and those who are not.And in preparing for today, I turned to the world--to the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes.And reflecting on his Civil War experience, he said, and I quote, “To fight out a war you must believe in something and want something with all your might.So must you do to carry anything else to an end worth reaching.” Holmes went on, “More than that, you must be willing to commit yourself to a course, perhaps a long and hard one, without being able to foresee exactly where you will come out.”

America does not fight for the sake of fighting.We abhor war.As one who has never experienced the field of battle--and I say that with humility, knowing, as General MacArthur said, “the soldier above all others prays for peace”--we fight because we must.We fight to keep our families and communities safe.We fight for the security of our allies and partners, because America believes that we will be safer when our friends are safer;that we will be stronger when the world is more just.So cadets, a long and hard road awaits you.You go abroad because your service is fundamental to our security back home.You go abroad as representatives of the values that this country was founded upon.And when you inevitably face setbacks--when the fighting is fierce or a village elder is fearful;when the end that you are seeking seems uncertain--think back to West Point.Here, in this peaceful part of the world, you have drilled and you have studied and come of age in the footsteps of great men and women--Americans who faced times of trial, and who even in victory could not have foreseen the America they helped to build, the world they helped to shape.George Washington was able to free a band of patriots from the rule of an empire, but he could not have foreseen his country growing to include 50 states connecting two oceans.Grant was able to save a union and see the slaves freed, but he could not have foreseen just how much his country would extend full rights and opportunities to citizens of every color.Eisenhower was able to see Germany surrender and a former enemy grow into an ally, but he could not have foreseen the Berlin Wall coming down without a shot being fired.Today it is your generation that has borne a heavy burden--soldiers, graduates of this Academy like John Meyer and Greg Ambrosia who have braved enemy fire, protected their units, carried out their missions, earned the commendation of this Army, and of a grateful nation.From the birth of our existence, America has had a faith in the future--a belief that where we’re going is better than where we’ve been, even when the path ahead is uncertain.To fulfill that promise, generations of Americans have built upon the foundation of our forefathers--finding opportunity, fighting injustice, forging a more perfect union.Our achievement would not be possible without the Long Grey Line that has sacrificed for duty, for honor, for country.(Applause.)

And years from now when you return here, when for you the shadows have grown longer, I have no doubt that you will have added your name to the book of history.I have no doubt that we will have prevailed in the struggles of our times.I have no doubt that your legacy will be an America that has emerged stronger, and a world that is more just, because we are Americans, and our destiny is never written for us, it is written by us, and we are ready to lead once more.Thank you.May God bless you.And may God bless the United States of America.(Applause.)

END

11:04 A.M.EDT

第三篇：奥巴马西点军校2014年毕业演讲中英文对照

奥巴马西点军校2014年毕业演讲

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you.Thank you so much.Thank you.Thank you, General Caslen, for that introduction.General Trainor, General Clarke, faculty and staff at West Point, you have been outstanding stewards of this proud institution and outstanding mentors for the newest officers in the United States Army.美国总统奥巴马：谢谢！非常感谢！谢谢！谢谢卡斯兰将军的介绍!特雷纳将军、克拉克将军、西点军校的教职工们，你们一直以来都是这所令人自豪的学府的优秀管理者，也是美国陆军新晋军官的杰出导师。

I’d like to acknowledge the Army’s leadership--General McHugh--Secretary McHugh, General Odierno, as well as Senator Jack Reed who is here and a proud graduate of West Point himself.To the class of 2014, I congratulate you on taking your place on the Long Gray Line.我要向陆军领导层表示感谢，包括陆军部长麦克休将军以及参谋长奥迪耶诺将军，同时也要感谢到场的杰克-里德参议员，他是西点军校引以为荣的毕业生之一。2014级的毕业生们，祝贺你们承接了西点军魂的使命。

Among you is the first all-female command team: Erin Mauldin and Austen Boroff.In Calla Glavin, you have a Rhodes Scholar, and Josh Herbeck proves that West Point accuracy extends beyond the three point line.(Laughter.)在你们当中，有美国首支女子指挥团队，包括艾琳-墨登和奥斯丁-波洛夫。卡拉-格莱文展现了一位罗兹学者的风采，而乔希-赫贝克则证明了西点的精准度远在三分线之外。(笑声)

To the entire class, let me reassure you in these final hours at West Point, as commander in chief, I hereby absolve all cadets who are on restriction for minor conduct offenses.(Laughter, applause.)

全体学员们，请安心度过你们在西点的最后时光，我以最高统帅的名义在此赦免所有因犯轻罪而关禁闭的学员。(笑声、掌声)

Let me just say that nobody ever did that for me when I was in school.容我说一句，我当学生的时候，可从未有人这么做过。

I know you join me in extending a word of thanks to your families.Joe DeMoss, whose son James is graduating, spoke for a whole lot of parents when he wrote me a letter about the sacrifices you’ve made.“Deep inside,” he wrote, “we want to explode with pride at what they are committing to do in the service of our country.” Like several graduates, James is a combat veteran, and I

would ask all of us here today to stand and pay tribute not only to the veterans among us, but to the more than 2.5 million Americans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as their families.(Applause.)

我知道，你们和我一样都要向自己的家人表示感谢。乔-狄摩斯是本届毕业生詹姆斯的父亲，他给我来信讲诉你们所作出的牺牲，也道出了许多父母的心声。他写道：“在我们的内心深处，我们为他们立志报效国家而感到无比自豪。”和多位毕业生一样，詹姆斯也是位战场老兵。我请今天在座的各位起立，向我们当中的老兵，也向250多万曾在伊拉克和阿富汗服役的美国人及其家属致敬。(掌声)It is a particularly useful time for America to reflect on those who’ve sacrificed so much for our freedom, a few days after Memorial Day.You are the first class to graduate since 9/11 who may not be sent into combat in Iraq or Afghanistan.(Cheers, applause.)

这是继数天前阵亡将士纪念日后的又一个极有意义的时刻，让美国人民得以回想那些为我们的自由作出巨大牺牲的英雄。你们将是自911恐怖袭击以来，第一届不会被派到伊拉克或阿富汗参战的毕业生。(欢呼声、掌声)

When I first spoke at West Point in 2009, we still had more than 100,000 troops in Iraq.We were preparing to surge in Afghanistan.Our counterterrorism efforts were focused on al-Qaida’s core leadership--those who had carried out the 9/11 attacks.And our nation was just beginning a long climb out of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.2009年，我首次在西点发表演讲时，我们仍有10万多名士兵驻扎在伊拉克，也正准备增兵阿富汗。而我们的反恐重心则是基地组织的核心头目——正是他们发动了911恐怖袭击。此外，我们的国家正开始一段摆脱大萧条以来最严重经济危机的漫长历程。

Four and a half years later, as you graduate, the landscape has changed.We have removed our troops from Iraq.We are winding down our war in

Afghanistan.Al-Qaida’s leadership on the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been decimated, and Osama bin Laden is no more.(Cheers, applause.)And through it all, we’ve refocused our investments in what has always been a key source of American strength: a growing economy that can provide opportunity for everybody who’s willing to work hard and take responsibility here at home.四年半以后，就在你们毕业之际，情况已发生了转变。我们已从伊拉克撤军，正逐步结束阿富汗的战争。潜伏在巴基斯坦和阿富汗边境地区的基地组织头目已被斩草除根，而奥萨马-本-拉登也早已命丧黄泉。(欢呼声、掌声)在经历了这一切之后，我们又将关注重心调整到美国实力的重要源头上来，这个源头就是不断发展的经济，为每一个愿意努力工作并愿意承担起家国责任的人提供机会。

In fact, by most measures America has rarely been stronger relative to the rest of the world.Those who argue otherwise--who suggest that America is in decline or has seen its global leadership slip away--are either misreading history or engaged in partisan politics.事实上，与世界上其他国家相比，美国在很多方面都处于强势地位。有些人持不同观点，他们认为美国正在衰弱或正失去世界的领导地位，这些人不是对历史存在误读，就是陷入了党派政治的泥潭。

Think about it.Our military has no peer.The odds of a direct threat against us by any nation are low, and do not come close to the dangers we faced during the Cold War.Meanwhile, our economy remains the most dynamic on Earth, our businesses the most innovative.Each year, we grow more energy

3independent.From Europe to Asia, we are the hub of alliances unrivaled in the history of nations.你们想一想，我们的军队天下无敌，任何国家对我们构成直接威胁的几率极小，而且与我们在冷战时期所面临的危险相差甚远。同时，我们的经济活力仍居世界第一，企业的创新性也名列前茅。我们的能源独立性都在逐年增强。从欧洲到亚洲，我们是各国有史以来无人能敌的联盟轴心。

America continues to attract striving immigrants.The values of our founding inspire leaders in parliaments and new movements in public squares around the globe.And when a typhoon hits the Philippines, or schoolgirls are kidnapped in Nigeria, or masked men occupy a building in Ukraine, it is

America that the world looks to for help.(Applause.)So the United States is and remains the one indispensable nation.That has been true for the century past, and it will be true for the century to come.美国将继续吸纳奋发图强的外国移民。我们的建国理念激励着各国议会的领导人，也激励着世界各地在公共广场上发起的新运动。当台风袭击菲律宾的时候，当尼日利亚女学生遭到绑架的时候，当蒙面歹徒攻占乌克兰政府大楼的时候，全世界都翘首以待美国的援助之手。(掌声)因此，美国始终是一个无可取代的国家，上个世纪如此，下个世纪亦是如此。

But the world is changing with accelerating speed.This presents opportunity, but also new dangers.We know all too well, after 9/11, just how technology and globalization has put power once reserved for states in the hands of individuals, raising the capacity of terrorists to do harm.但是，如今的世界瞬息万变。这为我们带来了机遇，也带来了新的危险。911恐怖袭击事件让我们清楚地认识到，科技和全球化发展是如何让原本由国家掌控的权力落入个人之手，令恐怖分子为非作歹的。

Russia’s aggression towards former Soviet states unnerves capitals in Europe while China’s economic rise and military reach worries its neighbors.4不久前，俄罗斯派兵入侵前苏联加盟共和国——乌克兰，这一军事动作牵动欧洲各国神经，与此同时，中国经济崛起及其军事走向则引发邻国担忧。

From Brazil to India, rising middle classes compete with us, and governments seek a greater say in global forums.And even as developing nations embrace democracy and market economies, 24-hour news and social media makes it impossible to ignore the continuation of sectarian conflicts, failing states and popular uprisings that might have received only passing notice a generation ago.从巴西到印度，新兴中产阶级在与我们展开竞争，此外，各国谋求在国际事务中争取更多话语权。尽管发展中国家拥护民主、认同市场经济，但全天候新闻以及社交媒体报道使得人们无法对接连发生在这些国家的派系冲突、国家衰败与民众暴动等事件视而不见。然而，这些对于上一代人而言，只能引来他们的“侧目”罢了。

It will be your generation’s task to respond to this new world.The question we face, the question each of you will face, is not whether America will lead but how we will lead, not just to secure our peace and prosperity but also extend peace and prosperity around the globe.如何能在新形势下有所作为的重担就要落在你们这一代的肩上了。摆在我们面前的问题，不是美国是否处在领导地位，而是她将如何引领各国;不只是美国能否实现繁荣发展，而是她如何能在全球范围内“播撒”和平与繁荣的“种子”，而这也是你们将来要面对的问题。

Now, this question isn’t new.At least since George Washington served as commander in chief, there have been those who warned against foreign entanglements that do not touch directly on our security or economic well-being.这个问题并非新鲜。至少，自乔治-华盛顿就任总司令——即美国爆发独立战争以来，就存在一些警告的声音，表示反对美国卷入与本国国家安全或经济福祉无直接关联的外部纷争之中。

Today, according to self-described realists, conflicts in Syria or Ukraine or the Central African Republic are not ours to solve.And not surprisingly, after costly wars and continuing challenges here at home, that view is shared by many Americans.现在，那些自诩为现实主义者的人认为，美国无需理会发生在叙利亚、乌克兰，以及中非共和国的冲突。的确，在经受了战争以及来自国内的多重挑战之后，这种观点为许多美国人所认同，这并不意外。

第四篇：奥巴马演讲

May 25, 2013 WASHINGTON, DC—In his weekly address Saturday, Obama noted that members of the U.S.military often risk their lives without seeking the limelight or any special reward.As Americans observe Memorial Day weekend, U.S.President Barack Obama is calling on his fellow citizens to remember the men and women who have given their lives in service to the country, and to remember the military families who make sacrifices of their own.奥巴马在例行的周六演说中指出，美军官兵经常将生命危险置之度外而并不寻求关注和特别奖赏。他说，星期一就是阵亡将士纪念日，这一天应该用来感谢烈士的奉献。美国总统奥巴马呼吁美国民众牢记为国捐躯的英烈们，记住烈士家属做出的牺牲。

第五篇：奥巴马演讲

奥巴马演讲《我们为什么要上学》全文

发布者：weleve 日期：2013年09月05日 01:39 来源： weleve.com 【字号 ：大 中 小】 你要记住，哪怕你表现不好、哪怕你失去信心、哪怕你觉得身边的人都已经放弃了你——永远不要自己放弃自己。因为当你放弃自己的时候，你也放弃了自己的国家。

【时间地点】弗吉尼亚州，阿林顿市，2009年9月8日

嗨，大家好!你们今天过得怎么样?

我现在和弗吉尼亚州阿林顿郡韦克菲尔德高中的学生们在一起，全国各地也有从幼儿园到高三的众多学生们通过电视关注这里，我很高兴你们能共同分享这一时刻。

我知道，对你们中的许多人来说，今天是开学的第一天，你们中的有一些刚刚进入幼儿园或升上初高中，对你们来说，这是在新学校的第一天，因此，假如你们感到有些紧张，那也是很正常的。我想也会有许多毕业班的学生们正自信满满地准备最后一年的冲刺。不过，我想无论你有多大、在读哪个年级，许多人都打心底里希望现在还在放暑假，以及今天不用那么早起床。

我可以理解这份心情。小时候，我们家在印度尼西亚住过几年，而我妈妈没钱送我去其他美国孩子们上学的地方去读书，因此她决定自己给我上课——时间是每周一到周五的凌晨4点半。显然，我不怎么喜欢那么早就爬起来，很多时候，我就这么在厨房的桌子前睡着了。

每当我埋怨的时候，我妈总会用同一副表情看着我说：“小鬼，你以为教你我就很轻松?” 所以，我可以理解你们中的许多人对于开学还需要时间来调整和适应，但今天我站在这里，是为了和你们谈一些重要的事情。我要和你们谈一谈你们每个人的教育，以及在新的学年里，你们应当做些什么。我做过许多关于教育的讲话，也常常用到“责任”这个词。

我谈到过教师们有责任激励和启迪你们，督促你们学习。我谈到过家长们有责任看管你们认真学习、完成作业，不要成天只会看电视或打游戏机。我也很多次谈到过政府有责任设定高标准严要求、协助老师和校长们的工作，改变在有些学校里学生得不到应有的学习机会的现状。但哪怕这一切都达到最好，哪怕我们有最尽职的教师、最好的家长、和最优秀的学校，假如你们不去履行自己的责任的话，那么这一切努力都会白费。——除非你每天准时去上学、除非你认真地听老师讲课、除非你把父母、长辈和其他大人们说的话放在心上、除非你肯付出成功所必需的努力，否则这一切都会失去意义。

而这就是我今天讲话的主题：对于自己的教育，你们中每一个人的责任。首先，我想谈谈你们对于自己有什么责任。

你们中的每一个人都会有自己擅长的东西，每一个人都是有用之材，而发现自己的才能是什么，就是你们要对自己担起的责任。

教育给你们提供了发现自己才能的机会。或许你能写出优美的文字——甚至有一天能让那些文字出现在书籍和报刊上——但假如不在英语课上经常练习写作，你不会发现自己有这样的天赋;或许你能成为一个发明家、创造家——甚至设计出像今天的iPhone一样流行的产品，或研制出新的药物与疫苗——但假如不在自然科学课程上做上几次实验，你不会知道自己有这样的天赋;或许你能成为一名议员或最高法院法官，但假如你不去加入什么学生会或参加几次辩论赛，你也不会发现自己的才能。而且，我可以向你保证，不管你将来想要做什么，你都需要相应的教育。——你想当名医生、当名教师或当名警官?你想成为护士、成为建筑设计师、律师或军人?无论你选择哪一种职业，良好的教育都必不可少，这世上不存在不把书念完就能拿到好工作的美梦，任何工作，都需要你的汗水、训练与学习。不仅仅对于你们个人的未来有重要意义，你们的教育如何也会对这个国家、乃至世界的未来产生重要影响。

今天你们在学校中学习的内容，将会决定我们整个国家在未来迎接重大挑战时的表现。你们需要在数理科学课程上学习的知识和技能，去治疗癌症、艾滋那样的疾病，和解决我们面临的能源问题与环境问题;你们需要在历史社科课程上培养出的观察力与判断力，来减轻和消除无家可归与贫困、犯罪问题和各种歧视，让这个国家变得更加公平和自由;你们需要在各类课程中逐渐累积和发展出来的创新意识和思维，去创业和建立新的公司与企业，来制造就业机会和推动经济的增长。

我们需要你们中的每一个人都培养和发展自己的天赋、技能和才智，来解决我们所面对的最困难的问题。假如你不这么做——假如你放弃学习——那么你不仅是放弃了自己，也是放弃了你的国家。当然，我明白，读好书并不总是件容易的事。我知道你们中的许多人在生活中面临着各种各样的问题，很难把精力集中在专心读书之上。我知道你们的感受。我父亲在我两岁时就离开了家庭，是母亲一人将我们拉扯大，有时她付不起帐单，有时我们得不到其他孩子们都有的东西，有时我会想，假如父亲在该多好，有时我会感到孤独无助，与周围的环境格格不入。

因此我并不总是能专心学习，我做过许多自己觉得丢脸的事情，也惹出过许多不该惹的麻烦，我的生活岌岌可危，随时可能急转直下。但我很幸运。我在许多事上都得到了重来的机会，我得到了去大学读法学院、实现自己梦想的机会。我的妻子——现在得叫她第一夫人米歇尔·奥巴马了——也有着相似的人生故事，她的父母都没读过大学，也没有什么财产，但他们和她都辛勤工作，好让她有机会去这个国家最优秀的学校读书。你们中有些人可能没有这些有利条件，或许你的生活中没有能为你提供帮助和支持的长辈，或许你的某个家长没有工作、经济拮据，或许你住的社区不那么安全，或许你认识一些会对你产生不良影响的朋友，等等。

但归根结底，你的生活状况——你的长相、出身、经济条件、家庭氛围——都不是疏忽学业和态度恶劣的借口，这些不是你去跟老师顶嘴、逃课、或是辍学的借口，这些不是你不好好读书的借口。你的未来，并不取决于你现在的生活有多好或多坏。没有人为你编排好你的命运，在美国，你的命运由你自己书写，你的未来由你自己掌握。而在这片土地上的每个地方，千千万万和你一样的年轻人正是这样在书写着自己的命运。

例如德克萨斯州罗马市的贾斯敏·佩雷兹(Jazmin Perez)。刚进学校时，她根本不会说英语，她住的地方几乎没人上过大学，她的父母也没有受过高等教育，但她努力学习，取得了优异的成绩，靠奖学金进入了布朗大学，如今正在攻读公共卫生专业的博士学位。我还想起了加利福尼亚州洛斯拉图斯市的安多尼·舒尔兹(Andoni Schultz)，他从三岁起就开始与脑癌病魔做斗争，他熬过了一次次治疗与手术——其中一次影响了他的记忆，因此他得花出比常人多几百个小时的时间来完成学业，但他从不曾落下自己的功课。

这个秋天，他要开始在大学读书了。又比如在我的家乡，伊利诺斯州芝加哥市，身为孤儿的香特尔·史蒂夫(Shantell Steve)换过多次收养家庭，从小在治安很差的地区长大，但她努力争取到了在当地保健站工作的机会、发起了一个让青少年远离犯罪团伙的项目，很快，她也将以优异的成绩从中学毕业，去大学深造。贾斯敏、安多尼和香特尔与你们并没有什么不同。和你们一样，他们也在生活中遭遇各种各样的困难与问题，但他们拒绝放弃，他们选择为自己的教育担起责任、给自己定下奋斗的目标。我希望你们中的每一个人，都能做得到这些。因此，在今天，我号召你们每一个人都为自己的教育定下一个目标——并在之后，尽自己的一切努力去实现它。你的目标可以很简单，像是完成作业、认真听讲或每天阅读——或许你打算参加一些课外活动，或在社区做些志愿工作;或许你决定为那些因为长相或出身等等原因而受嘲弄或欺负的孩子做主、维护他们的权益，因为你和我一样，认为每个孩子都应该能有一个安全的学习环境;或许你认为该学着更好的照顾自己，来为将来的学习做准备……

当然，除此之外，我希望你们都多多洗手、感到身体不舒服的时候要多在家休息，免得大家在秋冬感冒高发季节都得流感。不管你决定做什么，我都希望你能坚持到底，希望你能真的下定决心。我知道有些时候，电视上播放的节目会让你产生这样那样的错觉，似乎你不需要付出多大的努力就能腰缠万贯、功成名就——你会认为只要会唱rap、会打篮球或参加个什么真人秀节目就能坐享其成，但现实是，你几乎没有可能走上其中任何一条道路。

因为，成功是件难事。你不可能对要读的每门课程都兴趣盎然，你不可能和每名带课教师都相处顺利，你也不可能每次都遇上看起来和现实生活有关的作业。而且，并不是每件事，你都能在头一次尝试时获得成功。但那没有关系。因为在这个世界上，最最成功的人们往往也经历过最多的失败。

J.K.罗琳的第一本《哈利·波特》被出版商拒绝了十二次才最终出版;迈克尔·乔丹上高中时被学校的篮球队刷了下来，在他的职业生涯里，他输了几百场比赛、投失过几千次射篮，知道他是怎么说的吗?“我一生不停地失败、失败再失败，这就是我现在成功的原因。” 他们的成功，源于他们明白人不能让失败左右自己——而是要从中吸取经验。从失败中，你可以明白下一次自己可以做出怎样的改变;假如你惹了什么麻烦，那并不说明你就是个捣蛋贵，而是在提醒你，在将来要对自己有更严格的要求;假如你考了个低分，那并不说明你就比别人笨，而是在告诉你，自己得在学习上花更多的时间。没有哪一个人一生出来就擅长做什么事情的，只有努力才能培养出技能。

任何人都不是在第一次接触一项体育运动时就成为校队的代表，任何人都不是在第一次唱一首歌时就找准每一个音，一切都需要熟能生巧。对于学业也是一样，你或许要反复运算才能解出一道数学题的正确答案，你或许需要读一段文字好几遍才能理解它的意思，你或许得把论文改上好几次才能符合提交的标准。这都是很正常的。不要害怕提问。不要不敢向他人求助。——我每天都在这么做。求助并不是软弱的表现，恰恰相反，它说明你有勇气承认自己的不足、并愿意去学习新的知识。所以，有不懂时，就向大人们求助吧——找个你信得过的对象，例如父母、长辈、老师、教练或辅导员——让他们帮助你向目标前进。

你要记住，哪怕你表现不好、哪怕你失去信心、哪怕你觉得身边的人都已经放弃了你——永远不要自己放弃自己。因为当你放弃自己的时候，你也放弃了自己的国家。美国不是一个人们遭遇困难就轻易放弃的国度，在这个国家，人们坚持到底、人们加倍努力，为了他们所热爱的国度，每一个人都尽着自己最大的努力，不会给自己留任何余地。

250年前，有一群和你们一样的学生，他们之后奋起努力、用一场革命最终造就了这个国家;75年前，有一群和你们一样的学生，他们之后战胜了大萧条、赢得了二战;就在20年前，和你们一样的学生们，他们后来创立了Google、Twitter和Facebook，改变了我们人与人之间沟通的方式。因此，今天我想要问你们，你们会做出什么样的贡献?你们将解决什么样的难题?你们能发现什么样的事物?

二十、五十或百年之后，假如那时的美国总统也来做一次开学演讲的话，他会怎样描述你们对这个国家所做的一切?你们的家长、你们的老师和我，每一个人都在尽最大的努力，确保你们都能得到应有的教育来回答这些问题。

例如我正在努力为你们提供更安全的教室、更多的书籍、更先进的设施与计算机。但你们也要担起自己的责任。因此我要求你们在今年能够认真起来，我要求你们尽心地去做自己着手的每一件事，我要求你们每一个人都有所成就。

请不要让我们失望——不要让你的家人、你的国家和你自己失望。你们要成为我们骄傲，我知道，你们一定可以做到。

谢谢大家!