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KeynoteAddressatthe2004DemocraticNationalConvention:TheAudacityofHope
July27,2004
OnbehalfofthegreatstateofIllinois,crossroadsofanation,landofLincoln,letme
expt
isaparticularhonorformebecau,let'sfaceit,myprenceonthisstageispretty
erwasaforeignstudent,bornandraidinasmallvillageinKenya.
Hegrewupherdinggoats,her,my
grandfather,wasacook,adomesticrvanttotheBritish.
hhardworkand
perverancemyfathergotascholarshiptostudyinamagicalplace:America,that
shoneasabeaconoffreedomandopportunitytosomanywhohadcomebefore.
Whilestudyinghere,borninatownontheother
sideoftheworld,herworkedonoilrigsandfarmsthroughmostof
afterPearlHarbormygrandfathersignedupforduty,joined
Patton'me,mygrandmotherraidtheir
hewar,theystudiedonthe
GIBill,boughtahouthroughFHA,andlatermovedwestallthewaytoHawaiiin
archofopportunity.
Andthey,too,hadbigdreamsfortheirdaughter,acommondream,bornoftwo
ntssharednotonlyanimprobablelove;theysharedanabiding
uldgivemeanAfricanname,Barack,
or"blesd,"believingthatinatolerantAmericayournameisnobarriertosuccess.
Theyimaginedmegoingtothebestschoolsintheland,eventhoughtheyweren'trich,
becauinagenerousAmericayoudon'thavetoberichtoachieveyourpotential.
,Iknowthat,onthisnight,theylookdownonme
withgreatpride.
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Theystandhere,andIstandheretoday,gratefulforthediversityofmyheritage,
awarethatmyparents'here
knowingthatmystoryispartofthelargerAmericanstory,thatIoweadebttoallof
thowhocamebeforeme,andthat,innoothercountryonearth,ismystoryeven
t,wegathertoaffirmthegreatnessofournation,notbecauofthe
heightofourskyscrapers,orthepowerofourmilitary,orthesizeofoureconomy.
Ourprideisbadonaverysimplepremi,summedupinadeclarationmadeover
twohundredyearsago,"Weholdthetruthstobelf-evident,thatallmenare
eyareendowedbytheirCreatorwithcertaininalienablerights.
Thatamongthearelife,libertyandthepursuitofhappiness."
ThatisthetruegeniusofAmerica,afaithinthesimpledreams,theinsistenceon
cantuckinourchildrenatnightandknowtheyarefedand
cansaywhatwethink,writewhatwethink,
canhaveanideaandstartour
ownbusinesswithoutpayingabribeorhiringsomebody'can
participateinthepoliticalprocesswithoutfearofretribution,andthatourvoteswill
hecounted-oratleast,mostofthetime.
Thisyear,inthilection,wearecalledtoreaffirmourvaluesandcommitments,to
holdthemagainstahardrealityandehowwearemeasuringup,tothelegacyof
ourforbearers,lowAmericans-
Democrats,Republicans,Independents-Isaytoyoutonight:wehavemoreworkto
rktodofortheworkersImetinGalesburg,Illinois,whoarelosingtheir
unionjobsattheMaytagplantthat'smovingtoMexico,andnowarehavingto
dofor
thefatherImetwhowaslosinghisjobandchokingbacktears,wonderinghowhe
wouldpay$4,500amonthforthedrugshissonneedswithoutthehealthbenefitshe
,andthousandsmore
likeher,whohasthegrades,hasthedrive,hasthewill,butdoesn'thavethemoneyto
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gotocollege.
Don'pleImeetinsmalltownsandbigcities,indinersand
officeparks,theydon'ow
thecollarcounties
aroundChicago,andpeoplewilltellyoutheydon'twanttheirtaxmoneywastedbya
anyinnercityneighborhood,andfolkswill
tellyouthatgovernmentalonecan'owthatparentshave
toparent,thatchildrencan'tachieveunlessweraitheirexpectationsandturnoffthe
televisiontsanderadicatetheslanderthatsaysablackyouthwithabookisacting
,peopledon'yn,
deepintheirbones,thatwithjustaslightchangeinpriorities,wecanmakesurethat
everychildinAmericahasadecentshotatlife,andthatthedoorsofopportunity
ywantthatchoice.
Awhileback,ImetayoungmannamedShamusattheVFWHallinEastMoline,
good-lookingkid,six-twoorsix-three,clear-eyed,withaneasy
mehe'djoinedtheMarinesandwasheadingtoIraqthefollowingweek.
AsIlistenedtohimexplainwhyhe'denlisted,hisabsolutefaithinourcountryandits
leaders,hisdevotiontodutyandrvice,Ithoughtthisyoungmanwasallanyofus
nIaskedmylf:ArewervingShamusaswellas
hewasrvingus?Ithoughtofmorethan900rvicemenandwomen,sonsand
daughters,husbandsandwives,friendsandneighbors,whowon’tbereturningtotheir
htoffamiliesIhadmetwhowerestrugglingtogetbywithouta
lovedone'sfullincome,orwholovedoneshadreturnedwithalimbmissingorwith
nervesshattered,butwhostilllackedlong-termhealthbenefitsbecautheywere
ndouryoungmenandwomenintoharm'sway,wehavea
solemnobligationnottofudgethenumbersorshadethetruthaboutwhythey'regoing,
tocarefortheirfamilieswhilethey'regone,totendtothesoldiersupontheirreturn,
andtoneverevergotowarwithoutenoughtroopstowinthewar,curethepeace,
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andearntherespectoftheworld.
nemiesmustbe
justasLieutenantKerrydidnothesitatetoriskhislifetoprotectthemenwhorved
withhiminVietnam,PresidentKerrywillnothesitateonemomenttouourmilitary
knowsit'ngsideourfamous
individualism,there'sanotheringredientintheAmericansaga.
e'sachildonthesouthsideof
Chicagowhocan'tread,thatmatterstome,evenifit'e'sanior
citizensomewherewhocan'tpayforherprescriptionandhastochoobetween
medicineandtherent,thatmakesmylifepoorer,evenifit'
there'sanArabAmericanfamilybeingroundedupwithoutbenefitofanattorneyor
dueprocess,'sthatfundamentalbelief-Iammy
brother'skeeper,Iammysister''swhat
allowsustopursueourindividualdreams,yetstillcometogetherasasingle
Americanfamily."Epluribusunum."Outofmany,one.
Yetevenaswespeak,therearethowhoarepreparingtodivideus,thespinmasters
,Isayto
themtonight,there'snotaliberalAmericaandaconrvativeAmerica-there'sthe
'snotablackAmericaandwhiteAmericaandLatino
AmericaandAsianAmerica;there'ditsliketo
slice-and-diceourcountryintoRedStatesandBlueStates;RedStatesfor
Republicans,'vegotnewsforthem,hip
anawesomeGodintheBlueStates,andwedon'tlikefederalagentspokingaround
hLittleLeagueintheBlueStatesandhave
repatriotswhooppodthewarinIraqand
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nepeople,allofuspledgingallegiancetothestars
andstripes,allofusdefendingtheUnitedStatesofAmerica.
Intheend,that'rticipateinapoliticsof
cynicismorapoliticsofhope?I'mnottalkingaboutblindoptimismhere-thealmost
willfulignorancethatthinksunemploymentwillgoawayifwejustdon'ttalkaboutit,
,I'mtalkingabout
'sthehopeofslavessittingaroundafiresinging
freedomsongs;thehopeofimmigrantsttingoutfordistantshores;thehopeofa
youngnavallieutenantbravelypatrollingtheMekongDelta;thehopeofa
millworker'ssonwhodarestodefytheodds;thehopeofaskinnykidwithafunny
namewhobelievesthatAmericahasaplaceforhim,acityofhope!
Intheend,thatisGod'sgreatestgifttous,thebedrockofthisnation;thebeliefin
thingsnoten;vewecangiveour
mve
wecanprovidejobstothejobless,homestothehomeless,andreclaimyoungpeople
vethataswestandonthe
crossroadsofhistory,wecanmaketherightchoices,andmeetthechallengesthatface
us.
ThankyouverymucheverybodyandGodblessyou.
基调演讲摘自《巴拉克·奥巴马》。
伟大的伊利诺伊州既是全国的交通枢纽,也是林肯的故乡,作为州代表,今天我
将在大会致词,并为自己能有幸获此殊荣而倍感骄傲和自豪。今晚对我而言颇不
寻常,我们得承认,我能站在这里本身就已意义非凡。我父亲是一个外国留学生,
他原本生于肯尼亚的一个小村庄,并在那里长大成人。他小的时候还放过羊,上
的学校简陋不堪,屋顶上仅有块铁皮来遮风挡雨。而他的父亲,也就是我的祖父,
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不过是个普通的厨子,还做过家佣。
但祖父对父亲抱以厚望。凭借不懈的努力和坚忍不拔的毅力,父亲荣获赴美留学
的机会,而且还拿到奖学金。美国这片神奇的土地,对于很多踏上这片国土的人
而言,意味着自由和机遇。还在留学期间,父亲与母亲不期而遇。母亲来自完全
不同的另一个世界,她生于堪萨斯的一个小镇。大萧条时期,外祖父为谋生计,
曾在石油钻井打工,还曾在农场务农。日军偷袭珍珠港后的第二天,他就自愿应
征入伍,在巴顿将军麾下,转战南北,横扫欧洲。在后方的家中,外祖母含辛茹
苦,抚养子女,并在轰炸机装配线上找了份活计。战后,依据士兵福利法案,他
们通过联邦住宅管理局购置了一套房子,并举家西迁,谋求更大发展。
他们对自己的女儿也寄予厚望,两家人虽然身在不同的非洲和美洲大陆,却有着
共同的梦想。我的父母不仅不可思议地彼此相爱,而且还对这个国家有了不移的
信念。他们赐予我一个非洲名字,巴拉克,意为“上天福佑”,因为他们相信,
在如此包容的国度中,这样的名字不应成为成功的羁绊。尽管他们生活并不宽裕,
还是想方设法让我接受当地最好的教育,因为在这样一个富足的国度中,无论贫
富贵贱,都同样有机会发展个人的潜力。现在他们都已不在人世,不过,我知道,
他们的在天之灵,此时此刻正在骄傲地关注着我。
今天,我站在这里,对自己身上这种特殊的血统而心怀感激,而且我知道父母的
梦想将在我的宝贝女儿身上继续延续;我站在这里,深知自己的经历只是千百万
美国故事中的沧海一粟,更深知自己无法忘却那些更早踏上这片土地的先人,因
为若不是在美国,我的故事无论如何都不可能发生。今夜,我们聚集一堂,再次
证明这个国度的伟大之处,而这一切并不在于鳞次栉比的摩天大厦,也不在于傲
视群雄的军备实力,更不在于稳健雄厚的经济实力。我们的自豪与荣耀来自一个
非常简单的前提,两百多年前,它在一个著名的宣言中得以高度的概括:“我们
认为以下真理不言而喻,人生来平等,造物主赐与他们以下不可剥夺的权利:生
命、自由和对幸福的追求。”
这才是真正的美国智慧,坚信自己的国民有着朴素无华的梦想,坚信点滴的奇
迹终会出现在身边。入夜,当我们为孩子掖好小被的同时,相信他们不会为衣食
所累,不会为安全担忧。我们可以畅所欲言,无需担心不速之客会不请自来。我
们有灵感,有想法,可以去实现,去创业,无须行贿或雇佣某些人物的子女作为
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筹码和条件。我们可以参政议政,不必担心打击报复,我们的选票至关重要,至
少多数情况下,都是如此。
在今年的选举中,特别重申了我们主张的价值和肩负的责任,以此来应对当下的
艰难现实:并希望了解怎样才能更好秉承前辈的遗产,实现对子孙的承诺。诸位
美国国民,无论你是民主党,还是共和党,抑或是无党派人士,今晚我想对大家
说的是:我们需要作的事情还有很多很多,在伊利诺伊州盖尔斯堡(Gale□□urg),
由于Maytag洗衣机厂要迁至墨西哥,很多工人将失去工作,而现在唯一的选择
就是和自己的子女一起竞争每小时7美元的低薪工作。我曾遇到一位强忍泪水的
父亲,他也因此丢掉了工作,没有了经济来源,不知怎样才能为儿子支付得起每
月4500美元的高昂医药费用,本可救命的医疗保险对他而言却遥不可及,我们
应该为他们做点什么;在东圣路易斯市,有这样一个年轻女孩,她品学兼优,成
绩出色,却因为没有钱,无法完成学业,与大学无缘,而像她这样的孩子还有千
千万万,我们应该为他们做点什么。
请正面理解我的意思。我在城市与乡镇,在餐厅和办公楼停车场,接触过很多民
众,他们并不期待由政府出面,帮他们排忧解难。而是清楚地意识到,需要通过
努力工作,去面对和解决所有的问题,而这也确实是他们真实的想法和愿望。走
进芝加哥周边的城镇,大家会告诉你,希望自己辛苦缴纳的税款能够物尽其用,
而不是让社会保障机构或五角大楼任意支配。走进市中心的街区,大家会告诉你,
让孩子好好读书不能仅仅依靠政府的力量,父母也要尽职尽责,培养下一代,不
让孩子整天沉溺于电视,对于黑人而言,更要和白人一样,让子女有接受教育的
权利,而不是相反。人们并不是依赖政府来解决所有问题,但他们真诚地认为,
只要政府把工作的重点有所调整,就可以使得每个孩子都能奋发图强,积极向上,
让机遇大门向每个人敞开。他们深知,我们有能力做得更好,他们同样希望如此。
在本次选举中,我们做出了这样的选择。民主党已选出一国之中品行最为高尚的
人作为我们的领袖,带领大家实现这样的选择。他就是约翰•凯利,他深刻地领
悟了社区、信念和献身精神这些崇高的理想,因为这些铸就了他生命的全部。他
曾在越南英勇作战,回国后出任过检察官和副州长,在美国参议院度过了20个
春秋,把全部精力都投入到国家社稷大业之中。多少次,他面对艰难抉择,知难
而上,不畏艰险,他的阅历和品行为我们树立了榜样。
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约翰•凯利坚信,在美国,付出就会有回报,因此,对于那些在本土创造就业机
会的公司,他会在税收上给与优惠,而将工作机会输送到海外的公司则不会享受
到如此待遇。他坚信,美国应该实现标准的医疗保险,对普通百姓和华盛顿的政
治家都一视同仁。他坚信能源自主的重要性,因此我们不会再因石油公司对利润
的追求,或对国外油田的破坏而遭致威胁。他坚信美国应该成为世人艳羡的国度,
因为国民的自由受到宪法的保护。他永远都不会让大家的基本自由受到影响,更
不会以信仰为借口,来制造分裂。他还坚信当今世界的确存在危险因素,战争在
所难免,但战争永远不会成为解决争端的首选。
前不久,在伊利诺伊州东莫林市的外战老兵俱乐部里,我偶遇一个年轻人,他叫
沙莫斯,身高足有2米,相貌英俊,目光清澈,笑容可掬。他说自己加入了海军
陆战队,一周后就将进驻伊拉克。当我听他讲述入伍的原因时,他讲到了对我们
国家和领导人的绝对信赖,对军队的无上忠诚以及自身强烈的责任感,这让我感
受到他身上具备的优良品质正是我们对子女的所有期待。然而,当我扪心自问:
我们为他所做的一切,是否能与他的付出相当呢?我想到这次战争中已有900多
名战死沙场,他们也有自己的家人和邻友,也许已是为人父母,还有年迈的
双亲,却再也无法回到这些关爱他们的人身边。我想到自己遇到的那些家庭,他
们或是要应对亲人阵亡,收入锐减所来的经济窘境,或是要面对肢体残缺的家人
复原归来,甚至精神崩溃,却因其预备役的身份而无法享受长期的健康补贴,
生活变得举步维艰。当这些可爱的年轻人舍身踏上征程,我们责无旁贷地要确认
做出出兵决定的所有数据和理由确凿无误;我们责无旁贷地要替他们照顾好家
人,而当他们荣归故里时,要关照他们的生活;当决定要介入战争、保卫和平和
赢得世界的尊重之时,我们责无旁贷地要派驻足够数量的军队,以确保战士能凯
旋而归。
请允许我阐明下述观点:在世界上,确实有人与我们为敌,我们必须找到他们,
并予以坚决打击,获取胜利。约翰•凯利深知这一点,正如身为上尉的他在越南
战场上出生入死,保护自己的下属一样,若他身为总统,也同样会义无反顾地运
用军队的力量确保国家的安全。他对美国充满信心,而且深知仅有部分公民实现
生活的富足还远远不够,而这要仰仗与我们闻名于世的个人主义相伴的另一种元
素,正是因为它们,美国史册才熠熠生辉。
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这就是我们作为一个民族荣辱与共的信仰。假如,芝加哥南部的一个孩子无法读
书识字,即便他与我非亲非故,我也会心怀忐忑。如果有位老人因无法支付高昂
的医疗费用,不得不在治病和租房之间痛苦抉择,即便她与我素未谋面,我也会
如坐针毡,。假如,一个阿拉伯裔的美国家庭未经律师辩护,或诉讼程序就遭受
不公正待遇,同样会让我寝食难安。正是这个基本信仰让这个国家发展到今天:
我们都是一家人,我们都是兄弟姐妹。只有这样我们才能实现个人的梦想,才能
成为一个美利坚大家庭。独木不成林,单弦不成音。
当我们在这里聚会的时候,也有人正准备分裂我们,那些操纵舆论的人和制作负
面宣传的人,他们投身没有原则和不择手段的政治。今晚,我需要对这些人讲得
是,美国人没有所谓自由和保守之分,世间只存在一个美利坚合众国。更没有所
谓美国白人黑人之分,拉丁裔和亚裔之分,有的只是美利坚合众国一国的国民。
有博学家愿意将我们的国家分成红蓝两色,红色代表共和党,蓝色代表民主党。
但我想说得是即便在民主党中,我们也都信奉万能的主,我们不喜欢联邦的机构
在共和党中间对我们的藏书指指点点,我们在民主党中也有人执教少年棒球联
盟,在共和党中也有同性恋朋友,有爱国人士支持伊拉克战争,也有爱国人士反
对就伊出兵。我们都是一国之民,都效忠于伟大的星条旗,所有的人都热爱我们
的祖国——美利坚合众国。
说到底,这才是本次选举的意义所在:我们所参与的政治应该是愤世嫉俗还是充
满希望?约翰•凯利号召我们要对未来满怀希望。这并不是说要盲目乐观。以为
只要不谈论失业问题,这个问题就会自行消失;认为只要无视医疗危机的存在,
它也会烟消云散。我所谈的是更为根本的问题。是因为存在希望,奴隶们围坐在
火堆边,才会吟唱自由之歌;是因为存在希望才使得人们愿意远涉重洋,移民他
乡;是因为希望,年轻的海军上尉才会在湄公河三角州勇敢的巡逻放哨,是因为
希望,出身工人家庭的孩子才会敢于挑战自己的命运;是因为希望,我这个名字
怪怪的瘦小子才相信美国这片热土上也有自己的容身之地。这就是无畏的希望。
最后,感谢上苍赐予我们最好的礼物,也就是这个国家赖以生存的基石,因为我
们相信最好的东西尚未出现,更好的日子就在明天,我相信我们可以为中产阶级
减负,让工人家庭走上希望之路,我相信我们可以为无业者创造就业机会,为无
家可归者带来可以遮风挡雨的屋顶,让美国城市中年轻人从暴力和绝望的阴影中
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走出来。我相信今天的我们就站在历史的十字街头,我们可以做出正确的选择,
迎接面临的挑战。
感谢你们每一位!愿上帝保佑你们!
IowaCaucusNight
DesMoines,IA|January03,2008
Thankyou,Iowa.
Youknow,theysaidthisdaywouldnevercome.
Theysaidoursightswerettoohigh.
Theysaidthiscountrywastoodivided;toodisillusionedtoevercometogether
aroundacommonpurpo.
ButonthisJanuarynight-atthisdefiningmomentinhistory-youhavedonewhat
thecynicssaidwecouldn'edonewhatthestateofNewHampshirecan
edonewhatAmericacandointhisNewYear,s
thatstretchedaroundschoolsandchurches;insmalltownsandbigcities;youcame
togetherasDemocrats,RepublicansandIndependentstostandupandsaythatweare
onenation;weareonepeople;andourtimeforchangehascome.
Yousaidthetimehascometomovebeyondthebitternessandpettinessandanger
that'sconsumedWashington;toendthepoliticalstrategythat'sbeenallaboutdivision
andinsteadmakeitaboutaddition-tobuildacoalitionforchangethatstretches
ethat'showwe'llwininNovember,and
that'showwe'llfinallymeetthechallengesthatwefaceasanation.
11
'rechoosingunityoverdivision,andndinga
powerfulmessagethatchangeiscomingtoAmerica.
Yousaidthetimehascometotellthelobbyistswhothinktheirmoneyandtheir
influencespeaklouderthanourvoicesthattheydon'townthisgovernment,wedo;
andweareheretotakeitback.
ThetimehascomeforaPresidentwhowillbehonestaboutthechoicesandthe
challengesweface;whowilllistentoyouandlearnfromyouevenwhenwedisagree;
whowon'tjusttellyouwhatyouwanttohear,
NewHampshire,ifyougivemethesamechancethatIowadidtonight,Iwillbethat
presidentforAmerica.
Thankyou.
I'llbeaPresidentwhofinallymakeshealthcareaffordableandavailabletoevery
singleAmericanthesamewayIexpandedhealthcareinIllinois-by--bybringing
DemocratsandRepublicanstogethertogetthejobdone.
I'llbeaPresidentwhoendsthetaxbreaksforcompaniesthatshipourjobsoveras
andputamiddle-classtaxcutintothepocketsoftheworkingAmericanswhoderve
it.
I'llbeaPresidentwhoharnesstheingenuityoffarmersandscientistsand
entrepreneurstofreethisnationfromthetyrannyofoilonceandforall.
AndI'llbeaPresidentwhoendsthiswarinIraqandfinallybringsourtroopshome;
whorestoresourmoralstanding;whounderstandsthat9/11isnotawaytoscareup
votes,butachallengethatshoulduniteAmericaandtheworldagainstthecommon
threatsofthetwenty-firstcentury;commonthreatsofterrorismandnuclearweapons;
12
climatechangeandpoverty;genocideanddia.
Tonight,weareonestepclortothatvisionofAmericabecauofwhatyoudidhere
'despeciallyliketothanktheorganizersandtheprecinctcaptains;
thevolunteersandthestaffwhomadethisallpossible.
AndwhileI'matit,on"thankyous,"Ithinkitmakesnformetothanktheloveof
mylife,therockoftheObamafamily,thecloronthecampaigntrail;giveitupfor
MichelleObama.
Iknowyoudidn'this-youdidthisbecauyoubelievedso
deeplyinthemostAmericanofideas-thatinthefaceofimpossibleodds,peoplewho
lovethiscountrycanchangeit.
Iknowthis-IknowthisbecauwhileImaybestandingheretonight,I'llneverforget
thatmyjourneybeganonthestreetsofChicagodoingwhatsomanyofyouhave
doneforthiscampaignandallthecampaignshereinIowa-organizing,andworking,
andfightingtomakepeople'slivesjustalittlebitbetter.
swithlittlesleep,littlepay,
aredaysofdisappointment,butsometimes,justsometimes,therearenightslikethis-
anight-anightthat,yearsfromnow,whenwe'vemadethechangeswebelievein;
whenmorefamiliescanaffordtoeadoctor;whenourchildren-whenMaliaand
Sashaandyourchildren-inheritaplanetthat'salittlecleanerandsafer;whenthe
worldesAmericadifferently,andAmericaesitlfasanationlessdividedand
moreunited;you'llbeabletolookbackwithprideandsaythatthiswasthemoment
whenitallbegan.
ThiswasthemomentwhentheimprobablebeatwhatWashingtonalwayssaidwas
inevitable.
13
Thiswasthemomentwhenwetoredownbarriersthathavedividedusfortoolong-
whenweralliedpeopleofallpartiesandagestoacommoncau;whenwefinally
gaveAmericanswho'dneverparticipatedinpoliticsareasontostandupandtodoso.
Thiswasthemomentwhenwefinallybeatbackthepoliticsoffear,anddoubt,and
cynicism;thepoliticswhereweteareachotherdowninsteadofliftingthiscountryup.
Thiswasthemoment.
Yearsfromnow,you'lllookbackandyou'llsaythatthiswasthemoment-thiswas
theplace-whereAmericarememberedwhatitmeanstohope.
Formanymonths,we'vebeentead,evenderidedfortalkingabouthope.
'snotignoringtheenormityof
'snotsittingonthesidelines
thatthinginsideusthatinsists,despiteallevidence
tothecontrary,thatsomethingbetterawaitsusifwehavethecouragetoreachforit,
andtoworkforit,andtofightforit.
HopeiswhatIsawintheeyesoftheyoungwomaninCedarRapidswhoworksthe
nightshiftafterafulldayofcollegeandstillcan'taffordhealthcareforasisterwho's
ill;ayoungwomanwhostillbelievesthatthiscountrywillgiveherthechancetolive
outherdreams.
HopeiswhatIheardinthevoiceoftheNewHampshirewomanwhotoldmethatshe
hasn'tbeenabletobreathesincehernephewleftforIraq;whostillgoestobedeach
nightprayingforhissafereturn.
Hopeiswhatledabandofcoloniststoriupagainstanempire;whatledthegreatest
14
ofgenerationstofreeacontinentandhealanation;whatledyoungwomenandyoung
mentositatlunchcountersandbravefirehosandmarchthroughSelmaand
Montgomeryforfreedom'scau.
Hope-hope-iswhatledmeheretoday-withafatherfromKenya;amotherfrom
Kansas;
thebedrockofthisnation;thebeliefthatourdestinywillnotbewrittenforus,butby
us;byallthomenandwomenwhoarenotcontenttottlefortheworldasitis;
whohavethecouragetoremaketheworldasitshouldbe.
ThatiswhatwestartedhereinIowa,andthatisthemessagewecannowcarryto
NewHampshireandbeyond;thesamemessagewehadwhenwewereupandwhen
weweredown;theonethatcanchangethiscountrybrickbybrick,blockbyblock,
calloudhandbycalloudhand-thattogether,ordinarypeoplecandoextraordinary
things;becauwearenotacollectionofRedStatesandBlueStates,wearethe
UnitedStatesofAmerica;andatthismoment,inthilection,wearereadytobelieve
ou,Iowa.
谢谢你,爱荷华。
他们说,这天永不会来到;他们说,我的心智太高;他们说,美国已经太
分裂、太失望,无法再合力成就一件事。
今年一月,你们改写了历史,打了怀疑论者一记耳光。不论你是民主、共
和、独立党,今天我们一起站出来说:我们是一家人、我们马上要改变。
你们齐声说:我们要跨越政客习以为常的苦毒、琐屑、愤怒、政治手段、
分裂,我们要合力创造跨越党派颜色的改变平台,唯有这样,才能面对美国眼前
的所有挑战。
我们选择希望而不是恐惧,我们选择团结而不是分裂,我们要让全美国知
道:是改变的时候了!我们要告诉权力说客:你们的钱买不下美国政府,我们(人
15
民)才是美国的主人。
今天,大家需要的,是能诚实面对我们眼前挑战、抉择的总统。一个会倾
听不同意见、向你们学习的总统、一个敢说逆耳忠言的总统。
谢谢你们。
我知道你们不是为我。
我知道你们不是为我,是为了你们对美国精神的深沉信仰:就是,只要努
力,爱国的人应可以改变这个国家。
我也相信,因为尽管我今天站在这里,但我没忘掉自己在芝加哥街头奋争
的日子,我们共同争取的目标,是让大家日子都过得好一点。
我知道大家都辛苦,睡眠不足、薪资很低、大量牺牲。每天满是失望,但
偶尔、偶尔就会出现像今晚这样的日子:多年后回头看我们起步改革的从头,到
时更多家庭看得起医生;到时我们长大的孩子活在比今天更干净、安全的环境里;
到时世界对美国、美国对自己的观感都更一致、更团结;到时我们就可以对自己
骄傲地说:一切都始于那天晚上。
当时,我们打败了华府政客的怀疑;当时,我们拆毁隔绝我们彼此的心墙;
当时,我们团结所有人民、政党、年龄层为共同目标奋斗;当时,我们给从没参
与过政治的美国人一个值得参与的理由。
当时,我们击垮对政治持恐惧、怀疑、讥讽态度的人;击垮那些用政治打
击对手、而非用政治提升国家的人。数年后,当你回首,就在此时,美国人民重
新找回希望的意义。
这几个月,许多人都嘲笑我重提「希望」这个词。但我知道,希望,不是
盲目的乐观、不是无视沉重的前途路碍、不是躲在场下不敢正面直击。希望,是
我内在的坚持,尽管所有客观证据都是负面的,但我内心坚持只要有勇气追求、
奋争,前面一定有更好的美景等着。
希望,是我看到这位白天打工、晚上补课,付不出钱让妹妹上医院治病,
但内心仍相信美国会给她机会实现梦想的年轻女子。
希望,是我听到新罕普夏州这位女士告诉我,她从姪子赴伊拉克前线那天
起就呼吸困难,但仍每天晚上跪祷,祈求姪子平安归来。
希望,是我读到一群专栏作者,群起鞑伐帝国主义,启发年轻男女愿意力
16
抗消防水柱的强力水压,为自由、反奴役抗争。
希望,是引领我,这个父亲是肯亚移民、母亲是肯萨斯州住民的后裔,站
在这里的缘起。
希望,是这个国家的基石:相信我们的命运不是命定、是我们每个人自己走出来
的信念;是我们这群不愿将就现状、有胆向世界说:「我们觉得应该这样」的男
女共同的信仰。
今晚,我们在爱荷华州,就写下这样的一页历史,不论未来我们的成败,
这个希望都不会变:我们只要一砖一瓦、一石一担、胼手胝足,平凡人也可成就
非凡的事;因为我们不只是一帮红、蓝的政党组合,我们是美国。此时此刻,
这场选举,我们已经重新开始「相信」。
谢谢你,爱荷华。
SpeechofNominationforPresident:TheAmericanPromi(Democratic
Convention)
Denver,CO|August28,2008
ToChairmanDeanandmygreatfriendDickDurbin;andtoallmyfellowcitizensof
thisgreatnation;
Withprofoundgratitudeandgreathumility,Iacceptyournominationforthe
presidencyoftheUnitedStates.
Letmeexpressmythankstothehistoricslateofcandidateswhoaccompaniedmeon
thisjourney,andespeciallytheonewhotraveledthefarthest-achampionfor
workingAmericansandaninspirationtomydaughtersandtoyours--Hillary
identClinton,wholastnightmadethecaforchangeas
onlyhecanmakeit;toTedKennedy,whoembodiesthespiritofrvice;andtothe
nextVicePresidentoftheUnitedStates,JoeBiden,tefulto
finishthisjourneywithoneofthefineststatesmenofourtime,amanateawith
everyonefromworldleaderstotheconductorsontheAmtraktrainhestilltakeshome
17
everynight.
Totheloveofmylife,ournextFirstLady,MichelleObama,andtoSashaandMalia-
Iloveyousomuch,andI'msoproudofallofyou.
Fouryearsago,Istoodbeforeyouandtoldyoumystory-ofthebriefunionbetween
ayoungmanfromKenyaandayoungwomanfromKansaswhoweren'twell-offor
well-known,butsharedabeliefthatinAmerica,theirsoncouldachievewhateverhe
puthismindto.
Itisthatpromithathasalwaystthiscountryapart-thatthroughhardworkand
sacrifice,eachofuscanpursueourindividualdreamsbutstillcometogetherasone
Americanfamily,toensurethatthenextgenerationcanpursuetheirdreamsaswell.
That'efortwohundredandthirtytwoyears,ateach
momentwhenthatpromiwasinjeopardy,ordinarymenandwomen-studentsand
soldiers,farmersandteachers,nursandjanitors--foundthecouragetokeepit
alive.
Wemeetatoneofthodefiningmoments-amomentwhenournationisatwar,our
economyisinturmoil,andtheAmericanpromihasbeenthreatenedoncemore.
Tonight,
ofyouhavelostyourhomesandevenmorearewatchingyourhomevaluesplummet.
Moreofyouhavecarsyoucan'taffordtodrive,creditcardbillsyoucan'taffordto
pay,andtuitionthat'sbeyondyourreach.
Thechallengesarenotallofgovernment'failuretorespondisa
directresultofabrokenpoliticsinWashingtonandthefailedpoliciesofGeorgeW.
Bush.
18
America,bettercountrythanthis.
ThiscountryismoredecentthanonewhereawomaninOhio,onthebrinkof
retirement,findsherlfoneillnessawayfromdisasterafteralifetimeofhardwork.
ThiscountryismoregenerousthanonewhereamaninIndianahastopackupthe
equipmenthe'sworkedonfortwentyyearsandwatchitshippedofftoChina,and
thenchokesupasheexplainshowhefeltlikeafailurewhenhewenthometotellhis
familythenews.
Wearemorecompassionatethanagovernmentthatletsveteranssleeponourstreets
andfamiliesslideintopoverty;thatsitsonitshandswhileamajorAmericancity
drownsbeforeoureyes.
Tonight,IsaytotheAmericanpeople,toDemocratsandRepublicansand
Independentsacrossthisgreatland-enough!Thismoment-thilection-isour
chancetokeep,inthe21stcentury,enextweek,
inMinnesota,thesamepartythatbroughtyoutwotermsofGeorgeBushandDick
reherebecauwelovethiscountry
mber4th,wemust
standupandsay:"Eightinough."
ublicannominee,JohnMcCain,haswornthe
uniformofourcountrywithbraveryanddistinction,andforthatweowehimour
tweek,we'llalsohearaboutthooccasionswhenhe's
brokenwithhispartyavidencethathecandeliverthechangethatweneed.
Buttherecord'sclear:JohnMcCainhasvotedwithGeorgeBushninetypercentofthe
rMcCainlikestotalkaboutjudgment,butreally,whatdoesitsayabout
19
yourjudgmentwhenyouthinkGeorgeBushhasbeenrightmorethanninetypercent
ofthetime?Idon'tknowaboutyou,butI'mnotreadytotakeatenpercentchanceon
change.
Thetruthis,onissueafterissuethatwouldmakeadifferenceinyourlives-onhealth
careandeducationandtheeconomy-SenatorMcCainhasbeenanythingbut
thatoureconomyhasmade"greatprogress"underthisPresident.
noneofhischief
advisors-themanwhowrotehiconomicplan-wastalkingabouttheanxiety
Americansarefeeling,hesaidthatwewerejustsufferingfroma"mentalrecession,"
andthatwe'vebecome,andIquote,"anationofwhiners."Anationofwhiners?Tell
thattotheproudautoworkersataMichiganplantwho,aftertheyfoundoutitwas
closing,keptshowingupeverydayandworkingashardaver,becautheyknew
attothemilitary
familieswhoshouldertheirburdenssilentlyastheywatchtheirlovedonesleavefor
rkhardand
retheAmericansthatIknow.
Now,Idon'tbelievethatSenatorMcCaindoesn'tcarewhat'sgoingoninthelivesof
hinkhedoesn'ewouldhedefinemiddle-classas
someonemakingunderfivemilliondollarsayear?Howelcouldhepropo
hundredsofbillionsintaxbreaksforbigcorporationsandoilcompaniesbutnotone
pennyoftaxrelieftomorethanonehundredmillionAmericans?Howelcouldhe
offerahealthcareplanthatwouldactuallytaxpeople'sbenefits,oraneducationplan
thatwoulddonothingtohelpfamiliespayforcollege,oraplanthatwouldprivatize
SocialSecurityandgambleyourretirement?
It'snotbecauJohnMcCaindoesn''sbecauJohnMcCaindoesn'tgetit.
Forovertwodecades,he'ssubscribedtothatold,discreditedRepublicanphilosophy-
20
givemoreandmoretothowiththemostandhopethatprosperitytricklesdownto
ington,theycallthistheOwnershipSociety,butwhatitreally
meansis-you'ork?thcare?Themarket
topoverty?Pullyourlfupbyyourownbootstraps-evenifyou
don''reonyourown.
Wellit''stimeforustochangeAmerica.
Youe,weDemocratshaveaverydifferentmeasureofwhatconstitutesprogressin
thiscountry.
Wemeasureprogressbyhowmanypeoplecanfindajobthatpaysthemortgage;
whetheryoucanputalittleextramoneyawayattheendofeachmonthsoyoucan
ureprogressinthe
23millionnewjobsthatwerecreatedwhenBillClintonwasPresident-whenthe
averageAmericanfamilysawitsincomegoup$7,500insteadofdown$2,000likeit
hasunderGeorgeBush.
Wemeasurethestrengthofoureconomynotbythenumberofbillionaireswehaveor
theprofitsoftheFortune500,butbywhethersomeonewithagoodideacantakea
riskandstartanewbusiness,orwhetherthewaitresswholivesontipscantakeaday
offtolookafterasickkidwithoutlosingherjob-aneconomythathonorsthedignity
ofwork.
Thefundamentalsweutomeasureeconomicstrengtharewhetherwearelivingup
tothatfundamentalpromithathasmadethiscountrygreat-apromithatisthe
onlyreasonIamstandingheretonight.
BecauinthefacesofthoyoungveteranswhocomebackfromIraqand
Afghanistan,Iemygrandfather,whosignedupafterPearlHarbor,marchedin
21
Patton'sArmy,andwasrewardedbyagratefulnationwiththechancetogotocollege
ontheGIBill.
Inthefaceofthatyoungstudentwhosleepsjustthreehoursbeforeworkingthenight
shift,Ithinkaboutmymom,whoraidmysisterandmeonherownwhileshe
workedandearnedherdegree;whoonceturnedtofoodstampsbutwasstillableto
ndustothebestschoolsinthecountrywiththehelpofstudentloansand
scholarships.
WhenIlistentoanotherworkertellmethathisfactoryhasshutdown,Irememberall
thomenandwomenontheSouthSideofChicagowhoIstoodbyandfoughtfor
twodecadesagoafterthelocalsteelplantclod.
AndwhenIhearawomantalkaboutthedifficultiesofstartingherownbusiness,I
thinkaboutmygrandmother,whoworkedherwayupfromthecretarialpoolto
middle-management,despiteyearsofbeingpasdoverforpromotionsbecaushe
''stheonewhoput
o
houghshecannolongertravel,Iknow
thatshe'swatchingtonight,andthattonightishernightaswell.
Idon'tknowwhatkindoflivesJohnMcCainthinksthatcelebritieslead,butthishas
son
theirbehalfthatIintendtowinthilectionandkeepourpromialiveasPresident
oftheUnitedStates.
Whatisthatpromi?
It'sapromithatsayachofushasthefreedomtomakeofourownliveswhatwe
22
will,butthatwealsohavetheobligationtotreateachotherwithdignityandrespect.
It'sapromithatsaysthemarketshouldrewarddriveandinnovationandgenerate
growth,butthatbusinessshouldliveuptotheirresponsibilitiestocreateAmerican
jobs,lookoutforAmericanworkers,andplaybytherulesoftheroad.
Oursisapromithatsaysgovernmentcannotsolveallourproblems,butwhatit
shoulddoisthatwhichwecannotdoforourlves-protectusfromharmandprovide
everychildadecenteducation;keepourwatercleanandourtoyssafe;investinnew
schoolsandnewroadsandnewscienceandtechnology.
Ourgovernmentshouldworkforus,ldhelpus,
shouldensureopportunitynotjustforthowiththemostmoneyandinfluence,but
foreveryAmericanwho'swillingtowork.
That'sthepromiofAmerica-theideathatweareresponsibleforourlves,butthat
wealsoriorfallasonenation;thefundamentalbeliefthatIammybrother'skeeper;
Iammysister'skeeper.
That''e
spelloutexactlywhatthatchangewouldmeanifIamPresident.
Changemeansataxcodethatdoesn'trewardthelobbyistswhowroteit,butthe
Americanworkersandsmallbusinesswhoderveit.
UnlikeJohnMcCain,Iwillstopgivingtaxbreakstocorporationsthatshipjobs
overas,andIwillstartgivingthemtocompaniesthatcreategoodjobsrightherein
America.
Iwilleliminatecapitalgainstaxesforthesmallbusinessandthestart-upsthatwill
23
createthehigh-wage,high-techjobsoftomorrow.
Iwillcuttaxes-cuttaxes-for95%einaneconomy
likethis,thelastthingweshoulddoisraitaxesonthemiddle-class.
Andforthesakeofoureconomy,ourcurity,andthefutureofourplanet,Iwillta
cleargoalasPresident:intenyears,wewillfinallyendourdependenceonoilfrom
theMiddleEast.
Washington'sbeentalkingaboutouroiladdictionforthelastthirtyyears,andJohn
time,he'ssaidnotohigher
fuel-efficiencystandardsforcars,notoinvestmentsinrenewableenergy,noto
ay,weimporttripletheamountofoilasthedaythatSenator
McCaintookoffice.
Nowisthetimetoendthisaddiction,andtounderstandthatdrillingisastop-gap
measure,nclo.
AsPresident,Iwilltapournaturalgasrerves,investincleancoaltechnology,and
findwaystosafelyharnessnuclearpower.I'llhelpourautocompaniesre-tool,sothat
thefuel-efficientcarsofthefuturearebuiltrighthereinAmerica.I'llmakeiteasier
'llinvest150billiondollars
overthenextdecadeinaffordable,renewablesourcesofenergy-windpowerand
solarpowerandthenextgenerationofbiofuels;aninvestmentthatwillleadtonew
industriesandfivemillionnewjobsthatpaywellandcan'teverbeoutsourced.
America,nowisnotthetimeforsmallplans.
Nowisthetimetofinallymeetourmoralobligationtoprovideeverychilda
world-clasducation,becauitwilltakenothinglesstocompeteintheglobal
24
leandIareonlyheretonightbecauweweregivenachanceatan
llnotttleforanAmericawheresomekidsdon'thavethat
chance.I'llinvestinearlychildhoodeducation.I'llrecruitanarmyofnewteachers,
xchange,I'llask
illkeepourpromitoevery
youngAmerican-ifyoucommittorvingyourcommunityoryourcountry,wewill
makesureyoucanaffordacollegeeducation.
Nowisthetimetofinallykeepthepromiofaffordable,accessiblehealthcarefor
avehealthcare,
youdon't,you'llbeabletogetthesamekindofcoveragethatmembersofCongress
omeonewhowatchedmymotherarguewithinsurance
companieswhileshelayinbeddyingofcancer,Iwillmakecertainthocompanies
stopdiscriminatingagainstthowhoaresickandneedcarethemost.
Nowisthetimetohelpfamilieswithpaidsickdaysandbetterfamilyleave,becau
nobodyinAmericashouldhavetochoobetweenkeepingtheirjobsandcaringfora
sickchildorailingparent.
Nowisthetimetochangeourbankruptcylaws,sothatyourpensionsareprotected
aheadofCEObonus;andthetimetoprotectSocialSecurityforfuturegenerations.
Andnowisthetimetokeepthepromiofequalpayforanequalday'swork,
becauIwantmydaughterstohaveexactlythesameopportunitiesasyoursons.
Now,manyoftheplanswillcostmoney,whichiswhyI'velaidouthowI'llpayfor
everydime-byclosingcorporateloopholesandtaxhavensthatdon'thelpAmerica
llalsogothroughthefederalbudget,linebyline,eliminatingprograms
thatnolongerworkandmakingtheoneswedoneedworkbetterandcostless-
becauwecannotmeettwenty-firstcenturychallengeswithatwentiethcentury
25
bureaucracy.
AndDemocrats,wemustalsoadmitthatfulfillingAmerica'spromiwillrequire
requirearenewednofresponsibilityfromeachof
ycalledour"intellectualandmoralstrength."Yes,
governmentmustleadonenergyindependence,buteachofusmustdoourpartto
,wemustprovidemoreladdersto
ustalso
admitthatprogramsalonecan'treplaceparents;thatgovernmentcan'tturnoffthe
televisionandmakeachilddoherhomework;thatfathersmusttakemore
responsibilityforprovidingtheloveandguidancetheirchildrenneed.
Individualresponsibilityandmutualresponsibility-that'stheesnceofAmerica's
promi.
Andjustaswekeepourkeepourpromitothenextgenerationhereathome,so
mustwekeepAmerica'McCainwantstohaveadebate
aboutwhohasthetemperament,andjudgment,torveasthenext
Commander-in-Chief,that'sadebateI'mreadytohave.
ForwhileSenatorMcCainwasturninghissightstoIraqjustdaysafter9/11,Istood
upandoppodthiswar,knowingthatitwoulddistractusfromtherealthreatswe
hnMcCainsaidwecouldjust"muddlethrough"inAfghanistan,I
arguedformoreresourcesandmoretroopstofinishthefightagainsttheterrorists
whoactuallyattackeduson9/11,andmadeclearthatwemusttakeoutOsamabin
Cainlikestosaythat
he'llfollowbinLadentotheGatesofHell-buthewon'tevengotothecavewherehe
lives.
Andtoday,asmycallforatimeframetoremoveourtroopsfromIraqhasbeen
26
echoedbytheIraqigovernmentandeventheBushAdministration,evenafterwe
learnedthatIraqhasa$79billionsurpluswhilewe'rewallowingindeficits,John
McCainstandsaloneinhisstubbornrefusaltoendamisguidedwar.
That'n'aPresident
whocanfacethethreatsofthefuture,notkeepgraspingattheideasofthepast.
Youdon'tdefeataterroristnetworkthatoperatesineightycountriesbyoccupying
'
can'ttrulystandupforGeorgiawhenyou'
McCainwantstofollowGeorgeBushwithmoretoughtalkandbadstrategy,thatis
hischoice-butitisnotthechangeweneed.
'ttellmethat
Democratswon''ttellmethatDemocratswon'tkeepussafe.
TheBush-McCainforeignpolicyhassquanderedthelegacythatgenerationsof
Americans--DemocratsandRepublicans-havebuilt,andweareheretorestorethat
legacy.
AsCommander-in-Chief,Iwillneverhesitatetodefendthisnation,butIwillonly
ndourtroopsintoharm'swaywithaclearmissionandasacredcommitmenttogive
themtheequipmenttheyneedinbattleandthecareandbenefitstheydervewhen
theycomehome.
IwillendthiswarinIraqresponsibly,andfinishthefightagainstalQaedaandthe
ll
alsorenewthetough,directdiplomacythatcanpreventIranfromobtainingnuclear
uildnewpartnershipstodefeatthe
threatsofthe21stcentury:terrorismandnuclearproliferation;povertyandgenocide;
llrestoreourmoralstanding,sothatAmericais
27
onceagainthatlast,besthopeforallwhoarecalledtothecauoffreedom,who
longforlivesofpeace,andwhoyearnforabetterfuture.
heweeksahead,Ilookforwardto
debatingthemwithJohnMcCain.
ButwhatIwillnotdoissuggestthattheSenatortakeshispositionsforpolitical
eoneofthethingsthatwehavetochangeinourpoliticsistheidea
thatpeoplecannotdisagreewithoutchallengingeachother'scharacterandpatriotism.
Thetimesaretoorious,
hiscountry,andsodoyou,andso
andwomenwhorveinourbattlefieldsmaybe
DemocratsandRepublicansandIndependents,buttheyhavefoughttogetherandbled
venotrveda
RedAmericaoraBlueAmerica-theyhavervedtheUnitedStatesofAmerica.
SoI'vegotnewsforyou,utourcountryfirst.
America,llengeswefacerequiretoughchoices,
andDemocratsaswellasRepublicanswillneedtocastofftheworn-outideasand
tofwhathasbeenlostthepasteightyearscan'tjustbe
salsobeenlostisourn
t'swhatwehavetorestore.
Wemaynotagreeonabortion,butsurelywecanagreeonreducingthenumberof
lityofgunownershipmaybedifferent
forhuntersinruralOhiothanforthoplaguedbygang-violenceinCleveland,but
don'ttellmewecan'tupholdtheSecondAmendmentwhilekeepingAK-47soutof
herearedifferencesonsame-xmarriage,butsurely
28
wecanagreethatourgayandlesbianbrothersandsistersdervetovisittheperson
nsflyon
immigration,butIdon'tknowanyonewhobenefitswhenamotherisparatedfrom
herinfantchildoranemployerundercutsAmericanwagesbyhiringillegalworkers.
ThistooispartofAmerica'spromi-thepromiofademocracywherewecanfind
thestrengthandgracetobridgedividesanduniteincommoneffort.
aimthatour
insistenceonsomethinglarger,somethingfirmerandmorehonestinourpubliclifeis
jus
that'eifyoudon'thaveanyfreshideas,thenyouustale
on'thavearecordtorunon,thenyoupaintyour
opponentassomeonepeopleshouldrunfrom.
Youmakeabigelectionaboutsmallthings.
Andyouknowwhat-it'eitfeedsintothecynicismweall
shingtondoesn'twork,allitspromisemempty.
Ifyourhopeshavebeendashedagainandagain,thenit'sbesttostophoping,and
ttleforwhatyoualreadyknow.
'tfitthe
typicalpedigree,andIhaven'tspentmycareerinthehallsofWashington.
ButI
thenay-sayersdon''sbeen
aboutyou.
Foreighteenlongmonths,youhavestoodup,onebyone,andsaidenoughtothe
erstandthatinthilection,thegreatestriskwecantake
29
istotrythesameoldpoliticswiththesameoldplayersandexpectadifferentresult.
Youhaveshownwhathistoryteachesus-thatatdefiningmomentslikethisone,the
changeweneeddoesn'comestoWashington.
ChangehappensbecautheAmericanpeopledemandit-becautheyriupand
insistonnewideasandnewleadership,anewpoliticsforanewtime.
America,thisisoneofthomoments.
Ibelievethatashardasitwillbe,eI'veenit.
BecauI'velivedit.I'veenitinIllinois,whenweprovidedhealthcaretomore
childrenandmovedmorefamiliesfromwelfaretowork.I'veenitinWashington,
whenweworkedacrosspartylinestoopenupgovernmentandholdlobbyistsmore
accountable,togivebettercareforourveteransandkeepnuclearweaponsoutof
terroristhands.
AndI'oungpeoplewhovotedforthefirsttime,
epublicanswho
neverthoughtthey'dpickupaDemocraticballot,butdid.I'veenitintheworkers
whowouldrathercuttheirhoursbackadaythanetheirfriendslotheirjobs,in
thesoldierswhore-enlistafterlosingalimb,inthegoodneighborswhotakea
strangerinwhenahurricanestrikesandthefloodwatersri.
Thiscountryofourshasmorewealththananynation,butthat'snotwhatmakesus
themostpowerfulmilitaryonEarth,butthat'snotwhatmakesusstrong.
Ouruniversitiesandourculturearetheenvyoftheworld,butthat'snotwhatkeeps
theworldcomingtoourshores.
Instead,itisthatAmericanspirit-thatAmericanpromi-thatpushesusforward
evenwhenthepathisuncertain;thatbindsustogetherinspiteofourdifferences;that
makesusfixoureyenotonwhatisen,butwhatisunen,thatbetterplacearound
30
thebend.
'sapromiImaketomydaughterswhenI
tucktheminatnight,andapromithatyoumaketoyours-apromithathasled
immigrantstocrossoceansandpioneerstotravelwest;apromithatledworkersto
picketlines,andwomentoreachfortheballot.
Anditisthatpromithatfortyfiveyearsagotoday,broughtAmericansfromevery
cornerofthislandtostandtogetheronaMallinWashington,beforeLincoln's
Memorial,andhearayoungpreacherfromGeorgiaspeakofhisdream.
Themenandwomenwhogatheredtherecould'uld've
uld'vebeentoldtosuccumbtothefearand
frustrationofsomanydreamsdeferred.
Butwhatthepeopleheardinstead-peopleofeverycreedandcolor,fromeverywalk
oflife-isthatinAmerica,gether,our
dreamscanbeone.
"Wecannotwalkalone,"thepreachercried."Andaswewalk,wemustmakethe
otturnback."
America,hsomany
childrentoeducate,haneconomytofixand
hsomanyfamiliestoprotectandsomany
a,moment,
inthilection,eepthat
promi-thatAmericanpromi-andinthewordsofScriptureholdfirmly,without
wavering,tothehopethatweconfess.
31
Thankyou,GodBlessyou,andGodBlesstheUnitedStatesofAmerica.
奥巴马演讲稿(中英文对照)2009-02-1023:34Hello,Chicago.您好,芝加哥。
thereisanyoneouttherewhostilldoubtsthatAmericaisaplacewhereallthingsare
possible,whostillwondersifthedreamofourfoundersisaliveinourtime,whostill
questionsthepowerofourdemocracy,tonightisyouranswer.如果仍有人怀疑美国
是否是一个能创造奇迹的国度的话,如果还有人仍在疑虑我们美国的缔造者的梦
想是否还在我们这个时代存续的话,如果还有人仍在质疑我们民主的力量的话,
那么,今晚就给你答案。
It'stheanswertoldbylinesthatstretchedaroundschoolsandchurchesinnumbers
thisnationhasneveren,bypeoplewhowaitedthreehoursandfourhours,manyfor
thefirsttimeintheirlives,becautheybelievedthatthistimemustbedifferent,that
theirvoicescouldbethatdifference.排起的长队就是答案:云集于学校和教堂周围
的人们盛况空前,他们等待了三四个小时,其中许多人还是生平首次经历选举。
因为他们坚信:这次结果必定不同,这就是他们的心声。
It'stheanswerspokenbyyoungandold,richandpoor,DemocratandRepublican,
black,white,Hispanic,Asian,NativeAmerican,gay,straight,disabledandnot
answhontamessagetotheworldthatwehaveneverbeenjusta
,and
alwayswillbe,theUnitedStatesofAmerica.无论老幼、穷富;民主党还是共和党;
黑人、白人;拉美裔、亚裔、原居民;同性恋、非同性恋;残疾人、健全人。这
是全体美国人民共同的抉择。美国向全世界传递一个声音:美国不是乌合之众,
也没红州或蓝州之分。我们是,而且永远是,一个整体的美国。
It'stheanswerthatledthowho'vebeentoldforsolongbysomanytobecynical
andfearfulanddoubtfulaboutwhatwecanachievetoputtheirhandsonthearcof
32
historyandbenditoncemoretowardthehopeofabetterday.这也是对一直以来那
些讽刺、担忧和质疑者作出的回答:我们会把握历史的舵轮、使之驶向充满希望
的美好未来。
It'sbeenalongtimecoming,buttonight,becauofwhatwedidonthisdateinthis
electionatthisdefiningmomentchangehascometoAmerica.虽然等待了很长时
间,但在今晚,通过选举,改变美国历史的决定性时刻终于到来了。
Alittlebitearlierthivening,IreceivedanextraordinarilygraciouscallfromSen.
McCain.今天傍晚之前,我接到了麦凯恩参议员极具风度的致电。
'sfoughtevenlongerand
nduredsacrificesforAmericathatmost
etteroffforthervicerenderedbythisbrave
andlflessleader.在竞选过程中,麦凯恩作了长期不懈的努力,而且他还会为他
所挚爱的国家更加长期不懈地去奋斗。他已经为美国作出了我们多数人都无法想
象的牺牲。我们必须要把工作做好,以报答这位英明而无私的领导人。
Icongratulatehim;orallthatthey'ok
forwardtoworkingwiththemtorenewthisnation'spromiinthemonthsahead.我
对他以及佩林州长所做的一切努力深表敬意,我也期待着与他们一起在未来的岁
月中为祖国复兴大计而共同努力。
Iwanttothankmypartnerinthisjourney,amanwhocampaignedfromhisheart,and
spokeforthemenandwomenhegrewupwithonthestreetsofScrantonandrode
withonthetrainhometoDelaware,thevicepresident-electoftheUnitedStates,Joe
Biden.我要感谢我的竞选伙伴。为竞选倾尽心血、为出生地斯克兰顿街区和坐火
车即到的特拉华州家乡的拥戴者代言的他,就是当选美国副总统的乔.拜登。
AndIwouldnotbestandingheretonightwithouttheunyieldingsupportofmybest
33
friendforthelast16yearstherockofourfamily,theloveofmylife,thenation'snext
firstladyMichelleObama.如果没有她——我16年来的至友、我家庭的基石、我
生命中的至爱、也就是美国未来的第一夫人米歇尔.奥巴马——如没有她的坚定
支持,今晚我不可能站在这里。
SashaandMaliaIloveyoubothbothsomuch,Andyouhaveearnedthenewpuppy
that'scomingwithustothenewWhiteHou.马莉娅和萨莎,我也非常爱你们,
你们已赢得了带着新买的小狗与我们一同入主白宫的权利。
Andwhileshe'snolongerwithus,Iknowmygrandmother'swatching,alongwiththe
hatmydebttothemis
beyondmeasure.还有我已去世的外祖母——我知道她也正在看着我,她和我的家
人一起见证了我的成长。我今晚非常想念他们,我知道亏欠了他们太多。
TomysisterMaya,mysisterAlma,allmyotherbrothersandsisters,thankyouso
muchforallthesupportthatyou'tefultothem.我的妹妹玛雅、
阿尔玛,所有其他的兄弟姐妹们,感谢你们给予我倾力支持,我感念他们。
Andtomycampaignmanager,DavidPlouffe,theunsungheroofthiscampaign,who
builtthebest--thebestpoliticalcampaign,Ithink,inthehistoryoftheUnitedStates
ofAmerica.还有我的竞选顾问大卫.普鲁夫,此次竞选的无名英雄。我认为,是他
打造了美国历史上最好最棒的竞选班子。
TomychiefstrategistDavidAxelrodwho'sbeenapartnerwithmeeverystepofthe
estcampaignteameverasmbledinthehistoryofpoliticsyoumade
thishappen,andIamforevergratefulforwhatyou'vesacrificedtogetitdone.我的首
席策略师大卫.阿克塞尔罗德伴我走过了每一步,他使政史上最佳竞选团队始终
团集在你的政见上,我对您为此所作的贡献铭感于心。
Butaboveall,ngstoyou.
Itbelongstoyou.但最重要的是,我决不会忘记这场胜利该属于谁,胜利属于你们,
34
胜利属于人民!
'tstartwithmuchmoneyor
beganinthebackyardsofDesMoinesandthelivingroomsofConcordandthefront
uiltbyworkingmenandwomenwhodugintowhat
littlesavingstheyhadtogive$5and$10and$20tothecau.我始终都不是最有希
望的总统竞选人。一开始我们缺少资金及筹码,我们的竞选活动难登华盛顿的大
雅之堂,只能始于得梅因、康科德、查尔斯顿的简室陋巷之中;资金是由支持者
们从微薄的积蓄中抽出5美元、10美元、20美元(一点一滴)捐助来的;
Itgrewstrengthfromtheyoungpeoplewhorejectedthemythoftheirgeneration's
apathywholefttheirhomesandtheirfamiliesforjobsthatofferedlittlepayandless
sleep.而竞选活动的声势壮大则是源自那些年轻人,他们拒绝接受认为他们这代
人冷漠的荒诞说法;他们离开家、离开亲人,从事报酬微薄、不眠不休的工作;
Itdrewstrengthfromthenot-so-youngpeoplewhobravedthebittercoldand
scorchingheattoknockondoorsofperfectstrangers,andfromthemillionsof
Americanswhovolunteeredandorganizedandprovedthatmorethantwocenturies
lateragovernmentofthepeople,bythepeople,andforthepeoplehasnotperished
fromtheEarth.同时也源自那些已不年轻的人们,他们冒着严寒酷暑,敲开陌生人
的家门进行竞选宣传;更源自数百万的美国民众,他们自发地组织起来当志愿者。
这证明历经两百多年之后一个民有、民治、民享的政府,仍未从地球上消亡。
Thisisyourvictory.这是你们的胜利。
AndIknowyoudidn'owyoudidn'tdoitfor
me.我知道你们这么做并不只是为了赢得大选,更不是为了我个人。
nas
35
wecelebratetonight,weknowthechallengesthattomorrowwillbringarethegreatest
ofourlifetime--twowars,aplanetinperil,theworstfinancialcrisisinacentury.你
们这么做是因为你们明白摆在面前的任务有多艰巨。因为即便是我们欢庆胜利的
今晚,我们也知道,今后将面临我们一生中最为艰巨的挑战——两场战争。一是
地球的环保危机,再就是百年不遇的最严重的金融危机
Evenaswestandheretonight,weknowtherearebraveAmericanswakingupinthe
dertsofIraqandthemountainsofAfghanistantorisktheirlivesforus.及时今晚我
们站在这儿,我们也知道在伊拉克沙漠和阿富汗山区还有勇敢的美国士兵正在警
惕地为我们甘冒生命危险
Therearemothersandfatherswhowilllieawakeafterthechildrenfallasleepand
wonderhowthey'llmakethemortgageorpaytheirdoctors'billsorsaveenoughfor
theirchild'scollegeeducation.有多少父母在孩子熟睡后仍难以入眠,他们在为如
何偿还按揭月供、付医药费或攒钱供孩子上大学而发愁。
There'snewenergytoharness,newjobstobecreated,newschoolstobuild,and
threatstomeet,alliancestorepair.我们亟待开发新能源;创造新的就业机会;我们
需要修建新学校;还要应对众多威胁、恢复与许多国家的关系。
otgetthereinone
,America,IhaveneverbeenmorehopefulthanIam
you,weasapeoplewillgetthere.路漫漫其
修远兮,吾将逆难而求索。我们未必能够一蹴而就。但是,美国啊!是你今晚给
了我从未有过的自信,我会不辱使命。d我向你们承诺:只要团结如一人,目标
一定会达到。
remanywhowon'tagreewithevery
nowthegovernmentcan'tsolve
36
everyproblem.执政伊始,挫折和错误在所难免。我作为总统所做出的决策,也会
有许多人并不赞同。我们知道这届政府并不能解决所有问题。
istentoyou,
,aboveall,Iwillaskyoutojoinintheworkof
remakingthisnation,theonlywayit'sbeendoneinAmericafor221years--blockby
block,brickbybrick,calloudhandbycalloudhand.但我一定会向你们坦陈所
面临的挑战;会认真听从你们的建议,尤其是意见不一致的时候。总之,我诚邀
你们参与民族复兴的大业。美国221年来唯一的方式,就是一砖一瓦、胼手胝足
地去建设。
Whatbegan21monthsagointhedepthsofwintercannotendonthisautumnnight.
lythechanceforustomakethat
'thappen
withoutyou,withoutanewspiritofrvice,anewspiritofsacrifice.始于21个月前
深冬的那一切不应在这个秋夜结束。大选的胜利不是我们所寻求的改变,这仅仅
是给我们提供了一次变革良机。我们如果重走回头路的话,变革就难以实现;没
有你们的支持,变革难以实现;没有一种新的工作态度,变革难以实现;没有一
种新的牺牲精神,变革也难以实现。
Soletussummonanewspiritofpatriotism,ofresponsibility,whereeachofus
resolvestopitchinandworkharderandlookafternotonlyourlves,buteachother.
因此,让我们充满新的爱国主义精神及责任感吧!让我们每个人都决心付出、努
力工作并互相关爱吧!
Letusrememberthat,ifthisfinancialcrisistaughtusanything,it'sthatwecannot
country,weriorfallas
onenation,'sresistthetemptationtofallbackonthesame
partisanshipandpettinessandimmaturitythathaspoisonedourpoliticsforsolong.
请记住吧!如果说这次金融危机提示了我们什么,那就是在全部街区都陷入危机
37
时,我们难能保持华尔街的繁荣。国家兴亡,匹夫有责。我们要避免以往那种长
期毒害我们的党争、卑劣、幼稚政治对我们的诱惑。
Let'srememberthatitwasamanfromthisstatewhofirstcarriedthebannerofthe
RepublicanPartytotheWhiteHou,apartyfoundedonthevaluesoflf-reliance
andindividuallibertyandnationalunity.
letheDemocraticPartyhaswonagreat
victorytonight,wedosowithameasureofhumilityanddeterminationtohealthe
dividesthathaveheldbackourprogress.让我们记住吧!之所以有人首次将共和党
大旗扛进白宫,就是因为有自强自立、个人自由、国家统一的建档理念。这是我
们所有人都信奉的理念。民主党今晚虽获得了大胜,但我们将用谦卑的态度,并
决心去弥合在竞选中产生的裂痕。
AsLincolnsaidtoanationfarmoredividedthanours,wearenotenemiesbutfriends.
Thoughpassionmayhavestrained,itmustnotbreakourbondsofaffection.正如林
肯在国家出现比我们现在更大分歧时所说:“我们不是敌人,而是朋友。”尽管情
势有些紧张,但决不容许我们之间的亲密关系破裂。
AndtothoAmericanswhosupportIhaveyettoearn,Imaynothavewonyour
votetonight,llbeyourpresident,too.
我要对那些支持并投票给我的美国人,以及那些今晚没有将选票投给我的人说:
我都听到了你们的声音,我需要你们的帮助,而我将同样是你们的总统;
Andtoallthowatchingtonightfrombeyondourshores,fromparliamentsand
palaces,tothowhoarehuddledaroundradiosintheforgottencornersoftheworld,
ourstoriesaresingular,butourdestinyisshared,andanewdawnofAmerican
leadershipisathand.我要对所有远在大洋彼岸关注今夜结果的国际人士——不管
他们是在国会、皇宫、还是聚在荒僻角落听收音机——我要对他们说:我们的国
情各有千秋,但我们休戚与共。美国领导人已掌控一切、曙光乍现。
38
Totho--tothowhowouldteartheworlddown:e
whoekpeaceandcurity:llthowhohavewonderedif
America'sbeaconstillburnsasbright:Tonightweprovedoncemorethatthetrue
strengthofournationcomesnotfromthemightofourarmsorthescaleofourwealth,
butfromtheenduringpowerofourideals:democracy,liberty,opportunityand
unyieldinghope.还有——我还要对那些破坏世界和平的人说:我将打败你;我要
对那些寻求和平与安全的人说:我们支持你;对所有那些疑惑美国的灯塔能否继
续闪耀光芒的人,今夜我们将再次申明:美国的真正力量并非来源于军事威力或
财富规模,而是来源于我们我们持久的信念力量。这些信念包括:民主、自由、
机遇以及坚定不移的希望。
That'sthetruegeniusofAmerica:oncanbe
'vealreadyachievedgivesushopeforwhatwecanandmust
achievetomorrow.勇于变革,这才是真正的美国精神。我们的联邦制度可以完善。
我们对未来能达而且必达的目标充满了希望。
This
onethat'sonmymindtonight''sa
lotlikethemillionsofotherswhostoodinlinetomaketheirvoiceheardinthis
electionexceptforonething:AnnNixonCooperis106yearsold.这次大选创造了多
项“第一”,诞生了许多留芳后世的故事。但今晚最令我难忘的却是一位在亚特
兰大投票的妇女:安.尼尔森.库波尔。她和无数排队等候投票的选民没什么不同,
唯一不同的是她106岁的高龄。
Shewasbornjustagenerationpastslavery;atimewhentherewerenocarsonthe
roadorplanesinthesky;whensomeonelikehercouldn'tvotefortworeasons--
becaushewasawomanandbecauofthecolorofherskin.在她出生的那个年
代,奴隶制刚刚废除。那时路上没有汽车,天上没有飞机。当时像她这样的人由
于两个原因不能投票——第一个原因她是女性,第二个原因是她的肤色。
39
Andtonight,Ithinkaboutallthatshe'senthroughouthercenturyinAmerica--the
heartacheandthehope;thestruggleandtheprogress;thetimesweweretoldthatwe
can't,andthepeoplewhopresdonwiththatAmericancreed:Yeswecan.今夜,她
见证了一个世纪的美国让我感慨良多——有伤心有希望;有奋斗有进步。在那个
我们还不怎么行的年代里,人民就抱定了美国式的信条:是的,我们行。
Atatimewhenwomen'svoicesweresilencedandtheirhopesdismisd,shelivedto
an.在那个年代,妇
女的声音被压制,她们的希望被剥夺。但她活到了现在,看到妇女们站起来了,
可以发表意见了,有选举权了。是的,我们行。
Whentherewasdespairinthedustbowlanddepressionacrosstheland,shesawa
nationconquerfearitlfwithaNewDeal,newjobs,anewnofcommon
an。大萧条时期,经济跌入深谷,绝望笼罩大地。她见证了美
国以新政、新的就业机会以及追求共同目标的崭新精神面貌战胜了恐慌。是的,
我们行。
Whenthebombsfellonourharborandtyrannythreatenedtheworld,shewasthereto
an.二战时
期,炸弹袭击我们的海港,全世界受到独裁专制的威胁,她见证了挺身而出伟大
的一代美国人,他们捍卫了民主。是的,我们行。
ShewasthereforthebusinMontgomery,thehosinBirmingham,abridgein
Selma,andapreacherfromAtlantawhotoldapeoplethat"WeShallOvercome."Yes
wecan.她见证了蒙哥马利公交车事件、伯明翰暴动事件、塞尔玛血腥周末事件。
亚特兰大的一位牧师告诉人们:“我们无往而不胜”。是的,我们行。
Amantoucheddownonthemoon,awallcamedowninBerlin,aworldwas
syear,inthilection,she
touchedherfingertoascreen,andcasthervote,becauafter106yearsinAmerica,
40
throughthebestoftimesandthedarkestofhours,sheknowshowAmericacan
an.人类登上月球,柏林墙倒塌,我们靠科学和创造把世界连为一
体。今年,在这次选举中,激动的她手指轻触电子屏幕,投下了自己的一票。她
在美国生活了106年,其间有美好的时光,也有最黑暗的时刻,她知道美国该何
去何从。是的,我们行。
America,reissomuchmoreto
ght,letusaskourlves--ifourchildrenshouldlivetoethenext
century;ifmydaughtersshouldbesoluckytoliveaslongasAnnNixonCooper,
whatchangewilltheye?Whatprogresswillwehavemade美国啊,迄今为止,我
们已见证良多,但前路依然漫长。为此,在今夜,让我们反问一下我们自己,如
果我们的孩子能够活到下个世纪;如果我的女儿能有幸像安-尼克森-库珀尔那样
长寿,他们将会看到些什么?我们将会取得怎样的进步?
ourtime,toputour
peoplebacktoworkandopendoorsofopportunityforourkids;torestoreprosperity
andpromotethecauofpeace;toreclaimtheAmericandreamandreaffirmthat
fundamentaltruth,that,outofmany,weareone;thatwhilewebreathe,
wherewearemetwithcynicismanddoubtsandthowhotellusthatwecan't,we
willrespondwiththattimelesscreedthatsumsupthespiritofapeople:Yes,wecan.
现在是我们来回答这一问题的时候了,这是我们的时刻,这是我们的时代。要使
我们的人民重获工作并为我们的孩子大开方便之门;重现繁荣并促进和平;实现
我们美国的梦想,就得重申一个基本准则,那就是:团结一致,众志成城;一息
尚存,希望就在。当我们遭遇嘲讽和质疑时,当有人认为我们无所作为时。我们
将用一句发自心中反映我们恒久信念的话做出回答:不,我们行!
InaugurationSpeech:WemustPickOurlvesUp
Myfellowcitizens:
41
Istandheretodayhumbledbythetaskbeforeus,gratefulforthetrustyouhave
bestowed,PresidentBushfor
hisrvicetoournation,aswellasthegenerosityandcooperationhehasshown
throughoutthistransition.
dshavebeen
,everyso
often,emoments,
Americahascarriedonnotsimplybecauoftheskillorvisionofthoinhighoffice,
butbecauWethePeoplehaveremainedfaithfultotheidealsofourforebearers,and
truetoourfoundingdocuments.
stbewiththisgenerationofAmericans.
ionisatwar,against
nomyisbadlyweakened,a
conquenceofgreedandirresponsibilityonthepartofsome,butalsoourcollective
avebeen
lost;jobsshed;lthcareistoocostly;ourschoolsfailtoo
many;andeachdaybringsfurtherevidencethatthewaysweuenergystrengthen
ouradversariesandthreatenourplanet.
Thearetheindicatorsofcrisis,asurablebutno
lessprofoundisasappingofconfidenceacrossourland--anaggingfearthat
America'sdeclineisinevitable,andthatthenextgenerationmustloweritssights.
eriousandtheyare
42
wthis,America:
Theywillbemet.
Onthisday,wegatherbecauwehavechonhopeoverfear,unityofpurpoover
conflictanddiscord.
Onthisday,wecometoproclaimanendtothepettygrievancesandfalpromis,
therecriminationsandworn-outdogmas,thatforfartoolonghavestrangledour
politics.
Weremainayoungnation,butinthewordsofScripture,thetimehascometot
ehascometoreaffirmourenduringspirit;tochooour
betterhistory;tocarryforwardthatpreciousgift,thatnobleidea,pasdonfrom
generationtogeneration:theGod-givenpromithatallareequal,allarefree,andall
derveachancetopursuetheirfullmeasureofhappiness.
Inreaffirmingthegreatnessofournation,weunderstandthatgreatnessisnevera
rneyhasneverbeenoneofshortcutsorttlingfor
otbeenthepathforthefainthearted--forthowhopreferleisureover
work,,ithasbeentherisk-takers,
thedoers,themakersofthings--somecelebrated,butmoreoftenmenandwomen
obscureintheirlabor--whohavecarriedusupthelong,ruggedpathtoward
prosperityandfreedom.
Forus,theypackeduptheirfewworldlyposssionsandtraveledacrossoceansin
archofanewlife.
Forus,theytoiledinsweatshopsandttledtheWest;enduredthelashofthewhip
andplowedthehardearth.
43
Forus,theyfoughtanddied,inplaceslikeConcordandGettysburg;Normandyand
KheSahn.
Timeandagain,themenandwomenstruggledandsacrificedandworkedtilltheir
wAmericaasbiggerthan
thesumofourindividualambitions;greaterthanallthedifferencesofbirthorwealth
orfaction.
inthemostprosperous,powerful
mindsarenolessinventive,ourgoodsandrvicesnolessneededthantheywerelast
timeof
standingpat,ofprotectingnarrowinterestsandputtingoffunpleasantdecisions--that
ngtoday,wemustpickourlvesup,dustourlvesoff,
andbeginagaintheworkofremakingAmerica.
Foreverywherewelook,teoftheeconomycallsfor
action,boldandswift,andwewillact--notonlytocreatenewjobs,buttolayanew
buildtheroadsandbridges,theelectricgridsand
restorescienceto
itsrightfulplace,andwieldtechnology'swonderstoraihealthcare'squalityand
harnessthesunandthewindsandthesoiltofuelourcarsand
illtransformourschoolsandcollegesanduniversitiesto
thiswewilldo.
Now,therearesomewhoquestionthescaleofourambitions--whosuggestthatour
yhave
forgottenwhatthiscountryhasalreadydone;whatfreemenandwomencanachieve
whenimaginationisjoinedtocommonpurpo,andnecessitytocourage.
44
Whatthecynicsfailtounderstandisthatthegroundhasshiftedbeneaththem--that
the
questionweasktodayisnotwhetherourgovernmentistoobigortoosmall,but
whetheritworks--whetherithelpsfamiliesfindjobsatadecentwage,caretheycan
afford,heanswerisyes,weintendtomove
heanswerisno,ofuswhomanagethe
public'sdollarswillbeheldtoaccount--tospendwily,reformbadhabits,anddo
ourbusinessinthelightofday--becauonlythencanwerestorethevitaltrust
betweenapeopleandtheirgovernment.
erto
generatewealthandexpandfreedomisunmatched,butthiscrisishasremindedusthat
withoutawatchfuleye,themarketcanspinoutofcontrol--andthatanationcannot
cessofoureconomyhas
alwaysdependednotjustonthesizeofourgrossdomesticproduct,butonthereach
ofourprosperity;onourabilitytoextendopportunitytoeverywillingheart--notout
ofcharity,butbecauitisthesurestroutetoourcommongood.
Asforourcommondefen,werejectasfalthechoicebetweenoursafetyandour
ndingFathers,facedwithperilswecanscarcelyimagine,drafteda
chartertoassuretheruleoflawandtherightsofman,acharterexpandedbythe
dealsstilllighttheworld,andwewillnotgivethemup
forexpedience'oallotherpeoplesandgovernmentswhoarewatching
today,fromthegrandestcapitalstothesmallvillagewheremyfatherwasborn:Know
thatAmericaisafriendofeachnationandeveryman,womanandchildwhoeksa
futureofpeaceanddignity,andthatwearereadytoleadoncemore.
Recallthatearliergenerationsfaceddownfascismandcommunismnotjustwith
missilesandtanks,
understoodthatourpoweralonecannotprotectus,nordoesitentitleustodoaswe
45
d,theyknewthatourpowergrowsthroughitsprudentu;ourcurity
emanatesfromthejustnessofourcau,theforceofourexample,thetempering
qualitiesofhumilityandrestraint.
bytheprinciplesoncemore,wecanmeet
thonewthreatsthatdemandevengreatereffort--evengreatercooperationand
begintoresponsiblyleaveIraqtoitspeople,
dfriendsandformerfoes,we
willworktirelesslytolesnthenuclearthreat,androllbackthespecterofawarming
notapologizeforourwayoflife,norwillwewaverinitsdefen,and
forthowhoektoadvancetheiraimsbyinducingterrorandslaughtering
innocents,wesaytoyounowthatourspiritisstrongerandcannotbebroken;you
cannotoutlastus,andwewilldefeatyou.
Forweknowthatourpatchworkheritageisastrength,
nationofChristiansandMuslims,
shapedbyeverylanguageandculture,drawnfromeveryendofthisEarth;and
becauwehavetastedthebitterswillofcivilwarandgregation,andemergedfrom
thatdarkchapterstrongerandmoreunited,wecannothelpbutbelievethattheold
hatredsshallsomedaypass;thatthelinesoftribeshallsoondissolve;thatastheworld
growssmaller,ourcommonhumanityshallrevealitlf;andthatAmericamustplay
itsroleinusheringinaneweraofpeace.
TotheMuslimworld,weekanewwayforward,badonmutualinterestand
eleadersaroundtheglobewhoektosowconflict,orblame
theirsociety'sillsontheWest:Knowthatyourpeoplewilljudgeyouonwhatyoucan
build,ewhoclingtopowerthroughcorruptionand
deceitandthesilencingofdisnt,knowthatyouareonthewrongsideofhistory;but
thatwewillextendahandifyouarewillingtounclenchyourfist.
46
Tothepeopleofpoornations,wepledgetoworkalongsideyoutomakeyourfarms
flourishandletcleanwatersflow;tonourishstarvedbodiesandfeedhungryminds.
Andtothonationslikeoursthatenjoyrelativeplenty,wesaywecannolonger
affordindifferencetosufferingoutsideourborders;norcanweconsumetheworld's
worldhaschanged,andwemustchange
withit.
Asweconsidertheroadthatunfoldsbeforeus,werememberwithhumblegratitude
thobraveAmericanswho,atthisveryhour,patrolfar-offdertsanddistant
vesomethingtotellustoday,justasthefallenheroeswholiein
rthemnotonlybecautheyare
guardiansofourliberty,butbecautheyembodythespiritofrvice;awillingness
,atthismoment--a
momentthatwilldefineageneration--itisprecilythisspiritthatmustinhabitus
all.
Forasmuchasgovernmentcandoandmustdo,itisultimatelythefaithand
ekindness
totakeinastrangerwhentheleveesbreak,thelflessnessofworkerswhowould
rathercuttheirhoursthaneafriendlotheirjobwhichesusthroughourdarkest
efirefighter'scouragetostormastairwayfilledwithsmoke,butalsoa
parent'swillingnesstonurtureachild,thatfinallydecidesourfate.
trumentswithwhichwemeetthemmaybenew.
Butthovaluesuponwhichoursuccessdepends--hardworkandhonesty,courage
andfairplay,toleranceandcuriosity,loyaltyandpatriotism--thethingsareold.
vebeenthequietforceofprogressthroughoutour
requiredofusnow
isaneweraofresponsibility--arecognition,onthepartofeveryAmerican,thatwe
havedutiestoourlves,ournationandtheworld;dutiesthatwedonotgrudgingly
47
acceptbutratherizegladly,firmintheknowledgethatthereisnothingsosatisfying
tothespirit,sodefiningofourcharacter,thangivingouralltoadifficulttask.
Thisisthepriceandthepromiofcitizenship.
Thisisthesourceofourconfidence--theknowledgethatGodcallsonustoshapean
uncertaindestiny.
Thisisthemeaningofourlibertyandourcreed--whymenandwomenandchildren
ofeveryraceandeveryfaithcanjoinincelebrationacrossthismagnificentMall,and
whyamanwhofatherlessthan60yearsagomightnothavebeenrvedatalocal
restaurantcannowstandbeforeyoutotakeamostsacredoath.
Soletusmarkthisdaywithremembrance,ofwhoweareandhowfarwehave
earofAmerica'sbirth,inthecoldestofmonths,asmallbandof
italwas
momentwhentheoutcomeofourrevolutionwasmostindoubt,thefatherofour
nationorderedthewordsbereadtothepeople:
"Letitbetoldtothefutureworld...thatinthedepthofwinter,whennothingbuthope
andvirtuecouldsurvive...thatthecityandthecountry,alarmedatonecommon
danger,cameforthtomeet[it]."
aceofourcommondangers,inthiswinterofourhardship,letus
peandvirtue,letusbraveoncemoretheicy
currents,esaidbyourchildren'schildren
thatwhenweweretested,werefudtoletthisjourneyend,thatwedidnotturnback,
nordidwefalter;andwitheyesfixedonthehorizonandGod'sgraceuponus,we
carriedforththatgreatgiftoffreedomanddelivereditsafelytofuturegenerations.
48
奥巴马就职演讲中文版(供参考)
各位同胞:
今天我站在这里,为眼前的重责大任感到谦卑,对各位的信任心怀感激,对先贤
的牺牲铭记在心。我要谢谢布什总统为这个国家的服务,也感谢他在政权转移期
间的宽厚和配合。
四十四位美国人发表过总统就职誓言,这些誓词或是在繁荣富强及和平宁静之际
发表,或是在乌云密布,时局动荡之时。在艰困的时候,美国能箕裘相继,不仅
因为居高位者有能力或愿景,也因为人民持续对先人的抱负有信心,也忠於创建
我国的法统。
因此,美国才能承继下来。因此,这一代美国人也必须承继下去。
现在大家都知道我们正置身危机核心,我国正在与四处蔓延的暴力和憎恨作战。
我们的经济元气大伤——这既是某些人贪婪且不负责任的後果,也是大众未能做
出艰难的选择,对国家进入新时代做准备不足所致。许多人失去房子,丢了工
作,生意萧条。我们的医疗太昂贵,学校教育让人失望。每天都有更多证据显示,
我们利用能源的方式壮大我们的对敌,威胁我们的星球。
这些都是得自资料和统计数据的危机指标。比较无法测量但同样深沉的,是举国
信心尽失——持续担心美国将无可避免地衰退,也害怕下一代一定会眼界变低。
今天我要告诉各位,我们面临的挑战是真的,挑战非常严重,且不在少数。它们
不是可以轻易,或在短时间内解决。但是,美国要了解,这些挑战会被解决。
在这一天,我们聚在一起,因为我们选择希望而非恐惧,有意义的团结而非纷争
49
和不合。
在这一天,我们来此宣示,那些无用的抱怨和虚伪的承诺已终结,那些扭曲我们
政治已久的相互指控和陈旧教条已终结。
我们仍是个年轻的国家,但借用圣经的话,摆脱幼稚事物的时刻到来了,重申我
们坚忍精神的时刻到来了,选择我们更好的历史,实践那种代代传承的珍贵权利,
那种高贵的理念:就是上帝的应许,我们每个人都是平等的,每个人都是自由的,
每个人都应该有机会追求全然的幸福。
再次肯定我们国家的伟大,我们了解伟大绝非赐予而来,必须努力达成。我们
的旅程从来就不是抄捷径或很容易就满足。这条路一直都不是给不勇敢的人走
的,那些偏好逸乐胜过工作,或者只想追求名利就满足的人。恰恰相反,走这
条路的始终是勇於冒险的人,做事的人,成事的人,其中有些人很出名,但更常
见的是在各自岗位上的男男女女无名英雄,在这条漫长崎岖的道路上支撑我们,
迈向繁荣与自由。
为了我们,他们携带很少的家当,远渡重洋,追寻新生活。
为了我们,他们胼手胝足,在西部安顿下来;忍受风吹雨打,筚路蓝缕。
为了我们,他们奋斗不懈,在康科特和盖茨堡,诺曼地和溪山等地葬身。
前人不断的奋斗与牺牲,直到双手皮开肉绽,我们才能享有比较好的生活。他们
将美国视为大於所有个人企图心总和的整体,超越出身、财富或小圈圈的差异。
这是我们今天继续前进的旅程。我们仍旧是全球最繁荣强盛的国家。这场危机
爆发时,我们的劳工生产力并未减弱。我们的心智一样创新,我们的产品和劳务
和上周或上个月或去年相比,一样是必需品。我们的能力并未减损。但是我们
50
墨守成规、维护狭小利益、推迟引人不悦的决定,这段时期肯定已经过去。由今
天开始,我们必须振作起来,拍掉身上的灰尘,再度开始重塑美国。
我们无论朝何处望去,都有工作必须完成。经济情势需要大胆、迅速的行动,
我们将有所行动,不光是创造新工作,更要奠定成长的新基础。我们将造桥铺路,
为企业兴建电力网格与数位线路,将我们联系在一起。我们将让科学回归合适
的用途,运用科技的奇蹟来提高医疗品质并降低费用。我们将利用太阳能、风力
和土壤作为汽车的燃料和工厂的能源。我们将让中小学及大专院校转型,因应
新时代的需要。这些我们可以作到。我们也将会作到。
现在,有人质疑我们的雄心,暗示说我们的体系无法承受太多的大计画。这些人
的记性不好。因为他们忘记了这个国家已经完成的成就,当创造力朝同一个目标
发展,不受约束的男男女女可以完成何等成就,必要的是勇气。
怀疑者无法理解的是他们的主张已经站不住脚,长期以来折磨我们的陈腐政治
争议已经行不通。我们今天的问题不是政府太大或太小,而是有无功效,是否能
帮助家庭找到薪水不错的工作,支付得起照顾费用,有尊严的退休。哪个方向
能够提供肯定的答案,我们就往那里走。答案是否定的地方,计画就会停止。所
有我们这些管理大众金钱的人都将负起责任,花钱要精明,改掉恶习,正大光
明作事情,只有这样我们才能重建政府与人民间最重要的信任。
我们眼前的问题也不是说市场的力量是善或恶。市场创造财富和增加自由的力
量无与伦比,但是这场危机提醒我们没有监督时,市场发展将失控,当市场只偏
爱有钱人时,国家无法永续繁荣。我们经济成功的依据,不只是国内生产毛额
的规模,还有繁荣可及的范围,以及我们将机会拓展给每个愿意打拚的人,不是
因为施舍,而是因为这就是达到我们共同利益最稳健的途径。
至於我们的共同防卫,让我们必须在自由和理想之间作一抉择,是错误的,我
们拒绝接受。我们建国诸父在我们难以想像的危难之中。拟具了确保法治和人权
51
的宪章,被一代代以鲜血扩大充实的宪章。这些理想依然照亮这个世界,我们
不会为了便宜行事而扬弃它。同样地,今日在观看此情此景的其他民族和政府,
从最宏伟的都城到家父出生的小村庄,我要说:任何一个国家、男、女、和孩
童,只要你在追求一个和平且有尊严的未来,美国就是你的朋友,我们准备再次
带领大家。
回想先前的世代力抗法西斯主义和communist,靠的除了飞弹和战车之外,还有
强固的联盟和持久的信念。他们知道单单力量本身不足以让我们自保,也不能让
我们为所欲为。相反地,他们知道我们的力量因为谨慎使用而增强,我们的安
全源自我们理想的正当性,我们所树立楷模的力量,以及谦逊和克制所具有的调
和特质。
我们是这些遗产的保存者。在这些原则的再次指引下,我们可以面对那些新的威
胁,这些威胁有赖国与国间更大的合作与谅解方能因应。我们将开始以负责任
的方式把伊拉克还给它的人民,并在阿富汗建立赢来不易的和平。我们会努力不
懈地与老朋友和昔日的对手合作,以减轻核子威胁,和地球的暖化。我们不会
为我们的生活方式而道歉,也会毫不动摇地保护它,对那些想要藉由带来恐怖与
杀害无辜以遂其目的者,我们现在告诉你,我们的精神强过你们,无法摧折,
你们不可能比我们长久,我们必定打败你们。
因为我们知道,我们拼凑组合而成的遗产是我们的强处,而非弱点。我们是由基
督徒和穆斯林,犹太教徒和印度教徒,以及非信徒组成的国家。我们由取自世
界四面八方的各种语文和文化所形塑。而且由於我们曾尝过内战和种族隔离的苦
果,并且在走出那黑暗时期之後变得更坚强和团结,这让我们不得不相信旧日
的仇恨终究会过去,部族之间的界线很快就会泯灭。随着世界越来越小,我们共
通的人性也会彰显,而美国必须扮演引进新和平时代的角色。
对穆斯林世界,我们寻求一种新的前进方式,以共同的利益和尊重为基础。那些
想播植冲突并把自己社会的问题怪罪於西方的领袖,须知你的国民藉以判断你
52
的,是你能建立什麽,而非你能毁坏什麽。那些靠着贪腐欺骗和箝制异己保住权
势的人,须知你们站在历史错误的一边,而只要你愿意松手,我们就会伸出援
助之手。
那些穷国的人民,我们保证会和你们合作,让们的农场丰收,让清流涌入,滋补
饿坏的身体,喂养饥饿的心灵。而对那些和我们一样比较富裕的国家,我要说,
我们不能再对国界以外的苦痛视而不见,也不能再消耗世上的资源而不计後果。
因为世界已经变了,我们也要跟着改变。
在我们思索眼前道路的此际,我们以谦虚感激的心想到,有些勇敢的美国同胞正
在遥远的沙漠和山岭上巡逻。今天他们有话要对我们说,就和躺在阿灵顿(公
墓)的英雄们世世代代轻声诉说的一样。我们尊荣他们,不只因为他们扞卫我们
的自由,更因为他们代表着服务的精神;愿意在比自己更大的事物上找寻意义。
而在此刻,能够界定一个世代的此刻,必须常驻你我心中的,正是这种精神。
即使政府能做和必须做,这个国家最终仍得靠美国人民的信念与决心。在堤防决
堤时,是人们的善心,让他们招待陌生人。是工作人员的无私,让他们宁可减
工时,也不愿看到朋友失业,陪伴我们度过最黑暗时期。是消防员的勇气,让他
们冲进满是浓烟的楼梯间。是父母心甘情愿培育孩子,最终决定我们的命运。
我们的挑战也许是新的,我们迎接挑战的工具也许是新的,但我们赖以成功的价
值观─辛勤工作和诚实、勇气和公平竞争、容忍和好奇心、忠实和爱国心─这
些都是固有的。这些价值是真实的,是我们历史上进步的沉默力量。我们有必要
找回这些真实价值。我们现在需要一个勇於负责的新时代,每一个美国人都体
认到我们对自己、对国家、对世界负有责任,我们不是不情愿地接受这些责任,
而是欣然接受,坚信没有什麽比全力以赴完成艰难的工作,更能得到精神上的
满足,更能找到自我。
这是公民的代价和承诺。
53
这是我们信心的来源,体认上帝召唤我们创造不确定的命运。
这是我们的自由和信条的真谛,为什麽不同种族和信仰的男女老幼能在这个大草
坪上共同庆祝,为什麽一个人的父亲在不到六十年前也许还不能进当地的餐厅用
餐,现在却能站在你们面前做最神圣的宣誓。
让我们记住这一天,记住我们是谁、我们走了多远。在美国诞生这一年,在最寒
冷的几个月,在结冰的河岸,一群爱国人士抱着垂死的。首都弃守,敌人进
逼,雪沾了血。在那时,我们革命的成果受到质疑,我们的国父下令向人民宣读
这段话:
“让这段话流传后世,在深冬,只剩下希望和美德,这个城市和这个国家,面临
共同危险,站起来迎向它。”
美国,面对我们共同的危险,在这个艰困的冬天,让我们记得这些永恒的话语。
怀着希望和美德,让我们再度冲破结冰的逆流,度过接下来可能来临的暴风雪。
让我们孩子的孩子继续流传下去,说我们受到考验时,我们拒绝让旅程结束,我
们不回头,也不踌躇;眼睛注视着远方,上帝的恩典降临我们,我们带着自由
这个伟大的礼物,安全送达未来的世世代代。
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