第一篇：總統(tǒng)演講

總統(tǒng)演講，每次都精彩！

奧巴馬就拉登之死講話

不與伊斯蘭為敵(全文)

2011年05月02日14:27

今晚，我可以向美國民眾和全世界宣布，美國已經(jīng)完成了消滅基地組織頭目本-拉登的行動，此人是屠殺數(shù)以千計無辜男女老少的恐怖分子。

將近十年前，9月一個陽光明媚的早晨，美國民眾遭受了歷史上最嚴重的襲擊。9-11襲擊的一幕幕在我國民眾記憶中揮之不去。遭劫持的飛機劃破了9月云淡風輕的天空；世貿(mào)中心雙子塔瞬間倒塌；黑煙從五角大樓滾滾上升；墜毀在賓夕法尼亞州尚克斯維爾的93號航班殘骸，乘客們的英勇行為避免了更多慘劇和摧毀的發(fā)生。

然而我們知道，最慘痛的是那些未向全世界播出的畫面：餐桌旁空空如也的椅子；失去父母的兒童們；再也無法體會孩子擁抱的父母們。將近3000名市民離開了我們，同時在我們心中留下巨大空洞。

2001年9月11日，在我們這個悲痛的時刻，全體美國人走到了一起。我們向鄰居們伸出援手，為受傷者獻血。我們相互之間的關(guān)系更加牢固，我們對社區(qū)和國家的愛更加濃烈。在那一天，不管我們來自何處、不管我們向哪一位神靈祈禱，也無論我們的種族如何，我們都團結(jié)在一起，整個美國就像一個大家庭。我們有著共同的決心，即矢志保衛(wèi)我們的國家，并把那些發(fā)動了這場邪惡襲擊的人繩之以法。

我們很快查明，發(fā)動9-11襲擊的是基地組織，該組織以奧薩馬-本-拉登為首，他們早已公開對美國宣戰(zhàn)，并在我們國家和全球其他地方殺害無辜人民。為了保護我們的公民、我們的朋友以及我們的盟友，我們展開了針對基地組織的戰(zhàn)爭。

過去十年以來，得益于我們軍隊和專業(yè)反恐人員不知疲倦的英勇工作，我們在打擊基地組織方面取得了巨大進展。我們挫敗了多起恐怖襲擊，強化了本土安全。

在阿富汗，我們推翻了向本-拉登和基地組織提供庇護傘和支持的塔利班政府。在世界范圍內(nèi)，我們與友邦盟國共同合作逮捕或者擊斃大量的基地組織恐怖分子，包括那些參與9-11襲擊的。

但是奧薩馬-本-拉登逃脫了追捕，從阿富汗邊境潛逃進入巴基斯坦。與此同時，基地組織繼續(xù)在阿巴邊境地區(qū)以及通過其分支機構(gòu)在全球地區(qū)活動。

我就任美國總統(tǒng)后不久，就曾命令中央情報局局長萊昂-帕內(nèi)塔把擊斃或者抓捕本-拉丹作為打擊基地組織戰(zhàn)爭的首要任務(wù)。我們也加強努力破壞、分解和打擊拉丹的恐怖網(wǎng)絡(luò)。

去年八月，在我們的情報部門歷經(jīng)數(shù)年的艱苦工作之后，我獲悉已經(jīng)有了本-拉丹的線索，盡管那時還遠遠無法確定。我們花費了數(shù)月才得以順藤摸瓜。

我多次同國家安全人員會談，也有更多信息鎖定本-拉登就藏在巴基斯坦的一座建筑內(nèi)。終于在上周，在我們有了充分的情報之后，我下令對奧薩馬-本-拉登采取行動，將他繩之以法。

今天，在我的指示下，美軍對巴基斯坦阿巴德的一處目標實施了有針對性的行動。本次行動的執(zhí)行者是一小隊有著非凡勇氣和能力的美國士兵，并沒有造成任何美國人傷亡。雙方交火后，美國士兵打死了奧薩馬-本-拉登，并且掌握了本-拉登的尸體。

在過去的二十年里，本-拉登一直是基地組織的頭目和象征，并且不斷地策劃針對我們國家、朋友和盟友的襲擊。

本-拉登之死是我們在打擊基地組織的努力中，迄今為止取得的最為重要的成就。

本-拉登的死并不意味著我們工作的結(jié)束。毫無疑問，基地組織將會繼續(xù)對我們實施攻擊。因此，我們必須并且繼續(xù)對國內(nèi)外的情況保持警惕。

如我們做的那樣，我們還必須重申美國沒有也絕對不會對伊斯蘭發(fā)動戰(zhàn)爭。正如小布什總統(tǒng)

在9-11事件之后我曾經(jīng)明確表示，我們的戰(zhàn)爭并非針對伊斯蘭。本-拉登并非一個穆斯林領(lǐng)袖，相反，他屠殺了大量的穆斯林人民。事實上，基地組織在包括美國在內(nèi)的很多國家都屠殺了許多穆斯林。

所有愛好和平并相信人之尊嚴者都會為他的死而歡欣鼓舞。在過去的數(shù)年里，我一再重申，如果我們確認本拉丹在巴基斯坦境內(nèi)棲身，我們將采取行動。我們這次就是這么做的。這里我們必須指出同巴基斯坦在反恐上的合作在這次行動中幫助我們找到并確認了本-拉登的藏身之所。事實上，本-拉登早已對巴基斯坦宣戰(zhàn)并且命令采取行動襲擊巴基斯坦人民。今晚我已經(jīng)同扎爾達里總統(tǒng)通了電話，同時我的同事也與巴基斯坦方面的相應(yīng)官員進行了交流。我們一致認為今天對美巴兩國人民來說都是一個值得紀念的日子。雙方都同意未來巴基斯坦還將同美國一起展開針對基地組織及其分支機構(gòu)的行動。美國人民并不想要這場戰(zhàn)爭，這一切都源于一場對美國本土無辜平民的無端殘殺。10年的斗爭和犧牲，使我們深切體會到這場戰(zhàn)爭的代價。

作為美國三軍統(tǒng)帥，每次在給陣亡士兵家人的信上簽名，每次看到被重傷軍人的眼睛，我都感到沉重的壓力。

美國人民清楚戰(zhàn)爭必然會有傷亡，知道戰(zhàn)爭必然要我們付出代價。但是作為一個國家，我們更是絕對不能容忍有人威脅我們的安全，也不能看著我們的人民被殺害還坐視不管。我們將堅持不懈地保護美國公民、朋友和盟友。我們將永遠堅持那些我們所認可的價值。這個晚上，讓我們對那些因基地恐怖分子而失去親人至愛的家庭說，正義終于得到了伸張。

我們要感謝那些情報和反恐界的專業(yè)人士，正是他們孜孜不倦的工作才促成了今天的勝利。美國人民看不到他們的工作，也不知道他們的名字。但是在這個晚上，這些人能夠真切地感受到付出得到回報、正義得以伸張的滿足。我們還要感謝那些參與了這次行動的軍人，他們是所有為國盡忠的士兵們的代表，展現(xiàn)出了專業(yè)、愛國和無可比擬的勇氣。他們在9-11之后承擔了最重的責任。

最后，我還要對那些在9-11恐怖襲擊中失去至親至愛的家庭說，我們從來沒有忘記過你們的損失，我們也從來沒有動搖所做出的承諾，那就是竭盡全力讓國家免遭新的襲擊。

這個夜晚，讓我們重新回顧在9-11襲擊發(fā)生后美國上下緊密團結(jié)的情景，我知道那種團結(jié)在有些時候已經(jīng)淡化。但是今天的成就證明了美國的偉大和美國人的決心。

請記住，保衛(wèi)我們國家的事業(yè)并沒有終結(jié)。但是今天我們再次印證只要美國下定決心，這個國家想做的事情就一定能夠?qū)崿F(xiàn)。這是我們國家的歷史：不管是為了人民的繁榮還是國民的平等，我們對全球傳遞美國價值觀的承諾不變，我們?yōu)槭澜绨踩珜幵缸晕覡奚某兄Z不變。我們要牢記，做這些并僅是為了財富或者權(quán)勢，而是因為我們生來如此，我們生來要為所有人爭取自由和公正。

感謝你們，上帝保佑大家，上帝保佑美利堅合眾國。

第二篇：總統(tǒng)競選演講

總統(tǒng)競選演講 光盤

既然這就是我在遵奉公眾召喚就任現(xiàn)職時的感想，那么，在此宣誓就職之際，如不熱忱地祈求全能的上帝就極其失當，因為上帝統(tǒng)治著宇宙，主宰著各國政府，它的神助能彌補人類的任何不足，愿上帝賜福，侃佑一個為美國人民的自由和幸福而組成的政府，保佑它為這些基本目的而作出奉獻，保佑政府的各項行政措施在我負責之下都能成功地發(fā)揮作用，總統(tǒng)競選演講。我相信，在向公眾利益和私人利益的偉大締造者獻上這份崇敬時，這些活也同樣表達了各位和廣大公民的心意。沒有人能比美國人更堅定不移地承認和崇拜掌管人間事務(wù)的上帝。他們在邁向獨立國家的進程中，似乎每走一步都有某種天佑的跡象；他們在剛剛完成的聯(lián)邦政府體制的重大改革中，如果不是因虔誠的感恩而得到某種回報，如果不是謙卑地期待著過去有所預示的賜福的到來，那么，通過眾多截然不同的集團的平靜思考和自愿贊同來完成改革，這種方式是不能與大多數(shù)政府的組建方式同日而語的。在目前轉(zhuǎn)折關(guān)頭，我產(chǎn)生這些想法確實是深有所感而不能自已，我相信大家會和我懷有同感，即除了仰仗上帝的力量，一個新生的自由政府別無他法能一開始就事事順利。根據(jù)設(shè)立行政部門的條款，總統(tǒng)有責任“將他認為必要而妥善的措施提請國會審議”。但在目前與各位見面的這個場合，恕我不進一步討論這個問題，而只提一下偉大的憲法，它使各位今天聚集一堂，它規(guī)定了各位的權(quán)限，指出了各位應(yīng)該注意的目標。在這樣的場合，更恰當、也更能反映我內(nèi)心***的做法是不提出具體措施，而是稱頌將要規(guī)劃和采納這些措施的當選者的才能、正直和愛國心，演講稿《總統(tǒng)競選演講》。我從這些高貴品格中看到了最可靠的保證：其一，任何地方偏見或地方感情，任何意見分歧或黨派敵視，都不能使我們偏離全局觀點和公平觀點，即必須維護這個由不同地區(qū)和利益所組成的大聯(lián)合；因此，其二，我國的政策將會以純潔而堅定的個人道德原則為基礎(chǔ)，而自由政府將會以那贏得民心和全世界尊敬的一切特點而顯示其優(yōu)越性。我對國家的一片熱愛之心激勵著我滿懷喜悅地展望這幅遠景，因為根據(jù)自然界的構(gòu)成和發(fā)展趨勢，在美德與幸福之間，責任與利益之間，恪守誠實寬厚的政策與獲得社會繁榮幸福的碩果之間，有著密不可分的統(tǒng)一；因為我們應(yīng)該同樣相信，上帝親自規(guī)定了水恒的秩序和權(quán)利法則，它決不可能對無視這些法則的國家慈祥地加以贊許；因為人們理所當然地、滿懷深情地、也許是最后一次把維護神圣的自由之火和共和制政府的命運，系于美國人所遵命進行的實驗上。

我已將有感于這一聚會場合的想法奉告各位，現(xiàn)在我就要向大家告辭；但在此以前，我要再一次以謙卑的心情祈求仁慈的上帝給予幫助。因為承蒙上帝的恩賜，美國人有了深思熟慮的機會，以及為確保聯(lián)邦的安全和促進幸福，用前所未有的一致意見來決定政府體制的意向；因而，同樣明顯的是，上帝將保佑我們擴大眼界，心平氣和地進行協(xié)商，并采取明智的措施，而這些都是本屆政府取得成功所必不可少的依靠。

第三篇：里根總統(tǒng)演講中英文

里根總統(tǒng)就職演講稿完整中文翻譯版

里根總統(tǒng)是個非常擅長演講的人，他的演講從頭至尾一氣呵成.他不看講稿，完全是即席演講。他的語速和聲音的節(jié)奏控制得非常好，聽他的演講本身就是在欣賞一場偉大的演出。

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.尊敬的海特菲爾德議員、法官先生、總統(tǒng)先生、副總統(tǒng)布什、蒙代爾、貝克議員、發(fā)言人奧尼爾、摩麥以及廣大支持我的美國同胞們：今天對于我們中間的一些人來說，是一個非常莊嚴隆重的時刻。對于這個國家的歷史卻是一件普通的事情。按照憲法要求，政府權(quán)利正在有序地移交，我們已經(jīng)如此“例行公事”了兩個世紀，很少有人覺得這有什么特別。但在世界上更多人看來，我們這個已經(jīng)習以為常的四年一次的儀式卻是一個奇跡。

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.總統(tǒng)先生，我希望我們的同胞們都能知道你為了這個傳承而付出的努力。通過移交程序中的通力合作，展示了這樣一個事實：我們是一個團結(jié)一致的民族，這個民族決心捍衛(wèi)一種比任何其他體制更能充分保證個人民主自由的政治制度。我要感謝你和你的伙伴們的幫助，因為你們堅持了這樣的傳承，這種傳承的連續(xù)性恰是我們共和國的支柱。

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.我們國家的事業(yè)在繼續(xù)前進。合眾國正面臨巨大的經(jīng)濟困難。我們遭遇到我國歷史上歷時最長、最嚴重之一的通貨膨脹，它擾亂著我們的經(jīng)濟決策，使儲蓄的人反而受到懲罰，壓迫著正在掙扎謀生的青年人和收入固定的中年人，威脅著要摧毀我國千百萬人民的生計。

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.停滯的工業(yè)使工人失業(yè)、蒙受痛苦并失去了個人尊嚴。即使那些有工作的人，也因沉重的稅負而得不到公正的勞動報酬，因為這種稅收制度使我們無法在事業(yè)上取得成就，使我們無法保持充分的生產(chǎn)力。

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.盡管我們的納稅負擔相當沉重，但還是跟不上公共開支的增長。數(shù)十年來，我們的赤字額屢屢上升，我們?yōu)閳D目前暫時的方便，已把自己和子孫的前途都抵押出去。這一趨勢如果長此以往，必然引起社會、文化、政治和經(jīng)濟等方面的大動蕩。

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.作為個人，你們和我可以靠借貸過一種入不敷出的生活，然而只能維持一段有限的時期，我們怎么可以認為，作為一個國家整體，我們就不應(yīng)受到同樣的約束呢？為了明天，我們今天就必須行動起來。大家都要明白無誤地懂得--我們從今天起就要采取行動。

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.我們深受其害的經(jīng)濟弊病，幾十年來一直襲擊著我們。這些弊病不會在幾天、幾星期或幾個月內(nèi)消失，但它們終將消失。它們之所以終將消失，是因為我們作為現(xiàn)在的美國人，一如既往地有能力去完成需要完成的事情，以保存這個最后而又最偉大的自由堡壘。

In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem.在當前這場危機中，政府的管理不能解決我們面臨的問題。政府的管理就是問題所在。

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.我們時常誤以為，社會已經(jīng)越來越復雜，已經(jīng)不可能憑借自治方式加以管理，而一個由杰出人物組成的政府要比民享、民治、民有的政府高明?？墒?，假如我們之中誰也管理不了自己，那么，我們之中誰還能去管理他人呢。我們大家--不論政府官員還是平民百姓--必須共同肩負起這個責任，我們謀求的解決辦法必須是公平的，不要使任何一個群體付出較高的代價。

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.我們聽到許多關(guān)于特殊利益集團的談?wù)摚欢?。我們必須關(guān)心一個被忽視了大久的特殊利益集團。這個集團沒有區(qū)域之分，沒有人種之分，沒有民族之分，沒有政黨之分，這個集團由許許多多的男人與女人組成，他們生產(chǎn)糧食，巡邏街頭，管理廠礦，教育兒童，照料家務(wù)和治療疾病。他們是專業(yè)人員、實業(yè)家、店主、職員、出租汽車司機和貨車駕駛員，總而言之，他們就是“我們的人民”—就是美國人民。

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.本屆政府的目標是必須建立一種健全的、生氣勃勃的和日益發(fā)展的經(jīng)濟，為全體美國人民提供一種不因偏執(zhí)或歧視而造成障礙的均等機會。使美國復興，意味著使全體美國人都有工作；制止通貨膨脹，意味著使全體美國人免除對勢如脫韁之馬的生活費用的恐懼。人人都應(yīng)分擔“新開端”的富有成效的工作，人人都應(yīng)分享經(jīng)濟復蘇的碩果。我們力量的核心是理想主義和公正對待的精神，有了這些，我們就能建立一個強大繁榮的美國，在國內(nèi)和全世界都相安無事。

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.在我們向復興美國開始邁步之際，先讓我們看看我們的實際情況。我們是一個擁有政府的國家--而不是一個擁有國家的政府。這一點使我們在世界合國中獨樹一幟，我們的政府除了人民授予的權(quán)力，沒有任何別的權(quán)力?，F(xiàn)在是制止并扭轉(zhuǎn)政府機構(gòu)和權(quán)力膨脹的時候了，因為種種跡象表明，這種膨脹已超過人民的意愿。

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.我想要做的是限制聯(lián)邦政府的規(guī)模和權(quán)力，并要求大家承認聯(lián)邦政府被授予的權(quán)力同各州或人民保留的權(quán)利這兩者之間的區(qū)別。必須提醒我們大家注意：不是聯(lián)邦政府創(chuàng)立了各州，而是各州創(chuàng)立了聯(lián)邦政府。

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.因此，請不要誤解，我不是要取消政府，而是要它發(fā)揮作用--同我們一起合作，而不是凌駕于我們之上；同我們并肩而立，而不是騎在我們的身上。政府能夠而且必須提供而不是扼殺機會，能夠而且必須促進而不是抑制生產(chǎn)力。

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.多年來我們能取得巨大成就，獲得世界上任何一個民族未曾獲得的繁榮昌盛的原因是在這片土地上我們比以往任何時候都最大程度地發(fā)揮人的潛能和個人的天才；這里比任何其他任何地方更容易得到、更可以保證個人的自由和尊嚴。得到這種自由所付出的代價有時相當昂貴，但我們從沒不愿意付出這種代價。

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.我們目前困難的制造者是政府不必要和過度膨脹對我們生活的干預和侵擾，這不是偶然的巧合。我們應(yīng)該真正認識到我們是一個偉大的國家，不能自囿于小小的夢想，我們不像有些人要我們相信的那樣注定要不可避免地衰落，我不相信我們命該如此，無論我們做什么都不能改變那些人描繪的宿命，但我相信，如果我們什么也不做，我們將的確命該如此。為此，讓我們以我們擁有的一切創(chuàng)造力來開創(chuàng)一個國家復興的時代吧。讓我們重新下定決心，拿出我們的勇氣和力量，讓我們重新滿懷信心和希望，我們完全有權(quán)利塑造崇高的理想。

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.當下那些不知道去哪發(fā)現(xiàn)英雄的人說我們正身處于一個沒有英雄的時代。你們可以看到每天進出于工廠大門的英雄們；另外一些英雄人數(shù)雖少，但生產(chǎn)的糧食卻足夠養(yǎng)活我們大家和世界其他地區(qū)的人民；你們會在柜臺前遇到英雄--在柜臺的內(nèi)外遇到英雄們，其中的一些人是對自己抱有信心的、有理想的企業(yè)家，他們創(chuàng)造新的職業(yè)、新的財富和機會，政府的維持就是靠這樣一些個人和家族繳納的捐稅，教會、慈善事業(yè)、文化、藝術(shù)和教育事業(yè)也是靠他們的自愿捐獻來維持的。他們的愛國主義精神含而不露，但卻是強烈的，他們創(chuàng)造的價值支撐著我們的國民生活。

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.我在說到這些英雄時，用了“他們”和“他們的”這兩個字眼，但也可以說“你們”、“你們的”。因為我現(xiàn)在正給我提及的英雄們講話--就是你們，這個上帝降福的國土上的公民們。你們的理想、希望、目標將是本屆政府的理想、希望、目標，愿上帝保佑我做到這一點。

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?

我們將體現(xiàn)出在你們的稟性中占很大成分的同情心。怎么能愛我們的國家而不愛我們的同胞呢？我們要愛他們，在他們摔倒時伸出手去扶住他們，在他們患病時給他們治愈，并提供機會使他們自給自足，使他們獲得實在而不是口頭上的平等。

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.我們能解決擺在我們面前的這些問題嗎？回答是毫不含糊和斷然的兩個字“能夠”，借用溫斯頓丘吉爾的話說，我剛才宣誓并不是想要在我的領(lǐng)導下使這個世界最強大的經(jīng)濟瓦解。

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.在今后的一段時間，我將建議消除一些使得我們經(jīng)濟發(fā)展緩慢和生產(chǎn)力下降的障礙，將要采取一些旨在恢復各級政府之間保持平衡的步驟，進展也許是緩慢的，用英寸和英尺而不是用英里來衡量，但我們會前進?，F(xiàn)在應(yīng)當是喚醒這個工業(yè)巨人的時候，使政府能夠重新量入為出，減輕我們懲罰性的賦稅負擔，這將是我們首要的任務(wù)，在這些原則上絕不會妥協(xié)。

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.”

在我國為獨立而斗爭的前夕，有一個人曾對他的美國同胞說：“我們現(xiàn)在處于危險之中，但并沒有絕望…美國的命運取決與你們。關(guān)系到尚未出生的千百萬人的幸福和自由的一個重要問題是由你們來決定，你們的行動要無愧與你自己。”這個人就是馬薩諸塞議會主席約瑟夫沃倫博士，如果他當初沒有在邦克山犧牲，他也許成為我國建國的先人中最偉大的任務(wù)之一。

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.我相信，我們當代美國人已做好無愧于我們自己行動的準備，做好為確保我們自己、孩子和子孫后代的幸福和自由必須進行工作的準備。

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.當我們在這塊土地上時代相傳時，全世界將看到，我們所具有的力量更加強大，我們將再度成為自由的典范，成為現(xiàn)在還沒有獲得自由的那些人的希望之光。

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.對于與我們懷有同樣自由理想的那些鄰國和盟國，我們將加強我們之間傳統(tǒng)性的溝通，保證對他們予以支持，對他們履行應(yīng)盡的義務(wù)，忠誠地報答他們的忠誠，努力爭取建立互利的關(guān)系，決不利用這種友誼去影響他們的主權(quán)，因為我們自己的主權(quán)也是不能出賣的。

As for the enemies of freedom, those who are potential adversaries, they will be reminded thatpeace 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.對于那些自由的敵人和潛在的對手，我們要提醒他們，和平是美國人民的最高愿望。我們將為和平而談判，為和平而犧牲，但我們絕不為和平而投降，現(xiàn)在不會，將來也永遠不會。

Our forbearance should never be misunderstood.Our reluctance for conflict should not bemisjudged 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.對我們的忍讓絕不應(yīng)誤解。不要把我們對沖突采取的克制態(tài)度誤認為是意志不堅強。一旦需要采取行動保衛(wèi)我們國家的安全，我們就采取行動。我們將保持足以在必要時取勝的力量，這樣我們才最有可能不必動用這種力量。

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.所以，我們必須認識到，世界各地軍火庫中的任何武器沒有自由人們的意志和維護道義的勇氣強大，這是當今世界上我們美國獨有而我們對手所沒有的武器。要讓那些采取恐怖行動和掠奪自己鄰國的人懂得這一點。

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.當?shù)弥裉炫e行的祈禱會成千上萬時，我深為感激。我們是上帝保佑的國家，我們相信，上帝希望我們得到自由。如果每次就職典禮日都能成為祈禱日，那是恰如其逢的好事。

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.就職儀式在國會大廈西門舉行是美國歷史的第一次。站在這里，宏偉壯麗的景色盡收眼底，可以看到華盛頓這座城市獨特的美麗和歷史。在這條寬闊林蔭大道盡頭矗立著我國歷史偉大的紀念物。

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.在我的正前方是一位不朽人物的紀念碑，他就是我們的國父喬治華盛頓。他稟性謙恭，處于時勢所迫才做出偉大業(yè)績，領(lǐng)導美國取得革命勝利，建立一個新國家。稍偏一點是莊嚴雄偉的托馬斯杰斐遜紀念堂，獨立宣言閃耀著他的雄辯才華。

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.在映影池的那一邊，矗立著由大圓柱組成的莊嚴肅穆的林肯紀念堂，任何想徹底了解美國真諦的人都會在亞伯拉罕林肯的一生中得到答案。

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.過了這些英雄紀念物就是波托馬克河，河對岸就是阿靈頓國家公墓，坡地上排者一行行刻著十字架和大衛(wèi)王之星的樸實無華的白色墓碑，他們僅僅是為了我們的自由所付出的代價的縮影。

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.這里的每一個墓碑都是對我所提及的那些英雄的紀念。他們在一些叫貝魯伍德、阿爾貢、奧馬哈灘、薩萊諾的地方，在相隔半個地球之遙的瓜達卡鈉爾、塔拉瓦、獨排山、長津水岸和一個叫越南--有著許許多多稻田和叢林的地方獻出了他們的生命。

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.在這里的一塊墓碑下躺著一位名叫馬丁托雷普托的年輕人，他于1917年離開一座小鎮(zhèn)的理發(fā)館，隨同著名的彩虹師來到法國。在那里的西部戰(zhàn)場上，他在猛烈的炮火中為自己的部隊傳遞信息時犧牲了。

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.” 有人告訴我們在他的身上發(fā)現(xiàn)一本日記。扉頁上寫著這樣的標題：“我的誓言”。他寫下了這樣的話語：“美國必須贏得這場戰(zhàn)爭。為此，我會奮斗，我會拯救，我會犧牲，我會忍受，我會并將盡我最大的努力英勇奮戰(zhàn)，就好比所有的戰(zhàn)爭問題都將由我一個人來肩負?！?/p>

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.我們今天面臨的危機并不是要求我們作出像馬丁托雷普托和其他數(shù)以千計人那樣的犧牲，然而，它確實要求我們作出最大的努力去工作，要求我們愿意相信自己，相信我們有能力干出偉大的事業(yè)：團結(jié)一致，在上帝的幫助下，能夠并且一定會解決我們面臨的種種問題。

And, after all, why shouldn't we believe that? We are Americans.God bless you, and thank you.我們?yōu)槭裁床粦?yīng)該相信這一點呢？畢竟我們是美國人。愿上帝祝福你們。

Mr.Vice President, Mr.Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:總統(tǒng) 副總統(tǒng)先生，議長先生，各位兩院議員：

Yesterday, December 7th, 1941--a date which will live in infamy--the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.昨天，1941年12月7日――這一天將成為我們的國恥日――美利堅合眾國遭到日本帝國的蓄謀已久的海、空突襲。The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.美國曾與該國和平相處，應(yīng)該國之邀，還在與該國政府和天皇進行談判，謀求維護太平洋區(qū)域和平。

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message.And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.事實上，在日本航空隊開始轟炸美國的瓦湖島一小時后，日本駐美大使及其同僚向我國務(wù)卿提交了對我國最近照會的正式答復，其內(nèi)容是繼續(xù)正在進行的外交談判似乎已無意義，沒有任何戰(zhàn)爭或武裝攻擊的威脅或暗示。

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago.During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.我們要牢記夏威夷到日本的距離清楚地表明，這次襲擊只能是幾天甚至是幾周前蓄意策劃的。在這期間，日本政府蓄意謀求用維護和平的善意的虛假消息來欺騙美國。

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces.I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost.In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.昨天對夏威夷群島的攻擊給美國海軍和陸軍造成了嚴重損失。我很遺憾地告訴你們很多美國人喪生。此外，美國船只在舊金山與火努魯魯之間的公海遭魚雷攻擊。

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.昨天夜間，日本政府發(fā)動了對馬來亞的進攻。Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.昨天夜間，日軍攻擊了香港。

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.昨天夜間，日軍攻擊了關(guān)島。

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.昨天夜間，日軍攻擊了菲律賓群島。Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.昨天夜間，日軍攻擊了威克島。

And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.今天上午，日軍攻擊了中途島。

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area.The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves.The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.因此，日本已經(jīng)實施了對太平洋區(qū)域的突襲。昨天和今天的事實已經(jīng)不言而喻了。美國人民已下定決心，并且深知這對國家安全和每個人意味著什么。

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.作為美國海陸軍總司令，我已下令不惜一切保衛(wèi)國家。但是我們?nèi)珖家烙涍@次偷襲的性質(zhì)。

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.不管用多長時間，我們終將戰(zhàn)勝這次有預謀的侵略，美國人用他們的正義力量必將徹底勝利。

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.我相信我代表了國會和人民的意志，我宣布我們不僅要盡全力保衛(wèi)自己，還要確保這樣的背信棄義決不會再次發(fā)生。Hostilities exist.There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.面對敵意，我們不能閃爍其詞，因為我們的人民、國土和利益都在最危險之中。

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph--so help us God.有對軍隊的信心，有人民的不屈決心，我們必勝！上帝保佑！I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.因為周日，1941年12月7日，日本對我國的無故的欺軟怕硬的偷襲，我懇請國會宣布美國和日本帝國進入戰(zhàn)爭狀態(tài)。

第四篇：肯尼迪總統(tǒng)就職演講

今天我們慶祝的不是政黨的勝利，而是自由的勝利。這象征著一個結(jié)束，也象征著一個開端；意味著延續(xù)也意味著變革。因為我已在你們和全能的上帝面前，宣讀了我們的先輩在170多年前擬定的莊嚴誓言。

現(xiàn)在的世界已大不相同了。人類的巨手掌握著既能消滅人間的各種貧困，又能毀滅人間的各種生活的力量。但我們的先輩為之奮斗的那些革命信念，在世界各地仍然有著爭論。這個信念就是：人的權(quán)利并非來自國家的慷慨，而是來自上帝恩賜。

今天，我們不敢忘記我們是第一次革命的繼承者。讓我們的朋友和敵人同樣聽見我此時此地的講話：火炬已經(jīng)傳給新一代美國人。這一代人在本世紀誕生，在戰(zhàn)爭中受過鍛煉，在艱難困苦的和丅平時期受過陶冶，他們?yōu)槲覈凭玫膫鹘y(tǒng)感到自豪－－他們不愿目睹或聽任我國一向保證的、今天仍在國內(nèi)外作出保證的人權(quán)漸趨毀滅。

讓每個國家都知道－－不論它希望我們繁榮還是希望我們衰落－－為確保自由的存在和自由的勝利，我們將付出任何代價，承受任何負擔，應(yīng)付任何艱難，支持任何朋友，反抗任何敵人。

這些就是我們的保證－－而且還有更多的保證。

對那些和我們有著共同文化和精神淵源的老盟友、我們保證待以誠實朋友那樣的忠誠。我們?nèi)绻麍F結(jié)一致，就能在許多合作事業(yè)中無往不勝；我們?nèi)绻制鐚αⅲ蜁皇聼o成－－因為我們不敢在爭吵不休、四分五裂時迎接強大的挑戰(zhàn)。

對那些我們歡迎其加入到自由丅行列中來的新國家，我們格守我們的誓言：決不讓一種更為殘酷的暴政來取代一種消失的殖民統(tǒng)治。我們并不總是指望他們會支持我們的觀點。但我們始終希望看到他們堅強地維護自己的自由－－而且要記住，在歷史上，凡愚蠢地狐假虎威者，終必葬身虎口。

對世界各地身居茅舍和鄉(xiāng)村、為擺脫普遍貧困而斗爭的人們，我們保證盡最大努力幫助他們自立，不管需要花多長時間－－之所以這樣做，并不是因為共丅產(chǎn)黨可能正在這樣做，也不是因為我們需要他們的選票，而是因為這樣做是正確的。自由社會如果不能幫助眾多的窮人，也就無法挽救少數(shù)富人。

對我國南面的姐妹共和國，我們提出一項特殊的保證－－在爭取進步的新同盟中，把我們善意的話變?yōu)樯埔獾男袆樱瑤椭杂傻娜藗兒妥杂傻恼B府擺脫貧困的枷鎖。但是，這種充滿希望的和丅平革命決不可以成為敵對國家的犧牲品。我們要讓所有鄰國都知道，我們將和他們在一起，反對在美洲任何地區(qū)進行侵略和顛覆活動。讓所有其他國家都知道，本半球的人仍然想做自己家園的主人。

對聯(lián)合國，主丅權(quán)國家的世界性議事機構(gòu)，我們在戰(zhàn)爭手段大大超過和丅平手段的時代里最后的、最美好的希望所在，我們重申予以支持：防止它僅僅成為謾罵的場所；加強它對新生國家和弱小國家的保護；擴大它的行使法令的管束范圍。

最后，對那些與我們作對的國家，我們提出一個要求而不是一項保證：在科學釋放出可怕的破壞力量，把全人類卷入預謀的或意外的自我毀滅的深淵之前，讓我們雙方重新開始尋求和丅平。

我們不敢以怯弱來引誘他們。因為只有當我們毫無疑問地擁有足夠的軍備，我們才能毫無疑問地確信永遠不會使用這些軍備。

但是，這兩個強大的國家集團都無法從目前所走的道路中得到安慰－－發(fā)展現(xiàn)代武器所需的費用使雙方負擔過重，致命的原子武器的不斷擴散理所當然使雙方憂心忡忡，但是，雙方卻爭著改變那制止人類發(fā)動最后戰(zhàn)爭的不穩(wěn)定的恐怖均勢。

因此，讓我們雙方重新開始－－雙方都要牢記，禮貌并不意味著怯弱，誠意永遠有待于驗證。讓我們決不要由于畏懼而談判。但我們決不能畏懼談判。

讓雙方都來探討使我們團結(jié)起來的問題，而不要操勞那些使我們分裂的問題。

讓雙方首次為軍備檢查和軍備控制制訂認真而又明確的提案，把毀滅他國的絕對力量置于所有國家的絕對控制之下。

讓雙方尋求利用科學的奇跡，而不是乞靈于科學造成的恐怖。讓我們一起探索星球，征服沙漠，根除疾患，開發(fā)深海，并鼓勵藝術(shù)和商業(yè)的發(fā)展。

讓雙方團結(jié)起來，在全世界各個角落傾聽以賽亞的訓令－－“解下軛上的索，使被欺壓的得自由。”（注：《圣經(jīng)·舊約全書·以塞亞書》第58章6節(jié)。）

如果合作的灘頭陣地能逼退猜忌的叢林，那么就讓雙方共同作一次新的努力；不是建立一種新的均勢，而是創(chuàng)造一個新的法治世界，在這個世界中，強者公正，弱者安全、和丅平將得到維護。

所有這一切不可能在今后一百天內(nèi)完成，也不可能在今后一千天或者在本屆政丅府任期內(nèi)完成，甚至也許不可能在我們居住在這個星球上的有生之年內(nèi)完成。但是，讓我們開始吧。

公民們，我們方針的最終成敗與其說掌握在我手中，不如說掌握在你們手中。自從合眾國建立以來，每一代美國人都曾受到召喚去證明他們對國家的忠誠。響應(yīng)召喚而獻身的美國青年的墳?zāi)贡榧叭颉?/p>

現(xiàn)在，號角已再次吹響－－不是召喚我們拿起武器，雖然我們需要武器；不是召喚我們?nèi)プ鲬?zhàn)，雖然我們嚴陣以待。它召喚我們?yōu)橛永杳鞫缲撈鹇L斗爭的重任，年復一年，從希望中得到歡樂，在磨難中保持耐性，對付人類共同的敵人－－專制、社團、疾病和戰(zhàn)爭本身。

為反對這些敵人，確保人類更為豐裕的生活，我們能夠組成一個包括東西南北各方的全球大聯(lián)盟嗎？你們愿意參加這一歷史性的努力嗎？

在漫長的世界歷史中，只有少數(shù)幾代人在自由處于最危急的時刻被賦予保衛(wèi)自由的責任。我不會推卸這一責任，我歡迎這一責任。我不相信我們中間有人想同其他人或其他時代的人交換位置。我們?yōu)檫@一努力所奉獻的精力、信念和忠誠，將照亮我們的國家和所有為國效勞的人，而這火焰發(fā)出的光芒定能照亮全世界。

因此，美國同胞們，不要問國家能為你們做些什么，而要問你們能為國家做些什么。

全世界的公民們，不要問美國將為你們做些什么，而要問我們共同能為人類的自由做些什么。

最后，不論你們是美國公民還是其他國家的公民，你們應(yīng)要求我們獻出我們同樣要求于你們的高度力量和犧牲。問心無愧是我們唯一可靠的獎賞，歷史是我們行動的最終裁判，讓我們走向前去，引導我們所熱愛的國家。我們祈求上帝的福佑和幫助，但我們知道，確切地說，上帝在塵世的工作必定是我們自己的工作

第五篇：卡特總統(tǒng)就職演講

1977年美國總統(tǒng)卡特就職演說 Inaugural Address by Jimmy Carter

(January 20, 1977)

For myself and for our Nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land.In this outward and physical ceremony we attest once again to the inner and spiritual strength of our Nation.As my high school teacher, Miss Julia Coleman, used to say: “We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.”

Here before me is the Bible used in the inauguration of our first President, in 1789, and I have just taken the oath of office on the Bible my mother gave me a few years ago, opened to a timeless admonition from the ancient prophet Micah: “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good;and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”(Micah 6:8)

This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all.A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it.Two centuries ago our Nation's birth was a milestone in the long quest for freedom, but the bold and brilliant dream which excited the founders of this Nation still awaits its consummation.I have no new dream to set forth today, but rather urge a fresh faith in the old dream.Ours was the first society openly to define itself in terms of both spirituality and of human liberty.It is that unique self-definition which has given us an exceptional appeal, but it also imposes on us a special obligation, to take on those moral duties which, when assumed, seem invariably to be in our own best interests.You have given me a great responsibility--to stay close to you, to be worthy of you, and to exemplify what you are.Let us create together a new national spirit of unity and trust.Your strength can compensate for my weakness, and your wisdom can help to minimize my mistakes.Let us learn together and laugh together and work together and pray together, confident that in the end we will triumph together in the right.The American dream endures.We must once again have full faith in our country and in one another.I believe America can be better.We can be even stronger than before.Let our recent mistakes bring a resurgent commitment to the basic principles of our Nation, for we know that if we despise our own government we have no future.We recall in special times when we have stood briefly, but magnificently, united.In those times no prize was beyond our grasp.But we cannot dwell upon remembered glory.We cannot afford to drift.We reject the prospect of failure or mediocrity or an inferior quality of life for any person.Our Government must at the same time be both competent and compassionate.We have already found a high degree of personal liberty, and we are now struggling to enhance equality of opportunity.Our commitment to human rights must be absolute, our laws fair, our natural beauty preserved;the powerful must not persecute the weak, and human dignity must be enhanced.We have learned that “more” is not necessarily “better,” that even our great Nation has its recognized limits, and that we can neither answer all questions nor solve all problems.We cannot afford to do everything, nor can we afford to lack boldness as we meet the future.So, together, in a spirit of individual sacrifice for the common good, we must simply do our best.Our Nation can be strong abroad only if it is strong at home.And we know that the best way to enhance freedom in other lands is to demonstrate here that our democratic system is worthy of emulation.To be true to ourselves, we must be true to others.We will not behave in foreign places so as to violate our rules and standards here at home, for we know that the trust which our Nation earns is essential to our strength.The world itself is now dominated by a new spirit.Peoples more numerous and more politically aware are craving and now demanding their place in the sun--not just for the benefit of their own physical condition, but for basic human rights.The passion for freedom is on the rise.Tapping this new spirit, there can be no nobler nor more ambitious task for America to undertake on this day of a new beginning than to help shape a just and peaceful world that is truly humane.We are a strong nation, and we will maintain strength so sufficient that it need not be proven in combat--a quiet strength based not merely on the size of an arsenal, but on the nobility of ideas.We will be ever vigilant and never vulnerable, and we will fight our wars against poverty, ignorance, and injustice--for those are the enemies against which our forces can be honorably marshaled.We are a purely idealistic Nation, but let no one confuse our idealism with weakness.Because we are free we can never be indifferent to the fate of freedom elsewhere.Our moral sense dictates a clearcut preference for these societies which share with us an abiding respect for individual human rights.We do not seek to intimidate, but it is clear that a world which others can dominate with impunity would be inhospitable to decency and a threat to the well-being of all people.The world is still engaged in a massive armaments race designed to ensure continuing equivalent strength among potential adversaries.We pledge perseverance and wisdom in our efforts to limit the world's armaments to those necessary for each nation's own domestic safety.And we will move this year a step toward ultimate goal--the elimination of all nuclear weapons from this Earth.We urge all other people to join us, for success can mean life instead of death.Within us, the people of the United States, there is evident a serious and purposeful rekindling of confidence.And I join in the hope that when my time as your President has ended, people might say this about our Nation:

that we had remembered the words of Micah and renewed our search for humility, mercy, and justice;

that we had torn down the barriers that separated those of different race and region and religion, and where there had been mistrust, built unity, with a respect for diversity;that we had found productive work for those able to perform it;

that we had strengthened the American family, which is the basis of our society;

that we had ensured respect for the law, and equal treatment under the law, for the weak and the powerful, for the rich and the poor;

and that we had enabled our people to be proud of their own Government once again.I would hope that the nations of the world might say that we had built a lasting peace, built not on weapons of war but on international policies which reflect our own most precious values.These are not just my goals, and they will not be my accomplishments, but the affirmation of our Nation's continuing moral strength and our belief in an undiminished, ever-expanding American dream.