第一篇:奥巴马就职演讲稿
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath.The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace.Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.So it has been.So it must be with this generation of Americans.That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood.Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.Homes have been lost;jobs shed;businesses shuttered.Our health care is too costly;our schools fail too many;and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics.Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land, a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real.They are serious and they are many.They will not be met easily or in a short span of time.But know this, America, they will be met.On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things.The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit;to choose our better history;to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given.It must be earned.Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less.It has not been the path for the faint-hearted--for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame.Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things--some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West;endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg;Normandy and Khe Sahn.Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life.They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions;greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.This is the journey we continue today.We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth.Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began.Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year.Our capacity remains undiminished.But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed.Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.For everywhere we look, there is work to be done.The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act, not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth.We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together.We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost.We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.All this we can do.And all this we will do.Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions, who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans.Their memories are short.For they have forgotten what this country has already done;what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works, whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward.Where the answer is no, programs will end.And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill.Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control, and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity;on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart, not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations.Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please.Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use;our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.We are the keepers of this legacy.Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort, even greater cooperation and understanding between nations.We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet.We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken;you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers.We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth;and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass;that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve;
that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself;and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains.They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service;a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves.And yet, at this moment, a moment that will define a generation, it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours.It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.Our challenges may be new.The instruments with which we meet them may be new.But those values upon which our success depends--hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism--these things are old.These things are true.They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.What is demanded then is a return to these truths.What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility, a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.This is the price and the promise of citizenship.This is the source of our confidence, the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled.In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river.The capital was abandoned.The enemy was advancing.The snow was stained with blood.At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
“Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet(it).”
America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words.With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter;and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.我的同胞们,今天我站在这里,看到眼前面临的重大任务,深感卑微。我感谢你们对我的信任,也知道先辈们为了这个国家所作的牺牲。我要感谢布什总统为国家做出的贡献,以及感谢他在两届政府过渡期间给与的慷慨协作。
迄今为止,已经有44个美国总统宣誓就职。总统的宣誓有时面对的是国家的和平繁荣,但通常面临的是乌云密布的紧张形势。在紧张的形势中,支持美国前进的不仅仅是领导人的能力和远见,也在于美国人民对国家先驱者理想的信仰,以及对美国立国文件的忠诚。
前辈们如此,我们这一代美国人也要如此。
现在我们都深知,我们身处危机之中。我们的国家在战斗,对手是影响深远的暴力和憎恨;国家的经济也受到严重的削弱,原因虽有一些人的贪婪和不负责任,但更为重要的是我们作为一个整体在一些重大问题上决策失误,同时也未能做好应对新时代的准备。
我们的人民正在失去家园,失去工作,很多且要倒闭。社会的医疗过于昂贵、学校教育让许多人失望,而且每天都会有新的证据显示,我们利用能源的方式助长了我们的敌对势力,同时也威胁着我们的星球。
统计数据的指标传达着危机的消息。危机难以测量,但更难以测量的是其对美国人国家自信的侵蚀——现在一种认为美国衰落不可避免,我们的下一代必须低调的言论正在吞噬着人们的自信。
今天我要说,我们的确面临着很多严峻的挑战,而且在短期内不大可能轻易解决。但是我们要相信,我们一定会度过难关。
今天,我们在这里齐聚一堂,因为我们战胜恐惧选择了希望,摒弃了冲突和矛盾而选择了团结。
今天,我们宣布要为无谓的摩擦、不实的承诺和指责画上句号,我们要打破牵制美国政治发展的若干陈旧教条。
美国仍是一个年轻的国家,借用《圣经》的话说,放弃幼稚的时代已经到来了。重拾坚韧精神的时代已经到来,我们要为历史作出更好的选择,我们要秉承历史赋予的宝贵权利,秉承那种代代相传的高贵理念:上帝赋予我们每个人以平等和自由,以及每个人尽全力去追求幸福的机会。
在重申我们国家伟大之处的同时,我们深知伟大从来不是上天赐予的,伟大需要努力赢得。(我们的民族一路走来),这旅途之中从未有过捷径或者妥协,这旅途也不适合胆怯之人、或者爱安逸胜过爱工作之人、或者单单追求名利之人。这条路是勇于承担风险者之路,是实干家、创造者之路。这其中有一些人名留青史,但是更多的人却在默默无闻地工作着。正是这些人带领我们走过了漫长崎岖的旅行,带领我们走向富强和自由。
为了我们,先辈们带着微薄的细软,横渡大洋,寻找新生活;为了我们,先辈们忍辱负重,用血汗浇铸工厂;为了我们,先辈们在荒芜的西部大地辛勤耕作,定居他乡;为了我们,先辈们奔赴(独立战争中的)康科德城和葛底斯堡、(二战中的)诺曼底、(越战中的)Khe Sahn,他们征战、死去一次又一次,我们的先辈们战斗着、牺牲着、操劳着,只为了我们可以生活得更好。在他们看来,美国的强盛与伟大超越了个人雄心,也超越了个人的出身、贫富和派别差异。
今天我们继续先辈们的旅途。美国依然是地球上最富裕、最强大的国家。同危机初露端倪之时相比,美国人民的生产力依然旺盛;与上周、上个月或者去年相比,我们的头脑依然富于创造力,我们的商品和服务依然很有市场,我们的实力不曾削弱。但是,可以肯定的是,轻歌曼舞的时代、保护狭隘利益的时代以及对艰难决定犹豫不决的时代已经过去了。从今天开始,我们必须跌倒后爬起来,拍拍身上的泥土,重新开始工作,重塑美国。
我目之所及,都有工作有待完成。国家的经济情况要求我们采取大胆且快速的行动,我们的确是要行动,不仅是要创造就业,更要为(下一轮经济)增长打下新的基础。我们将造桥铺路,为企业铺设电网和数字线路,将我们联系在一起。我们将回归科学,运用科技的奇迹提高医疗质量,降低医疗费用。我们将利用风能、太阳能和土壤驱动车辆,为工厂提供能源。我们将改革中小学以及大专院校,以适应新时代的要求。这一切,我们都能做到,而且我们都将会做到。
现在,有一些人开始质疑我们的野心是不是太大了,他们认为我们的体制承载不了太多的宏伟计划。他们是健忘了。他们已经忘了这个国家已经取得的成就;他们已经忘了当创造力与共同目标以及必要的勇气结合起来时,自由的美国人民所能发挥的能量。
这些怀疑论者的错误在于,他们没有意识到政治现实已经发生了变化,长期以来耗掉我们太多精力的陈腐政治论争已经不再适用。今天,我们的问题不在于政府的大小,而在于政府能否起作用,政府能否帮助家庭找到薪水合适的工作、给他们可以负担得起的医疗保障并让他们体面地退休。哪个方案能给与肯定的答案,我们就推进哪个
方案。哪个方案的答案是否定的,我们就选择终止。而掌管纳税人税金的人应当承担起责任,合理支出,摒弃陋习,磊落做事,这有这样才能在政府和人民之间重建至关重要的相互信任。
我们面临的问题也不是市场好坏的问题。市场创造财富、拓展自由的能力无可匹敌,但是这场危机提醒我们,如果没有监管,市场很可能就会失去控制,而且偏袒富人国家的繁荣无法持久。国家经济的成败不仅仅取决于国内生产总值的大小,而且取决于繁荣的覆盖面,取决于我们是否有能力让所有有意愿的人都有机会走向富裕。我们这样做不是慈善,而是因为这是确保实现共同利益的途径。
就共同防御而言,我们认为国家安全与国家理想的只能选其一的排他选择是错的。面对我们几乎无法想像的危险,我们的先辈们起草了确保法治和个人权利的宪章。一代代人民的鲜血夯实了这一宪章。宪章中的理想依然照亮着世界,我们不能以经验之谈放弃这些理想。因此我想对正在观看这一仪式的其他国家的人民和政府说,不论他们现在各国伟大的首府还是在如同我父亲出生地一般的小村落,我想让他们知道:对于每个追求和平和自尊的国家和个人而言,美国都是朋友,我们愿意再次领导大家踏上追寻之旅。
回想先辈们在抵抗法西斯主义之时,他们不仅依靠手中的导弹或坦克,他们还依靠稳固的联盟和坚定的信仰。他们深知单凭自己的力量我们无法保护自己,他们也深知我们强大并不足以使我们有权利为所欲为。他们明白,正是因为使用谨慎,我们的实力才不断增强;正是因为我们的事业是公正的、我们为世界树立了榜样,因为我们的谦卑和节制,我们才安全。
我们继承了这些遗产。在这些原则的再次领导下,我们有能力应对新的威胁,我们需要付出更多的努力、进行国家间更广泛的合作以及增进国家间的理解。首先,我们将以负责任的态度,将伊拉克交还给伊拉克人民,同时巩固阿富汗来之不易的和平。对于老朋友和老对手,我们将继续努力,不遗余力,削弱核威胁,遏制全球变暖的幽灵。我们不会为我们的生活方式感到报歉,我们会不动摇地捍卫我们的生活方式。对于那些企图通过恐怖主义或屠杀无辜平民达成目标的人,我们要对他们说:我们的信仰更加坚定,不可动摇,你们不可能拖垮我们,我们定将战胜你们。
因为我们知道,我们的多元化遗产是一个优势,而非劣势。我们国家里有基督徒也有穆斯林,有犹太教徒也有印度教徒,同时也有非宗教信徒。我们民族的成长受到许多语言和文化的影响,我们吸取了这个星球上任何一个角落的有益成分。正是因为我们民族曾亲尝过内战和种族隔离的苦酒,并且在经历了这些黑色的篇章之后变得更加强大更加团结,因此我们不由自主,只能相信一切仇恨终有一天都会成为过去,种族的划分不久就会消失,而且随着世界变得越来越小,我们相信终有一天人类共有的人性品德将会自动显现。在迎接新的和平时代到来的过程中,美国需要发挥自己的作用。
思索前方的路,我们无时无刻不在铭记那些远征沙漠和偏远山区的英勇美国战士,对他们充满了感激之情,他们和那些安息在阿灵顿国家公墓之下的战争英雄们一样,给与我们启示。
我们尊敬他们,不仅因为他们是自由的守护者,还因为他们代表的是为国家服务的精神,他们自愿追寻比自身的价值更伟大的意义(美国国家之伟大)。此时此刻,在这个要塑造一代人的时刻,我们需要的正是这样一种精神。因为无论美国政府能做多少,必须做多少,美国国家的立国之本最终还是美国人的决心和信念。于防洪堤坝决堤之时收留陌生受难者的善意,于在经济不景气的时候宁愿减少自己工时也不肯看着朋友失业的无私,正是他们支撑我们走过黑暗的时刻。消防队员冲入满是浓烟的楼梯抢救生命的勇气,父母养育孩子的坚持,正是这些决定了我们的命运。
我们面临的挑战也许是新的,我们应对挑战的措施也许也是新的,但那些长期以来指导我们成功的价值观——勤奋、诚实、勇气、公平竞争、包容以及对世界保持好奇心,还有对国家的忠诚和爱国主义——却是历久弥新,这些价值观是可靠的。他们是创造美国历史的无声力量。我们现在需要的就是回归这些古老的价值观。我们需要一个新的负责任的时代,一个觉醒的时代,每个国人都应意识到即我们对自己、对国家和世界负有责任,我们不应该不情愿地接受这些责任,而应该快乐地承担起这些责任。我们应该坚定这一认识,即没有什么比全身心投入一项艰巨的工作更能锻炼我们的性格,更能获得精神上的满足。
这是公民应尽的义务,应做出的承诺。
我们自信源于对上帝的信仰,上帝号召我们要掌握自己的命运。
这就是我们自由和信仰的意义,这也是为何不同种族、不同信仰、不同性别和年龄的人可以同聚一堂在此欢庆的原因,也是我今天能站在这里庄严宣誓的原因,而在50多年前我的父亲甚至都不能成为地方餐馆的服务生。所以,让我们铭记自己的身份,镌刻自己的足迹。在美国诞生的时代,那最寒冷的岁月里,一群勇敢的爱国人士围着篝火在冰封的河边取暖。首都被占领,敌人在挺进,冬天的雪被鲜血染成了红色。在美国大革命最受质疑的时刻,我们的国父们这样说:
“我们要让未来的世界知道……在深冬的严寒里,唯有希望和勇气才能让我们存活……面对共同的危险时,我们的城市和国家要勇敢地上前去面对。”
今天的美国也在严峻的寒冬中面对共同的挑战,让我们记住国父们不朽的语言。带着希望和勇气,让我们再一次勇敢地面对寒流,迎接可能会发生的风暴。我们要让我们的子孙后代记住,在面临挑战的时候,我们没有屈服,我们没有逃避也没有犹豫,我们脚踏实地、心怀信仰,秉承了宝贵的自由权利并将其安全地交到了下一代的手中。
第二篇:奥巴马就职演讲稿
奥巴马就职演讲稿
Hello, Chicago.If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.美国是一个一切皆有可能的地方,如果还有人对这一点心存怀疑,如果还有人怀疑美国奠基者的梦想在我们时代是否还有活力,还有人怀疑我们民主制度的力量,那么,你们今晚正是对那些疑问作出了回答。
It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.在学校和教堂周围所出现的前所未有的长队是答案,这个国家从未见过这么多的人前来投票,人们排三个、四个小时的队来进行有生以来的第一次投票,因为他们相信这一次将会不同,他们发出的声音可能就是那个差别。
It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled.Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.这是一个年轻人和年老人、富人和穷人、民主党人和共和党人、黑人、白人、西班牙裔人、亚裔、印第安人、同性恋和异性恋、残障人士和健全人士所作出的回答。美国人向世界发出一个信息:我们从不只是一些个人的累加或者“红色州”和“蓝色州”的累加。
We are, and always will be, the United States of America.我们是,我们永远是美利坚合众国。
It’s the answer that led those who’ve been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.这是一个引导人们的答案,太多的人在很长的时间内给他们说这个答案,以至于他们对此持愤世疾俗的态度,对我们是否可以再一次把握历史的希望感到担心和怀疑。
It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.已经过去了很长时间,但是今晚,由于我们今天在这场选举所采取的行动,在这个决定性的时候,变革来到了美国。
A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen.McCain.今晚早些时候,我接到来自参议员麦凯恩的一个特别有风度的电话。
Sen.McCain fought long and hard in this campaign.And he’s fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves.He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine.We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.麦凯恩在这场选战中进行了长期和艰苦的努力,他为这个他所爱的国家战斗了更长的时间,作出了更艰苦的努力。他为美国承受了我们中的大多数人无法想像的牺牲。由于这位勇敢和无私领导人的服务,我们的生活变得更好。
I congratulate him;I congratulate Gov.Palin for all that they’ve achieved.And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.我向他表示祝贺,我向佩林州长表示祝贺,向他们所取得的成果表示祝贺,我盼望与他们共事以继续这个国家在未来岁月的承诺。
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.我想感谢我在竞选旅程的伙伴,一位用心竞选的男士,一位为和他一起在斯克兰顿街头一同长大的男人和女子代言、经常坐火车回特拉华州的男士,美国当选副总统拜登。
And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation’s next first lady Michelle Obama.如果没有我过去16年最好的朋友、我们家庭的中坚、我生命中的挚爱,我今天晚上不可能站在这里,美国下一位第一夫人米歇尔-奥巴马。
Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine.And you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the new White House.萨沙和马莉娅,我爱你们,我对你们的爱超出了你们的想象。你们已赢得了新的宠物狗,它将和我们一起前往新的白宫。
And while she’s no longer with us, I know my grandmother’s watching, along with the family that made me who I am.I miss them tonight.I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.尽管她没能和我们在一起,但我知道,我的祖母和养大我的家人在看着我,我今晚很想念他们,我知道我欠他们的东西是无法计量的。我的妹妹马娅、我的姐姐奥玛,我其他的兄弟和姐妹,非常感谢你们对我的支持,我感谢他们。
To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you’ve given me.I am grateful to them.我的妹妹马娅、我的姐姐奥玛,我其他的兄弟和姐妹,非常感谢你们对我的支持,我感谢他们。
第三篇:2008奥巴马就职演讲稿
2008奥巴马就职演讲稿
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible;who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time;who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen;by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different;that their voice could be that difference.It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled — Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of red states and blue states;we are, and always will be, the United States of America.It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.I just received a very gracious call from Sen.McCain.He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves.He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.I congratulate him and Gov.Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the vice-president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next first lady, Michelle Obama.Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House.And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am.I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.To my campaign manager, David Plouffe;my chief strategist, David Axelrod;and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics — you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to — it belongs to you.I was never the likeliest candidate for this office.We didn't start with much money or many endorsements.Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington — it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to this cause.It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy;who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep;from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers;from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this earth.This is your victory.I know you didn't do this just to win an election, and I know you didn't do it for me.You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead.For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime — two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college.There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created;new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.The road ahead will be long.Our climb will be steep.We may not get there in one year, or even one term, but America — I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.I promise you: We as a people will get there.There will be setbacks and false starts.There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can't solve every problem.But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face.I will listen to you, especially when we disagree.And, above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, callused hand by callused hand.What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night.This victory alone is not the change we seek — it is only the chance for us to make that change.And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.It cannot happen without you.So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism;of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other.Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.In this country, we rise or fall as one nation — as one people.Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House — a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty and national unity.Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends...Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.” And, to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too.And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world — our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.To those who would tear this world down: We will defeat you.To those who seek peace and security: We support you.And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight, we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.For that is the true genius of America — that America can change.Our union can be perfected.And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations.But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta.She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election, except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.She was born just a generation past slavery;a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky;when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope;the struggle and the progress;the times we were told that we can't and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes, we can.At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot.Yes, we can.When there was despair in the Dust Bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose.Yes, we can.When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved.Yes, we can.She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes, we can.A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.Yes, we can.America, we have come so far.We have seen so much.But there is so much more to do.So tonight, let us ask ourselves: If our children should live to see the next century;if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call.This is our moment.This is our time — to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids;to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace;to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one;that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.
第四篇:奥巴马就职演讲稿
My fellow citizens: 各位同胞:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.今天我站在这里,为眼前的重责大任感到谦卑,对各位的信任心怀感激,对先贤的牺牲铭记在心。我要谢谢布什总统为这个国家的服务,也感 谢他在政权转移期间的宽厚和配合。
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath.The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace.Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.四十四位美国人发表过总统就职誓言,这些誓词或是在繁荣富强及和平宁静之际发表,或是在乌云密布,时局动荡之时。在艰困的时候,美国 能箕裘相继,不仅因为居高位者有能力或愿景,也因为人民持续对先人的抱负有信心,也忠于创建我国的法统。
So it has been.So it must be with this generation of Americans.因此,美国才能承继下来。因此,这一代美国人必须承继下去。
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood.Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.Homes have been lost;jobs shed;businesses shuttered.Our health care is too costly;our schools fail too many;and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.现在大家都知道我们正置身危机核心,我国正处于对抗深远暴力和憎恨的战争。我们的经济元气大伤,是某些人贪婪且不负责任的后果,也是 大众未能做出艰难的选择,为国家进入新时代做淮备所致。许多人失去房子,丢了工作,生意垮了。我们的医疗照护太昂贵,学校教育辜负了 许多人。每天都有更多证据显示,我们利用能源的方式壮大我们的对敌,威胁我们的星球。
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics.Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our landthey will be met.今天我要告诉各位,我们面临的挑战是真的,挑战非常严重,且不在少数。它们不是可以轻易,或在短时间内解决。但是,美国要了解,这些 挑战会被解决。
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.在这一天,我们聚在一起,因为我们选择希望而非恐惧,有意义的团结而非纷争和不合。
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.在这一天,我们来此宣示,那些无用的抱怨和虚伪的承诺已终结,那些扭曲我们政治已久的相互指控和陈旧教条已终结。
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things.The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit;to choose our better history;to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.我们仍是个年轻的国家,但借用圣经的话,摆脱幼稚事物的时刻到来了,重申我们坚忍精神的时刻到来了,选择我们更好的历史,实践那种代 代传承的珍贵权利,那种高贵的理念:就是上帝的应许,我们每个人都是平等的,每个人都是自由的,每个人都应该有机会追求全然的幸福。
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given.It must be earned.Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less.It has not been the path for the faint-heartedsome celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.再次肯定我们国家的伟大,我们了解伟大绝非赐予而来,必须努力达成。我们的旅程从来就不是抄捷径或很容易就满足。这条路一直都不是给 不勇敢的人走的,那些偏好逸乐胜过工作,或者只想追求名利就满足的人。恰恰相反,走这条路的始终是勇于冒险的人,做事的人,成事的人,其中有些人很出名,但更常见的是在各自岗位上的男男女女无名英雄,在这条漫长崎区的道路上支撑我们,迈向繁荣与自由。
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.为了我们,他们携带很少的家当,远渡重洋,追寻新生活。
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West;endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.为了我们,他们胼手胝足,在西部安顿下来;忍受风吹雨打,筚路蓝缕。
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg;Normandy and Khe Sanh.为了我们,他们奋斗不懈,在康科特和盖茨堡,诺曼地和溪山等地葬身。
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life.They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions;greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.前人不断的奋斗与牺牲,直到双手皮开肉绽,我们才能享有比较好的生活。他们将美国视为大于所有个人企图心总和的整体,超越出身、财富 或小圈圈的差异。
This is the journey we continue today.We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth.Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began.Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year.Our capacity remains undiminished.But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisionsnot only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth.We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together.We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost.We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.All this we can do.And all this we will do.我们无论朝何处望去,都有工作必须完成。经济情势需要大胆、迅速的行动,我们将有所行动,不光是创造新工作,更要奠定成长的新基础。我们将造桥铺路,为企业兴建电力网格与数位线路,将我们联系在一起。我们将让科学回归合适的用途,运用科技的奇迹来提高医疗品质并降 低费用。我们将利用太阳能、风力和土壤作为汽车的燃料和工厂的能源。我们将让中小学及大专院校转型,因应新时代的需要。这些我们可以 作到。我们也将会作到
适应角色转变,扎实开展团的工作
———共青团铁东区委书记的述职报告
2011年是适应角色转变、思想进一步成熟的一年。这一年,自己能够坚持正确的政治方向,紧紧围绕党的中心,立足本职岗位,较好地完成本线的工作任务。自己政治觉悟、理论水平、思想素质、工作作风等各方面有了明显的进步和提高。总的来说,收获很大,感触颇深。
一、以德为先,进一步提升个人思想素质
过去的一年,我以一个共产党员的标准,以一个团干部的标准严格要求自己,在个人的道德修养、党性锻炼、思想素质上有了很大的进步。一是道德修养进一步提高。作为一个团干部,我的一言一行、我的自身形象将直接影响到团委各成员,甚至更广大的青少年。因此,在日常的工作和生活中,我每时每刻提醒自己,从小事做起,注重细节问题,做到干净做人、公正做事,以平常心看待自己的工作,要求自己在工作中诚实、守信、廉洁、自律,起好表率作用。二是党性锻炼得到不断加强。不断加强自己的党性锻炼,我严格按照《党章》和《中国共产党党员纪律处分条例》来要求和约束自己的行为,牢记党的宗旨,在团的工作中,以广大青少年的权益为出发点,务求时效。三是政治思想素质不断提高。一年来,我继续加强学习,积极参加理论中心组学习,经常自发利用休息时间学习,积极参加团省委组织赴井冈山革命传统与理想信念教育专题培训班、区委区政府组织赴清华大学县域经济培训班,通过“看、听、学、思”,进一步加深了对马列主义、毛泽东思想、邓小平理论、“三个代表”重要思想的理解,进一步系统掌握了党在农村的路线、方针、政策以及对共青团工作的要求。特别是党的十七届六中全会以来,我通过学习原文、听专家讲课等,开拓了思想新境界,政治思想素质有了新的飞跃。
二、以能为先,进一步加强组织工作能力
在上级领导的信任和支持下,我本人也自加压力,抓住一切机会学习,注重与同事、与兄弟单位团委书记的交流,虚心请教,不耻下问,使各项工作都有序地开展。一是工作的统筹安排能力不断加强。我尽量做到工作提前一步,有计划、有安排、有预见性,保持思路清晰和决策的科学,力求操作有序,顺利开展。二是工作的协调能力不断加强。在工作中,我注重与上级的及时衔接、汇报,同时也注重与基层的交流沟通,听取多方意见和建议,从大局出发,对上做好配合,对下做好团结。三是有创新地开展工作。在工作中,我注重不断创新,使工作保持生机,使管理不断趋向人性化、合理化。
三、以勤为先,进一步提高团的业务水平
担任团委书记以来,认真了解情况、掌握知识,积极向团委领导、向前任书记学习、请教,了解团情、团史,努力掌握团的基本运作方式程序,便于更好地开展工作。加强沟通了解,增加感情,深入基层,了解基层团组织和团员青年的有关情况,以“活动”来强化自己的知识和水平。一年来,我立足以活动来促使自己尽快适应角色,迎接挑战。今年五四,团区委以全区人居环境整治为依托,以“五四火炬传承九十二载生生不息,铁东青年投入人居环境立志强区”为引领,积极开展了“共青团路,红领巾街”,“铁东青年林”等一系列活动。在活动中,增长了知识,深化了理解,使自己对团务工作有了全面的、系统的提高,为今后更好地提高团的业务水平打下了坚实的基础。
四、以绩为先,进一步完善团的组织建设
把《关于进一步深化“党建带团建”工作的实施意见》落到实处,把党的要求贯彻落实到团的建设中去,使团的建设纳入党的建设的总体规划。依托党建,从政策层面来解决和落实基层团组织存在的问题和困难。一是基层团干部的待遇问题。积极争取党组织在团干部配备上的重视和支持,基层团干“转业”得到了很好的安排(叶赫的荣威,住建局遇良,卫生局王国宴等);二是解决好基层团组织活动的经费问题。积极争取专项,今年为每个乡镇街道从团省委争取经费三千元,共计三万六千元;三是团的基层组织格局创新工作。按照“1+4+N”模式,通过换届调整选配了大批乡镇(街道)团干部,变原有的“团干部兼职”模式为现在的“兼职团干部”模式,提升了基层团组织的凝聚力和战斗力。此次工作得到了团市委的充分认可,2011年四平市组织部班工作会议在我区召开。
以服务青年需求为目的,从单一组织青年开展活动转到生产环节,开展就业培训、创业交流、贫富结对;以服务党政中心为目的,发挥团组织自身优势,引导青年树立市场意识和投资意识,强化科技意识和参与意识,投身知识化、信息化和现代化、文明创建、环境整治、植绿护绿、社会治安等活动,把党政思路实践好。突出做好当前新兴的农村、社区和非公经济组织建团工作,延长团的工作手臂,丰富团的组织形式。先后与农联社、吉林银行等多家金融机构积极协调,为青年创业就业提供帮扶支持。特别是吉林银行的“吉青时代”小额贷款项目更得到团省委的无偿贴息。
五、以廉为先,进一步保持清正廉明形象
作为新任职的年轻干部、党员干部,我既感受到了组织的信任与关怀,同时也感受到了责任重大。我区在党委和政府的带领下,励精图治、奋发图强,取得了辉煌的成绩。越是这种时候,就越需要我们这些干部保持清醒的头脑,保持共产党员的先进本色。深知,作为一级干部,应该努力做到“清正廉洁”。古人说“物必自腐而虫生”,腐败现象表现上看来是经济问题、道德问题,但深层次的原因却是理想信念出了问题。要不断加强实践锻炼,要结合党的历史经验、改革开放和社会主义建设的实践以及自己的工作和思想实际,来刻苦磨炼自己。勇于剖析自己,积极开展自我批评,净化自己的灵魂。不断增强拒腐防变意识。在思想上、在行动上、生活中争作表率。在团区委开展“争做勤廉表率,竭诚服务青年”主题教育,召开机关党风廉政建设宣传教育活动动员会,全面启动党风廉政建设宣教活动。按照学习贯彻区委、区纪委关于党风廉政建设和反腐败工作的部署和要求,学习党的十七届六中精神,强化组织领导,制定工作计划。我们根据2011年党风廉政建设责任制考评要求,为了做好党风廉政建设和反腐败工作,成立了团区委党风廉政建设领导小组,并由我任组长。按照“一岗双责”的责任要求,明确了单位正职领导作为第一责任人,每年约谈团干部一次,就有关廉洁从政个人“不准”和“禁止”行为适时对所管的团干部进行廉政谈话。
在2012年即将到来之际,共青团区委迎来组织部考核组,对共青团区委一年来的工作进的实地测评,感谢组织的帮助与关怀,今后我们更要自觉地接受组织的监督与考核。铁东区的发展已经取得了令人瞩目的成就,而今又开始了新的征途。广大青年有幸成为亲历者,成为追随者,同时我们也是共享发展成果的受益者。我们应该心怀感恩,心存畏惧,“做一个组织和群众信赖的人,做一个同事和朋友敬重的人,做一个亲属子女可以引以为荣的人,做一个回顾人生能够问心无愧的人”。我们要牢记党的宗旨,全面贯彻党的方针路线,高举中国特色社会主义伟大旗帜,弘扬“攻坚克难、求富图强”的四平精神,坚定不移的实施 “五区”战略的发展规划,为建设富裕和谐新铁东的伟大目标而不懈奋斗。
第五篇:奥巴马就职演讲稿
奥巴马就职演讲稿
同胞们:
我今天站在这里,深感面前使命的重大,深谢你们赋予的信任,并铭记我们前辈所付的代价。我感谢布什总统对国家的贡献以及他在整个过渡阶段给予的大度合作。
至此,有四十四个美国人发出总统誓言。这些字词曾在蒸蒸日上的繁荣时期和宁静安详的和平年代诵读。但是间或,它们也响彻在阴云密布、风暴降临的时刻。美国能够历经这些时刻而勇往直前,不仅因为当政者具有才干或远见,而且也因为“我们人民”始终坚信我们先辈的理想,对我们的建国理念忠贞不渝。
这是过来之路。这是这一代美国的必由之路。
我们处于危机之中,这一点已得到充分认识。我国在进行战争,打击分布广泛的暴力和仇恨势力。我们的经济严重衰弱,部分归咎于一些人的贪婪不轨,同时也因为我们作为一个整体,未能痛下决心,让国家作好面对新时代的准备。如今,住房不再,就业减少,商业破产。医疗保健费用过度昂贵;学校质量没有保障;而每一天都在不断显示,我们使用能源的方式在助长敌人的威风,威胁我们的星球。
这些是危机的迹象,数据统计将予以证明。不易于衡量然而同样严重的是全国各地受动摇的信心——一种挥之不去的恐惧感,认为美国将不可避免地走下坡路,下一代人不得不放低眼光。
今天,我告诉大家,我们面临的挑战真实存在,并且严重而多重。它们不可能在一个短时间内被轻易征服。但是,美国,请记住这句话——它们将被征服。
我们今天聚集在这里是因为我们选择希望而不是恐惧,选择齐心协力而不是冲突对立。
我们今天在这里宣告,让斤斤计较与虚假承诺就此结束,让窒息我国政治为时太久的相互指责和陈词滥调就此完结。
我们仍是一个年轻的国家,但用圣经的话说,现在是抛弃幼稚的时侯了。现在应是我们让永恒的精神发扬光大的时侯,应是选择创造更佳历史业绩的时侯,应是将代代相传的宝贵财富、崇高理想向前发展的时侯:上帝赋予所有人平等、所有人自由和所有人充分追求幸福的机会。
在重申我们国家伟大精神的同时,我们懂得,伟大从非天生,而是必须赢得。我们的历程从来不是走捷径或退而求其次的历程。它不是弱者的道路——它不属于好逸恶劳或只图名利享受的人;这条路属于冒险者,实干家,创造者——有些人享有盛名,但大多数是默默无闻耕耘劳作的男女志士,是他们带我们走向通往繁荣和自由的漫长崎岖之路。
为了我们,他们打点起贫寒的行装上路,远涉重洋,追求新生活。为了我们,他们在血汗工厂劳作,在西部原野拓荒,忍着鞭笞之痛在坚硬的土地上耕耘。
为了我们,他们奔赴疆场,英勇捐躯,长眠于康科德、葛底斯堡、诺曼底和溪山。
为了我们能够过上更好的生活,他们前赴后继,历尽艰辛,全力奉献,不辞劳苦,直至双手结起层层老茧。他们看到的美国超越了我们每一个人的雄心壮志,也超越了所有种族、财富或派系的差异。
今天,作为后来者,我们踏上了这一未竟的旅程。我们依然是地球上最繁荣、最强大的国家。我们的劳动者的创造力并没有因为眼前的这场危机而减弱。我们的头脑依然像以往那样善于发明创新。我们的产品与服务仍旧像上星期、上个月或去年一样受人欢迎。我们的能力丝毫无损。但是,维持现状、保护狭隘的利益集团、推迟困难的抉择的时代无疑已成为过去。从今天起,我们必须振作起来,扫除我们身上的尘土,重新开启再造美国的事业。
无论我们把目光投向何处,都有工作在等待着我们。经济形势要求我们果敢而迅速地行动,我们将不辱使命——不仅要创造新的就业机会,而且要打下新的增长基础。我们将建造道路和桥梁,架设电网,铺设承载我们的商务和把我们紧密相连的电子通讯网络。我们将恢复尊重科学的传统,利用高新技术的超常潜力提高医疗保健质量并降低成本。我们将利用太阳能、风力和地热为车辆和工厂提供能源。我们将改造我们的中小学和高等院校,以应对新时代的挑战。这一切我们都能做到。这一切我们必将做到。
现在,有人怀疑我们的雄心壮志——他们说我们的体制不能承受太多的宏伟规划。他们的记忆是短暂的,因为他们忘记了这个国家已经取得的成就,忘记了一旦共同的目标插上理想的翅膀、现实的要求鼓起勇气的风帆,自由的人民就会爆发出无穷的创造力。
那些冷眼旁观的人没有认识到他们脚下的大地已经移动——那些长期以来空耗我们的精力的陈腐政治观点已经过时。我们今天提出的问题不是我们的政府太大还是太小,而是它是否行之有效——它是否能够帮助人们找到报酬合理的就业机会,是否能够为他们提供费用适度的医疗保健服务,是否能够确保他们在退休后不失尊严。如果回答是肯定的,我们就要向前推进。如果回答是否定的,计划和项目必须终止。作为公共资金的管理者,我们必须承担责任——明智地使用资金,抛弃坏习惯,在阳光下履行职责——因为只有这样我们才能恢复人民对政府的至关重要的信任。
我们提出的问题也不在于市场力量是替天行道还是为虎作伥。市场在生成财富和传播自由方面具有无与伦比的力量,但这场危机提醒我们:没有严格的监督,市场就会失控——如果一个国家仅仅施惠于富裕者,其富裕便不能持久。我们的经济成功从来不是仅仅依赖国内总产值的规模,而是还依赖繁荣的普及,即为每一位愿意致富的人提供机会的能力——不是通过施舍——因为这才是最可靠的共同富裕之路。至于我们的共同防御,我们决不接受安全与理念不可两全的荒谬论点。建国先贤面对我们难以想见的险恶局面,起草了一部保障法治和人权的宪章,一部子孙后代以自己的鲜血使之更加完美的宪章。今天,这些理念仍然照耀着世界,我们不会为一时之利而弃之。因此,对于今天正在观看此情此景的其他各国人民和政府──从最繁华的首都到我父亲出生的小村庄──我们希望他们了解:凡追求和平与尊严的国家以及每一位男人、妇女和儿童,美国是你们的朋友。我们已经做好准备,再一次走在前面。回顾过去,几代人在战胜法西斯主义和共产主义时依靠的不仅仅是导弹和坦克,更是牢固的联盟和不渝的信念。他们懂得单凭实力无法保护我们的安全,实力也并不赋予我们随心所欲的权利。相反,他们知道审慎使用实力会使我们更强大;我们的安全源于事业的正义性、典范的感召力、以及谦卑和克制的平衡作用。
我们是这一传统的继承者。我们只要从新以这些原则为指导,就能应对那些新威胁,为此必须付出更大的努力──推动国家间更多的合作与理解。我们将开始以负责任的方式把伊拉克移交给伊拉克人民,并在阿富汗巩固来之不易的和平。我们将与多年的朋友和昔日的对手一道不懈地努力,减轻核威胁,扭转全球变暖的厄运。我们不会在价值观念上退缩,也不会动摇捍卫它的决心,对于那些妄图以煽动恐怖和屠杀无辜的手段达到其目的的人,我们现在就告诉你们,我们的意志更加顽强、坚不可摧;你们无法拖垮我们,我们必将战胜你们。
因为我们知道,我们百衲而成的传统是一种优势,而不是劣势。我们是一个由基督教徒和穆斯林、犹太教徒和印度教徒、以及无宗教信仰者组成的国家。我们受惠于地球上四面八方每一种语言和文化的影响。由于我们饮过南北战争和种族隔离的苦水,走出了那个黑暗时代并变得更加坚强和团结,我们不能不相信昔日的仇恨终有一天会成为过去;部族之间的界线很快会消失;随着世界变得越来越小,我们共同的人性将得到彰显;美国必须为迎来一个和平的新纪元发挥自己的作用。
面对穆斯林世界,我们寻求一条新的前进道路,以共同利益和相互尊重为基础。对于世界上那些妄图制造矛盾、将自己社会的弊端归罪于西方的领导人,我们奉劝你们:你们的人民将以你们的建设成就而不是你们的毁灭能力来评判你们。对于那些依靠腐败、欺骗、压制不同意见等手段固守权势的人,我们提醒你们:你们站在了历史错误的一边;但只要你们放弃压迫,我们将伸手相助。
对于贫困国家的人民,我们保证同你们并肩努力,为你们的农田带来丰收,让清洁的用水取之不竭;使饥饿的身体得以饱食,使饥渴的心灵受到滋润。对于那些象我们一样比较富裕的国家,我们要说我们再不能对他人的苦难无动于衷,也再不能肆意消耗世界的资源。世界已经改变,我们必须与时俱进。
在思索我们面前的道路时,我们怀着崇敬的心情感谢此刻正在偏远的沙漠和山区巡逻的英勇无畏的美国人。他们向我们述说着什么,正如在阿灵顿(Arlington)公墓长眠的阵亡英雄在漫漫岁月中低浅的吟诵。我们崇敬他们,不仅因为他们捍卫着我们的自由,而且因为他们代表着献身精神,体现了超越个人,寻求远大理想的意愿。然而,在这个时刻,这个具有划时代意义的时刻,我们大家必须具备的正是这种精神。
虽然政府能有许多作为也必须有许多作为,但最终离不开美国人民的信仰和决心,这便是我国的立国之本。正是因为人们在大堤崩裂时接纳陌生人的关爱之情,正是因为工人们宁愿减少自己的工时而不愿看到朋友失去工作的无私精神,才使我们度过了最暗淡的时光。正是因为消防队员们有勇气冲进浓烟滚滚的楼道,也正是因为做父母的希望培养一个孩子,我们才能决定最后的命运。
我们面临的挑战可能前所未闻。我们迎接挑战的方式也可能前所未有。然而,我们赖以成功的价值观──诚实和勤奋、勇气和公平、宽容心和探索精神、忠诚和爱国──均由来以久。这些价值观都是千真万确的。这些价值观是我国整个历史过程中一股无声的进步力量。现在需要的便是重归这些真理。我们现在需要做的是开创负责任的新时代──每一位美国人都需要认识到我们对自己、对国家、对全世界都承担着义务。对于这些义务,我们并非勉强接受,而是心甘情愿主动承担,同时坚信我们为艰巨的使命付出一切,没有任何事可以如此满足我们的道义感,也没有任何事能如此体现我们的特性。
这就是公民的义务和承诺。
这就是我们自信的来源──认识到上帝呼唤我们在前途不明的情况下掌握自己的命运。
这就是我们的自由和我们坚守的信条具有的意义──说明了为什么各种族、各类信仰的男女老少能在这个雄伟的大草坪上欢聚一堂,也说明了为什么今天有人能站在这里进行最庄严的宣誓,但不到60年前他父亲在当地餐馆还不能受到接待。
为此,让我们记住这一天,记住我们是什么样的人,记住我们已经走过了多长的路。在美利坚诞生的年月,在那些最寒冷的日子里,为数不多的爱国者聚集在一条冰河的岸边,身旁的篝火即将熄灭。首都已经撤防。敌人正在进军。雪地沾满了斑斑血迹。在我们的革命何去何从,结局最难以估计的时刻,我国的开国元勋决定向人民宣读以下这段话:
“让我们昭告未来的世界......在这个酷寒的冬季,万物萧苏,只有希望和美德坚忍不拔......这个城市和这个国家,受到共同危难的召唤,挺身而出,奋起迎战。”
美利坚。在我们面临共同危难之际,在我们遇到艰难险阻的冬日,让我们牢记这些永恒的话语。心怀希望和美德,让我们再一次不惧严寒,勇为中流砥柱,不论什么风暴来袭,我们必将坚不可摧。今后,让我们的后代子孙如此评说:我们在遇到考验的时候没有半途而废,没有退缩不前,也没有丝毫动摇;让我们全神贯注,高瞻远瞩,感谢上帝对我们的恩典,继承自由这个宝贵的传统,平稳地世代相传。