第一篇：1817年美国总统詹姆斯·门罗第一次就职演说
如果我对同胞们充分信任我而召唤我担任这一重要职务无动于衷，那我就未免过分缺乏感情。他们对我公务工作的好评，使我获得了一种满足，这种满足只有那确知自己为此曾竭尽全力的人才体验得到。由于正确估计到这种信任的重要性和该职务的性质和范围，特别是履行这一职务与我们伟大自由的人民的最高利益紧密相连，我更感惶惑。由于意识到自己的不足，在开始履行这些义务时，我无法不对将来的结果深表忧虑。但是我相信，就像我的其他任职经历一样，只要我尽力促进公共福利，我的动机自会得到恰当评价，公众也会以公正和爱护的眼光看待我的行为，因此对应尽的责任我绝不会裹足不前。
明确阐述各自执政的指导原则，这是历任杰出总统在执政开始前的惯例。在仿效这些令人尊敬的榜样时，我自然把注意力集中于在很大程度上造就当前美国幸福生活的主要原因。这些原因将能充分说明我的职责的性质，并指明我们未来应该推行的政策。
从独立战争开始至今，一有四十年飞逝而过，就连宪法的颁布距今也已二十八年了。在此期间，我们的政府一直是个自治政府。其结果如何呢？无论我们考察哪一方面，无论关系国外还是国内问题，我们都由足够的理由庆幸自己拥有优越的制度。在充满艰辛和重大事件的岁月里，我们的国家仍能空前繁荣，公民们人人幸福快乐，国家昌盛发达。
在宪法指导下，对外贸易和州际商务得到有效的管理；不断有新州加入联邦；我国的疆域通过公平庄严的条约不断扩大，并给原有的各州带来了很多好处；各州受到全国政府温和而爱抚的制度的保护以对付外来威胁，由于明智的权利分配和合理地享有主权，各州改善了州内治安，扩大了居住范围，日渐强大成熟，这足以证明了健全的法制得到了很好的贯彻。试看我国公民的个人状况，这是怎样一幅令人骄傲的景象啊！在我们合众国的任何地方，谁遭受了压迫？谁被剥夺了人身权利或财产权利？谁不能用自己的方式崇拜上帝？众所周知，我们已充分享有这些幸福。我感到特别满意的是，我们没有任何人因严重叛国罪而遭受极刑。
有些人虽承认我国政府承担这些有益任务的能力，但他们或许会怀疑，作为庞大的国际社会的成员，政府的这种力量和效能是否经得起考验。在这一点上，历史也已给予我们罪满意的证明。当美国宪法付诸实施之时，欧洲几个主要国家因此而大为不安，有些甚至惊恐不已。毁灭性战争随之爆发，直到最近才告结束。在这些冲突过程中，合众国受到多方的伤害，当时我们避免卷入冲突，向损害我们的国家要求公平，力求以公平而体面的行为求得与各国的友谊。不幸战争最终仍然不可避免。其结果表明，在最不利的条件下，我国政府经受住了最严峻的考验。当然我无须在此赘述人民的美德和我国陆、海军及民兵的英勇业绩。
这就是我们所拥有的美好政府。它符合社会契约论的所有要求；所有部门都经选举产生，故每个公民均可靠自己的功绩和品质被选举担任宪法承认的最高职位；我国政府自身不含任何导致分歧的因子，也不会造成社会纷争；它保证每个公民充分行使自己的权利，保护国家民族免遭外国的欺辱。
其他诸多至关重要的因素也告诫我们，要热爱自己的联邦，并终于支持联邦的政府。我们很幸运拥有这样的政治体制，但我们的繁荣与幸福所依靠的其他条件也并不逊色。我国地处温带，又沿大西洋跨越诸多纬度，因此我们拥有多种气候并得以享受相应的丰富物产。五大湖互相联结，各大河流又通向内地，没有一个国家能像合众国这样，拥有如此优越的疆域。同样，受惠于肥沃的土地，我国的农产品总是非常丰富，即使在收成最差的年代，我们也有余粮帮组他国人民。这就是我国的幸运之所在，对此全国各地无一不特别关注地加以维护。在联邦保护之下，我国农业繁荣昌盛。地区性利益也同样得到发展，从事航海的北方同胞受到了巨大鼓舞，因为他们成为合众国其他地区大量产品广受欢迎的运输者，同时由于培养了海员，建立并训练了一支保护我们共同权利的海军，全国其他地区的人民也受益匪浅，由于保护民族工业的政策，由于剩余产品靠国内不发达地区的需要而找到了稳定有利的市场，我国的制造业受到了巨大的推动。
这就是我国目前的的大好形势，每个公民都有义务加以维护。那么威胁我们的危险又是什么呢？如果存在危险，我们应该了然于胸并防止其发生。
为了表达我对这个问题的看法，我们不妨试问，是什么造成了今日如此令人满意的境况？我们又如何取得了独立革命的胜利？我们是怎样在不损害各州和个人权利的前提下，通过向全国政府充分授权而成功地弥补了联盟最初体制上的缺陷？我们又是怎样经受并赢得了最近的这次战争？这是因为，政府一直掌握在人民的手中，功劳应归于人民以及那些受命于人民、忠诚而有能力的公务人员，如果美国人民受到别的原则的教育，如果他们不是如此明智与独立，如果他们不是拥有如此高尚的德行，谁又会相信我们能够保持目前平稳而连续的建设事业，或取得这样的成功呢？然而，这要选举体制保持目前合理、健全的状态，一切就会平安无事，人民会为各部门选出能干而忠实的人员。只有当人民变得无知、愚昧、腐化、堕落或蜕化为群氓之时，他们才无法行使主权。这样，篡权阴谋很容易实现，篡权者也会应运而生。人民便成为自甘堕落和自行毁灭的工具。那么就让我们关注这一伟大事业，尽力使其充满活力吧。作为维护自由权利的最有效的方法，让我们用一切合法的手段去开发人民的心智。
来自国外的威胁也同样不可忽视。从他国经历得知，合众国有可能再次卷入战争。在那种情况下，颠覆我们的政府，破坏我们的联邦，消灭我们的国家，就会成为敌人的目标。尽管我们同欧洲远隔千里，尽管我国政府公正、温和的和平政策有助于抵御这些威胁，但我们仍应时刻警惕并作好准备。我们人民中有许多人从事商业和航海业，而他们都在一定程度上与国家的繁荣息息相关，许多人从事渔业，一旦其他国家发生战争，我们的这些利益都会受到侵犯，如果我们预见不到这一点，那就是无视经验教训。我们一定要捍卫自己的权利，否则就会辱没国格，进而失去自由。一个民族做不到这一点，它就无法屹立于世界独立国家之林。国家荣誉是最宝贵的国家财富。每个公民脑海里的爱国之情是国家力量之所在，因此必须好好珍惜。
为了防御这些威胁，我们应巩固海防和陆基。我们的陆军和海军应依照各自的力量情况以合理的原则加以管理，使之井然有序。民兵也应有实战准备。为了使我国的漫长海岸线达到一种可以确保城市及内地免受侵犯的防御状态，无疑要耗费巨资，但一旦这一工程完成，其作用将是永恒的。我们不妨这样假设：一直强于我们的海军，配以数千人的地面部队，对
我们发动以此进攻，使我们遭受的损失，即使不将我国公民的财产损失和所受磨难计算在内，也远远超过实施这一伟大工程的费用。我国的陆、海军应该规模适度，但又足以应必要之需，前者防守、保卫我们的军事要塞并打退外来敌人的最初入侵，而且，作为一直更强大力量的组成部分，它应使作战技术和所有必要的军事设施处于一旦战争爆发就能投入使用的状态；后者在和平时期保持适当建制，在他国发生战争时，帮助合众国保持由尊严的中立，并保护合众国公民的财产免遭劫掠。在战争期间，随着海军规模的扩大，无论是作为辅助的防御力量，还是作为强大的打击手段，都有助于减少战争带来的灾难和迅速体面地结束战争。在我们巨大的海上资源允许的范围内扩大海军的规模，这一工作在和平时期就应及时推行。
但是，我们应始终坚信：合众国各州及自由民族所珍惜的一切事务的安全，在很大程度上都依赖于民兵。外敌进攻可能过于强大，用我国政府的原则或美国的情况允许维持的海、陆军已不足以抵制。在这种情况下，就必须以能够产生最好结果的方式号召广大人民。因此，当务之急是组织和训练人民，以应付各种紧急情况。政府应该掌握全国上下强烈的爱国主义和朝气蓬勃的热情。只要将其建立在平等和公正的原则之上，就不会带来压制性的后果。产生压力是危机，而非提供解决方法的法律。因此，在和平时期也应进行这种准备工作，以便更好地防备战争。由这样的人民组成这样的组织，美国就不必惧怕任何外来的侵略。即使外来侵略临近，一支由勇士们组成的强大的武装力量便随时可以投入使用。
其他及其重要的事项也应引起注意，其中以宪法手段改善全国公路和运河状况的工作显得尤为突出。通过这样促进各州之间的交往，我们可以使我国人民的生活更加便利、舒适，可以使国家建设锦上添花，更重要的是，我们将缩短各地间的距离，而且通过使各地更多的接触和相互依赖，我们能够使联邦更紧密地团结起来。大自然恩赐我们国家如此众多的大河、港湾和湖泊，使相距迢遥的地区相互之间变得如此接近，从而使激励我们完成这项工程的动力显得特别强大。也许只有在合众国的领域内才能显示出这样一种有趣的景观，我国领土如此广阔，地理位置如此优越，蕴藏的资源如此丰富有用，而各个部分又是那么和谐地连结在一起！
同样，我国的制造业也需要政府的扶植与保护。依照我们拥有的，由我国土地和基础工业提供的原材料，我们不应像这样依赖外国的物质供应。只要我们存在这种依附性，一旦那种无法预料的突发性战争爆发，我们很容易陷入最为困难的境地，还有一点也很重要，用来发展我国制造业的资本应该来自国内，这样才会对农业和其他工业部门产生有利的影响，不会像操纵在外国资本的手中那样带来使它们衰竭的后果。同样，我们应该为我国的原材料提供国内市场，因为在竞争日剧的情况下，这种方法可以提供价格，并保护种植者免受外国市场上经常发生的灾难的侵害。
对于印第安人部落，我们的职责是培养与他们的友好关系，并在一切交往中奉行仁慈和宽大的原则，同时，坚持不懈地向他们传播文明的好处也是我们应应尽的职责。
我们巨额的财政岁入和充实的国库，充分证明了我国应付一切紧急情况的资源实力，也显示了我国公民为公共需求甘愿承担重负的自觉性。大量尚未开垦的土地及其与日俱增的价
值，构成了广大持久的补充资源。所有这些资源，除了应付其他必需的开支外，使合众国完全由能力早日偿清国债。和平阶段是发展和为各种情况作准备的最佳时期。正是在和平时期，我们的商业空前繁荣，税款最易缴纳，同时岁入也最能发挥生产效益。
就职务而言，行政部门负责所辖各部公款的分配，同时负责忠实地按原意使用公款。立法机关是公共财政的监督卫士，它的职责是保证公款开支正当诚实。为了适应行政部门职责的需要，应当为其提供一切便利，以便对管理公款的工作人员进行严格和及时的检查监督。千万不要认为这是为难他们；但如果具备了这些必要的便利，而公款仍长期毫无用途地滞留在他们手中，那么，渎职者就不仅仅局限于他们，同样，造成混乱的恶果也就不能完全归罪于他们。实际上，这种现象只能表明政府工作中的松懈和风气不正。而整个社会将会有所察觉。我将竭尽全力保证这一重要政府部门的节俭和忠诚，我相信立法机构也将以同样的热忱履行其职责，全面检查必须定期进行，对此我将全力促成。
能够在合众国欣享和平之时开始履行自己的职责，我感到由衷的高兴。这种和平状态最有利于合众国的繁荣和幸福。我衷心希望维护和平，依赖政府的努力和与各国的公正原则，绝不无理索取，并合理履行义务。
同样令我欣慰的是，我们的合众国越来越和谐一致，倾轧和不和为我们的制度所不容。联邦之所以受到拥护，不仅因为我们的政府奉行自由和仁慈的原则，并使每个人都受到恩惠，而且因为它有其它突出的有点。美国人民已共同经历了巨大的危险，并且成功地经受了各种严酷的考验。他们在共同利益之下融合为一个大家庭。经验使我认识到那些对国家至关重要的问题。由于对各方面的利益公平兼顾与忠实关切，故国家的进步显得缓慢。但在符合共和政府各项原则的条件下促进和谐局面并使之发挥最充分效应，发展联邦其他各方面的最高利益，将是我矢志不渝、努力追求的目标。
从来没有一个政府像我国政府那样始于如此顺利的形势，获得如此彻底的成功。翻看他国的历史，无论现在还是古代，没有一个国家的发展如此迅速，如此巨大，人民如此富裕和幸福。展望前程，每个公民都会因其所见而满心喜悦，我们的政府已臻完美；在这方面已无须作重大改革；我们的伟大目标只是保持我国政府固有的基本原则和结构，而这必须通过保存人民的美德和启发人民的心智才能实现；我们要采取一切措施，捍卫我们的独立、主权和自由，以此确保我国不受外来侵略。如果我们保持目前已经取得如此进展的事业，并坚持过去奉行的方针和道路，那么在仁慈的上帝的保佑下，我们一定能实现正在冥冥中等待我们的崇高目标。
在我之前，有许多杰出人物担任这一崇高职务，我与其中几位自早年起即交往密切，他们的执政典范总是能使后继者获得高度的教益。我将尽力从中获取一切可能的长处。对于刚刚离职的前任，由于他在我们巨大而成功的事业中作出了极为重要的贡献，我将不胜荣幸地在此向他致以最热烈的祝福：愿他在退休后能永享国家的感激之情，这种感激是对他的杰出才能和忠诚而卓越的工作的最高奖励。在政府其他各部门的支持下，我开始担任同胞们通过
选举而赋予我的职务；与此同时，我虔诚地祈祷，万能的上帝将会仁慈地继续施予我们过去那种明白无误的护佑。
第二篇：美国总统就职演说
奥巴马
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.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.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.We are, and always will be, the United States of America.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.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.A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen.McCain.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.1 And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best--the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.To 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.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 the 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.It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and 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 the Earth.This is your victory.And 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 the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.The road ahead will be long.Our climb will be steep.We may not get there in one year or even in 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 the government can't solve 2 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 to 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, calloused hand by calloused hand.What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot 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 can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of 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's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.Let's 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 and individual liberty and national unity.Those are values that 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 tonight, 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 the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand
To those--to those who would tear the 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.3 That's the true genius of America: that America can change.Our union can be perfected.What we've 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's 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, 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 doubts and 4 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.Thank you.God bless you.And may God bless the United States of America.美国是一个任何事情都有可能发生的国家,对于这一点如果还有任何人心存怀疑,对民主的力量还表示疑虑的话,今晚就是对这一问题的最好回答。
这个答案早已经印在了到处悬挂在学校和教堂的竞选条幅上,人们随处可见;这些人们已经等待了三四个小时,对于他们当中的大多数,这是有生以来第一次经历这样的过程,因为他们坚信这一时刻注定与众不同,而这种不同便有可能源自他们所发出的声音。
这个答案出自这些人之口,无论是青年还是老年,穷人还是富人,民主党还是共和党,黑人还是白人,拉丁裔、亚裔还是美国本土人,同性恋者还是异性恋者,残疾人还是非残疾人——他们向世界发出了这样的信息——我们从来不分红色之州和蓝色之州,我们永远都是美利坚合众国。
这个答案告诉了那些一直以来充满焦虑、恐惧和怀疑的人们,我们可以将双手放在历史的转折点上,将它再次带向充满希望的美好明天。
这一刻我们已经等待了太久,但是今晚,由于我们在这一决定性的时刻所作出的选择,美国便迎来了它崭新的一刻。
我刚刚接到了来自麦凯恩议员的电话。他在这场漫长而艰难的选举中一直努力着,而他为他所热爱的国家所付出的努力甚至更加艰辛而久远。可能我们当中的很多人甚至都无法想象,麦凯恩议员从何时便开始为我们的国家奉献自己,而我们却早已享受到了这位勇敢无私的领导者为国家所做出的贡献。对于他和佩林所付出的努力,我表示衷心的感谢,同时我也期待着,能够和他们一同努力,共同实现我们这几个月来所做出的承诺。
我要感谢我的竞选伙伴,新当选的美国副总统乔·拜登,这一路走来,他始终遵循着自己内心深处的那个声音,他始终代表着那些和他一起在斯克兰顿街边长大,一起坐着火车回到故乡特拉华州的人们的声音。
如果没有过去这16年来挚友的支持,没有稳定的家庭和对生活的爱,没有我们国家的下一位第一夫人,米歇尔·奥巴马,今晚我将不可能站在这里。萨莎和玛丽亚,我爱你们,你们已经得到了一只新的小狗,它将和我们一起入住白宫。还有我的祖母,虽然她已经不能和我们一起分享这一刻,但是我知道,她正和我的家人一起,注视着我,陪我经历着这一刻。我不会忘记,是他们养育我成人,今晚我是如此的想念他们,我知道,我所亏欠他们的,是永远无法报答的恩情。
对我的竞选负责人大卫·普罗菲,我的首席战略家大卫·亚克瑟罗德以及有史以来最优秀的竞选团队,我想对你们说的是——是你们成就了今天的一切,我将永远感激你们所付出的这一切。
但是,最重要的是,我将永远不会忘记,这个胜利是真正属于你们的!我一直都不是最有希望的那个候选人,一开始的时候我们便没有那么多的资金或支持。我们的竞选之路并不是从华盛顿的高楼礼堂中开始的,它从德梅因的后院、协和酒店的客厅以及查尔斯顿的门廊中迈出了第一步。
它由那些需要从自己有限的存款中拿出5美元、10美元和20美元的工人们建立起来;那些摒弃了他们那一代人冷漠神话的年轻人,那些远离家乡亲人在外打拼却只能赚得微薄工资的人们,那些抵抗着刺骨的寒冷和灼人的炎热敲响了陌生人家大门的人们,是你们给了它 成长的力量;数以百万计的美国人民自愿组织起来,他们想要去证明两个多世纪之后,一个由人民组成的政府,一个属于人民的政府,一个为了人民的政府是不会从地球上消亡的,这就是属于你们的胜利!我知道,你们这样做并不只是想赢得一场选举,我也知道,你们这样做并不是为我一个人。你们这样做,是因为你们了解前方的任务是如何的艰巨。甚至就在我们庆祝的同时,我们也清楚地明白,明天将要面临的挑战是多么巨大——两大战争,一个处于危险中的星球,本世纪最严重的经济危机。就在我们站在这里的同时,我们清楚地知道,还有许多勇敢的美国人正在伊拉克的沙漠和阿富汗的群山中醒来,为了我们而冒着生命的危险。还有许许多多的父母们,只有在自己的孩子入睡后才能躺下,他们为房子的贷款和医院的账单还有孩子们的学费而发愁。放心,我们会注入新的能量,创造新的就业机会,建设新的学校,面对威胁与挑战,修复我们的联盟。
前方的道路还很漫长。我们所面临的山峰是险峻的。或许一年甚至很长一段时间我们都无法攀上峰顶,但是美国——我从来没有像今晚这样坚信,我们最终一定会到达。我向你保证——我们的民族最终会到达山顶的。
也许会有挫折坎坷,作为总统我所做出的决定和政策必定会遭到一些人的反对,而我们也知道政府不能够解决所有问题。但是我将会诚实地告诉你们我们所面对的挑战。我会耐心倾听你们的心声,尤其是在遇到分歧的时候。而最重要的是,我将会让你们加入到重建我们国家的队伍当中来,沿着美国这221年来一直所走的那条道路——一块块砖瓦,一双双手,一点点堆砌出我们的家园。
21个月之前的那个冬天所开始的,不会在这个秋天的夜晚结束。这个胜利本身并不是我们所要找寻的改变——这只是一个改变的机会。如果我们回到老路上,那么一切都不会得到改变。没有你们,这一切也不会得到改变。
那么,就让我们重新召唤起爱国主义、公仆之心以及国家责任的精神来,每个人都参与其中,一起努力,不单只是关心自身,而是互相照顾。让我们记住这场经济危机所教会我们的一点,如果主街道遭受了打击,那么华尔街也不可能幸免——在这个国家,我们作为一个民族,一个整体,同存亡共荣辱。
让我们摒弃掉那些长久以来一直危害我们的政治生活的那些幼稚琐碎的党派之争。让我们记住,是这个国家的人第一次将共和党的横幅挂在了白宫之上,而共和党的建立便是基于对自力更生、独立自由和国家统一价值的肯定。这一价值是我们所共享的,即便民主党今晚赢得了大选,我们也会怀着谦虚的心态,去消除这一分歧和隔膜。在面临着比今天更严重的国家分裂时,林肯说过,“我们不是敌人,而是朋友。。我们友情的纽带,或会因情绪激动而绷紧,但决不可折断。”而对于那些我还没有赢得支持的选民们——也许我还没有赢得你们的选票,但是我听到了你们声音,我需要你们的帮助,而我也同样是你们的总统。
对于那些远在大洋彼岸的,在国会和皇宫中,在我们这个世界被遗忘的角落中围在收音机旁关注着大选之夜的人们——我们的故事是不同的,但是我们的命运却是紧紧连在一起的,美国领袖新的一天的黎明即将到来。对于那些会将世界四分五裂的人们,我们将打败你们,对于那些渴求和平和安全的人们,我们将支持你们。而对于所有那些想知道,自由女神像手中的火炬是否还会依旧闪耀光芒的人们,今晚我们再次证明了,我们民族的真正实力并不只是来自于武力和财富,而是来自于我们理想的力量:民主,自由,机遇以及永不屈服的希望。美国真正的天赋在于,它懂得改变。我们的联盟会不断完善自己。而我们已经取得的成就给了我们希望,让我们坚信我们能够并且即将取得成功。
这次选举拥有许多故事和数不清的第一次,它们将被世世代代流传。但是今晚在我脑海中一直浮现的,是亚特兰大一位女性选民。她就像成千上万的其他选民一样,排在队伍中喊出自己的心声,唯一不同的是——安·尼克松·库伯已经106岁了。她出生的时候正是奴隶制度解除之后;那时候还没有汽车和飞机;像她一样的人那个时候是没有选举权的,因为她是女人,还因为她皮肤的颜色。
但是今晚,我思考着她所经历的这一个世纪的美国——心痛和希望;斗争与进步;我们被告知我们不能做什么的时代,以及美国人的信条:是的,我们可以!在那个女性不能发出声音的时代,在那个女性的希望被剥夺的时代,她看着她们站了起来,大声说出自己的想法,投出了自己的选票。是的,我们可以!当绝望和大萧条袭来的时候,她看到了一个民族通过新政、新的工作和新的共同目的感战胜了恐惧。是的,我们可以!当炸弹在珍珠港爆炸,当暴政威胁这个世界的时候,她见证了一代人的强大,见证了民主得到了捍卫。是的,我们可以!她见证了蒙哥马利汽车暴动,见证了塞尔玛大桥事件,遇到了那位来自亚特兰大的牧师,他告诉人们“我们终将会克服一切。”是的,我们可以!人类登上了月球,柏林墙倒塌了,世界由于我们自身的科学和想象力被连接到了一起。而在这一年,在这次选举中,她的手指触摸到了屏幕,她投出了自己的一票,因为在美国经历了106年的变迁,经历了最好的与最坏的时代后,她了解美国是如何变化的。是的,我们可以!美国,我们已经走了这么远,我们已经看到了这么多,但是仍然有许多事情等待着我们去做。那么今晚,让我们扪心自问——如果我们的孩子看到了下一个世纪;如果我的女儿也能够和安·尼克松·库伯一样幸运地活到了106岁,那么他们将会看到怎样的变化？我们又将会取得什么样的进步？
对于我们来说,这正是一个对这一疑问给出回答的机会。这是我们的时刻,这是我们的时代——让我们的人民重新回去工作,为我们的孩子打开机会的大门;积累财富,促进和平;重拾美国梦,重申基本的真象——相对于大多数而言,我们是独一无二的;当我们呼吸时,我们希望,在我们面对讥笑、怀疑以及别人对我们说我们不能的时候,我们将会用凝聚了人类精神的永恒信条作出回应: 是的,我们可以!谢谢你们,愿上帝保佑你们,愿上帝保佑美利坚合众国。乔治布什
January 20, 2001
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 upon 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 ourselves 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.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;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;and 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 that favors 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.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.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.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.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.Though it requires sacrifice, it brings a deeper fulfillment.We find the fullness of life not only in options, but in commitments.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 of 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 years and 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.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、同情心和个性的精神来实现我们国家的理想。美国在它最鼎盛时也没忘记遵循谦逊有礼的原则。一个文明的社会需要我们每个人品质优良，尊重他人，为人公平和宽宏大量。
有人认为我们的政治制度是如此的微不足道，因为在和平年代，我们所争论的话题都是无关紧要的。但是，对我们美国来说，我们所讨论的问题从来都不是什么小事。如果我们不领导和平事业，那么和平将无人来领导；如果我们不引导我们的孩子们真心地热爱知识、发挥个性，他们的天分将得不到发挥，理想将难以实现。如果我们不采取适当措施，任凭经济衰退，最大的受害者将是平民百姓。
我们应该时刻听取时代的呼唤。谦逊有礼不是战术也不是感情用事。这是我们最坚定的选择--在批评声中赢得信任；在混乱中寻求统一。如果遵循这样的承诺，我们将会享有共同的成就。
美国有强大的国力作后盾，将会勇往直前。
在大萧条和战争时期，我们的人民在困难面前表现得无比英勇，克服我们共同的困难体现了我们共同的优秀品质。现在，我们正面临着选择，如果我们作出正确的选择，祖辈一定会激励我们；如果我们的选择是错误的，祖辈会谴责我们的。上帝正眷顾着这个国家，我们必须显示出我们的勇气，敢于面对问题，而不是将它们遗留给我们的后代。
我们要共同努力，健全美国的学校教育，不能让无知和冷漠吞噬更多的年轻生命。我们要改革社会医疗和保险制度，在力所能及的范围内拯救我们的孩子。我们要减低税收，恢复经济，酬劳辛勤工作的美国人民。我们要防患于未然，懈怠会带来麻烦。我们还要阻止武器泛滥，使新的世纪摆脱恐怖的威胁。
反对自由和反对我们国家的人应该明白：美国仍将积极参与国际事务，力求世界力量的均衡，让自由的力量遍及全球。这是历史的选择。我们会保护我们的盟国，捍卫我们的利益。我们将谦逊地向世界人民表示我们的目标。我们将坚决反击各种侵略和不守信用的行径。我们要向全世界宣传孕育了我们伟大民族的价值观。
正处在鼎盛时期的美国也不缺乏同情心。
当我们静心思考，我们就会明了根深蒂固的贫穷根本不值得我国作出承诺。无论我们如何看待贫穷的原因，我们都必须承认，孩子敢于冒险不等于在犯错误。放纵与滥用都为上帝所不容。这些都是缺乏爱的结果。监狱数量的增长虽然看起来是有必要的，但并不能代替我们心中的希望-人人遵纪守法。
哪里有痛苦，我们的义务就在哪里。对我们来说，需要帮助的美国人不是陌生人，而是我们的公民；不是负担，而是急需救助的对象。当有人陷入绝望时，我们大家都会因此变得渺小。
对公共安全和大众健康，对民权和学校教育，政府都应负有极大的责任。然而，同情心不只是政府的职责，更是整个国家的义务。有些需要是如此的迫切，有些伤痕是如此的深刻，只有导师的爱抚、牧师的祈祷才能有所感触。不论是教堂还是慈善机构、犹太会堂还是清真寺，都赋予了我们的社会它们特有的人性，因此它们理应在我们的建设和法律上受到尊重。
我们国家的许多人都不知道贫穷的痛苦。但我们可以听到那些感触颇深的人们的倾诉。我发誓我们的国家要达到一种境界：当我们看见受伤的行人倒在远行的路上，我们决不会袖手旁观。
正处于鼎盛期的美国重视并期待每个人担负起自己的责任。
鼓励人们勇于承担责任不是让人们充当替罪羊，而是对人的良知的呼唤。虽然承担责任意味着牺牲个人利益，但是你能从中体会到一种更加深刻的成就感。
我们实现人生的完整不单是通过摆在我们面前的选择，而且是通过我们的实践来实现。我们知道，通过对整个社会和我们的孩子们尽我们的义务，我们将得到最终自由。
我们的公共利益依赖于我们独立的个性；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！
克林顿
January 20, 1993
My fellow citizens :
Today we celebrate the mystery of American renewal.This ceremony is held in the depth of winter.But, by the words we speak and the faces we show the world, we force the spring.A spring reborn in the world's oldest democracy, that brings forth the vision and courage to reinvent America.When our founders boldly declared America's independence to the world and our purposes to the Almighty, they knew that America, to endure, would have to change.Not change for change's sake, but change to preserve America's ideals;life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness.Though we march to the music of our time, our mission is timeless.Each generation of Americans must define what it means to be an American.On behalf of our nation, I salute my predecessor, President Bush, for his half-century of service to America.And I thank the millions of men and women whose steadfastness and sacrifice triumphed over Depression, fascism and Communism.Today, a generation raised in the shadows of the Cold War assumes new responsibilities in a world warmed by the sunshine of freedom but threatened still by ancient hatreds and new plagues.Raised in unrivaled prosperity, we inherit an economy that is still the world's strongest, but is weakened by business failures, stagnant wages, increasing inequality, and deep divisions among our people.When George Washington first took the oath I have just sworn to uphold, news traveled slowly across the land by horseback and across the ocean by boat.Now, the sights and sounds of this ceremony are broadcast instantaneously to billions around the world.Communications and commerce are global;investment is mobile;technology is almost magical;and ambition for a better life is now universal.We earn our livelihood in peaceful competition with people all across the earth.Profound and powerful forces are shaking and remaking our world, and the urgent question of our time is whether we can make change our friend and not our enemy.This new world has already enriched the lives of millions of Americans who are able to compete and win in it.But when most people are working harder for less;when others cannot work at all;when the cost of health care devastates families and threatens to bankrupt many of our enterprises, great and small;when fear of crime robs law-abiding citizens of their freedom;and when millions of poor children cannot even imagine the lives we are calling them to lead, we have not made change our friend.We know we have to face hard truths and take strong steps.But we have not done so.Instead, we have drifted, and that drifting has eroded our resources, fractured our economy, and shaken our confidence.Though our challenges are fearsome, so are our strengths.And Americans have ever been a restless, questing, hopeful people.We must bring to our task today the vision and will of those who came before us.From our revolution, the Civil War, to the Great Depression to the civil rights movement, our people have always mustered the determination to construct from these crises the pillars of our history.Thomas Jefferson believed that to preserve the very foundations of our nation, we would need dramatic change from time to time.Well, my fellow citizens, this is our time.Let us embrace it.Our democracy must be not only the envy of the world but the engine of our own renewal.There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.And so today, we pledge an end to the era of deadlock and drift;a new season of American renewal has begun.To renew America, we must be bold.We must do what no generation has had to do before.We must invest more in our own people, in their jobs, in their future, and at the same time cut our massive debt.And we must do so in a world in which we must compete for every opportunity.It will not be easy;it will require sacrifice.But it can be done, and done fairly, not choosing sacrifice for its own sake, but for our own sake.We must provide for our nation the way a family provides for its children.Our Founders saw themselves in the light of posterity.We can do no less.Anyone who has ever watched a child's eyes wander into sleep knows what posterity is.Posterity is the world to come;the world for whom we hold our ideals, from whom we have borrowed our planet, and to whom we bear sacred responsibility.We must do what America does best: offer more opportunity to all and demand responsibility from all.It is time to break the bad habit of expecting something for nothing, from our government or from each other.Let us all take more responsibility, not only for ourselves and our families but for our communities and our country.To renew America, we must revitalize our democracy.This beautiful capital, like every capital since the dawn of civilization, is often a place of intrigue and calculation.Powerful people maneuver for position and worry endlessly about who is in and who is out, who is up and who is down, forgetting those people whose toil and sweat sends us here and pays our way.Americans deserve better, and in this city today, there are people who want to do better.And so I say to all of us here, let us resolve to reform our politics, so that power and privilege no longer shout down the voice of the people.Let us put aside personal advantage so that we can feel the pain and see the promise of America.Let us resolve to make our government a place for what Franklin Roosevelt called “bold, persistent experimentation,” a government for our tomorrows, not our yesterdays.Let us give this capital back to the people to whom it belongs.To renew America, we must meet challenges abroad as well at home.There is no longer division between what is foreign and what is domestic;the world economy, the world environment, the world AIDS crisis, the world arms race;they affect us all.Today, as an old order passes, the new world is more free but less stable.Communism's collapse has called forth old animosities and new dangers.Clearly America must continue to lead the world we did so much to make.While America rebuilds at home, we will not shrink from the challenges, nor fail to seize the opportunities, of this new world.Together with our friends and allies, we will work to shape change, lest it engulf us.When our vital interests are challenged, or the will and conscience of the international community is defied, we will act;with peaceful diplomacy when ever possible, with force when necessary.The brave Americans serving our nation today in the Persian Gulf, in Somalia, and wherever else they stand are testament to our resolve.But our greatest strength is the power of our ideas, which are still new in many lands.Across the world, we see them embraced, and we rejoice.Our hopes, our hearts, our hands, are with those on every continent who are building democracy and freedom.Their cause is America's cause.The American people have summoned the change we celebrate today.You have raised your voices in an unmistakable chorus.You have cast your votes in historic numbers.And you have changed the face of Congress, the presidency and the political process itself.Yes, you, my fellow Americans have forced the spring.Now, we must do the work the season demands.To that work I now turn, with all the authority of my office.I ask the Congress to join with me.But no president, no Congress, no government, can undertake this mission alone.My fellow Americans, you, too, must play your part in our renewal.I challenge a new generation of young Americans to a season of service;to act on your idealism by helping troubled children, keeping company with those in need, reconnecting our torn communities.There is so much to be done;enough indeed for millions of others who are still young in spirit to give of themselves in service, too.In serving, we recognize a simple but powerful truth, we need each other.And we must care for one another.Today, we do more than celebrate America;we rededicate ourselves to the very idea of America.An idea born in revolution and renewed through two centuries of challenge.An idea tempered by the knowledge that, but for fate we, the fortunate and the unfortunate, might have been each other.An idea ennobled by the faith that our nation can summon from its myriad diversity the deepest measure of unity.An idea infused with the conviction that America's long heroic journey must go forever upward.And so, my fellow Americans, at the edge of the 21st century, let us begin with energy and hope, with faith and discipline, and let us work until our work is done.The scripture says, “And let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not.”
From this joyful mountaintop of celebration, we hear a call to service in the valley.We have heard the trumpets.We have changed the guard.And now, each in our way, and with God's help, we must answer the call.Thank you, and God bless you all.比尔•克林顿 第一次就职演讲
星期三,1993年1月20日
同胞们：
今天，我们庆祝美国复兴的奇迹。这个仪式虽在隆冬举行，然而，我们通过自己的言语和向世界展示的面容、却促使春回大地--回到了世界上这个最古老的民主国家，并带来了重新创造美国的远见和勇气。
当我国的缔造者勇敢地向世界宣布美国独立，并向上帝表明自 己的目的时，他们知道，美国若要永存，就必须变革。不是为变革而变革，而是为了维护美国的理想--为了生命、自由和追求幸福而变革。尽管我们随着当今时代 的节拍前进，但我们的使命永恒不变。每一代美国人，部必须为作为一个美国人意味着什么下定义。今天，在冷战阴影下成长起来的一代人，在世界上负起了新的责 任。这个世界虽然沐浴着自由的阳光，但仍受到旧仇宿怨和新的祸患的威胁。
我们在无与伦比的繁荣中长大，继承了仍然是世界上最强大的经济。但由于企业倒闭，工资增长停滞、不平等状况加剧，人民的分歧加深，我们的经济已经削弱。
当乔治•华盛顿第一次宣读我刚才宜读的誓言时，人们骑马把 那个信息缓慢地传遍大地，继而又来船把它传过海洋。而现在，这个仪式的情景和声音即刻向全球几十亿人播放。通信和商务具有全球性，投资具有流动性；技术几 乎具有魔力；改善生活的理想现在具有 17 普遍性。今天，我们美国人通过同世界各地人民进行和平竞争来谋求生存。各种深远而强大的力量正在震撼和改造我们的世 界，当今时代的当务之急是我们能否使变革成为我们的朋友，而不是成为我们的敌人。
这个新世界已经使几百万能够参与竞争并且取胜的美国人过上 了富裕的生活。但是，当多数人干得越多反而挣得越少的时候，当有些人根本不可能工作的时候，当保健费用的重负使众多家庭不堪承受、使大大小小的企业濒临破 产的时候，当犯罪活动的恐惧使守法公民不能自由行动的时候，当千百万贫穷儿童甚至不能想象我们呼唤他们过的那种生活的时候，我们就没有使变革成为我们的朋 友。我们知道，我们必须面对严酷的事实真相，并采取强有力的步骤。但我们没有这样做，而是听之任之，以致损耗了我们的资源，破坏了我们的经济，动摇了我们 的信心。
我们面临惊人的挑战，但我们同样具有惊人的力量，美国人历来是不安现状、不断追求和充满希望的民族，今天，我们必须把前人的远见卓识和坚强意志带到我们的任务中去。从革命，内战，大萧条，直到民权运动，我国人民总是下定决心，从历次危机中构筑我国历史的支柱。
托马斯•杰斐逊认为，为了维护我国的根基，我们需要时常进行激动人心的变革。美国同胞们，我们的时代就是变革的时代，让我们拥抱这个时代吧！
我们的民主制度不仅要成为举世称羡的目标，而且要成为举国复兴的动力。美国没有任何错误的东西不能被正确的东西所纠正。因此，我们今天立下誓言，要结束这个僵持停顿、放任自流的时代，一个复兴美国的新时代已经开始。
我们要复兴美国，就必须鼓足勇气。我们必须做前人无需做的 事情。我们必须更多地投资于人民，投资于他们的工作和未来，与此同时，我们必须减少巨额债务。而且，我们必须在一个需要为每个机会而竞争的世界上做到这一 切。这样做并不容易：这样做要求作出牺牲。但是，这是做得到的，而且能做得公平合理。我们不是为牺牲而牺牲，我们必须像家庭供养子女那样供养自己的国家。
我国的缔造者是用子孙后代的眼光来审视自己的。我们也必须 这样做。凡是注意过孩子蒙?o人睡的人，都知道后代意味着什么，后代就是将要到来的世界--我们为之坚持自己的理想，我们向之借用这个星球，我们对之负有 神圣的责任。我们必须做美国最拿手的事情：为所有的人提供更多的机会，要所有的人负起更多的责任。
现在是破除只求向政府和别人免费索取的恶习的时候了。让我们大家不仅为自己和家庭，而且为社区和国家担负起更多的责任吧。
我们要复兴美国，就必须恢复我们民主制度的活力。这个美丽的首都，就像文明的曙光出现以来的每一个首都一样，常常是尔虞我诈、明争暗斗之地。大腕人物争权夺势，没完没了地为官员的更替升降而烦神，却忘记了那些用辛勤和汗水把我们送到这里来，并养活了我们的人。
美国人理应得到更好的回报。在这个城市里，今天有人想把事 情办得更好一些。因此，我要时所有在场的人说：让我们下定决心改革政治，使权力和特权的喧嚣不再压倒人民的呼 声。让我们撇开个人利益。这样我们就能觉察美 国的病痛，并看到官的希望。让我们下定决心，使政府成为富兰克林•罗斯福所说的进行“大胆而持久试验”的地方，成为一个面向未来而不是留恋过去的政府。让 我们把这个首都归还给它所属于的人民。
我们要复兴美国，就必须迎接国内外的种种挑战。国外和国内事务之间已不再有明确的界限--世界经济，世界环境，世界艾滋病危机，世界军备竞赛，这一切都在影响着我们大家。
我们在国内进行重建的同时，面对这个新世界的挑战不会退缩不前，也下会坐失良机。我们将同盟友一起努力进行变革，以免被变革所吞没。当我们的重要利益受到挑战，或者，当国际社会的意志和良知受到蔑视，我们将采取行动--可能时就采用和平外交手段，必要时就使用武力。
今天，在波斯湾、索马里和任何其他地方为国效力的勇敢的美国人，都证明了我们的决心。
但是，我们最伟大的力量是我们思想的威力。这些思想在许多国家仍然处于萌芽阶段。看到这些思想在世界各地被接受，我们感到欢欣鼓舞。我们的希望，我们的心，与每一个大陆正在建立民主和自由的人们是连在一起的。他们的事业也是美国的事业。
美国人民唤来了我们今天所庆祝的变革。你们毫不含糊地齐声疾呼。你们以前所未有的人数参加了投票。你们使国会、总统职务和政治进程本身全都面目一新。是的，是你们，我的美国同胞们，促使春回大地。
现在，我们必须做这个季节需要做的工作。现在，我就运用我的全部职权转向这项工作。我请求国会同我一道做这项工作。任何总统、任何国会、任何政府都不能单独完成这一使命。同胞们，在我国复兴的过程中，你们也必须发挥作用。
我向新一代美国年轻人挑战，要求你们投入这一奉献的季节--按照你们的理想主义行动起来，使不幸的儿童得到帮助，使贫困的人们得到关怀，使四分五裂的社区恢复联系。要做的事情很多--确实够多的，以至几百万在精神上仍然年轻的人也可作出奉献。
在奉献过程中，我们认识到相互需要这一简单而又强大的真 理。我们必须相互关心.今天，我们不仅是在赞颂美国，我们再一次把自己奉献给美国的理想：这个理想在革命中诞生，在两个世纪的挑战中更新；这个理想经受了 认识的考验，大家认识到，若不是命运的安排，幸运者或不幸者有可能互换位置；这个理想由于一种信念而变得崇高，即我国能够从纷繁的多佯性中实现最深刻的统 一性，这个理想洋溢着一种信：美国漫长而英勇的旅程必将永远继续。同胞们，在我恻即将跨入21世纪之际，让我们以旺盛的精力和满腔的希望，以坚定的信心和 严明的纪律开始工作，直到把工作完成。《圣经》说：“我们行善，不可丧志，若不灰心，到了时候，就要收成。”
在这个欢乐的山巅，我们听见山谷里传来了要我们作出奉献的召唤。我们听到了号角声。我们已经换岗。现在，我们必须以各自的方式，在上帝的帮助下响应这一召唤。
谢谢大家。上帝保佑大家。
里根
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1981
Senator Hatfield, Mr.Chief Justice, Mr.President, Vice President Bush, Vice President Mondale, Senator Baker, Speaker O'Neill, Reverend Moomaw, and my fellow citizens: To a few of us here today, this is a solemn and most momentous occasion;and yet, in the history of our Nation, it is a commonplace occurrence.The orderly transfer of authority as called for in the Constitution routinely takes place as it has for almost two centuries and few of us stop to think how unique we really are.In the eyes of many in the world, this every-4-year ceremony we accept as normal is nothing less than a miracle.Mr.President, I want our fellow citizens to know how much you did to carry on this tradition.By your gracious cooperation in the transition process, you have shown a watching world that we are a united people pledged to maintaining a political system which guarantees individual liberty to a greater degree than any other, and I thank you and your people for all your help in maintaining the continuity which is the bulwark of our Republic.The business of our nation goes forward.These United States are confronted with an economic affliction of great proportions.We suffer from the longest and one of the worst sustained inflations in our national history.It distorts our economic decisions, penalizes thrift, and crushes the struggling young and the fixed-income elderly alike.It threatens to shatter the lives of millions of our people.Idle industries have cast workers into unemployment, causing human misery and personal indignity.Those who do work are denied a fair return for their labor by a tax system which penalizes successful achievement and keeps us from maintaining full productivity.But great as our tax burden is, it has not kept pace with public spending.For decades, we have piled deficit upon deficit, mortgaging our future and our children's future for the temporary convenience of the present.To continue this long trend is to guarantee tremendous social, cultural, political, and economic upheavals.You and I, as individuals, can, by borrowing, live beyond our means, but for only a limited period of time.Why, then, should we think that collectively, as a nation, we are not bound by that same limitation?
We must act today in order to preserve tomorrow.And let there be no misunderstanding--we are going to begin to act, beginning today.The economic ills we suffer have come upon us over several decades.They will not go away in days, weeks, or months, but they will go away.They will go away because we, as Americans, have the capacity now, as we have had in the past, to do whatever needs to be done to preserve this last and greatest bastion of freedom.In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem.From time to time, we have been tempted to believe that society has become too complex to be managed by self-rule, that government by an elite group is superior to government for, by, and of the people.But if no one among us is capable of governing himself, then who among us has the capacity to govern someone else? All of us together, in and out of government, must bear the burden.The solutions we seek must be equitable, with no one group singled out to pay a higher price.We hear much of special interest groups.Our concern must be for a special interest group that has been too long neglected.It knows no sectional boundaries or ethnic and racial divisions, and it crosses political party lines.It is made up of men and women who raise our food, patrol our streets, man our mines and our factories, teach our children, keep our homes, and heal us when we are sick--professionals, industrialists, shopkeepers, clerks, cabbies, and truckdrivers.They are, in short, “We the people,” this breed called Americans.Well, this administration's objective will be a healthy, vigorous, growing economy that provides equal opportunity for all Americans, with no barriers born of bigotry or discrimination.Putting America back to work means putting all Americans back to work.Ending inflation means freeing all Americans from the terror of runaway living costs.All must share in the productive work of this “new beginning” and all must share in the bounty of a revived economy.With the idealism and fair play which are the core of our system and our strength, we can have a strong and prosperous America at peace with itself and the world.So, as we begin, let us take inventory.We are a nation that has a government--not the other way around.And this makes us special among the nations of the Earth.Our Government has no power except that granted it by the people.It is time to check and reverse the growth of government which shows signs of having grown beyond the consent of the governed.It is my intention to curb the size and influence of the Federal establishment and to demand recognition of the distinction between the powers granted to the Federal Government and those reserved to the States or to the people.All of us need to be reminded that the Federal Government did not create the States;the States created the Federal Government.Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it is not my intention to do away with government.It is, rather, to make it work-work with us, not over us;to stand by our side, not ride on our back.Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it;foster productivity, not stifle it.If we look to the answer as to why, for so many years, we achieved so much, prospered as no other people on Earth, it was because here, in this land, we unleashed the energy and individual genius of man to a greater extent than has ever been done before.Freedom and the dignity of the individual have been more available and assured here than in any other place on Earth.The price for this freedom at times has been high, but we have never been unwilling to pay that price.It is no coincidence that our present troubles parallel and are proportionate to the intervention and intrusion in our lives that result from unnecessary and excessive growth of government.It is time for us to realize that we are too great a nation to limit ourselves to small dreams.We are not, as some would have us believe, loomed to an inevitable decline.I do not believe in a fate that will all on us no matter what we do.I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing.So, with all the creative energy at our command, let us begin an era of national renewal.Let us renew our determination, our courage, and our strength.And let us renew;our faith and our hope.We have every right to dream heroic dreams.Those who say that we are in a time when there are no heroes just don't know where to look.You can see heroes every day going in and out of factory gates.Others, a handful in number, produce enough food to feed all of us and then the world beyond.You meet heroes across a counter--and they are on both sides of that counter.There are entrepreneurs with faith in themselves and faith in an idea who create new jobs, new wealth and opportunity.They are individuals and families whose taxes support the Government and whose voluntary gifts support church, charity, culture, art, and education.Their patriotism is quiet but deep.Their values sustain our national life.I have used the words “they” and “their” in speaking of these heroes.I could say “you” and “your” because I am addressing the heroes of whom I speak--you, the citizens of this blessed land.Your dreams, your hopes, your goals are going to be the dreams, the hopes, and the goals of this administration, so help me God.We shall reflect the compassion that is so much a part of your makeup.How can we love our country and not love our countrymen, and loving them, reach out a hand when they fall, heal them when they are sick, and provide opportunities to make them self-sufficient so they will be equal in fact and not just in theory?
Can we solve the problems confronting us? Well, the answer is an unequivocal and emphatic “yes.” To paraphrase Winston Churchill, I did not take the oath I have just taken with the intention of presiding over the dissolution of the world's strongest economy.In the days ahead I will propose removing the roadblocks that have slowed our economy and reduced productivity.Steps will be taken aimed at restoring the balance between the various levels of government.Progress may be slow--measured in inches and feet, not miles--but we will progress.Is it time to reawaken this industrial giant, to get government back within its means, and to lighten our punitive tax burden.And these will be our first priorities, and on these principles, there will be no compromise.On the eve of our struggle for independence a man who might have been one of the greatest among the Founding Fathers, Dr.Joseph Warren, President of the Massachusetts Congress, said to his fellow Americans, “Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of....On you depend the fortunes of America.You are to decide the important questions upon which rests the happiness and the liberty of millions yet unborn.Act worthy of yourselves.”
Well, I believe we, the Americans of today, are ready to act worthy of ourselves, ready to do what must be done to ensure happiness and liberty for ourselves, our children and our children's children.And as we renew ourselves here in our own land, we will be seen as having greater strength throughout the world.We will again be the exemplar of freedom and a beacon of hope for those who do not now have freedom.To those neighbors and allies who share our freedom, we will strengthen our historic ties and assure them of our support and firm commitment.We will match loyalty with loyalty.We will strive for mutually beneficial relations.We will not use our friendship to impose on their sovereignty, for or own sovereignty is not for sale.As for the enemies of freedom, those who are potential adversaries, they will be reminded that peace is the highest aspiration of the American people.We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it;we will not surrender for it--now or ever.Our forbearance should never be misunderstood.Our reluctance for conflict should not be misjudged as a failure of will.When action is required to preserve our national security, we will act.We will maintain sufficient strength to prevail if need be, knowing that if we do so we have the best chance of never having to use that strength.Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have.It is a weapon that we as Americans do have.Let that be understood by those who practice terrorism and prey upon their neighbors.I am told that tens of thousands of prayer meetings are being held on this day, and for that I am deeply grateful.We are a nation under God, and I believe God intended for us to be free.It would be fitting and good, I think, if on each Inauguration Day in future years it should be declared a day of prayer.23
This is the first time in history that this ceremony has been held, as you have been told, on this West Front of the Capitol.Standing here, one faces a magnificent vista, opening up on this city's special beauty and history.At the end of this open mall are those shrines to the giants on whose shoulders we stand.Directly in front of me, the monument to a monumental man: George Washington, Father of our country.A man of humility who came to greatness reluctantly.He led America out of revolutionary victory into infant nationhood.Off to one side, the stately memorial to Thomas Jefferson.The Declaration of Independence flames with his eloquence.And then beyond the Reflecting Pool the dignified columns of the Lincoln Memorial.Whoever would understand in his heart the meaning of America will find it in the life of Abraham Lincoln.Beyond those monuments to heroism is the Potomac River, and on the far shore the sloping hills of Arlington National Cemetery with its row on row of simple white markers bearing crosses or Stars of David.They add up to only a tiny fraction of the price that has been paid for our freedom.Each one of those markers is a monument to the kinds of hero I spoke of earlier.Their lives ended in places called Belleau Wood, The Argonne, Omaha Beach, Salerno and halfway around the world on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Pork Chop Hill, the Chosin Reservoir, and in a hundred rice paddies and jungles of a place called Vietnam.Under one such marker lies a young man--Martin Treptow--who left his job in a small town barber shop in 1917 to go to France with the famed Rainbow Division.There, on the western front, he was killed trying to carry a message between battalions under heavy artillery fire.We are told that on his body was found a diary.On the flyleaf under the heading, “My Pledge,” he had written these words: “America must win this war.Therefore, I will work, I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone.”
The crisis we are facing today does not require of us the kind of sacrifice that Martin Treptow and so many thousands of others were called upon to make.It does require, however, our best effort, and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds;to believe that together, with God's help, we can and will resolve the problems which now confront us.And, after all, why shouldn't we believe that? We are Americans.God bless you, and thank you.罗纳德-里根 第一次就职演说
第40任总统(1981年-1989年)
议员海特菲尔德先生、法官先生、总统先生、副总统布什、蒙代尔先生、议员贝克先生、发言人奥尼尔先生、尊敬的摩麦先生，以及广大支持我的美国同胞们：今天对于我们中间的一些人来说，是一个非常庄严隆重的时刻。当然，对于这个国家的历史来说，却是一件普通的事情。按照宪法要求，政府权利正在有序地移交，我们已经如此“例行公事”了两个世纪，很少有人觉得这有什么特别的。但在世界上更多人看来，这个我们已经习以为常的四年一次的仪式，却实在是一个奇迹。
总统先生，我希望我们的同胞们都能知道你为了这个传承而付出的努力。通过移交程序中的通力合作，你向观察者展示了这么一个事实：我们是发誓要团结起来维护这样一个政治体制的团体，这样的体制保证了我们能够得到比其他政体更为广泛的个人自由。同时我也要感谢你和你的伙伴们的帮助，因为你们坚持了这样的传承，而这恰恰是我们共和国的根基。
我们国家的事业在继续前进。合众国正面临巨大的经济困难。我们遭遇到我国历史上历时最长、最严重之一的通货膨胀，它扰乱着我们的经济决策，打击着节俭的风气，压迫着正在挣扎谋生的青年人和收入固定的中年人，威胁着要摧毁我国千百万人民的生计。
停滞的工业使工人失业、蒙受痛苦并失去了个人尊严。即使那些有工作的人，也因税收制度的缘故而得不到公正的劳动报酬，因为这种税收制度使我们无法在事业上取得成就，使我们无法保持充分的生产力。
尽管我们的纳税负担相当沉重，但还是跟不上公共开支的增长。数十年来，我们的赤字额屡屡上升，我们为图目前暂时的方便，把自己的前途和子孙的前途抵押出去了。这一趋势如果长此以往，必然引起社会、文化、政治和经济等方面的大动荡。
作为个人，你们和我可以靠借贷过一种人不敷出的生活，然而只能维持一段有限的时期，我们怎么可以认为，作为一个国家整体，我们就不应受到同样的约束呢？为了保住明天，我们今天就必须行动起来。大家都要明白无误地懂得--我们从今天起就要采取行动。
我们深受其害的经济弊病，几十年来一直袭击着我们。这些弊病不会在几天、几星期或几个月内消失，但它们终将消失。它们之所以终将消失，是因为我们作为现在的美国人，一如既往地有能力去完成需要完成的事情，以保存这个最后而又最伟大的自由堡垒。
在当前这场危机中，政府的管理不能解决我们面临的问题。政府的管理就是问题所在。
我们时常误以为，社会已经越来越复杂，已经不可能凭借自治方式加以管理，而一个由杰出人物组成的政府要比民享、民治、民有的政府高明。可是，假如我们之中谁也管理不了自己，那么，我们之中谁还能去管理他人呢。
我们大家--不论政府官员还是平民百姓--必须共同肩负起这个责任，我们谋求的解决办法必须是公平的，不要使任何一个群体付出较高的代价。
我们听到许多关于特殊利益集团的谈论，然而。我们必须关心一个被忽视了大久的特殊利益集团。这个集团没有区域之分，没有人种之分，没有民族之分，没有 政党之分，这个 25 集团由许许多多的男人与女人组成，他们生产粮食，巡逻街头，管理厂矿，教育儿童，照料家务和治疗疾病。他们是专业人员、实业家、店主、职 员、出租汽车司机和货车驾驶员，总而言之，他们就是“我们人民”--这个称之为美国人的民族。
本届政府的日标是必须建立一种健全的、生气勃勃的和不断发展的经济，为全体美国人民提供一种不因偏执或歧视而造成障碍的均等机会，让美国重新工作起 来，意味着让全体美国人重新工作起来。制止通货膨胀，意味着让全体美国人从失控的生活费用所造成的恐惧中解脱出来。人人都应分担“新开端”的富有成效的工 作，人人都应分享经济复苏的硕果。我国制度和力量的核心是理想主义和公正态度，有了这些，我们就能建立起强大、繁荣、国内稳定并同全世界和平相处的美国。
因此，在我们开始之际，让我们看看实际情况。我们是一个拥有政府的国家--而不是一个拥有国家的政府。这一点使我们在世界合国中独树一帜，我们的政府 除了人民授予的权力，没有任何别的权力。目前，政府权力的膨胀已显示出超过被统治者同意的迹象，制止并扭转这种状况的时候到了。
我打算压缩联邦机构的规模和权力，并要求大家承认联邦政府被授予的权力同各州或人民保留的权利这两者之间的区别。我们大家都需要提醒：不是联邦政府创 立了各州，而是各州创立了联邦政府。因此，请不要误会，我的意思不是要取消政府，而是要它发挥作用--同我们一起合作，而不是凌驾于我们之上；同我们并肩 而立，而不是骑在我们的背上。政府能够而且必须提供机会，而不是扼杀机会，它能够而且必须促进生产力，而不是抑制生产力。
如果我们要探究这么多年来我们为什么能取得这么大成就，并获得了世界上任何一个民族未曾获得的繁荣昌盛，其原因是在这片土地上，我们使人类的能力和个 人的才智得到了前所未有的发挥。在这里，个人所享有并得以确保的自由和尊严超过了世界上任何其他地方。为这种自由所付出的代价有时相当高昂，但我们从来没 有不愿意付出这代价。
我们目前的困难，与政府机构因为不必要的过度膨胀而干预、侵扰我们的生活同步增加，这决不是偶然的巧合。我们是一个泱泱大国，不能自囿于小小的梦想，现在正是认识到这一点的时候。我们并非注定走向衰落，尽管有些人想让我们相信这一点。我不相信，无论我们做些什么，我们都将命该如此，但我相信，如果我们 什么也不做，我们将的确命该如此。
为此，让我们以掌握的一切创造力来开创一个国家复兴的时代吧。让我们重新拿出决心、勇气和力量，让我们重新建立起我们的信念和希望吧。我们完全有权去做英雄梦。
有人告诉我们在他的身上发现一本日记。扉页上写着这样的标题：“我的誓言”。他写下了这样的话语：“美国必须赢得这场战争。为此，我会奋斗，我会拯救，我会牺牲，我会忍受，我会并将尽我最大的努力英勇奋战，就好比所有的战争问题都将由我一个人来肩负。”
第三篇：1801年美国总统托马斯·杰斐逊第一次就职演说
朋友们，同胞们：
我听从召唤出任我国最高行政职务，谨向在此集会的我国部分同胞当面表达我的由衷谢意，感谢同胞们所一直欣悦地寄语我的厚爱和期望。我还要诚恳地奉告各位，我业已意识到这项任务非我的才干所能胜任，责任的重大和能力的欠缺，使我在赴任之时心中自然产生了焦虑和敬畏交织的感受。我国时一个新兴的国家，地域辽阔，土地肥沃：各行各业的产品十分丰富，而且行销世界各地，与那些自视强大和不顾他人权利的国家开展商业贸易；它正向着肉眼凡胎无法想见的命运迅猛前进。每当我想到这些超凡卓越的事情，看到我们这个可爱的国家从今天的局面和吉兆中所显示的荣誉、幸福和种种希望，我就不由得收住自己的思绪，并且因为面对如此宏伟的事业而自惭形秽。的确，倘若不是今天在场的许多人使我意识到，我可以从宪法所设立的其他几个最高政府部门找到智慧、美德和热情的源泉，帮助我渡过一切难关，我真会彻底丧失信心。因此，从你们这些负责行使立法主权的先生们以及各位共事者那里，我充满勇气地期待能得到指导和支持，从而使我们能够把稳我们共同乘坐的这艘航船的舵柄，安然行使在这个冲突四起、扰攘不宁的世界。
在最近这次观点的交锋中，我们大家都热烈讨论和积极奔走，这种局面不免使那些不习惯于自由思考和自由表达、写出自己想法的人感到很不自在；但现在这已由全国人民作出了决断，并且根据宪法的规定公诸于众，相信大家都会按照法律的意志对自己作出安排，为了我们共同的利益而团结一致和协同奋斗。同样，大家也会在心中牢记一条神圣的原则：虽然多数人的意志在一切情况下都应占据主导地位，但这种意志既要正当就必须首先合理；少数派也应拥有平等的权利，公平的法律必须如此加以保护，如若侵犯即是压迫。那么，同胞们，就让我们同心同德地团结起来吧！让我们在社会交往中恢复和睦和友情，如没有和睦和友情，自由乃至生活本身就都成了毫无易趣的东西。让我们再想一想，那种曾长期使人类流血受难的宗教不宽容，早已从我们的国土上废除；但政治不宽容在横暴、无耻和能够造成的血腥、残酷迫害方面，都不逊于宗教不宽容，如果对这种现象加以鼓励，我们仍然会所获无多。历史悠久的旧世界处于剧痛和痉挛当中，发怒的人们在痛苦的挣扎，借助流血和杀戮来寻找自己失落已久的自由，这般滔天狂潮的冲击所至，连我们这遥远而宁静的海岸也在所不免，而不同的人对此的感受和惧怕也不尽相同，于是在有关安全的措施方面引发意见分歧，这原本不足为怪。但是，每一种意见的分歧都不是原则性的分歧。我们曾用不同的名称称呼信奉相同原则的兄弟。我们都是共和党人，我们都是联邦党人。如果我们当中有什么人想要解散我们的联盟，或者想要改变其共和形式，那也不要去触动他们，从而显示他们也能安然无恙。由了这种安全，错误的意见也就能得到宽容，而任凭理性来自由地与之较量。我也确实指导，有些诚实的人担心一个共和制的政府不可能变得很强大，而且现在这个政府就不够强大；可是，一个诚实的爱国者，难道会根据这个作为世界最美好希望的政府体制由可能需要活力以图自存这样一种理论和幻想中的担忧，而在这一成功实验的高潮中将一种迄今一直保证我们享有自由和坚定立场的政府体制弃之如敝履吗？我相信不会如此。相反，我认为这种政府乃是世界上最强大的政府。我认为唯有在这种体制下，每个人才会一旦听到法律的召唤，便飞快地奔向法律的旗帜之下，把对公共秩序的侵害看成与自己切身利害相关的事情而加以迎头痛击。有时可以听到一种说法，认为人类是不能委以自治之责的。那么，难道他们就能被托以治理他人的重任吗？难道我们从国王堆里找到过天使来统治他们吗？这一问题就留待历史来回答吧！
那么，就让我们鼓足勇气和满怀信心，奉行我们自己的联邦和共和的各项原则，深情地拥护联盟和代议制政府吧！大自然和辽阔的海洋仁慈地把我们隔开，使我们没有牵累于地球
上四分之一的地区所发生的那场毁灭性浩劫。我们心灵十分高尚，难以容忍别人的可耻行径；我们拥有天赐的国土，地域之广袤足以供千秋万代的子孙享用；我们对自己的平等权利有着适当的意识，这些权利包括运用自己的才能，占有自己的劳动所得，获得同胞们给予的荣誉和信任，这种荣誉和信任并非得自出生门第，而是源于我们的行为及同胞们对此的看法；我们受到一种仁慈的宗教的教化，虽然实际信仰的方式各不相同，但均教人以诚实、忠信、节制、感恩和人类之爱；我们承认并崇拜那主宰万物的上帝，他以全部的神意显示，他为人类在此获得的幸福和将要得到的更大幸福而深感欣悦；我们享用所有这些福佑，还另外需要什么东西才能使我们成为一群幸福而繁荣的人民吗？同胞们，确实还需要一种东西，那就是一个明智而节俭的政府。这个政府可以阻止人们自相残杀，另一方面则任凭他们自由地处理劳动谋生和改善处境的活动，而且也不会从劳动者手中夺走他们挣来的面包。这乃是良好政府的要旨所在，也是使我们的吉祥好运臻于完善所不可或缺的东西。
同胞们，我即将履行我的各项职责，由于这些职责包含你们所珍视、所认为宝贵的一切，因而，对我所理解的我国政府的各项基本原则，以及与之相应的那些确定行政活动的规章，你们都应当有所了解。我将把话压缩到最简短的限度，只阐明那些一般性的原则，而不将其所有的限制都囊括无疑。这些原则包括：对所有人都平等相待和严守公正，而不问其宗教和政治上的地位与信仰如何；与世界各国和平相处、通商往来和友诚相待，但不与任何一国结成同盟；拥护各州政府的一切权利，以此作为处理我国内部利益的最有效能的方式和对付反共和制倾向的最坚实屏障；维护联邦政府的全部宪政活力，以此作为保证我国国内太平和国外安全的可靠手段；谨慎细心地爱护人民的选举权利，这是一种匡正流弊的温和而安全的方法，而一旦没有和平的补救措施可供采用时，就得用革命之剑斩除弊端；绝对承认多数人作出的决定，这是所有共和国的一项关键性原则，反之则不会诉诸舆论而只有强制，此乃专制主义的关键原则和直接根源；建立一支纪律严明、训练有素的民兵，这乃是我们在和平时期最好的保障，一旦战争爆发，他们也可应急，直到正规军来替代他们；文官政府的权威高于军方；节约政府开支以减轻劳工的负担；诚实地偿还我国的债务，神圣地维护公众的信心；鼓励农业和商业，并把商业作为农业的辅助；传播知识，把一切流弊都交由大众理智的法庭进行裁断；宗教信仰自由；出版自由；按照人身保护法保证个人人身自由，并由公正选出的陪审团审理案件。这些原则构成了明亮的指路星辰，一直在我们前头闪耀，曾引导我们经历了一个革命和改革的时代。我们贤智之士的智慧和英雄们的热血，一直都倾注于实现这些原则，这些原则应当成为我们政治信仰的信条，成为教导我国民众的课本，成为检验那些我们所信赖者的工作的试金石。倘若我们因一时糊涂或惊慌失措而偏离了这些原则，那就让我们迅速调转脚步，重新走上这条通向和平、自由和安全的唯一道路。
同胞们，我就要担任你们委诸我的职务，我过去曾出任许多较低的职务，从这种经历中我业已见识了这一最伟大的职务所遇到的种种困难，因而我也懂得，一个并不完美的人在退休时很难获得那种曾把他推向这一职位的声望和好感。你们曾对我国那位首屈一指的伟大革命任务给予极大的信任，因为他为国家作出了卓越的贡献，赢得了全国人民最衷心的爱戴，而且注定要在一部可信的历史中占有最光辉的一页。我无意奢求你们对我如此信任，我所有求于各位的信任，只要足以保证我坚定而有效地对你们的事务进行合法治理，便于愿足以。我可能会由于判断的缺失而经常犯下错误。即便我是正确的，也可能被那些由于立场局限而无法看到全局的人认为是错误的。我请求你们谅解我个人的失误，因为我永远不会有意犯下这些错误；同时我也请求你们支持我反对他人的错误，这些人若能全面地看问题则不会对欧文横加指责。投票的结果显示你们对我过去的作为有所称许，这令我深感欣慰。我今后的热切希望则是，能够保持那些事先给予我厚爱的人们的好评，并且获得另外那些的称道，因为
我会尽我所能为他们谋利益。总之，我要成为一个对所有人的幸福和自由有所帮助的人。
承蒙各位给予善意的爱护，我现在谨遵各位之命走向工作岗位，不论你们何时觉得自己有力量做出更好的选择，我随时都准备辞去这一职位。愿主宰万物的全能上帝，给我们指引一条最好的治国道路，使它通向美好的目的地，为你们带来和平与繁荣。
第四篇：美国总统就职演说名言
美国历任总统就职演说名句
（一）*我对我祖国的召唤，永远只能敬奉如仪。
I was summoned by my country ,whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love.——乔治·华盛顿首任就职演说(1789.4.30)*同胞们：我再度奉人民之召执行总统职务.只要适当时机一到,我将会尽力表现出我心中对这份殊荣及美利坚人民对我的信任所怀有的崇高的感受。宪法规定总统在执行公务之前,需先行宣誓就职。现在我在你们面前宣誓:在我执掌政府期间，若企图故意触犯法律,除承受宪法惩罚外,还接受在现在这个庄严的仪式中所有见证人的严厉谴责。
Fellow Citizens:
I am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate.When the occasion proper for it shall arrive, I shall endeavor to express the high sense I entertain of this distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has been reposed in me by the people of united America.Previous to the execution of any official act of the President the Constitution requires an oath of office.This oath I am now about to take, and in your presence: That if it shall be found during my administration of the Government I have in any instance violated willingly or knowingly the injunctions thereof, I may(besides incurring constitutional punishment)be subject to the upbraidings of all who are now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony.——乔治·华盛顿连任就职演说(1789.4.30)*像我们这样的政府,不论存在多久，都是全人类知识与道德普遍传播的证明。
The existence of such a government as ours for any length of time is a full proof of a general dissemination of knowledge and virtue throughout the whole body of the people.——约翰·亚当斯首任就职演说(1797.3.4)*当一个并非尽善尽奏的人从这个职位卸任时，很少能像就任时那样深浮众望。
I have learnt to expect that it will rarely fall to the lot of imperfect man to retire from this station with the reputation and the favor which bring him into it.*让我们恢复社会的和谐与友爱，因为没有它们，自由甚至生活本身，就将成为枯燥而无味的事情。
Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things.*与各国和平相处，加强商业往来，并保持真诚的友谊,但不与任何国家结盟。Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none.——托马斯·杰斐逊首任就职演说(1801.3.4)*在宝贵的新闻自由与败坏新闻道德之间，并无一条明确的界限。
No other definite line can be drawn between the inestimable liberty of the press and its demoralizing licentiousness.——托马斯·杰斐逊连任就职演说(1805.3.4)
*如果世界还有公正可言，这些论断的真实性将不会受到怀疑，至少子孙后代对此会给予公正的评价。
If there be candor in the world, the truth of these assertions will not be questioned;posterity at least will do justice to them.——詹姆斯·麦迪逊首任就职演说(1809.3.4)
*如果我们能继续坚持目前已完成的事业,而且坚定地走已经开辟的路,我们一定会胜利。If we persevere in the career in which we have advanced so far and in the path already traced , we can not fail.——詹姆斯·门罗首任就职演说(1817.3.4)
*在调解现存的或可能发生的争端和冲突时，应表现出一个强国所具有的宽容而不能以一个英雄民族所固有的感情用事。
In the adjustment of may differences that may exist or arise to exhibit the forbearance becoming a powerful nation rather the sensibility belonging to a gallant people.——安德鲁·杰克逊首任就职演说(1829.3.4)
*人民不会抛弃一个坚守岗位、诚实尽力的公仆。
The kindness of a people who never yet deserted a public servant honestly laboring in their cause.——马丁·范布伦首任就职演说(1837.3.4)
*真正的自由精神是奉献、坚定、勇敢、不妥协，但实行自由权利必须小心、温和、宽容。The true spirit of liberty, although devoted, persevering, bold, and uncompromising in the principle , that secured is mild and tolerant and scrupulous as to the means it employs.——威廉·哈里逊首任就职演说(1841.3.4)
*我们的制度可以稳固地把我们的领土拓展到所能及的范围。
Our system may be safely extended to the utmost bounds of our territorial limits.——詹姆斯·波尔克首任就职演说(1845.3.4)
*这一职位虽然可满足一种极高的奢望,但它所赋予的责任却是可畏的。
The position which I have been called to fill, though sufficient to satisfy the loftiest ambition, is surrounded by fearful responsibilities.——扎克里·泰勒首任就职演说(1849.3.4)
*虽然我们的历史有限,然而未来却是无穷的。If your past is limited , your future is boundless
——富兰克林·皮尔斯首任就职演说(1853.3.4)
*我们必须以公正的态度对待所有国家,也要求它门以相同的态度对待我们。
We ought to do justice in a kindly spirit to all nations and require justice from them in return
——詹姆斯·布坎南首任就职演说(185.3.4)
从自然状态来说，我们是不可分的。我们不能相互分开，也不能在中间修筑道不可逾越的隔离墙。一对夫妻可以离婚，彼此不再见面，不再来往，但是我们国家的各个地区不能这样。它们仍得相互面对，并继续交往。
Physically speaking, we can not separate.We can not remove our respective sections from each other nor build an impassable wall between them.A husband and wife may be divorced and go out of the presence and beyond the reach of each other, but the different parts of our country can not do this.They can not but remain face to face , and intercourse , either amicable or hostile，must continue between them.——亚伯拉罕·林肯（1861.3.4）
*我们对任何人也不怀恶意，我们对所有的人都宽大为怀，坚持正义；上帝既使我们认识正义，让我们继续努力向前，完成我们正在进行的事业；包扎起国家的创伤，关心那些为战争作出牺牲的人，关心他们的遗孀和孤儿——尽一切力量，以求在我们自己之间，以及我们和所有的国家之间实现并维护一个公正和持久的和平。
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the might, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.——亚伯拉罕·林肯（1865.3.4）
*我将公正地与其他各国友好相处，像平等地对待个人一样。
I Would deal with nations as equitable law requires individuals to deal with each other.*我希望全国上下相互宽容，下定决心,为建立一个幸福联邦贡献自己的力量。
I ask patient forbearance one toward another throughout the land, and a determined effort on the part of every citizen to do his share toward cementing a happy union.——尤利塞斯·辛普森·格兰特（1869.3.4）
*我们不论在文化上还是在军事上都占有绝对优势.因此，我们应该宽厚地对待印第安人。过去不善待他们是应好好考虑的,应取得他们的信任。
Our superiority of strength and advantages of civilization should make us lenient toward the Indian.The wrong inflicted upon him should be taken into account and the balance placed to his credit.——尤利塞斯·辛普森·格兰特（1873.3.4）
*总统职位之争应本着友好、平和的原则予以调节,而且一旦这种调节、疏导的工作完成,全国上下就应该一致遵从。
Conflicting claims to the Presidency must be amicably and peaceably adjusted, and that when so adjusted the general acquiescence of the nation ought surely to fellow.——拉什福德·伯查德·海斯（1877.3.5）
*问题悬而未决，万邦不得安宁
It has been said that unsettled questions have no pity for the repose of nations.——詹姆斯·艾布拉姆·加菲尔德（1881.3.5）
*通过以身作则,当然也要不失官事活动之庄重,来引导同胞们采取一种有助于廉正,并促进节俭和繁荣的简朴的生活方式。
May do much by their example to encourage, consistently with the dignity of their official functions, that plain way of life which among their fellow-citizens aids integrity and promotes thrift and prosperity.——格罗弗·克利夫兰（1885.3.4）
*我们还没有达到理想的境界。并非所有的人都幸福富足，也非所有的人都行善守法。
We have not attained and ideal condition.Not all of our people are happy and prosperous;not all of them are virtuous and law-abiding.*我并不怀疑未来，在我们的道路上曾危机四伏，但我们已经发现并完全克服了它们。
I do not mistrust the future.Dangers have been in frequent ambush along our path, but we have uncovered and vanquished them all.——本杰明·哈利森（1889.3.4）
*即使一个强壮的人,具有坚强的体魄,对生活有坚定而积极的追求,并敢于承受持久的劳动,也可能存在潜在的、不易发现的致命的疾病，从而使他突然倒下。
The strong man who in the confidence of sturdy health courts the sternest activities of life and rejoices in the hardihood of constant labor may still have lurking near his vitals the unheeded disease that dooms him to sudden collapse.*如果对于我们的力量和资源不要太过于自信的话,会使,我们更明智。
We will be wise if we temper our confidence and faith in our national strength and resources with the frank concession.*我们的任务不是惩罚，而是纠正错误.如果为了解除人民日常生活的负担,我们减少那些长期享有的、不正常的、不合理的待遇，这是基于正义和公正而采取的必要措施。
Our mission is not punishment, but the rectification of wrong.If in lifting burdens from the daily life of our people we reduce inordinate and unequal advantages too long enjoyed, this is but a necessary incident of our return to right and justice.——格罗弗·克利夫兰（1893.3.4）
*我们应该同时具备“观念的正确”和“行动的稳健”。
We must be both “sure wee right” and “make haste slowly”.*节约是政府个部门任何时候都应遵守的原则.在目前工商业萧条、民心沮丧之际，尤其要强调这一原则。
Economy is demanded in every branch of the Government at all times.But especially in periods, like the present, of depression in business and distress among the people.*值此入不敷出之时，举债之风,实不可长。
It will suffice while it lasts, but it can not last long while the outlays of the Government are greater than its receipts.*有利于生产者的立法，便是对全国有利的立法。Legislation helpful to producers is beneficial to all.——威廉·麦金莱（1897.3.4）
*诚实、才华和勤劳是公职人员最应具备的条件。
Honesty, capacity, and industry are nowhere more indispensable than in public employment.*“怀有希望并不可耻”。预言厄运的人并不是共和国建造者。
“Hope make
not ashamed” The prophets of evil were not the builders of the Republic.——威廉·麦金莱（1901.3.4）
*我们享受了很多的给予，因此也完全有理由被期望承受很多的付出。Much has been given us, and much will rightfully be expected from us.*不论是国家或个人,公正和宽厚都强者而不是弱者的表现。
But justice and generosity in a nation, as in individual, count most when shown not by the weak but the strong.*我们希望和平，但这一和平必须是公正的和平，正义的。是因为我们认为那是正当的，而不是因为我们胆怯。
We wish peace, but we wish the peace of justice, the peace of righteousness.We wish it because we think it is right and not because we are afraid.*我们不再遇到先辈们曾遇过的危险,但却正面临先辈们所未能预知的危险。
Our forefathers faced certain perils which we have outgrown.We now face other perils, the very existence of which it was impossible that they should foresee.*我们没有理由惧怕未来，却有足够的理由严肃地面对未来。
There is not good reason why we should fear the future, but there is every reason why we should face it seriously.——西奥多·罗斯福（1905.3.4）
在美国44任、56届总统的就职演说中,留下了不少传诵后世的名篇。其中某些经典名言更是扬名天下,下面是笔者摘录其中的部分名句与网友资源共享。1月24日已经发布了(一)现在发布
（二）,奥巴马就职演说全文已发于1月21日。
*我们一直对自己工业上的成就感到骄傲，但至今为止，却从未冷静地计算一下这一切所花费的社会代价；人的代价，生活所毁灭的代价，以及精力由于负担过重而崩溃的代价。----伍德罗·威尔逊首任就职演说（1913.3.4）
*我们的政策是对最卑微的人和最强有力的人一视同仁,并一心一意维护这一正义而公道的标准,我们为此而感到自豪.但我们对这一政策在实行中的不足之处,却非常粗心大意,而急于求成。
----伍德罗·威尔逊首任就职演说（1913.3.4）
*公正，只有公正，才永远是我们的座右铭。----伍德罗·威尔逊首任就职演说（1913.3.4）
*我们已经完成的工作并不值得太骄傲，共同福祉才是我们努力的目标。
----沃伦·哈丁首任就职演说（1921.3.4）
*我们深信只有做一个开放的、坦率的、执着的和谨慎的美国人,我们才能最好地服务于国家,并成功地履行我们对全人类的各种义务。----卡尔文·柯立芝就职演说（1925.3.4）
*我们国家所面临的问题是向更高水平迈进的问题,而不是衰退的问题。----赫伯特·胡佛就职演说（1929.3.4）
*我们唯一值得恐惧的就是恐惧本身----会使我们由后退转而前进所需的努力限于瘫痪的那种无名的、没有道理的、毫无根据的害怕。”
——富兰克林·德拉诺·罗斯福首任就职演说(1933.3.4)
*幸福并不建筑在仅仅拥有金钱上；它建筑在有所成就引起的欢乐，创造性工作所激发出的快感。一定不要在疯狂地追求瞬间即逝的利润中再去忘记劳动给我们带来的欢乐和精神上的鼓舞。
——富兰克林·德拉诺·罗斯福首任就职演说(1933.3.4)
*复兴并不仅仅要求改变道德观念，祖国要求行动起来，现在就行动起来。
——富兰克林·德拉诺·罗斯福首任就职演说(1933.3.4)
*我们的首要任务是给人民工作。
——富兰克林·德拉诺·罗斯福首任就职演说(1933.3.4)
*使科学由人类的无情的主人转化成有用的奴仆。
——富兰克林·德拉诺·罗斯福第二次就任就职演说(1937.1.20)
*我们不承认自己不能找到一条应付经济恐慌的对策，„„我们拒绝把关系到自己共同福祉的问题留给机遇或灾难的狂飙来解决。
——富兰克林·德拉诺·罗斯福第二次就任就职演说(1937.1.20)
*麻木不仁、不负责任以及无情的自私已再度出现。这种繁荣的象征有可能变成灾难的预兆。
——富兰克林·德拉诺·罗斯福第二次就任就职演说(1937.1.20)
*对我们进步的检验不在于我们是否为那些已经拥有了许多东西的人锦上添花。而在于我们是否为那些拥有甚少的人提供富足。
——富兰克林·德拉诺·罗斯福第二次就任就职演说(1937.1.20)
*国家的寿命并不取决于年代的久远,而是取决于人们的精神的生命力。
——富兰克林·德拉诺·罗斯福第三次就任就职演说(1941.1.20)
*我们已经知道了一个朴素的真理，正如爱默生所说:“想要拥有一个朋友的唯一办法就是自己成为别人的朋友。”
——富兰克林·德拉诺·罗斯福第四次就任就职演说(1945.1.20)
*更大量的生产是带来繁荣与和平的关键,而更大量生产的关键是对现代科技知识的一个更广阔、更富有活力的应用。只有通过帮助的那些最不幸的人去自助，人类大家庭中所有人才能都享有公平和富足的生活。
——哈里·杜鲁门就职演说(1949.1.20)
*我们美国人知道而且也看到世界之领导地位与帝国主义之间的不同。
——德怀特·艾森豪威尔首次就职演说(1953.1.20)
*我们要尊重世界上每一个国家的认同精神以及特有的传统,且永远不会以我们的力量试图把我们所珍视的政治和经济制度强加于其他民族。
——德怀特·艾森豪威尔首次就职演说(1953.1.20)
*世界上还有如此多的地方存在着贫困、不和谐和危险。
——德怀特·艾森豪威尔连任就职演说(1957.1.20)
*我们事业的最后成功或者失败是掌握在你们手里,而不是我的手里。
——约翰·F·肯尼迪就职演说(1961.1.20)
*这是一场反对人类共同的敌人：专制、贫困、疾病和战争本身的斗争。
——约翰·F·肯尼迪就职演说(1961.1.20)
* 我的美国同胞们，不要问你们的国家能为你做些什么，而要问你能为你的国家做些什么。全世界的公民们，不要问美国将为你们做些什么，问问我们共同能为人类的自由做些什么。
——约翰·F·肯尼迪就职演说(1961.1.20)
*那种不公正地待人和浪费资源是我们真正的敌人。----林顿·约翰逊就职演说（1965年1月20日）
*我们必须努力提供那种能增加每个公民成功机会的知识和环境。----林顿·约翰逊就职演说（1965年1月20日）
*总有一个世界足以让人们以自己的方式找到幸福和快乐。
----林顿·约翰逊就职演说（1965年1月20日）
*历史所赐予我们的最大荣誉,就是和平的缔造者这一桂冠。----理查德·尼克松首次就职演说（1969.1.20.）
*正是我们协力相助使这个世界成为人类的安居之地。----理查德·尼克松首次就职演说（1969.1.20.）
*今天我们的危机正好相反。我们的物质充裕，但精神上却感到贫乏；我们能极其准确地登上月球,但地球上却仍是一片紊乱和冲突。
----理查德·尼克松首次就职演说（1969.1.20.）
*对于精神的危机,我们需要用精神来解答。
要寻找到答案，我们唯一的办法就是从我们自身上寻找。----理查德·尼克松首次就职演说（1969.1.20.）
*当一个人的邻居不能享有自由时,他就不能算是真正地享有自由。要前进，就要大家一起前进。
----理查德·尼克松首次就职演说（1969.1.20.）
*在我们自己的生活中,不能只问政府能为我们做什么,而是要问我能为自己做写什么?在我们共同面对挑战时,不能只是问政府能够提供什么帮助,而是要问我能提供怎样的帮助?----理查德·尼克松连任就职演说（1973.1.20）
*现在是恢复我们对自己、对美国的信心的时候了。----理查德·尼克松连任就职演说（1973.1.20）
*我们已经知道“更多” 并不一定就是“更好”。----吉米·卡特就任就职演说（1977.1.20）
*促进其他国家自由的最好方法,就是在这里证实我们的民主制度是值得仿效的榜样。----吉米·卡特就任就职演说（1977.1.20）
*令我们深受其害的经济弊端，是由几十年累积而来的,这些弊病虽不会在几天、几星期或几个月之内消失，但它们终将会消失。
----罗纳德·里根首任就职演说（1981.1.20）
*在目前这场危机中，政府的管理并不是解决问题的答案，而是问题本身。----罗纳德·里根首任就职演说（1981.1.20）
*我们当前所面临的困难,以及由于政府不必要的过度膨胀所造成的对我们的生活的干预，两者绝非巧合。
----罗纳德·里根首任就职演说（1981.1.20）
*政府不是我们的主人,它是我们的公仆。----罗纳德·里根连任就职演说（1985.1.20）
*历史是一幅不断展开的缎带;历史也是一次旅程。当我们继续行进的时候，我们一定会想到行走在我们前面的人。
----罗纳德·里根连任就职演说（1985.1.20）
* 我的座右铭：关键的时候要团结一心;重要关头要博采众议；对一切事情要宽宏大量。----乔治·布什就职演说（1989.1.20）
*我们的意志总比我们拥有的资金更强大，意志总是我们最为需要的。----乔治·布什就职演说（1989.1.20）
*“我把历史看作是一本有许多页码的书籍，每一页都记录了心想事成的每一天。微风吹过，翻开了新的一页，新的故事开始了----乔治·布什就职演说（1989.1.20）
*美国要世世代代存在下去,就必须改革。----比尔·克林顿首任就职演说（1993.1.20）
*不是为变革而变革，而是为了保持美国的理想----生活方式、自由和对幸福的追求。----比尔·克林顿首任就职演说（1993.1.20）
*美国没有任何错误之处是无法被其正确之处纠正的。----比尔·克林顿首任就职演说（1993.1.20）
*我们保证结束这个僵持停顿和放任自流的时代--开始一个美国振兴的新时期。----比尔·克林顿首任就职演说（1993.1.20）
*我们还看不到我们的后代的面孔，也永远不会知道他们的名字，但是当他们谈论到我们的时候，希望他们会说我们把祖国领进了新的世纪，把有活力的美国梦留给了所有的子孙。----比尔·克林顿连任就职演说（1997.1.20）
*一个文明社会要求每个人怀有善意，彼此尊重、行事公平，懂得宽恕。
----乔治·W.布什首任就职演说（2001.1.20）
*如果我们的国家不领导争取自由的事业，这个事业就没有领袖。----乔治·W.布什首任就职演说（2001.1.20）
*一个民主制度中的最重要的使命是靠每一个人完成的。----乔治·W.布什首任就职演说（2001.1.20）
*永不疲惫、永不气馁、永不完竭，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，去体现我们每个人和所有人生命的尊严。----乔治·W.布什首任就职演说（2001.1.20）
*自由在我们的国土上的生存，越来越有赖于它在其他国土上的胜利。在我们的世界里，和平的最大希望，寄托于自由在全世界的扩展。----乔治·W.布什连任就职演说（2005.1.20）
第五篇：历届美国总统就职演说
美国历届总统就职演说——克林顿（第一次）
作 者：study_lvdao 发表时间：2005-9-2
已浏览：1178次
First Inaugural Address of William J.Clinton;January 20, 1993
My fellow citizens : Today we celebrate the mystery of American renewal.This ceremony is held in the depth of winter.But, by the words we speak and the faces we show the world, we force the spring.A spring reborn in the world's oldest democracy, that brings forth the vision and courage to reinvent America.When our founders boldly declared America's independence to the world and our purposes to the Almighty, they knew that America, to endure, would have to change.Not change for change's sake, but change to preserve America's ideals;life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness.Though we march to the music of our time, our
mission is timeless.Each generation of Americans must define what it means to be an American.On behalf of our nation, I salute my predecessor, President Bush, for his half-century of service to America.And I thank the millions of men and women whose steadfastness and sacrifice triumphed over Depression, fascism and Communism.Today, a generation raised in the shadows of the Cold War assumes new responsibilities in a world warmed by the sunshine of freedom but threatened still by ancient hatreds and new plagues.Raised in unrivaled prosperity, we inherit an economy that is still the world's strongest, but is weakened by business failures, stagnant wages, increasing inequality, and deep divisions among our people.When George Washington first took the oath I have just sworn to uphold, news traveled slowly across the land by horseback and across the ocean by boat.Now, the sights and sounds of this ceremony are broadcast instantaneously to billions around the world.Communications and commerce are global;investment is mobile;technology is almost magical;and ambition for a better life is now universal.We earn our livelihood in peaceful competition with people all across the earth.Profound and powerful forces are shaking and remaking our world, and the urgent question of our time is whether we can make change our friend and not our enemy.This new world has already enriched the lives of millions of Americans who are able to compete and win in it.But when most people are working harder for less;when others cannot work at all;when the cost of health care devastates families and threatens to bankrupt many of our enterprises, great and small;when fear of crime robs law-abiding citizens of their freedom;and when millions of poor children cannot even imagine the lives we are calling them to lead, we have not made change our friend.We know we have to face hard truths and take strong steps.But we have not done so.Instead, we have drifted, and that drifting has er ‘].;khfzsdfdhxkl;j
‘[oded our resources, fractured our economy, and shaken our confidence.Though our challenges are fearsome, so are our strengths.And Americans have ever been a restless, questing, hopeful people.We must bring to our task today the vision and will of those who came before us.From our revolution, the Civil War, to the Great Depression to the civil rights movement, our people have always mustered the determination to construct from these crises the pillars of our history.Thomas Jefferson believed that to preserve the very foundations of our nation, we would need dramatic change from time to time.Well, my fellow citizens, this is our time.Let us embrace it.Our democracy must be not only the envy of the world but the engine of our own renewal.There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.And so today, we pledge an end to the era of deadlock and drift;a new season of American renewal has begun.To renew America, we must be bold.We must do what no generation has had to do before.We must invest more in our own people, in their jobs, in their future, and at the same time cut our massive debt.And we must do so in a world in which we must compete for every opportunity.It will not be easy;it will require sacrifice.But it can be done, and done fairly, not choosing sacrifice for its own sake, but for our own sake.We must provide for our nation the way a family provides for its children.Our Founders saw themselves in the light of posterity.We can do no less.Anyone who has ever watched a child's eyes wander into sleep knows what posterity is.Posterity is the world to come;the world for whom we hold our ideals, from whom we have borrowed our planet, and to whom we bear sacred responsibility.We must do what America does best: offer more opportunity to all and demand responsibility from all.It is time to break the bad habit of expecting something for nothing, from our government or from each other.Let us all take more responsibility, not only for ourselves and our families but for our communities and our country.To renew America, we must revitalize our democracy.This beautiful capital, like every capital since the dawn of civilization, is often a place of intrigue and calculation.Powerful people maneuver for position and worry endlessly about who is in and who is out, who is up and who is down, forgetting those people whose toil and sweat sends us here and pays our way.Americans deserve better, and in this city today, there are people who want to do better.And so I say to all of us here, let us resolve to reform our politics, so that power and privilege no longer shout down the voice of the people.Let us put aside personal advantage so that we can feel the pain and see the promise of America.Let us resolve to make our government a place for what Franklin Roosevelt called “bold, persistent experimentation,” a government for our tomorrows, not our yesterdays.Let us give this capital back to the people to whom it belongs.To renew America, we must meet challenges abroad as well at home.There is no longer division between what is foreign and what is domestic;the world economy, the world environment, the world AIDS crisis, the world arms race;they affect us all.Today, as an old order passes, the new world is more free but less stable.Communism's collapse has called forth old animosities and new dangers.Clearly America must continue to lead the world we did so much to make.While America rebuilds at home, we will not shrink from the challenges, nor fail to seize the opportunities, of this new world.Together with our friends and allies, we will work to shape change, lest it engulf us.When our vital interests are challenged, or the will and conscience of the international community is defied, we will act;with peaceful diplomacy when ever possible, with force when necessary.The brave Americans serving our nation today in the Persian Gulf, in Somalia, and wherever else they stand are testament to our resolve.But our greatest strength is the power of our ideas, which are still new in many lands.Across the world, we see them embraced, and we rejoice.Our hopes, our hearts, our hands, are with those on every continent who are building democracy and freedom.Their cause is America's cause.The American people have summoned the change we celebrate today.You have raised your voices in an unmistakable chorus.You have cast your votes in historic numbers.And you have changed the face of Congress, the presidency and the political process itself.Yes, you, my fellow Americans have forced the spring.Now, we must do the work the season demands.To that work I now turn, with all the authority of my office.I ask the Congress to join with me.But no president, no Congress, no government, can undertake this mission alone.My fellow Americans, you, too, must play your part in our renewal.I challenge a new generation of young Americans to a season of service;to act on your idealism by helping troubled children, keeping company with those in need, reconnecting our torn communities.There is so much to be done;enough indeed for millions of others who are still young in spirit to give of themselves in service, too.In serving, we recognize a simple but powerful truth, we need each other.And we must care for one another.Today, we do more than celebrate America;we rededicate ourselves to the very idea of America.An idea born in revolution and renewed through two centuries of challenge.An idea tempered by the knowledge that, but for fate we, the fortunate and the unfortunate, might have been each other.An idea ennobled by the faith that our nation can summon from its myriad diversity the deepest measure of unity.An idea infused with the conviction that America's long heroic journey must go forever upward.And so, my fellow Americans, at the edge of the 21st century, let us begin with energy and hope, with faith and discipline, and let us work until our work is done.The scripture says, “And let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not.” From this joyful mountaintop of celebration, we hear a call to service in the valley.We have heard the trumpets.We have changed the guard.And now, each in our way, and with God's help, we must answer the call.Thank you, and God bless you all.美国历届总统就职演说——克林顿（第二次）
作 者：study_lvdao 发表时间：2005-9-2
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Second Inaugural Address of William J.Clinton;January 20, 1997
My fellow citizens : At this last presidential inauguration of the 20th century, let us lift our eyes toward the challenges that await us in the next century.It is our great good fortune that time and chance have put us not only at the edge of a new century, in a new millennium, but on the edge of a bright new prospect in human affairs, a moment that will define our course, and our character, for decades to come.We must keep our old democracy forever young.Guided by the ancient vision of a promised land, let us set our sights upon a land of new promise.The promise of America was born in the 18th century out of the bold conviction that we are all created equal.It was extended and preserved in the 19th century, when our nation spread across the continent, saved the union, and abolished the awful scourge of slavery.Then, in turmoil and triumph, that promise exploded onto the world stage to make this the American Century.And what a century it has been.America became the world's mightiest industrial power;saved the world from tyranny in two world wars and a long cold war;and time and again, reached out across the globe to millions who, like us, longed for the blessings of liberty.Along the way, Americans produced a great middle class and security in old age;built unrivaled centers of learning and opened public schools to all;split the atom and explored the heavens;invented the computer and the microchip;and deepened the wellspring of justice by making a revolution in civil rights for African Americans and all minorities, and extending the circle of citizenship, opportunity and dignity to women.Now, for the third time, a new century is upon us, and another time to choose.We began the 19th century with a choice, to spread our nation from coast to coast.We began the 20th century with a choice, to harness the Industrial Revolution to our values of free enterprise, conservation, and human decency.Those choices made all the difference.At the dawn of the 21st century a free people must now choose to shape the forces of the Information Age and the global society, to unleash the limitless potential of all our people, and, yes, to form a more perfect union.When last we gathered, our march to this new future seemed less certain than it does today.We vowed then to set a clear course to renew our nation.In these four years, we have been touched by tragedy, exhilarated by challenge, strengthened by achievement.America stands alone as the world's indispensable nation.Once again, our economy is the strongest on Earth.Once again, we are building stronger families, thriving communities, better educational opportunities, a cleaner environment.Problems that once seemed destined to deepen now bend to our efforts: our streets are safer and record numbers of our fellow citizens have moved from welfare to work.And once again, we have resolved for our time a great debate over the role of government.Today we can declare: Government is not the problem, and government is not the solution.We,-the American people, we are the solution.Our founders understood that well and gave us a democracy strong enough to endure for centuries, flexible enough to face our common challenges and advance our common dreams in each new day.As times change, so government must change.We need a new government for a new century-humble enough not to try to solve all our problems for us, but strong enough to give us the tools to solve our problems for ourselves;a government that is smaller, lives within its means, and does more with less.Yet where it can stand up for our values and interests in the world, and where it can give Americans the power to make a real difference in their everyday lives, government should do more, not less.The preeminent mission of our new government is to give all Americans an opportunity,-not a guarantee, but a real opportunity to build better lives.Beyond that, my fellow citizens, the future is up to us.Our founders taught us that the preservation of our liberty and our union depends upon responsible citizenship.And we need a new sense of responsibility for a new century.There is work to do, work that government alone cannot do: teaching children to read;hiring people off welfare rolls;coming out from behind locked doors and shuttered windows to help reclaim our streets from drugs and gangs and crime;taking time out of our own lives to serve others.Each and every one of us, in our own way, must assume personal responsibility, not only for ourselves and our families, but for our neighbors and our nation.Our greatest responsibility is to embrace a new spirit of community for a new century.For any one of us to succeed, we must succeed as one America.The challenge of our past remains the challenge of our future, will we be one nation, one people, with one common destiny, or not? Will we all come together, or come apart? The divide of race has been America's constant curse.And each new wave of immigrants gives new targets to old prejudices.Prejudice and contempt, cloaked in the pretense of religious or political conviction are no different.These forces have nearly destroyed our nation in the past.They plague us still.They fuel the fanaticism of terror.And they torment the lives of millions in fractured nations all around the world.These obsessions cripple both those who hate and, of course, those who are hated, robbing both of what they might become.We cannot, we will not, succumb to the dark impulses that lurk in the far regions of the soul everywhere.We shall overcome them.And we shall replace them with the generous spirit of a people who feel at home with one another.Our rich texture of racial, religious and political diversity will be a Godsend in the 21st century.Great rewards will come to those who can live together, learn together, work together, forge new ties that bind together.As this new era approaches we can already see its broad outlines.Ten years ago, the Internet was the mystical province of physicists;today, it is a commonplace encyclopedia for millions of schoolchildren.Scientists now are decoding the blueprint of human life.Cures for our most feared illnesses seem close at hand.The world is no longer divided into two hostile camps.Instead, now we are building bonds with nations that once were our adversaries.Growing connections of commerce and culture give us a chance to lift the fortunes and spirits of people the world over.And for the very first time in all of history, more people on this planet live under democracy than dictatorship.My fellow Americans, as we look back at this remarkable century, we may ask, can we hope not just to follow, but even to surpass the achievements of the 20th century in America and to avoid the awful bloodshed that stained its legacy? To that question, every American here and every American in our land today must answer a resounding “Yes.” This is the heart of our task.With a new vision of government, a new sense of responsibility, a new spirit of community, we will sustain America's journey.The promise we sought in a new land we will find again in a land of new promise.In this new land, education will be every citizen's most prized possession.Our schools will have the highest standards in the world, igniting the spark of possibility in the eyes of every girl and every boy.And the doors of higher education will be open to all.The knowledge and power of the Information Age will be within reach not just of the few, but of every classroom, every library, every child.Parents and children will have time not only to work, but to read and play together.And the plans they make at their kitchen table will be those of a better home, a better job, the certain chance to go to college.Our streets will echo again with the laughter of our children, because no one will try to shoot them or sell them drugs anymore.Everyone who can work, will work, with today's permanent under class part of tomorrow's growing middle class.New miracles of medicine at last will reach not only those who can claim care now, but the children and hardworking families too long denied.We will stand mighty for peace and freedom, and maintain a strong defense against terror and destruction.Our children will sleep free from the threat of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons.Ports and airports, farms and factories will thrive with trade and innovation and ideas.And the world's greatest democracy will lead a whole world of democracies.Our land of new promise will be a nation that meets its obligations, a nation that balances its budget, but never loses the balance of its values.A nation where our grandparents have secure retirement and health care, and their grandchildren know we have made the reforms necessary to sustain those benefits for their time.A nation that fortifies the world's most productive economy even as it protects the great natural bounty of our water, air, and majestic land.And in this land of new promise, we will have reformed our politics so that the voice of the people will always speak louder than the din of narrow interests, regaining the participation and deserving the trust of all Americans.Fellow citizens, let us build that America, a nation ever moving forward toward realizing the full potential of all its citizens.Prosperity and power, yes, they are important, and we must maintain them.But let us never forget: The greatest progress we have made, and the greatest progress we have yet to make, is in the human heart.In the end, all the world's wealth and a thousand armies are no match for the strength and decency of the human spirit.Thirty-four years ago, the man whose life we celebrate today spoke to us down there, at the other end of this Mall, in words that moved the conscience of a nation.Like a prophet of old, he told of his dream that one day America would rise up and treat all its citizens as equals before the law and in the heart.Martin Luther King's dream was the American Dream.His quest is our quest: the ceaseless striving to live out our true creed.Our history has been built on such dreams and labors.And by our dreams and labors we will redeem the promise of America in the 21st century.To that effort I pledge all my strength and every power of my office.I ask the members of Congress here to join in that pledge.The American people returned to office a President of one party and a Congress of another.Surely, they did not do this to advance the politics of petty bickering and extreme partisanship they plainly deplore.No, they call on us instead to be repairers of the breach, and to move on with America's mission.America demands and deserves big things from us,-and nothing big ever came from being small.Let us remember the timeless wisdom of Cardinal Bernardin, when facing the end of his own life.He said, “It is wrong to waste the precious gift of time, on acrimony and division.” Fellow citizens, we must not waste the precious gift of this time.For all of us are on that same journey of our lives, and our journey, too, will come to an end.But the journey of our America must go on.And so, my fellow Americans, we must be strong, for there is much to dare.The demands of our time are great and they are different.Let us meet them with faith and courage, with patience and a grateful and happy heart.Let us shape the hope of this day into the noblest chapter in our history.Yes, let us build our bridge.A bridge wide enough and strong enough for every American to cross over to a blessed land of new promise.May those generations whose faces we cannot yet see, whose names we may never know, say of us here that we led our beloved land into a new century with the American Dream alive for all her children;with the American promise of a more perfect union a reality for all her people;with America's bright flame of freedom spreading throughout all the world.From the height of this place and the summit of this century, let us go forth.May God strengthen our hands for the good work ahead, and always, always bless our America.
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