美国总统布什关于美国金融危机英文演讲稿

第一篇：美国总统布什关于美国金融危机英文演讲稿

布什关于美国经济前景的演讲(世界名人英语演讲

稿)

US President's speech on American economic future(August 6,2005)To grow the economy and help American families, we acted by passing the largest tax relief in a generation.And today, thanks to the tax relief and the efforts of America's workers and entrepreneurs, our economy is strong and growing stronger.This past week, we learned that America added over 200,000 new jobs in July.Since May of 2003, we've added nearly 4 million new jobs.The unemployment rate is down to 5 percent, below the average of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.And more Americans are working today than ever before in our nation's history.Recent economic reports show that our economy is growing faster than any other major industrialized nation.Small businesses are flourishing.Workers are taking home more of what they earn.Real disposable personal income has grown by over 12 percent since the end of 2000.Inflation is low and mortgage rates are low.And over the past year, the home ownership rate in America has reached record levels.The tax relief stimulated economic vitality and growth and it has helped

increase revenues to the Treasury.The increased revenues and our spending restraint have led to good progress in reducing the federal deficit.Last month we learned that the deficit is now projected to be $94 billion less than previously expected.I set a goal of cutting the deficit in half by 2009, and we are ahead of pace to meet that goal.To continue creating jobs and to ensure that our prosperity reaches every

corner of America, we're opening markets abroad for our goods and services.This past week, I was proud to sign the Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement.This historic agreement will level the playing field for America's workers and farmers, and open up a market of 44 million customers for products made in the United States.To keep our economy growing we also need affordable, reliable supplies of energy.Next week in New Mexico, I'll sign a bipartisan energy bill that

encourages conservation, expands domestic production in environmentally sensitive ways, diversifies our energy supply, modernizes our electricity grid and makes America less dependent on foreign sources of energy.And next Wednesday in Illinois, I'll sign a highway bill that will improve the safety of our roads, strengthen our transportation infrastructure and create good jobs.Our economy is strong, yet I will not be satisfied until every American who wants to work can find a job.So this coming Tuesday I will meet with my

economic team in Texas to discuss our agenda to keep the economy moving forward.As Congress considers appropriations bills this fall, we will work with the House and the Senate to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, or not at all.We need to make the tax relief permanent, end the death tax forever, and make our tax code simpler, fairer and more pro-growth.We'll continue working on Social Security reform.Social Security is sound for today's seniors, but there's a hole in the safety net for our younger workers, so I'll work with the Congress to strengthen Social Security for our children and grandchildren.I'll continue to press for legal reform to protect small businesses, doctors and hospitals from junk lawsuits.And we will work to make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans.The American economy is the envy of the world and we will keep it that way.We will continue to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of America, so more of our citizens can realize the American Dream.Thank you for listening.THE PRESIDENT: Good morning.As families across the country enjoy the summer, Americans can be optimistic about our economic future.In the past four years, our economy has been through a lot: we faced a stock market

decline, a recession, corporate scandals, an attack on our homeland, and the demands of an ongoing war on terror.

第二篇：美国总统布什就职演讲稿

美国总统布什就职演讲稿

Thank you!

Chief Justice Rehnquist, President Carter, President Bush，President Clinton, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens, the peaceful transfer of authority is rare in history, yet common in our country.With a simple oath, we affirm old traditions and make new beginnings.As I begin, I thank President Clinton for his service to our nation.And I thank Vice President Gore for a contest conducted with spirit and ended with grace.I am honored and humbled to stand here, where so many of America's leaders have come before me, and so many will follow.We have a place, all of us, in a long story--a story we continue, but whose end we will not see.It is the story of a new world that became a friend and liberator of the old, a story of a slave-holding society that became a servant of freedom, the story of a power that went into the world to protect but not possess, to defend but not to conquer.It is the American story--a story of flawed and fallible people, united across the generations by grand and enduring ideals.The grandest of these ideals is an unfolding American promise that everyone belongs, that everyone deserves a chance, that no insignificant person was ever born.Americans are called to enact this promise in our lives and in our laws.And though our nation has sometimes halted, and sometimes delayed, we must follow no other course.Through much of the last century, America's faith in freedom and democracy was a rock in a raging sea.Now it is a seed upon the wind, taking root in many nations.Our democratic faith is more than the creed of our country, it is the inborn hope of our humanity, an ideal we carry but do not own, a trust we bear and pass along.And even after nearly 225 years, we have a long way yet to travel.While many of our citizens prosper, others doubt the promise, even the justice, of our own country.The ambitions of some Americans are limited by failing schools and hidden prejudice and the circumstances of their birth.And sometimes our differences run so deep, it seems we share a continent, but not a country.We do not accept this, and we will not allow it.Our unity, our union, is the serious work of leaders and citizens in every generation.And this is my solemn pledge: I will work to build a single nation of justice and opportunity.I know this is in our reach because we are guided by a power larger than our selves who creates us equal in His image.And we are confident in principles that unite and lead us onward.America has never been united by blood or birth or soil.We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens.Every child must be taught these principles.Every citizen must uphold them.And every immigrant, by embracing these ideals, makes our country more, not less, American.Today, we affirm a new commitment to live out our nation's promise through civility, courage, compassion and character.America, at its best, matches a commitment to principle with a concern for civility.A civil society demands from each of us good will and respect, fair dealing and forgiveness.Some seem to believe that our politics can afford to be petty because, in a time of peace, the stakes of our debates appear small.But the stakes for America are never small.If our country does not lead the cause of freedom, it will not be led.If we do not turn the hearts of children

toward knowledge and character, we will lose their gifts and undermine their idealism.If we permit our economy to drift and decline, the vulnerable will suffer most.We must live up to the calling we share.Civility is not a tactic or a sentiment.It is the determined choice of trust over cynicism, of community over chaos.And this commitment, if we keep it, is a way to shared accomplishment.America, at its best, is also courageous.Our national courage has been clear in times of depression and war, when defending common dangers defined our common good.Now we must choose if the example of our fathers and mothers will inspire us or condemn us.We must show courage in a time of blessing by confronting problems instead of passing them on to future generations.Together, we will reclaim America's schools, before ignorance and apathy claim more young lives.We will reform Social Security and Medicare, sparing our children from struggles we have the power to prevent.And we will reduce taxes, to recover the momentum of our economy and reward the effort and enterprise of working Americans.We will build our defenses beyond challenge, lest weakness invite challenge.We will confront weapons of mass destruction, so that a new century is spared new horrors.The enemies of liberty and our country should make no mistake: America remains engaged in the world by history and by choice, shaping a balance of power thatf avors freedom.We will defend our allies and our interests.We will show purpose without arrogance.We will meet aggression and bad faith with resolve and strength.And to all nations, we will speak for the values that gave our nation birth.America, at its best, is compassionate.In the quiet of American conscience, we know that deep, persistent poverty is unworthy of our nation's promise.And whatever our views of its cause, we can agree that children at risk are not at fault.Abandonment and abuse are not acts of God, they are failures of love.And the proliferation of prisons, however necessary, is no substitute for hope and order in our souls.Where there is suffering, there is duty.Americans in need are not strangers, they are citizens, not problems, but priorities.And all of us are diminished when any are hopeless.Government has great responsibilities for public safety and public health, for civil rights and common schools.Yet compassion is the work of a nation, not just a government.And some needs and hurts are so deep they will only respond to a mentor's touch or a pastor's prayer.Church and charity, synagogue and mosque lend our communities their humanity, and they will have an honored place in our plans and in our laws.Many in our country do not know the pain of poverty, but we can listen to those who do.And I can pledge our nation to a goal: When we see that wounded traveler on

the road to Jericho, we will not pass to the other side.America, at its best, is a place where personal responsibility is valued and expected.Encouraging responsibility is not a search for scapegoats, it is a call to conscience.And though it requires sacrifice, it brings a deeper fulfillment.We find the fullness of life not only in options, but in commitments.And we find that children and community are the commitments that set us free.Our public interest depends on private character, on civic duty and family bonds and basic fairness, on uncounted, unhonored acts of decency which give direction to our freedom.Sometimes in life we are called to do great things.But as a saint of our times has said, every day we are called to do small things with great love.The most important tasks of a democracy are done by everyone.I will live and lead by these principles: to advance my convictions with civility, to pursue the public interest with courage, to speak for greater justice and compassion, to call for responsibility and try to live it as well.In all these ways, I will bring the values of our history to the care of our times.What you do is as important as anything government does.I ask you to seek a common good beyond your comfort;to defend needed reforms against easy attacks;to serve your nation, beginning with your neighbor.I ask you to be citizens: citizens, not spectators;citizens, not subjects;responsible citizens, building communities of service and a nation of character.Americans are generous and strong and decent, not because we believe in ourselves, but because we hold beliefs beyond ourselves.When this spirit of citizenship is missing, no government program can replace it.When this spirit is present, no wrong can stand against it.After the Declaration of Independence was signed, Virginia statesman John Page wrote to Thomas Jefferson: “We know the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong.Do you not think an angel rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm?”

Much time has passed since Jefferson arrived for his inauguration.The yearsand changes accumulate.But the themes of this day he would know: our nation's grand story of courage and its simple dream of dignity.We are not this story's author, who fills time and eternity with his purpose.Yet his purpose is achieved in our duty, and our duty is fulfilled in service to one another.Never tiring, never yielding, never finishing, we renew that purpose today, to make our country more just and generous, to affirm the dignity of our lives and every life.This work continues.This story goes on.And an angel still rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm.God bless you all, and God bless America.

第三篇：美国总统布什就职演讲稿(中英文对照)

美国总统布什就职演讲稿（中英文对照）

布什：保护与捍卫《美国宪法》。芮恩奎斯特：上帝保佑我。布什：上帝保佑我。芮恩奎斯特：恭喜！

谢谢大家！

尊敬的芮恩奎斯特大法官，卡特总统，布什总统，克林顿总统，尊敬的来宾们，我的同胞们，这次权利的和平过渡在历史上是罕见的，但在美国是平常的。我们以朴素的宣誓庄严地维护了古老的传统，同时开始了新的历程。首先，我要感谢克林顿总统为这个国家作出的贡献，也感谢副总统戈尔在竞选过程中的热情与风度。

站在这里，我很荣幸，也有点受宠若惊。在我之前，许多美国领导人从这里起步；在我之后，也会有许多领导人从这里继续前进。

在美国悠久的历史中，我们每个人都有自己的位置；我们还在继续推动着历史前进，但是我们不可能看到它的尽头。这是一部新世界的发展史，是一部后浪推前浪的历史。这是一部美国由奴隶制社会发展成为崇尚自由的社会的历史。这是一个强国保护而不是占有世界的历史，是捍卫而不是征服世界的历史。这就是美国史。它不是一部十全十美的民族发展史，但它是一部在伟大和永恒理想指导下几代人团结奋斗的历史。

这些理想中最伟大的是正在慢慢实现的美国的承诺，这就是：每个人都有自身的价值，每个人都有成功的机会，每个人天生都会有所作为的。美国人民肩负着一种使命，那就是要竭力将这个诺言变成生活中和法律上的现实。虽然我们的国家过去在追求实现这个承诺的途中停滞不前甚至倒退，但我们仍将坚定不移地完成这一使命。

在上个世纪的大部分时间里，美国自由民主的信念犹如汹涌大海中的岩石。现在它更像风中的种子，把自由带给每个民族。在我们的国家，民主不仅仅是一种信念，而是全人类的希望。民主，我们不会独占，而会竭力让大家分享。民主，我们将铭记于心并且不断传播。225年过去了，我们仍有很长的路要走。

有很多公民取得了成功，但也有人开始怀疑，怀疑我们自己的国家所许下的诺言，甚至怀疑它的公正。失败的教育，潜在的偏见和出身的环境限制了一些美国人的雄心。有时，我们的分歧是如此之深，似乎我们虽身处同一个大陆，但不属于同一个国家。我们不能接受这种分歧，也无法容许它的存在。我们的团结和统一，是每一代领导人和每一个公民的严肃使命。在此，我郑重宣誓：我将竭力建设一个公正、充满机会的统一国家。我知道这是我们的目标，因为上帝按自己的身形创造了我们，上帝高于一切的力量将引导我们前进。

对这些将我们团结起来并指引我们向前的原则，我们充满信心。血缘、出身或地域从未将美国联合起来。只有理想，才能使我们心系一处，超越自己，放弃个人利益，并逐步领会何谓公民。每个孩子都必须学习这些原则。每个公民都必须坚持这些原则。每个移民，只有接受这些原则，才能使我们的国家不丧失而更具美国特色。

今天，我们在这里重申一个新的信念，即通过发扬谦恭、勇气、同情心和个性的

独立的个性；依赖于我们的公民义务，家庭纽带和基本的公正；依赖于我们无数的、默默无闻的体面行动，正是它们指引我们走向自由。

在生活中，有时我们被召唤着去做一些惊天动地的事情。但是，正如我们时代的一位圣人所言，每一天我们都被召唤带着挚爱去做一些小事情。一个民主制度最重要的任务是由大家每一个人来完成的。

我为人处事的原则包括：坚信自己而不强加于人，为公众的利益勇往直前，追求正义而不乏同情心，勇担责任而决不推卸。我要通过这一切，用我们历史上传统价值观来哺育我们的时代。

(同胞们)，你们所做的一切和政府的工作同样重要。我希望你们不要仅仅追求个人享受而忽略公众的利益；要捍卫既定的改革措施，使其不会轻易被攻击；要从身边小事做起，为我们的国家效力。我希望你们成为真正的公民，而不是旁观者，更不是臣民。你们应成为有责任心的公民，共同来建设一个互帮互助的社会和有特色的国家。

美国人民慷慨、强大、体面，这并非因为我们信任我们自己，而是因为我们拥有超越我们自己的信念。一旦这种公民精神丧失了，无论何种政府计划都无法弥补它。一旦这种精神出

现了，无论任何错误都无法抗衡它。

在《独立宣言》签署之后，弗吉尼亚州的政治家约翰·佩齐曾给托马斯·杰弗逊写信说：“我们知道，身手敏捷不一定就能赢得比赛，力量强大不一定就能赢得战争。难道这一切不都是上帝安排的吗？” 杰斐逊就任总统的那个年代离我们已经很远了。时光飞逝，美国发生了翻天覆地的变化。但是有一点他肯定能够预知，即我们这个时代的主题仍然是：我们国家无畏向前的恢宏故事和它追求尊严的纯朴梦想。

我们不是这个故事的作者，是杰斐逊作者本人的伟大理想穿越时空，并通过我们每天的努力在变为现实。我们正在通过大家的努力在履行着各自的职责。

带着永不疲惫、永不气馁、永不完竭的信念，今天我们重树这样的目标：使我们的国家变得更加公正、更加慷慨，去验证我们每个人和所有人生命的尊严。

这项工作必须继续下去。这个故事必须延续下去。上帝会驾驭我们航行的。

愿上帝保佑大家！愿上帝保佑美国！

Renquist: Governor, are you ready to take the oath? Bush: I am.Renquist: Please raise your right hand and repeat after me.I, George Walker Bush, do solemnly swear.Bush: I, George Walker Bush, do solemnly swear.Renquist: That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States.Bush: That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States.Renquist: And will to the best of my ability...Bush: And will to the best of my ability...Renquist:...preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.Bush:...preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.Renquist: So help me, God.Bush: So help me, God.Renquist: Congratulations!I thank you all.Chief Justice Renquist, President Carter, President Bush, President Clinton, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens.The peaceful transfer of authority is rare in history, yet common in our country.With a simple oath, we affirm old traditions and make new beginnings.I am honored and humbled to stand here where so many of America's leaders have come before me, and so many will follow.We have a place, all of us, in a long story.A story we continued, but whose end we will not see.It is a story of a new world that became a friend and liberator of the old.A story of a slave holding society that became a servant of freedom.It is the American story.A story of flawed and fallible people, united across the generations by grand and 1)enduring ideals.The grandest of these ideals is an 2)unfolding American promise that everyone belongs, that everyone deserves a chance, that no insignificant person was ever born.Americans are called to 3)enact this promise in our lives and in our laws.And although our nation has sometimes halted and sometimes delayed, we must follow no other course.Sometimes in life we're called to do great things.But as a saint of our times has said, “Everyday we're called to do small things with great love.” The most important tasks of a democracy are done by everyone.I will live and lead by these principles, to advance my convictions with civility, to pursue the public interest with courage, to speak for greaterjustice and compassion, to call for responsibility, and try to live it as well.In all these ways, I will bring the values of our history to the care of our times.What you do is an important as anything government does.I ask you to seek a common good beyond your comfort, to defend needed reforms against easy attacks, to serve your nation beginning with your neighbor.I ask you to be citizens;citizens, not spectators;citizens, not subjects;responsible citizens building communities of service and a nation of character.Americans are generous and strong and decent not because we believe in ourselves, but because we hold beliefs beyond ourselves.When this spirit of citizenship is missing, no government program can replace it.When this spirit is present, no wrong can stand against it.After the Declaration of Independence was signed, Virginian statesman John Page wrote to Thomas Jefferson.“We know the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong.Do you not think an angel rides in the 5)whirlwind and directs this storm?” Much time has passed since Jefferson arrived for his inauguration.The yearsand changes accumulate.But the things of this day, he would know;our nation's grand story of courage, and its simple dream of dignity.We are not this story's author, who fills time and eternity with his purpose.Yet his purpose is achieved in our duty, and our duty is fulfilled in service to one another.Never tiring, never yielding, never finishing.We renew that purpose today, to make our country more just and generous, to affirm the dignity of our lives, and every life.This work continues.The story goes on.And an angel still rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm.God bless you all and God bless America!

第四篇：美国总统布什911演讲

美国总统布什于华盛顿时间9月20日晚上9:00（北京时间9月21日早上9:00）在国会参众两院联席会议上向全国民众发表电视演讲。以下是演讲的全文：

众议院议长、参议院临时议长、国会全体议员以及美国民众：

你们好！

在正常情况下，总统来到这个地方是为了发表国情咨文，然而这样的国情咨文今天晚上已经没有必要了，因为美国人民为了美国已经发出了他们的呐喊。

我们在被劫飞机乘客的英勇行动中看到了这一切，他们奋不顾身地与恐怖分子展开争斗，目的是为了拯救地面上的我们。他们当中就有一个叫泰德·毕默的勇士。今晚在这儿，请允许我向他的妻子莉莎致意。

我们在救援人员的顽强和不知疲倦的工作中看到了美国人民的这种精神；我们看到了飘扬的旗帜、燃烧的烛光、献血的民众以及祈祷中的人们，无论他们是用英语、希伯来语还是阿拉伯语在为美国祈祷。我们看到了民众相互关爱，无私捐助，他们把陌生人的悲痛当成自己的痛苦。

我的同胞们，在过去九天的时间内，整个世界都目睹了美国的情况——它依然强大。

今天晚上，我们的国家由于威胁而惊醒，我们的民众被唤起捍卫自由。悲痛已经化为愤怒，愤怒已经变成决心。我们要将敌人绳之以法，正义终将被伸张。

感谢国会在这样一个重要时刻做出的表率作用。所有被这场悲剧震惊的美国人民已经看到，共和党人和民主党人共聚国会山，共唱国歌“上帝保佑美利坚”。而你们，我的国会议员们，你们做出了更多。你们在行动，你们让国会通过了400亿美元的紧急拨款，以重建我们的家园和满足军队的需要。

（众议院）议长哈斯塔德，（众议院）少数党领袖格普哈特，（参议院）多数党领袖达施勒和（参议院）少数党领袖洛特，感谢你们的鼎立相助、你们的领导和你们对国家的贡献。

我代表美国人民感谢世界各地提供给美国的支持。美国人民永远不会忘记，我们的国歌在白金汉宫，在巴黎街道，在柏林勃兰登堡奏响。美国人民永远不会忘记，韩国儿童聚集在汉城的美国大使馆前面低声祈祷。美国人民也不会忘记开罗一座清真寺里传出的同情之声。美国人民当然也不会忘记，几天来，澳大利亚、非洲和拉丁美洲举行的纪念或者默哀活动。

我们同样不会忘记与美国民众一起遇难的来自80个国家的人民，其中有几十名巴基斯坦人，130多名以色列人，250多名印度人，还有来自萨尔瓦多、伊朗、墨西哥和日本的男男女女，以及来自英国的数百民众。美国人民再也找不到比英国更好的朋友了。美国和英国又一次团结起来，为了一个伟大的事业而奋斗。英国首相布莱尔从大洋彼岸赶过来，以显示他与美国人民的团结一致，我们感谢布莱尔首相的到来。

9月11日，自由的敌人对我们国家发动了一场战争。美国人民早就领教过战争，然而除了1941年那个星期天发生的（珍珠港）事件外，过去136年间发生的战争都是在外国领土上进行的；美国人民也早已知道战争的伤亡——但那些伤亡都不是在一个平和的早上，在一个伟大的城市发生的；美国人民也曾经遭受过袭击——但是袭击事件从来没有针对数以千计的平民。所有这一切都在一天之内发生了，接下来就是黑夜，整个自由世界正遭到威胁。

今晚，美国民众都有很多疑问，他们都在问，究竟是谁袭击了我们的国家？

我们现在所搜集到的证据都指向了一个松散的恐怖主义组织——阿尔-凯达（al-Qaida），他们也是袭击美国驻坦桑尼亚和肯尼亚大使馆的罪魁祸首，而且他们也应对美国驱逐舰“科尔”号爆炸案负责。

阿尔-凯达之于恐怖主义，就像黑手党之于犯罪一样。他们的目标不是为了钱，而是为了重新改造世界，是为了把他们的极端教义散播给世界各地的人们。

这些伊斯兰极端主义学说早就被穆斯林学者和大部分穆斯林所抛弃，然而这些恐怖分子却将其奉为神明，并肆意曲解倡导和平的伊斯兰教义。恐怖分子的理论就是要把所有的基督教徒杀死，要把所有的美国人杀死，不管是军人还是平民，也不管是妇女还是小孩。

这个恐怖组织和他的首领本·拉登同世界许多国家的组织有着千丝万缕的联系，其中包括埃及伊斯兰组织吉哈德和乌兹别克斯坦的伊斯兰运动组织。

这样的恐怖分子成百上千，广泛分布在世界60多个国家。他们从自己的国家和邻国招募成员，带到像阿富汗之类的国家接收恐怖训练，然后被派回自己的国家或者隐藏在别的国家，策划罪恶的勾当和进行破坏。

阿尔-凯达在阿富汗有着深厚的影响，他们支持塔利班控制了阿富汗大部分地区。这些恐怖分子在阿富汗的行动让我们窥见了阿尔-凯达这个恐怖组织的嘴脸。

他们使阿富汗人民遭受了沉重苦难——许多人被饿死，许多人被迫逃离家园；妇女不能上学，拥有一台电视就可能把你打入牢狱；所有的宗教信仰只能按照领袖的命令行事；要是一个人的胡子不够长，他就有可能被逮捕。

美国人民尊重阿富汗人民——毕竟，美国是阿富汗最大的人道主义援助国，但是我们谴责塔利班政权。它不仅没有尊重自己的民众，而且通过支持、庇护和帮助恐怖分子，把自己的人民吓得惊恐不已，四处躲避。通过资助和煽动恐怖分子搞谋杀，塔利班政权自己也在搞谋杀。今晚，美利坚合众国向塔利班提出如下要求：

把阿富汗境内所有的阿尔-凯达成员及其领导人交给美国政府；释放所有非法关押的外国人员，其中包括美国人。保护外国记者、外交官员以及救援人员；立即和永远关闭恐怖分子的训练营地，把恐怖分子悉数交给有关方面；让美国自由进入恐怖分子训练营地，确保这些营地不再被使用。

所有这些要求都是不容谈判的，是没有商量余地的。塔利班政权必须执行，必须马上执行。他们应该交出恐怖分子，否则恐怖分子的下场就是塔利班的下场。

今天晚上，我还想直接对世界各地的穆斯林讲一句话：我们尊重你们的信仰。在美国，有数百万民众自由地信奉伊斯兰教，而美国的友邦中则有更多的人信仰伊斯兰教。伊斯兰教义是好的，是推崇和平的。那些借真主之名犯罪的人亵渎了真主的神圣。我们的穆斯林朋友和阿拉伯朋友不是美国的敌人。我们的敌人是一个恐怖主义极端组织以及任何一个支持这种组织的政府。

我们反恐怖主义的斗争将从打击阿尔-凯达开始，但不会在阿尔-凯达身上结束。我们将继续战斗，直到世界各地的恐怖主义组织被发现、阻止和彻底击败，否则我们就不会停止。

美国人民或许在问：他们为什么要仇恨我们？

因为他们仇恨我们这间大厦里的一切——我们是一个经过民主选举的政府，而他们的领导人则是指定的。他们还仇恨我们的自由——我们的宗教自由、言论自由、选举自由、集会自由，拥有反对意见的自由等。

这些恐怖分子妄图推翻许多穆斯林国家的现有政府，比如埃及、沙特阿拉伯和约旦。他们要把以色列人赶出中东，要把基督教徒和犹太教徒从亚洲和非洲的广大地区赶出去。

这些恐怖分子肆意屠杀不仅仅是为了结束生命，而是想打乱和终止一种生活方式。他们之所以一次次地制造暴行，就是希望使美国成为一个弥漫着恐惧的国家，从世界舞台上退却下来，并抛弃自己的朋友。他们打击美国，只是因为我们挡住了他们的道路。

我们没有被他们虚伪的宗教虔诚欺骗，我们以前也曾看见过他们所谓的善行，他们只不过是20世纪一些臭名昭著的理论指导下的残渣余孽。通过牺牲献出生命来实现他们极端的思想，通过抛弃一切价值观念唯独相信权利的欲望，他们所走的道路与法西斯、纳粹主义和极端主义如出一辙。他们会沿着这条道路走下去，直到这条路的终点：被遗弃的谎言筑成的历史无名冢。

美国人民都在问：我们怎样去发动这场战争，怎样赢得这场战争呢？

我们必须动用所有的资源——所有的外交途径、所有的情报机构、所有的执法机关、所有的金融影响以及所有的战争武器——以瓦解和击败全球恐怖主义犯罪组织。

这场战争不像十年前打击伊拉克一样，那时我们的目标就是解放（科威特）被占领土，迅速结束战争。这场战争也不像两年前在科索沃进行的战争一样，那时我们没有地面部队参战，没有一个美国人丧生。

除了立即报复和单纯的军事打击外，我们要做的事情还有很多。美国人民不应该期望只进行一次战役，这将是一场长期的战争，一场我们从来没有经历过的战争。它可能包括一些大规模的打击，这一点你们将在电视上看见；它还可能包括一些秘密的行动计划，即便是成功你们也可能不知道。我们要切断恐怖分子的资金来源，使他们反目成仇、互相争斗，把他们赶得四处逃散，没有藏身之地。世界各个地区的每个国家，你们现在处在一个抉择的时刻，你们要么和我们站在一起，要么和恐怖分子同流合污。从今天开始，美国将把任何继续庇护和支持恐怖主义的国家看作是敌对国家。

我们已经向民众做出告诫，我们仍有可能遭到袭击。我们将采取防御性措施，打击恐怖主义，保卫美国民众。

今天，联邦政府数十个部门和办事处，与各州以及各地区的政府部门，都有保卫国家安全的义不容辞的义务。这些工作都必须由一个最高机构来协调。所以，今天晚上，我宣布成立直接向我负责的内阁级别机构——祖国安全办公室（Office Of Homeland Security）。

这些措施都是最基本的。但是，防止恐怖主义对我们生命构成威胁的唯一办法是在它滋长起来的地方制止它，消除它，毁灭它。

很多人将会为这些行动而努力，从联邦调查局到情报部门，再到我们后备役军人。我们应当感谢他们，为他们祈祷。今天晚上，就在离遭袭的五角大楼数英里的此地，我要对我们的军队说：做好准备。我要求军队时刻待命当然是有原因的。当美国行动的那一刻到来时，我们将为你们而自豪！

然而这不仅仅是美国的斗争，危在旦夕的也不仅仅是美国的自由，这是整个世界的斗争，这是整个人类文明的斗争，这是所有相信进步和多元论、相信宽容和自由的人们的斗争。

我们要求每一个国家都加入我们。我们会要求，而且我们也需要全世界的警察、情报机构、银行系统来帮助我们。美国十分感激，很多国家和国际机构已经做出了回应——表达同情和支持，这些国家遍布世界各地，从拉美、亚洲、非洲到欧洲，再到伊斯兰世界。也许北约宪章（NATO Charter）最准确地反映了国际社会的态度：攻击一个就是攻击我们大家。

文明的社会都站在美国这一边。他们明白，如果恐怖主义不受惩罚，那么他们的城市和他们的民众可能就是下一个目标。毫无疑问，恐怖主义不仅仅会袭击大楼，还会威胁合法政府的稳定。我们不会允许他们这样做。

美国人民或许在问：我们应该做些什么呢？

我要求你们活着，拥抱你们的孩子。我知道很多民众今晚都感到恐怖，我请求你们镇定，意志坚决，即使是威胁仍然存在。

我要求你们弘扬美国的价值观念，记住为什么那么多人来到这儿。我们是在为原则而战，我们首要的责任是依靠这些原则生存下去，任何人都不能因为他们的种族和宗教信仰而遭受不公平的对待和不友好的指责。

我希望你们用你们所有，继续支持灾难中的受害者。那些想要捐助的人们可以登陆到网站libertyunites.org，去查找一下在纽约、宾夕法尼亚和弗吉尼亚提供直接帮助的机构的名称。

成千上万正在工作的联邦调查局职员们也需要你们的帮助，我希望你们也能够帮助他们。

我也希望你们在由于加强安全而导致的各种延误和诸多不便中保持耐心，在可能会长期进行的斗争中保持耐心。

我还希望你们继续投入国家建设，对经济前景充满信心。恐怖主义只是袭击了美国繁荣的一个小的标志而已，他们不会触及到美国繁荣的根源。美国之所以成功，就是因为他们人民的勤奋、创造力和进取心。这些都是我们在9月11日以前真正的经济实力，也是我们今天的力量。

最后，请为我们在恐怖中的受害者及其家人祈祷，为消防员、警察、战士们祈祷，为我们伟大的祖国祈祷。祈祷将会抚平我们的伤痛，为我们未来的行程鼓足士气。

今天晚上，我感谢所有的美国人，感谢你们为国家所作的一切和将要做的一切。国会各位女士和先生们，我也感谢你们，感谢你们为国家所作的一切和将要做的一切。

今天晚上，我们国家面临新的、突如其来的挑战。我们要一起加强在航空方面的安全，大规模地增加国内航班安全检查人员的数量，制订新的措施阻止劫机事件的发生。

我们要加强我们的执法力度，授予执法机关所需的一切，彻底打击国内的一切恐怖活动。我们还要强化我们的情报机关，以便及时截获恐怖分子的信息，将他们的恐怖活动扼杀在摇篮中。

我们要团结一致，积极采取有关步骤，增强美国的经济，使人们恢复工作。

今天晚上，我们看到的这两位就是在这次事件当中表现得相当出色的领导者：纽约市长鲁道夫·朱利安尼和纽约州州长乔治·保陶基。作为美国决心的象征，我的内阁将与国会和这两位领导人加强合作，向世人展示，我们要重建纽约。

在这一切发生之后，在所有损失发生之后，大家也许会问，美国的前途究竟会怎么样？是不是会生活在恐惧当中？我知道，前面依然有挑战，未来依然有危险。但是我们的国家将书写我们的时代，而不是时代来书写国家。只要美国国家和民众有坚定的信念，我们将不会受到恐怖主义的打击，因为这不是恐怖主义活动的年代，这是一个自由的年代，无论是这儿还是在世界任何地方。

我们在这次事件当中受到了严重的损害和损失。在悲痛和愤怒当中，我们找到了自己的使命，意识到所处的时刻。自由将和恐惧交战。人类自由事业的前进——我们这个时代的伟大成就，同时也是任何时代人们的伟大追求——就指望我们了。我们的国家——我们这代人——为了我们的人民和我们的光明未来，一定要将暴力恐怖的黑暗和威胁驱散。我们不会累，我们不会泄气，我们更不会失败。

在接下来的几个月和几年内，人们的生活能够恢复正常是我的希望。我们将重新恢复我们的正常生活，这是人人都渴望以求的。随着时间的推移，悲伤会渐渐过去。但是我们打击恐怖主义的决心必将持续下去。我们每个人都会记得那一天、那一时刻发生的事情，以及谁在那一时刻永远地离我们而去。我们会记得那个恐怖消息来临的时刻，我们当时在哪儿，我们又正在干什么。我们中的一些人会记得那个着火的场面，或者一则营救的消息。而某个永远离我们而去的面孔和声音将永远凝固在一些人的脑海中。

而我将会永远保留这个纪念品，它是一位名叫乔治·霍华德的曼哈顿警察留下的警徽，而霍华德却在抢救世贸大厦遇难人员时永远离我们而去。他的母亲阿琳娜将它作为对儿子的骄傲的记忆给了我。这个警徽时刻提醒我，一个生命就这样结束了，而我们的事业将要继续下去。

我不会忘记这次袭击给我们国家造成的创伤，也不会忘记是谁造成的创伤。我将不会屈服——我不会停滞——我不会在这场关系到美国人民自由和安全的斗争中有一念之仁。

这场斗争的道路还不明朗，但是它的结局是肯定的。自由和恐惧，公正和残酷，自古以来就针锋相对，并且我们知道，“上帝”在两者中是会有所取舍的。

同胞们，我们必须要以忍耐、公正来对付恐怖活动，我们对我们事业的正义性和将要取得的胜利充满信心。展望未来，愿上帝赐予我们智慧，保佑美利坚合众国。

谢谢！

（孙玉庆、张鑫炎）

附：英文全文

Address to a Joint Session of Congress and the American People

United States Capitol

Washington, D.C.9:00 P.M.EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Mr.Speaker, Mr.President Pro Tempore, members of Congress, and fellow Americans:

In the normal course of events, Presidents come to this chamber to report on the state of the Union.Tonight, no such report is needed.It has already been delivered by the American people.We have seen it in the courage of passengers, who rushed terrorists to save others on the ground--passengers like an exceptional man named Todd Beamer.And would you please help me to welcome his wife, Lisa Beamer, here tonight.(Applause.)

We have seen the state of our Union in the endurance of rescuers, working past exhaustion.We have seen the unfurling of flags, the lighting of candles, the giving of blood, the saying of prayers--in English, Hebrew, and Arabic.We have seen the decency of a loving and giving people who have made the grief of strangers their own.My fellow citizens, for the last nine days, the entire world has seen for itself the state of our Union--and it is strong.(Applause.)

Tonight we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom.Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution.Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done.(Applause.)

I thank the Congress for its leadership at such an important time.All of America was touched on the evening of the tragedy to see Republicans and Democrats joined together on the steps of this Capitol, singing “God Bless America.” And you did more than sing;you acted, by delivering $40 billion to rebuild our communities and meet the needs of our military.Speaker Hastert, Minority Leader Gephardt, Majority Leader Daschle and Senator Lott, I thank you for your friendship, for your leadership and for your service to our country.(Applause.)

And on behalf of the American people, I thank the world for its outpouring of support.America will never forget the sounds of our National Anthem playing at Buckingham Palace, on the streets of Paris, and at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.We will not forget South Korean children gathering to pray outside our embassy in Seoul, or the prayers of sympathy offered at a mosque in Cairo.We will not forget moments of silence and days of mourning in Australia and Africa and Latin America.Nor will we forget the citizens of 80 other nations who died with our own: dozens of Pakistanis;more than 130 Israelis;more than 250 citizens of India;men and women from El Salvador, Iran, Mexico and Japan;and hundreds of British citizens.America has no truer friend than Great Britain.(Applause.)Once again, we are joined together in a great cause--so honored the British Prime Minister has crossed an ocean to show his unity of purpose with America.Thank you for coming, friend.(Applause.)

On September the 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country.Americans have known wars--but for the past 136 years, they have been wars on foreign soil, except for one Sunday in 1941.Americans have known the casualties of war--but not at the center of a great city on a peaceful morning.Americans have known surprise attacks--but never before on thousands of civilians.All of this was brought upon us in a single day--and night fell on a different world, a world where freedom itself is under attack.Americans have many questions tonight.Americans are asking: Who attacked our country? The evidence we have gathered all points to a collection of loosely affiliated terrorist organizations known as al Qaeda.They are the same murderers indicted for bombing American embassies in Tanzania and Kenya, and responsible for bombing the USS Cole.Al Qaeda is to terror what the mafia is to crime.But its goal is not making money;its goal is remaking the world--and imposing its radical beliefs on people everywhere.The terrorists practice a fringe form of Islamic extremism that has been rejected by Muslim scholars and the vast majority of Muslim clerics--a fringe movement that perverts the peaceful teachings of Islam.The terrorists' directive commands them to kill Christians and Jews, to kill all Americans, and make no distinction among military and civilians, including women and children.This group and its leader--a person named Osama bin Laden--are linked to many other organizations in different countries, including the Egyptian Islamic Jihad and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.There are thousands of these terrorists in more than 60 countries.They are recruited from their own nations and neighborhoods and brought to camps in places like Afghanistan, where they are trained in the tactics of terror.They are sent back to their homes or sent to hide in countries around the world to plot evil and destruction.The leadership of al Qaeda has great influence in Afghanistan and supports the Taliban regime in controlling most of that country.In Afghanistan, we see al Qaeda's vision for the world.Afghanistan's people have been brutalized--many are starving and many have fled.Women are not allowed to attend school.You can be jailed for owning a television.Religion can be practiced only as their leaders dictate.A man can be jailed in Afghanistan if his beard is not long enough.The United States respects the people of Afghanistan--after all, we are currently its largest source of humanitarian aid--but we condemn the Taliban regime.(Applause.)It is not only repressing its own people, it is threatening people everywhere by sponsoring and sheltering and supplying terrorists.By aiding and abetting murder, the Taliban regime is committing murder.And tonight, the United States of America makes the following demands on the Taliban: Deliver to United States authorities all the leaders of al Qaeda who hide in your land.(Applause.)Release all foreign nationals, including American citizens, you have unjustly imprisoned.Protect foreign journalists, diplomats and aid workers in your country.Close immediately and permanently every terrorist training camp in Afghanistan, and hand over every terrorist, and every person in their support structure, to appropriate authorities.(Applause.)Give the United States full access to terrorist training camps, so we can make sure they are no longer operating.These demands are not open to negotiation or discussion.(Applause.)The Taliban must act, and act immediately.They will hand over the terrorists, or they will share in their fate.I also want to speak tonight directly to Muslims throughout the world.We respect your faith.It's practiced freely by many millions of Americans, and by millions more in countries that America counts as friends.Its teachings are good and peaceful, and those who commit evil in the name of Allah blaspheme the name of Allah.(Applause.)The terrorists are traitors to their own faith, trying, in effect, to hijack Islam itself.The enemy of America is not our many Muslim friends;it is not our many Arab friends.Our enemy is a radical network of terrorists, and every government that supports them.(Applause.)

Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there.It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated.(Applause.)

Americans are asking, why do they hate us? They hate what we see right here in this chamber--a democratically elected government.Their leaders are self-appointed.They hate our freedoms--our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other.They want to overthrow existing governments in many Muslim countries, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.They want to drive Israel out of the Middle East.They want to drive Christians and Jews out of vast regions of Asia and Africa.These terrorists kill not merely to end lives, but to disrupt and end a way of life.With every atrocity, they hope that America grows fearful, retreating from the world and forsaking our friends.They stand against us, because we stand in their way.We are not deceived by their pretenses to piety.We have seen their kind before.They are the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century.By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions--by abandoning every value except the will to power--they follow in the path of fascism, and Nazism, and totalitarianism.And they will follow that path all the way, to where it ends: in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies.(Applause.)

Americans are asking: How will we fight and win this war? We will direct every resource at our command--every means of diplomacy, every tool of intelligence, every instrument of law enforcement, every financial influence, and every necessary weapon of war--to the disruption and to the defeat of the global terror network.This war will not be like the war against Iraq a decade ago, with a decisive liberation of territory and a swift conclusion.It will not look like the air war above Kosovo two years ago, where no ground troops were used and not a single American was lost in combat.Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes.Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign, unlike any other we have ever seen.It may include dramatic strikes, visible on TV, and covert operations, secret even in success.We will starve terrorists of funding, turn them one against another, drive them from place to place, until there is no refuge or no rest.And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism.Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make.Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.(Applause.)From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime.Our nation has been put on notice: We are not immune from attack.We will take defensive measures against terrorism to protect Americans.Today, dozens of federal departments and agencies, as well as state and local governments, have responsibilities affecting homeland security.These efforts must be coordinated at the highest level.So tonight I announce the creation of a Cabinet-level position reporting directly to me--the Office of Homeland Security.And tonight I also announce a distinguished American to lead this effort, to strengthen American security: a military veteran, an effective governor, a true patriot, a trusted friend--Pennsylvania's Tom Ridge.(Applause.)He will lead, oversee and coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard our country against terrorism, and respond to any attacks that may come.These measures are essential.But the only way to defeat terrorism as a threat to our way of life is to stop it, eliminate it, and destroy it where it grows.(Applause.)

Many will be involved in this effort, from FBI agents to intelligence operatives to the reservists we have called to active duty.All deserve our thanks, and all have our prayers.And tonight, a few miles from the damaged Pentagon, I have a message for our military: Be ready.I've called the Armed Forces to alert, and there is a reason.The hour is coming when America will act, and you will make us proud.(Applause.)

This is not, however, just America's fight.And what is at stake is not just America's freedom.This is the world's fight.This is civilization's fight.This is the fight of all who believe in progress and pluralism, tolerance and freedom.We ask every nation to join us.We will ask, and we will need, the help of police forces, intelligence services, and banking systems around the world.The United States is grateful that many nations and many international organizations have already responded--with sympathy and with support.Nations from Latin America, to Asia, to Africa, to Europe, to the Islamic world.Perhaps the NATO Charter reflects best the attitude of the world: An attack on one is an attack on all.The civilized world is rallying to America's side.They understand that if this terror goes unpunished, their own cities, their own citizens may be next.Terror, unanswered, can not only bring down buildings, it can threaten the stability of legitimate governments.And you know what--we're not going to allow it.(Applause.)

Americans are asking: What is expected of us? I ask you to live your lives, and hug your children.I know many citizens have fears tonight, and I ask you to be calm and resolute, even in the face of a continuing threat.I ask you to uphold the values of America, and remember why so many have come here.We are in a fight for our principles, and our first responsibility is to live by them.No one should be singled out for unfair treatment or unkind words because of their ethnic background or religious faith.(Applause.)

I ask you to continue to support the victims of this tragedy with your contributions.Those who want to give can go to a central source of information, libertyunites.org, to find the names of groups providing direct help in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.The thousands of FBI agents who are now at work in this investigation may need your cooperation, and I ask you to give it.I ask for your patience, with the delays and inconveniences that may accompany tighter security;and for your patience in what will be a long struggle.I ask your continued participation and confidence in the American economy.Terrorists attacked a symbol of American prosperity.They did not touch its source.America is successful because of the hard work, and creativity, and enterprise of our people.These were the true strengths of our economy before September 11th, and they are our strengths today.(Applause.)

And, finally, please continue praying for the victims of terror and their families, for those in uniform, and for our great country.Prayer has comforted us in sorrow, and will help strengthen us for the journey ahead.Tonight I thank my fellow Americans for what you have already done and for what you will do.And ladies and gentlemen of the Congress, I thank you, their representatives, for what you have already done and for what we will do together.Tonight, we face new and sudden national challenges.We will come together to improve air safety, to dramatically expand the number of air marshals on domestic flights, and take new measures to prevent hijacking.We will come together to promote stability and keep our airlines flying, with direct assistance during this emergency.(Applause.)

We will come together to give law enforcement the additional tools it needs to track down terror here at home.(Applause.)We will come together to strengthen our intelligence capabilities to know the plans of terrorists before they act, and find them before they strike.(Applause.)

We will come together to take active steps that strengthen America's economy, and put our people back to work.Tonight we welcome two leaders who embody the extraordinary spirit of all New Yorkers: Governor George Pataki, and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.(Applause.)As a symbol of America's resolve, my administration will work with Congress, and these two leaders, to show the world that we will rebuild New York City.(Applause.)

After all that has just passed--all the lives taken, and all the possibilities and hopes that died with them--it is natural to wonder if America's future is one of fear.Some speak of an age of terror.I know there are struggles ahead, and dangers to face.But this country will define our times, not be defined by them.As long as the United States of America is determined and strong, this will not be an age of terror;this will be an age of liberty, here and across the world.(Applause.)

Great harm has been done to us.We have suffered great loss.And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment.Freedom and fear are at war.The advance of human freedom--the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time--now depends on us.Our nation--this generation--will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future.We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage.We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.(Applause.)

It is my hope that in the months and years ahead, life will return almost to normal.We'll go back to our lives and routines, and that is good.Even grief recedes with time and grace.But our resolve must not pass.Each of us will remember what happened that day, and to whom it happened.We'll remember the moment the news came--where we were and what we were doing.Some will remember an image of a fire, or a story of rescue.Some will carry memories of a face and a voice gone forever.And I will carry this: It is the police shield of a man named George Howard, who died at the World Trade Center trying to save others.It was given to me by his mom, Arlene, as a proud memorial to her son.This is my reminder of lives that ended, and a task that does not end.(Applause.)

I will not forget this wound to our country or those who inflicted it.I will not yield;I will not rest;I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people.The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain.Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them.(Applause.)

Fellow citizens, we'll meet violence with patient justice--assured of the rightness of our cause, and confident of the victories to come.In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom, and may He watch over the United States of America.Thank you.

第五篇：美国总统布什清华大学演讲

President Bush Speaks at Tsinghua University Tsinghua University Beijing, People's Republic of China 10:35 A.M.(Local)PRESIDENT BUSH: Vice President Hu, thank you very much for your kind and generous remarks.Thank you for welcoming me and my wife, Laura, here.(Applause.)I see she's keeping pretty good company, with the Secretary of State, Colin Powell.It's good to see you, Mr.Secretary.(Applause.)And I see my National Security Advisor, Ms.Condoleezza Rice, who at one time was the provost at Stanford University.So she's comfortable on university campuses such as this.Thank you for being here, Condi.(Applause.)I'm so grateful for the hospitality, and honored for the reception at one of China's, and the world's, great universities.This university was founded, interestingly enough, with the support of my country, to further ties between our two nations.I know how important this place is to your Vice President.He not only received his degree here, but more importantly, he met his gracious wife here.(Laughter.)

I want to thank the students for giving me the chance to meet with you, the chance to talk a little bit about my country and answer some of your questions.The standards and reputation of this university are known around the world, and I know what an achievement it is to be here.So, congratulations.(Applause.)I don't know if you know this or not, but my wife and I have two daughters who are in college, just like you.One goes to the University of Texas.One goes to Yale.They're twins.And we are proud of our daughters, just like I'm sure your parents are proud of you.My visit to China comes on an important anniversary, as the Vice President mentioned.Thirty years ago this week, an American President arrived in China on a trip designed to end decades of estrangement and confront centuries of suspicion.President Richard Nixon showed the world that two vastly different governments could meet on the grounds of common interest, in the spirit of mutual respect.As they left the airport that day, Premier Zhou Enlai said this to President Nixon: “Your handshake came over the vastest ocean in the world--25 years of no communication.” During the 30 years since, America and China have exchanged many handshakes of friendship and commerce.And as we have had more contact with each other, the citizens of both countries have gradually learned more about each other.And that's important.Once America knew China only by its history as a great and enduring civilization.Today, we see a China that is still defined by noble traditions of family, scholarship, and honor.And we see a China that is becoming one of the most dynamic and creative societies in the world--as demonstrated by the knowledge and potential right here in this room.China is on a rising path, and America welcomes the emergence of a strong and peaceful and prosperous China.(Applause.)As America learns more about China, I am concerned that the Chinese people do not always see a clear picture of my country.This happens for many reasons, and some of them of our own making.Our movies and television shows often do not portray the values of the real America I know.Our successful businesses show a strength of American commerce, but our spirit, community spirit, and contributions to each other are not always visible as monetary success.Some of the erroneous pictures of America are painted by others.My friend, the Ambassador to China, tells me some Chinese textbooks talk of Americans of “bullying the weak and repressing the poor.” Another Chinese textbook, published just last year, teaches that special agents of the FBI are used to “repress the working people.” Now, neither of these is true--and while the words may be leftovers from a previous era, they are misleading and they're harmful.In fact, Americans feel a special responsibility for the weak and the poor.Our government spends billions of dollars to provide health care and food and housing for those who cannot help themselves--and even more important, many of our citizens contribute their own money and time to help those in need.American compassion also stretches way beyond our borders.We're the number one provider of humanitarian aid to people in need throughout the world.And as for the men and women of the FBI and law enforcement, they're working people;they, themselves, are working people who devote their lives to fighting crime and corruption.My country certainly has its share of problems, no question about that.And we have our faults.Like most nations we're on a long journey toward achieving our own ideals of equality and justice.Yet there's a reason our nation shines as a beacon of hope and opportunity, a reason many throughout the world dream of coming to America.It's because we're a free nation, where men and women have the opportunity to achieve their dreams.No matter your background or your circumstance of birth, in America you can get a good education, you can start your own business, you can raise a family, you can worship freely, and help elect the leaders of your community and your country.You can support the policies of our government, or you're free to openly disagree with them.Those who fear freedom sometimes argue it could lead to chaos, but it does not, because freedom means more than every man for himself.Liberty gives our citizens many rights, yet expects them to exercise important responsibilities.Our liberty is given direction and purpose by moral character, shaped in strong families, strong communities, and strong religious institutions, and overseen by a strong and fair legal system.My country's greatest symbol to the world is the Statue of Liberty, and it was designed by special care.I don't know if you've ever seen the Statue of Liberty, but if you look closely, she's holding not one object, but two.In one hand is the familiar torch we call the “light of liberty.” And in the other hand is a book of law.We're a nation of laws.Our courts are honest and they are independent.The President--me--I can't tell the courts how to rule, and neither can any other member of the executive or legislative branch of government.Under our law, everyone stands equal.No one is above the law, and no one is beneath it.All political power in America is limited and it is temporary, and only given by the free vote of the people.We have a Constitution, now two centuries old, which limits and balances the power of the three branches of our government, the judicial branch, the legislative branch, and the executive branch, of which I'm a part.Many of the values that guide our life in America are first shaped in our families, just as they are in your country.American moms and dads love their children and work hard and sacrifice for them, because we believe life can always be better for the next generation.In our families, we find love and learn responsibility and character.And many Americans voluntarily devote part of their lives to serving other people.An amazing number--nearly half of all adults in America--volunteer time every week to make their communities better by mentoring children, or by visiting the sick, or caring for the elderly, or helping with thousands of other needs and causes.This is one of the great strengths of my country.People take responsibility for helping others, without being told, motivated by their good hearts and often by their faith.America is a nation guided by faith.Someone once called us “a nation with the soul of a church.” This may interest you--95 percent of Americans say they believe in God, and I'm one of them.When I met President Jiang Zemin in Shanghai a few months ago, I had the honor of sharing with him how faith changed my life and how faith contributes to the life of my country.Faith points to a moral law beyond man's law, and calls us to duties higher than material gain.Freedom of religion is not something to be feared, it's to be welcomed, because faith gives us a moral core and teaches us to hold ourselves to high standards, to love and to serve others, and to live responsible lives.If you travel across America--and I hope you do some day if you haven't been there--you will find people of many different ethic backgrounds and many different faiths.We're a varied nation.We're home to 2.3 million Americans of Chinese ancestry, who can be found working in the offices of our corporations, or in the Cabinet of the President of the United States, or skating for the America Olympic team.Every immigrant, by taking an oath of allegiance to our country, becomes just as just as American as the President.America shows that a society can be vast and it can be varied, yet still one country, commanding the allegiance and love of its people.And all these qualities of America were widely on display on a single day, September the 11th, the day when terrorists, murderers, attacked my nation.American policemen and firefighters, by the hundreds, ran into burning towers in desperation to save their fellow citizens.Volunteers came from everywhere to help with rescue efforts.Americans donated blood and gave money to help the families of victims.America had prayer services all over our country, and people raised flags to show their pride and unity.And you need to know, none of this was ordered by the government;it happened spontaneously, by the initiative of free people.Life in America shows that liberty, paired with law is not to be feared.In a free society, diversity is not disorder.Debate is not strife.And dissent is not revolution.A free society trusts its citizens to seek greatness in themselves and their country.It was my honor to visit China in 1975--some of you weren't even born then.It shows how old I am.(Laughter.)And a lot has changed in your country since then.China has made amazing progress--in openness and enterprise and economic freedom.And this progress previews China'a great potential.China has joined the World Trade Organization, and as you live up to its obligations, they inevitably will bring changes to China's legal system.A modern China will have a consistent rule of law to govern commerce and secure the rights of its people.The new China your generation is building will need the profound wisdom of your traditions.The lure of materialism challenges our society--challenges society in our country, and in many successful countries.Your ancient ethic of personal and family responsibility will serve you well.Behind China's economic success today are talented, brilliant and energetic people.In the near future, those same men and women will play a full and active role in your government.This university is not simply turning out specialists, it is preparing citizens.And citizens are not spectators in the affairs of their country.They are participants in its future.Change is coming.China is already having secret ballot and competitive elections at the local level.Nearly 20 years ago, a great Chinese leader, Deng Xiaoping, said this--I want you to hear his words.He said that China would eventually expand democratic elections all the way to the national level.I look forward to that day.Tens of millions of Chinese today are relearning Buddhist, Taoist, and local religious traditions, or practicing Christianity, Islam, and other faiths.Regardless of where or how these believers worship, they're no threat to public order;in fact, they make good citizens.For centuries, this country has had a tradition of religious tolerance.My prayer is that all persecution will end, so that all in China are free to gather and worship as they wish.All these changes will lead to a stronger, more confident China--a China that can astonish and enrich the world, a China that your generation will help create.This is one of the most exciting times in the history of your country, a time when even the grandest hopes seem within your reach.My nation offers you our respect and our friendship.Six years from now, athletes from America and around the world will come to your country for the Olympic games.And I'm confident they will find a China that is becoming a da guo, a leading nation, at peace with its people and at peace with the world.Thank you for letting me come.(Applause.)