第一篇：里根總統(tǒng)致辭“挑戰(zhàn)號(hào)”慘劇

1986年1月18日，“挑戰(zhàn)號(hào)”升空7秒鐘后爆炸，美國(guó)總統(tǒng)里根專門發(fā)表演說(shuō)。

“挑戰(zhàn)號(hào)”飛船的機(jī)組人員為我們光榮地獻(xiàn)出自己的一生。我們永遠(yuǎn)緬懷他們，我們不會(huì)忘記今晨最后看到他們的情景。他們整裝待發(fā)，向我們揮手致意，然后脫離了大地執(zhí)拗的束縛飛上天際，親近上帝慈愛的面容。

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd planned to speak to you tonight to report on the state of the Union, but the events of earlier today have led me to change those plans.Today is a day for mourning and remembering.Nancy and I are pained to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger.We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country.This is truly a national loss.Nineteen years ago, almost to the day, we lost three astronauts in a terrible accident on the ground.But we've never lost an astronaut in flight.We've never had a tragedy like this.And perhaps we've forgotten the courage it took for the crew of the shuttle.But they, the Challenger Seven, were aware of the dangers, but overcame them and did their jobs brilliantly.We mourn seven heroes: Michael Smith, Dick Scobee, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Gregory Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe.We mourn their loss as a nation together.For the families of the seven, we cannot bear, as you do, the full impact of this tragedy.But we feel the loss, and we're thinking about you so very much.Your loved ones were daring and brave, and they had that special grace, that special spirit that says, “Give me a challenge, and I'll meet it with joy.” They had a hunger to explore the universe and discover its truths.They wished to serve, and they did.They served all of us.We've grown used to wonders in this century.It's hard to dazzle us.But for twenty-five years the United States space program has been doing just that.We've grown used to the idea of space, and, perhaps we forget that we've only just begun.We're still pioneers.They, the members of the Challenger crew, were pioneers.And I want to say something to the schoolchildren of America who were watching the live coverage of the shuttle's take-off.I know it's hard to understand, but sometimes painful things like this happen.It's all part of the process of exploration and discovery.It's all part of taking a chance and expanding man's horizons.The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted;it belongs to the brave.The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we'll continue to follow them.I've always had great faith in and respect for our space program.And what happened today does nothing to diminish it.We don't hide our space program.We don't keep secrets and cover things up.We do it all up front and in public.That's the way freedom is, and we wouldn't change it for a minute.We'll continue our quest in space.There will be more shuttle flights and more shuttle crews and, yes, more volunteers, more civilians, more teachers in space.Nothing ends here;our hopes and our journeys continue.I want to add that I wish I could talk to every man and woman who works for NASA, or who worked on this mission and tell them: “Your dedication and professionalism have moved and impressed us for decades.And we know of your anguish.We share it.”

There's a coincidence today.On this day three hundred and ninety years ago, the great explorer Sir Francis Drake died aboard ship off the coast of Panama.In his lifetime the great frontiers were the oceans, and a historian later said, “He lived by the sea, died on it, and was buried in it.” Well, today, we can say of the Challenger crew: Their dedication was, like Drake's, complete.The crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives.We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and “slipped the surly bonds of earth” to “touch the face of God.”

Thank you.VOA輕松聽懂美國(guó)標(biāo)準(zhǔn)新聞?dòng)⒄Z(yǔ)

第二篇：里根：“挑戰(zhàn)號(hào)”慘劇致辭

Ronald Reagan

The Space Shuttle “Challenger” Tragedy Address

delivered 28 January 1986

1986年1月18日，“挑戰(zhàn)號(hào)”升空7秒鐘后爆炸，美國(guó)總統(tǒng)里根專門發(fā)表演說(shuō)。

“挑戰(zhàn)號(hào)”飛船的機(jī)組人員為我們光榮地獻(xiàn)出自己的一生。我們永遠(yuǎn)緬懷他們，我們不會(huì)忘記今晨最后看到他們的情景。他們整裝待發(fā)，向我們揮手致意，然后脫離了大地執(zhí)拗的束縛飛上天際，親近上帝慈愛的面容。

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd planned to speak to you tonight to report on the state of the Union, but the events of earlier today have led me to change those plans.Today is a day for mourning and remembering.Nancy and I are pained to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger.We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country.This is truly a national loss.Nineteen years ago, almost to the day, we lost three astronauts in a terrible accident on the ground.But we've never lost an astronaut in flight.We've never had a tragedy like this.And perhaps we've forgotten the courage it took for the crew of the shuttle.But they, the Challenger Seven, were aware of the dangers, but overcame them and did their jobs brilliantly.We mourn seven heroes: Michael Smith, Dick Scobee, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Gregory Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe.We mourn their loss as a nation together.For the families of the seven, we cannot bear, as you do, the full impact of this tragedy.But we feel the loss, and we're thinking about you so very much.Your loved ones were daring and brave, and they had that special grace, that special spirit that says, “Give me a challenge, and I'll meet it with joy.” They had a hunger to explore the universe and discover its truths.They wished to serve, and they did.They served all of us.We've grown used to wonders in this century.It's hard to dazzle us.But for twenty-five years the United States space program has been doing just that.We've grown used to the idea of space, and, perhaps we forget that we've only just begun.We're still pioneers.They, the members of the Challenger crew, were pioneers.

And I want to say something to the schoolchildren of America who were watching the live coverage of the shuttle's take-off.I know it's hard to understand, but sometimes painful things like this happen.It's all part of the process of exploration and discovery.It's all part of taking a chance and expanding man's horizons.The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted;it belongs to the brave.The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we'll continue to follow them.I've always had great faith in and respect for our space program.And what happened today does nothing to diminish it.We don't hide our space program.We don't keep secrets and cover things up.We do it all up front and in public.That's the way freedom is, and we wouldn't change it for a minute.We'll continue our quest in space.There will be more shuttle flights and more shuttle crews and, yes, more volunteers, more civilians, more teachers in space.Nothing ends here;our hopes and our journeys continue.I want to add that I wish I could talk to every man and woman who works for NASA, or who worked on this mission and tell them: “Your dedication and professionalism have moved and impressed us for decades.And we know of your anguish.We share it.”

There's a coincidence today.On this day three hundred and ninety years ago, the great explorer Sir Francis Drake died aboard ship off the coast of panama.In his lifetime the great frontiers were the oceans, and a historian later said, “He lived by the sea, died on it, and was buried in it.” Well, today, we can say of the Challenger crew: Their dedication was, like Drake's, complete.The crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives.We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and “slipped the surly bonds of earth” to “touch the face of God.”

Thank you.

第三篇：里根總統(tǒng)演講稿

January 20, 1981

Senator Hatfield, Mr.Chief Justice, Mr.President, Vice president Bush, Vice President Mondale, Senator Baker, Speaker O'Neill, Reverend Moomaw, and my fellow citizens:

議員海特菲爾德先生、法官先生、總統(tǒng)先生、副總統(tǒng)布什、蒙代爾先生、議員貝克先生、發(fā)言人奧尼爾先生、尊敬的摩麥先生，以及廣大支持我的美國(guó)同胞們：

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.今天對(duì)于我們中間的一些人來(lái)說(shuō)，是一個(gè)非常莊嚴(yán)隆重的時(shí)刻。當(dāng)然，對(duì)于這個(gè)國(guó)家的歷史來(lái)說(shuō)，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(gè)世紀(jì)，很少有人覺得這有什么特別的。但在世界上更多人看來(lái)，這個(gè)我們已經(jīng)習(xí)以為常的四年一次的儀式，卻實(shí)在是一個(gè)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，我希望我們同胞們都能知道你為了這個(gè)傳承而付出的努力。通過(guò)移交程序中的通力合作，你向觀察者展示了這么一個(gè)事實(shí)：我們是發(fā)誓要團(tuán)結(jié)起來(lái)維護(hù)這樣一個(gè)政治體制的團(tuán)體，這樣的體制保證了我們能夠得到比其他政體更為廣泛的個(gè)人自由。同時(shí)我也要感謝你和你的伙伴們的幫助，因?yàn)槟銈儓?jiān)持了這樣的傳承，而這恰恰是我們共和國(guó)的根基。

1The 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(guó)家的事業(yè)在繼續(xù)前進(jìn)。合眾國(guó)正面臨巨大的經(jīng)濟(jì)困難。我們?cè)庥龅轿覈?guó)歷史上歷時(shí)最長(zhǎng)、最嚴(yán)重之一的通貨膨脹，它擾亂著我們的經(jīng)濟(jì)決策，打擊著節(jié)儉的風(fēng)氣，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(guó)千百萬(wàn)人民的生計(jì)。

Idle industries have cast workers into unemployment, 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(gè)人尊嚴(yán)。即使那些有工作的人，也因稅收制度的緣故而得不到公正的勞動(dòng)報(bào)酬，因?yàn)檫@種稅收制度使我們無(wú)法在事業(yè)上取得成就，使我們無(wú)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(fù)擔(dān)相當(dāng)沉重，但還是跟不上公共開支的增長(zhǎng)。數(shù)十年來(lái)，我們的赤字額屢屢上升，我們?yōu)閳D目前暫時(shí)的方便，把自己的前途和子孫的前途抵押出去了。這一趨勢(shì)如果長(zhǎng)此以往，必然引起社會(huì)、文化、政治和經(jīng)濟(jì)等方面的大動(dòng)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(gè)人，你們和我可以靠借貸過(guò)一種人不敷出的生活，然而只能維持一段有限的時(shí)期，我們?cè)趺纯梢哉J(rèn)為，作為一個(gè)國(guó)家整體，我們就不應(yīng)受到同樣的約束呢？為了保住明天，我們今天就必須行動(dòng)起來(lái)。大家都要明白無(wú)誤地懂得--我們從今天起就要采取行動(dòng)。

2/ ◆The economic ills we suffer have come upon us over several decades.They will not go away in days, weeks, or months, but they will go away.◆They will go away because we, as Americans, have the capacity now, as we have had in the past, to do whatever needs to be done to preserve this last and greatest bastion of freedom.In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem.Government is the problem.我們深受其害的經(jīng)濟(jì)弊病，幾十年來(lái)一直襲擊著我們。這些弊病不會(huì)在幾天、幾星期或幾個(gè)月內(nèi)消失，但它們終將消失。它們之所以終將消失，是因?yàn)槲覀冏鳛楝F(xiàn)在的美國(guó)人，一如既往地有能力去完成需要完成的事情，以保存這個(gè)最后而又最偉大的自由堡壘。

在當(dāng)前這場(chǎng)危機(jī)中，政府的管理不能解決我們面臨的問(wèn)題。政府的管理就是問(wèn)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?

我們時(shí)常誤以為，社會(huì)已經(jīng)越來(lái)越復(fù)雜，已經(jīng)不可能憑借自治方式加以管理，而一個(gè)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(shuí)也管理不了自己，那么，我們之中誰(shuí)還能去管理他人呢。

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.我們大家--不論政府官員還是平民百姓--必須共同肩負(fù)起這個(gè)責(zé)任，我們謀求的解決辦法必須是公平的，不要使任何一個(gè)群體付出較高的代價(jià)。

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(tuán)的談?wù)?，然而。我們必須關(guān)心一個(gè)被忽視了大久的特殊利益集團(tuán)。這個(gè)集團(tuán)沒(méi)有區(qū)域之分，沒(méi)有人種之分，沒(méi)有民族之分，沒(méi)有 政黨之分，這個(gè)集團(tuán)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(shí)業(yè)家、店主、職 員、出租汽車 司機(jī)和貨車駕駛員，總而言之，他們就是“我們?nèi)嗣瘛?-這個(gè)稱之為美國(guó)人的民族。

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.本屆政府的日標(biāo)是必須建立一種健全的、生氣勃勃的和不斷發(fā)展的經(jīng)濟(jì)，為全體美國(guó)人民提供一種不因偏執(zhí)或歧視而造成障礙的均等機(jī)會(huì)，讓美國(guó)重新工作起 來(lái)，意味著讓全體美國(guó)人重新工作起來(lái)。制止通貨膨脹，意味著讓全體美國(guó)人從失控的生活費(fèi)用所造成的恐懼中解脫出來(lái)。人人都應(yīng)分擔(dān)“新開端”的富有成效的工 作，人人都應(yīng)分享經(jīng)濟(jì)復(fù)蘇的碩果。我國(guó)制度和力量的核心是理想主義和公正態(tài)度，有了這些，我們就能建立起強(qiáng)大、繁榮、國(guó)內(nèi)穩(wěn)定并同全世界和平相處的美國(guó)。

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.因此，在我們開始之際，讓我們看看實(shí)際情況。我們是一個(gè)擁有政府的國(guó)家--而不是一個(gè)擁有國(guó)家的政府。這一點(diǎn)使我們?cè)谑澜绾蠂?guó)中獨(dú)樹一幟，我們的政府 除了人民授予的權(quán)力，沒(méi)有任何別的權(quán)力。目前，政府權(quán)力的膨脹已顯示出超過(guò)被統(tǒng)治者同意的跡象，制止并扭轉(zhuǎn)這種狀況的時(shí)候到了。

It is my intention to curb the size and influence of the Federal establishment and to demand recognition of the distinction between the powers granted to the Federal Government and those reserved to the States or to the people.All of us need to be reminded that the Federal Government did not create the States;the States created the Federal Government.Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it is not my intention to do away with government.It is, rather, to make it work-work with us, not over us;to stand by our side, not ride on our back.Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it;foster productivity, not stifle it.我打算壓縮聯(lián)邦機(jī)構(gòu)的規(guī)模和權(quán)力，并要求大家承認(rèn)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。我們大家都需要提醒：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。因此，請(qǐng)不要誤會(huì)，我的意思不是要取消政府，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，而不是騎在我們的背上。政府能夠而且必須提供機(jī)會(huì)，而不是扼殺機(jī)會(huì)，它能夠而且必須促進(jìn)生產(chǎn)力，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.如果我們要探究這么多年來(lái)我們?yōu)槭裁茨苋〉眠@么大成就，并獲得了世界上任何一個(gè)民族未曾獲得的繁榮昌盛，其原因是在這片土地上，我們使人類的能力和個(gè) 人的才智得到了前所未有的發(fā)揮。在這里，個(gè)人所享有并得以確保的自由和尊嚴(yán)超過(guò)了世界上任何其他地方。為這種自由所付出的代價(jià)有時(shí)相當(dāng)高昂，但我們從來(lái)沒(méi)有不愿意付出這代價(jià)。

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.我們目前的困難，與政府機(jī)構(gòu)因?yàn)椴槐匾倪^(guò)度膨脹而干預(yù)、侵?jǐn)_我們的生活同步增加，這決不是偶然的巧合。

我們是一個(gè)泱泱大國(guó)，不能自囿于小小的夢(mèng)想，現(xiàn)在正是認(rèn)識(shí)到這一點(diǎn)的時(shí)候。我們并非注定走向衰落，盡管有些人想讓我們相信這一點(diǎn)。我不相信，無(wú)論我們做些什么，我們都將命該如此，但我相信，如果我們 什么也不做，我們將的確命該如此。

為此，讓我們以掌握的一切創(chuàng)造力來(lái)開創(chuàng)一個(gè)國(guó)家復(fù)興的時(shí)代吧。讓我們重新拿出決心、勇氣和力量，讓我們重新建立起我們的信念和希望吧。

We have every right to dream heroic dreams.Those who say that we are in a time when there are no heroes just don't know where to look.You can see heroes every day going in and out of factory gates.Others, a handful in number, produce enough food to feed all of us and then the world beyond.You meet heroes across a counter--and they are on both sides of that counter.There are entrepreneurs with faith in themselves and faith in an idea who create new jobs, new wealth and opportunity.They are individuals and families whose taxes support the Government and whose voluntary gifts support church, charity, culture, art, and education.Their patriotism is quiet but deep.Their values sustain our national life.我們完全有權(quán)去做英雄夢(mèng)。那些評(píng)論我們現(xiàn)在是一個(gè)沒(méi)有英雄的時(shí)代的，他們只不過(guò)沒(méi)有仔細(xì)看?？窗?！每一天進(jìn)出工廠大門的工人，辛勤耕作為我們提供食物的農(nóng)民們，站在柜臺(tái)后的服務(wù)生們；盡心盡業(yè)打拼為社會(huì)創(chuàng)造財(cái)富，提供就業(yè)機(jī)會(huì)的企業(yè)家們。交納賦稅，以維持國(guó)家運(yùn)作的公民們。所有支持慈善事業(yè)，教會(huì)，文化及教育的人們，他們的舉動(dòng)是無(wú)聲的，但愛國(guó)心卻是不言自明的。他們的價(jià)值造就了我們的國(guó)家。

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.我剛才用了“他們”這個(gè)人稱來(lái)形容這些英雄們，其實(shí)我也可以用”你們”這個(gè)人稱。在這個(gè)上帝眷顧的國(guó)家，你們的夢(mèng)想，你們的希望，你們的追求就是這個(gè)國(guó)家存在的理由。

We shall reflect the compassion that is so much a part of your makeup.How can we love our country and not love our countrymen, and loving them, reach out a hand when they fall, heal them when they are sick, and provide opportunities to make them self-sufficient so they will be equal in fact and not just in theory?

Can we solve the problems confronting us? Well, the answer is an unequivocal and emphatic “yes.” To paraphrase Winston Churchill, I did not take the oath I have just taken with the intention of presiding over the dissolution of the world's strongest economy.我們的天性包含了同情。倘若我們熱愛這個(gè)國(guó)家，怎么會(huì)不熱愛自己的同胞們。當(dāng)他們挫折時(shí)，扶他們一把，當(dāng)他們生病時(shí)，給予關(guān)照。對(duì)于弱者，給予體面的幫助，使其自立.我們是否戰(zhàn)能勝現(xiàn)在擺在面前的問(wèn)題？我說(shuō)，回答是毫不含糊的“能！”

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.在未來(lái)的日子里，我們要掃清經(jīng)濟(jì)停滯和工業(yè)發(fā)展的路障，政府的各項(xiàng)政策要平衡。我們要一步步塌實(shí)緩慢的前進(jìn)。該是喚醒這個(gè)工業(yè)巨人的時(shí)候了，削減沉重的賦稅，讓政府回歸理性。這是我們?cè)瓌t，沒(méi)有妥協(xié)的余地。

On the eve of our struggle for independence a man who might have been one of the greatest among the Founding Fathers, Dr.Joseph Warren, President of the Massachusetts Congress, said to his fellow Americans, “Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of....On you depend the fortunes of America.You are to decide the important questions upon which rests the happiness and the liberty of millions yet unborn.Act worthy of yourselves.”

Well, I believe we, the Americans of today, are ready to act worthy of ourselves, ready to do what must be done to ensure happiness and liberty for ourselves, our children and our children's children.在國(guó)家立國(guó)的前夕，我們的建國(guó)先賢之一，馬塞諸薩州州長(zhǎng)約瑟夫*沃倫對(duì)他的同胞們說(shuō)“我們的國(guó)家正在危險(xiǎn)之中，但我們絲毫不需絕望--------美國(guó)的前途就在我們手中。這個(gè)無(wú)限自由的幸福的國(guó)度即將誕生，讓我們行動(dòng)吧！”

我相信，同胞們，今天，為了我們孩子的孩子的自由和幸福，我們一定也準(zhǔn)備好了，讓我們行動(dòng)吧！

And as we renew ourselves here in our own land, we will be seen as having greater strength throughout the world.We will again be the exemplar of freedom and a beacon of hope for those who do not now have freedom.To those neighbors and allies who share our freedom, we will strengthen our historic ties and assure them of our support and firm commitment.We will match loyalty with loyalty.We will strive for mutually beneficial relations.We will not use our friendship to impose on their sovereignty, for or own sovereignty is not for sale.我們慶祝重振美國(guó)的此時(shí)，全世界的人們都在關(guān)注著，我們依舊是那些尚未獲得自由的人民心中的自由燈塔！

對(duì)于我們的鄰居，自由世界的同盟們，我們將進(jìn)一步加強(qiáng)聯(lián)絡(luò)，保證我們承擔(dān)的義務(wù)。我們將以心換心，但我們決不會(huì)干涉你們的主權(quán)，希望你們也不會(huì)干涉我們。

As for the enemies of freedom, those who are potential adversaries, they will be reminded that peace is the highest aspiration of the American people.We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it;we will not surrender for it--now or ever.Our forbearance should never be misunderstood.Our reluctance for conflict should not be misjudged as a failure of will.When action is required to preserve our national security, we will act.We will maintain sufficient strength to prevail if need be, knowing that if we do so we have the best chance of never having to use that strength.對(duì)于自由世界的敵人，我們潛在的對(duì)手。我們要使其明白，和平是美國(guó)人最高愿望。我們可以與你們談判，妥協(xié)，但我們決不會(huì)屈服，永遠(yuǎn)不會(huì)。

請(qǐng)你們不要誤會(huì)我們的忍耐，我們努力避免沖突但絕不代表我們的屈服。當(dāng)我們的國(guó)家安全受到威脅，我們會(huì)采取行動(dòng)。我們將保持擁有壓倒性對(duì)手的武力，因?yàn)槲覀冎?，只有擁有了足夠的武力，才能確保我們不會(huì)使用這些武力。

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.首先，我們必須認(rèn)識(shí)到世界上沒(méi)有任何武器能比自由人民的道義和勇氣更強(qiáng)大。這恰恰是我們，美國(guó)人民所具備的，而我們的對(duì)手沒(méi)有的武器。這一點(diǎn)，所有支持恐怖主義和覬覦弱小國(guó)家的都要明白。

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.我聽說(shuō)今天各地舉行了數(shù)以萬(wàn)計(jì)的禱告會(huì)，我衷心的感到欣慰。我們是上帝統(tǒng)治的國(guó)度，上帝給了我們自由。如果以后每一屆的就職日都能成為禱告日，那是很好的事情。

This is the first time in history that this ceremony has been held, as you have been told, on this West Front of the Capitol.Standing here, one faces a magnificent vista, opening up on this city's special beauty and history.At the end of this open mall are those shrines to the giants on whose shoulders we stand.Directly in front of me, the monument to a monumental man: George Washington, Father of our country.A man of humility who came to greatness reluctantly.He led America out of revolutionary victory into infant nationhood.Off to one side, the stately memorial to Thomas Jefferson.The Declaration of Independence flames with his eloquence.And then beyond the Reflecting Pool the dignified columns of the Lincoln Memorial.Whoever would understand in his heart the meaning of America will find it in the life of Abraham Lincoln.大家都知道，這是歷史上第一次在白宮西走廊舉行的就職典禮。在這里，我們能看到整個(gè)首都的風(fēng)貌。而在這廣場(chǎng)另一端就是我們先賢們的圣壇。我的正前方就是喬治*華盛頓紀(jì)念碑，我們偉大的國(guó)父。是他領(lǐng)導(dǎo)了獨(dú)立革命戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng)的勝利，并創(chuàng)建了這個(gè)國(guó)家。在其旁邊則是另一位偉大的先賢，托馬斯*杰弗遜，--獨(dú)立宣言>的作者。而在水池的盡頭，是雄偉的林肯紀(jì)念堂。從林肯的一生你能體會(huì)出什么是美國(guó)的精神。

Beyond those monuments to heroism is the Potomac River, and on the far shore the sloping hills of Arlington National Cemetery with its row on row of simple white markers bearing crosses or Stars of David.They add up to only a tiny fraction of the price that has been paid for our freedom.Each one of those markers is a monument to the kinds of hero I spoke of earlier.Their lives ended in places called Belleau Wood, The Argonne, Omaha Beach, Salerno and halfway around the world on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Pork Chop Hill, the Chosin Reservoir, and in a hundred rice paddies and jungles of a place called Vietnam.在這些古跡旁是緩緩流淌的波托馬可河，而岸邊的斜斜的山坡正是我們的阿靈頓公墓。這些小小的十字架，六芒星下的墓志銘，述說(shuō)著我們贏取自由而付出的代價(jià)。

每一個(gè)墓志銘都是我剛才說(shuō)的英雄的事跡。這些英雄的生命倒在貝洛森林，阿爾貢丘陵，奧馬哈海灘，薩勒諾，半個(gè)地球外的瓜島，塔拉瓦島，上甘嶺，長(zhǎng)津湖，以及遍地是稻田叢林的叫越南的地方。

Under one such marker lies a young man--Martin Treptow--who left his job in a small town barber shop in 1917 to go to France with the famed Rainbow Division.There, on the western front, he was killed trying to carry a message between battalions under heavy artillery fire.We are told that on his body was found a diary.On the flyleaf under the heading, “My Pledge,” he had written these words: “America must win this war.Therefore, I will work, I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone.”

在這些墓碑中，有一個(gè)叫Martin Treptow的年輕人，他在1917年辭掉了小鎮(zhèn)的理發(fā)店工作，跟隨著名的“彩虹師"去了法國(guó)，在西線，他在為營(yíng)長(zhǎng)傳遞命令時(shí)，被重炮擊中犧牲.后來(lái)，在他的尸體上我們發(fā)現(xiàn)了一本日記。在扉頁(yè)上，他寫到”我發(fā)誓，美國(guó)必須贏的這場(chǎng)戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng)，所以，我會(huì)奮斗，我會(huì)拯救，我會(huì)犧牲，我會(huì)忍受，我會(huì)勇奮戰(zhàn)斗，就好比所有掙扎都將由我一個(gè)人來(lái)肩負(fù)?！?/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.And, after all, why shouldn't we believe that? We are Americans.God bless you, and thank you.今天我們面臨的危機(jī)并不要求我們像 Martin Treptow作出如此的犧牲。但我們也要竭盡全力，有所作為。擁有上帝的協(xié)助，我們能度過(guò)危機(jī)。

最后，我們有什么理由不相信呢？記??！我們是美國(guó)人。上帝保佑你們，謝謝你們。

第四篇：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(gè)非常擅長(zhǎng)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(yǔ)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(chǎng)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(guó)同胞們：今天對(duì)于我們中間的一些人來(lái)說(shuō)，是一個(gè)非常莊嚴(yán)隆重的時(shí)刻。對(duì)于這個(gè)國(guó)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(gè)世紀(jì)，很少有人覺得這有什么特別。但在世界上更多人看來(lái)，我們這個(gè)已經(jīng)習(xí)以為常的四年一次的儀式卻是一個(gè)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(gè)傳承而付出的努力。通過(guò)移交程序中的通力合作，展示了這樣一個(gè)事實(shí)：我們是一個(gè)團(tuán)結(jié)一致的民族，這個(gè)民族決心捍衛(wèi)一種比任何其他體制更能充分保證個(gè)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?yàn)槟銈儓?jiān)持了這樣的傳承，這種傳承的連續(xù)性恰是我們共和國(guó)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(guó)家的事業(yè)在繼續(xù)前進(jìn)。合眾國(guó)正面臨巨大的經(jīng)濟(jì)困難。我們?cè)庥龅轿覈?guó)歷史上歷時(shí)最長(zhǎng)、最嚴(yán)重之一的通貨膨脹，它擾亂著我們的經(jīng)濟(jì)決策，使儲(chǔ)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(guó)千百萬(wàn)人民的生計(jì)。

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(gè)人尊嚴(yán)。即使那些有工作的人，也因沉重的稅負(fù)而得不到公正的勞動(dòng)報(bào)酬，因?yàn)檫@種稅收制度使我們無(wú)法在事業(yè)上取得成就，使我們無(wú)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(fù)擔(dān)相當(dāng)沉重，但還是跟不上公共開支的增長(zhǎng)。數(shù)十年來(lái)，我們的赤字額屢屢上升，我們?yōu)閳D目前暫時(shí)的方便，已把自己和子孫的前途都抵押出去。這一趨勢(shì)如果長(zhǎng)此以往，必然引起社會(huì)、文化、政治和經(jīng)濟(jì)等方面的大動(dòng)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(gè)人，你們和我可以靠借貸過(guò)一種入不敷出的生活，然而只能維持一段有限的時(shí)期，我們?cè)趺纯梢哉J(rèn)為，作為一個(gè)國(guó)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(dòng)起來(lái)。大家都要明白無(wú)誤地懂得--我們從今天起就要采取行動(dòng)。

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(jì)弊病，幾十年來(lái)一直襲擊著我們。這些弊病不會(huì)在幾天、幾星期或幾個(gè)月內(nèi)消失，但它們終將消失。它們之所以終將消失，是因?yàn)槲覀冏鳛楝F(xiàn)在的美國(guó)人，一如既往地有能力去完成需要完成的事情，以保存這個(gè)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(dāng)前這場(chǎng)危機(jī)中，政府的管理不能解決我們面臨的問(wèn)題。政府的管理就是問(wèn)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(shí)常誤以為，社會(huì)已經(jīng)越來(lái)越復(fù)雜，已經(jīng)不可能憑借自治方式加以管理，而一個(gè)由杰出人物組成的政府要比民享、民治、民有的政府高明?？墒牵偃缥覀冎姓l(shuí)也管理不了自己，那么，我們之中誰(shuí)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(fù)起這個(gè)責(zé)任，我們謀求的解決辦法必須是公平的，不要使任何一個(gè)群體付出較高的代價(jià)。

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(tuán)的談?wù)摚欢?。我們必須關(guān)心一個(gè)被忽視了大久的特殊利益集團(tuán)。這個(gè)集團(tuán)沒(méi)有區(qū)域之分，沒(méi)有人種之分，沒(méi)有民族之分，沒(méi)有政黨之分，這個(gè)集團(tuán)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(shí)業(yè)家、店主、職員、出租汽車司機(jī)和貨車駕駛員，總而言之，他們就是“我們的人民”—就是美國(guó)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(biāo)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(jì)，為全體美國(guó)人民提供一種不因偏執(zhí)或歧視而造成障礙的均等機(jī)會(huì)。使美國(guó)復(fù)興，意味著使全體美國(guó)人都有工作；制止通貨膨脹，意味著使全體美國(guó)人免除對(duì)勢(shì)如脫韁之馬的生活費(fèi)用的恐懼。人人都應(yīng)分擔(dān)“新開端”的富有成效的工作，人人都應(yīng)分享經(jīng)濟(jì)復(fù)蘇的碩果。我們力量的核心是理想主義和公正對(duì)待的精神，有了這些，我們就能建立一個(gè)強(qiáng)大繁榮的美國(guó)，在國(guó)內(nèi)和全世界都相安無(wú)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(fù)興美國(guó)開始邁步之際，先讓我們看看我們的實(shí)際情況。我們是一個(gè)擁有政府的國(guó)家--而不是一個(gè)擁有國(guó)家的政府。這一點(diǎn)使我們?cè)谑澜绾蠂?guó)中獨(dú)樹一幟，我們的政府除了人民授予的權(quán)力，沒(méi)有任何別的權(quán)力?，F(xiàn)在是制止并扭轉(zhuǎn)政府機(jī)構(gòu)和權(quán)力膨脹的時(shí)候了，因?yàn)榉N種跡象表明，這種膨脹已超過(guò)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(rèn)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(qǐng)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(jī)會(huì)，能夠而且必須促進(jìn)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(lái)我們能取得巨大成就，獲得世界上任何一個(gè)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(shí)候都最大程度地發(fā)揮人的潛能和個(gè)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(gè)人的自由和尊嚴(yán)。得到這種自由所付出的代價(jià)有時(shí)相當(dāng)昂貴，但我們從沒(méi)不愿意付出這種代價(jià)。

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(guò)度膨脹對(duì)我們生活的干預(yù)和侵?jǐn)_，這不是偶然的巧合。我們應(yīng)該真正認(rèn)識(shí)到我們是一個(gè)偉大的國(guó)家，不能自囿于小小的夢(mèng)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(wú)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(lái)開創(chuàng)一個(gè)國(guó)家復(fù)興的時(shí)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(dāng)下那些不知道去哪發(fā)現(xiàn)英雄的人說(shuō)我們正身處于一個(gè)沒(méi)有英雄的時(shí)代。你們可以看到每天進(jìn)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(huì)在柜臺(tái)前遇到英雄--在柜臺(tái)的內(nèi)外遇到英雄們，其中的一些人是對(duì)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(cái)富和機(jī)會(huì)，政府的維持就是靠這樣一些個(gè)人和家族繳納的捐稅，教會(huì)、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(xiàn)來(lái)維持的。他們的愛國(guó)主義精神含而不露，但卻是強(qiáng)烈的，他們創(chuàng)造的價(jià)值支撐著我們的國(guó)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(shuō)到這些英雄時(shí)，用了“他們”和“他們的”這兩個(gè)字眼，但也可以說(shuō)“你們”、“你們的”。因?yàn)槲椰F(xiàn)在正給我提及的英雄們講話--就是你們，這個(gè)上帝降福的國(guó)土上的公民們。你們的理想、希望、目標(biāo)將是本屆政府的理想、希望、目標(biāo)，愿上帝保佑我做到這一點(diǎn)。

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(guó)家而不愛我們的同胞呢？我們要愛他們，在他們摔倒時(shí)伸出手去扶住他們，在他們患病時(shí)給他們治愈，并提供機(jī)會(huì)使他們自給自足，使他們獲得實(shí)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(wèn)題嗎？回答是毫不含糊和斷然的兩個(gè)字“能夠”，借用溫斯頓丘吉爾的話說(shuō)，我剛才宣誓并不是想要在我的領(lǐng)導(dǎo)下使這個(gè)世界最強(qiáng)大的經(jīng)濟(jì)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(shí)間，我將建議消除一些使得我們經(jīng)濟(jì)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(fù)各級(jí)政府之間保持平衡的步驟，進(jìn)展也許是緩慢的，用英寸和英尺而不是用英里來(lái)衡量，但我們會(huì)前進(jìn)。現(xiàn)在應(yīng)當(dāng)是喚醒這個(gè)工業(yè)巨人的時(shí)候，使政府能夠重新量入為出，減輕我們懲罰性的賦稅負(fù)擔(dān)，這將是我們首要的任務(wù)，在這些原則上絕不會(huì)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(guó)為獨(dú)立而斗爭(zhēng)的前夕，有一個(gè)人曾對(duì)他的美國(guó)同胞說(shuō)：“我們現(xiàn)在處于危險(xiǎn)之中，但并沒(méi)有絕望…美國(guó)的命運(yùn)取決與你們。關(guān)系到尚未出生的千百萬(wàn)人的幸福和自由的一個(gè)重要問(wèn)題是由你們來(lái)決定，你們的行動(dòng)要無(wú)愧與你自己。”這個(gè)人就是馬薩諸塞議會(huì)主席約瑟夫沃倫博士，如果他當(dāng)初沒(méi)有在邦克山犧牲，他也許成為我國(guó)建國(guó)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(dāng)代美國(guó)人已做好無(wú)愧于我們自己行動(dòng)的準(zhǔn)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(jìn)行工作的準(zhǔn)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(dāng)我們?cè)谶@塊土地上時(shí)代相傳時(shí)，全世界將看到，我們所具有的力量更加強(qiáng)大，我們將再度成為自由的典范，成為現(xiàn)在還沒(méi)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(duì)于與我們懷有同樣自由理想的那些鄰國(guó)和盟國(guó)，我們將加強(qiáng)我們之間傳統(tǒng)性的溝通，保證對(duì)他們予以支持，對(duì)他們履行應(yīng)盡的義務(wù)，忠誠(chéng)地報(bào)答他們的忠誠(chéng)，努力爭(zhēng)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?yàn)槲覀冏约旱闹鳈?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(duì)于那些自由的敵人和潛在的對(duì)手，我們要提醒他們，和平是美國(guó)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(huì)，將來(lái)也永遠(yuǎn)不會(huì)。

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(duì)我們的忍讓絕不應(yīng)誤解。不要把我們對(duì)沖突采取的克制態(tài)度誤認(rèn)為是意志不堅(jiān)強(qiáng)。一旦需要采取行動(dòng)保衛(wèi)我們國(guó)家的安全，我們就采取行動(dòng)。我們將保持足以在必要時(shí)取勝的力量，這樣我們才最有可能不必動(dòng)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(rèn)識(shí)到，世界各地軍火庫(kù)中的任何武器沒(méi)有自由人們的意志和維護(hù)道義的勇氣強(qiáng)大，這是當(dāng)今世界上我們美國(guó)獨(dú)有而我們對(duì)手所沒(méi)有的武器。要讓那些采取恐怖行動(dòng)和掠奪自己鄰國(guó)的人懂得這一點(diǎn)。

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(dāng)?shù)弥裉炫e行的祈禱會(huì)成千上萬(wàn)時(shí)，我深為感激。我們是上帝保佑的國(guó)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(guó)會(huì)大廈西門舉行是美國(guó)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(dú)特的美麗和歷史。在這條寬闊林蔭大道盡頭矗立著我國(guó)歷史偉大的紀(jì)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(jì)念碑，他就是我們的國(guó)父喬治華盛頓。他稟性謙恭，處于時(shí)勢(shì)所迫才做出偉大業(yè)績(jī)，領(lǐng)導(dǎo)美國(guó)取得革命勝利，建立一個(gè)新國(guó)家。稍偏一點(diǎn)是莊嚴(yán)雄偉的托馬斯杰斐遜紀(jì)念堂，獨(dú)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(yán)肅穆的林肯紀(jì)念堂，任何想徹底了解美國(guó)真諦的人都會(huì)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(guò)了這些英雄紀(jì)念物就是波托馬克河，河對(duì)岸就是阿靈頓國(guó)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(shí)無(wú)華的白色墓碑，他們僅僅是為了我們的自由所付出的代價(jià)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(gè)墓碑都是對(duì)我所提及的那些英雄的紀(jì)念。他們?cè)谝恍┙胸愻斘榈?、阿爾貢、奧馬哈灘、薩萊諾的地方，在相隔半個(gè)地球之遙的瓜達(dá)卡鈉爾、塔拉瓦、獨(dú)排山、長(zhǎng)津水岸和一個(gè)叫越南--有著許許多多稻田和叢林的地方獻(xiàn)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(lái)到法國(guó)。在那里的西部戰(zhàn)場(chǎng)上，他在猛烈的炮火中為自己的部隊(duì)傳遞信息時(shí)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?cè)谒纳砩习l(fā)現(xiàn)一本日記。扉頁(yè)上寫著這樣的標(biāo)題：“我的誓言”。他寫下了這樣的話語(yǔ)：“美國(guó)必須贏得這場(chǎng)戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng)。為此，我會(huì)奮斗，我會(huì)拯救，我會(huì)犧牲，我會(huì)忍受，我會(huì)并將盡我最大的努力英勇奮戰(zhàn)，就好比所有的戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng)問(wèn)題都將由我一個(gè)人來(lái)肩負(fù)?！?/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(jī)并不是要求我們作出像馬丁托雷普托和其他數(shù)以千計(jì)人那樣的犧牲，然而，它確實(shí)要求我們作出最大的努力去工作，要求我們?cè)敢庀嘈抛约海嘈盼覀冇心芰Ω沙鰝ゴ蟮氖聵I(yè)：團(tuán)結(jié)一致，在上帝的幫助下，能夠并且一定會(huì)解決我們面臨的種種問(wèn)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(diǎn)呢？畢竟我們是美國(guó)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(zhǎng)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(guó)恥日――美利堅(jiān)合眾國(guó)遭到日本帝國(guó)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(guó)曾與該國(guó)和平相處，應(yīng)該國(guó)之邀，還在與該國(guó)政府和天皇進(jìn)行談判，謀求維護(hù)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(shí)上，在日本航空隊(duì)開始轟炸美國(guó)的瓦湖島一小時(shí)后，日本駐美大使及其同僚向我國(guó)務(wù)卿提交了對(duì)我國(guó)最近照會(huì)的正式答復(fù)，其內(nèi)容是繼續(xù)正在進(jìn)行的外交談判似乎已無(wú)意義，沒(méi)有任何戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng)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(hù)和平的善意的虛假消息來(lái)欺騙美國(guó)。

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(duì)夏威夷群島的攻擊給美國(guó)海軍和陸軍造成了嚴(yán)重?fù)p失。我很遺憾地告訴你們很多美國(guó)人喪生。此外，美國(guó)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(dòng)了對(duì)馬來(lái)亞的進(jìn)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(shí)施了對(duì)太平洋區(qū)域的突襲。昨天和今天的事實(shí)已經(jīng)不言而喻了。美國(guó)人民已下定決心，并且深知這對(duì)國(guó)家安全和每個(gè)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(guó)海陸軍總司令，我已下令不惜一切保衛(wèi)國(guó)家。但是我們?nèi)珖?guó)都要永記這次偷襲的性質(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(zhǎng)時(shí)間，我們終將戰(zhàn)勝這次有預(yù)謀的侵略，美國(guó)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(guó)會(huì)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(huì)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(duì)敵意，我們不能閃爍其詞，因?yàn)槲覀兊娜嗣瘛?guó)土和利益都在最危險(xiǎn)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(duì)軍隊(duì)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?yàn)橹苋眨?941年12月7日，日本對(duì)我國(guó)的無(wú)故的欺軟怕硬的偷襲，我懇請(qǐng)國(guó)會(huì)宣布美國(guó)和日本帝國(guó)進(jìn)入戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng)狀態(tài)。

第五篇：里根總統(tǒng)的離職演說(shuō)

Ronald Reagan： Farewell Address to the Nation My fellow Americans：

This is the 34th time I'll speak to you from the Oval Office and the last.We've been together 8 years now，and soon it'll be time for me to go.But before I do，I wanted to share some thoughts，some of which I've been saving for a long time.It's been the honor of my life to be your President.So many of you have written the past few weeks to say thanks，but I could say as much to you.Nancy and I are grateful for the opportunity you gave us to serve.One of the things about the Presidency is that you're always somewhat apart.You spent a lot of time going by too fast in a car someone else is driving，and seeing the people through tinted glass —— the parents holding up a child，and the wave you saw too late and couldn't return.And so many times I wanted to stop and reach out from behind the glass，and connect.Well，maybe I can do a little of that tonight.People ask how I feel about leaving.And the fact is，“parting is such sweet sorrow.” The sweet part is California and the ranch and freedom.The sorrow —— the goodbyes，of course，and leaving this beautiful place.You know，down the hall and up the stairs from this office is the part of the White House where the President and his family live.There are a few favorite windows I have up there that I like to stand and look out of early in the morning.The view is over the grounds here to the Washington Monument，and then the Mall and the Jefferson Memorial.But on mornings when the humidity is low，you can see past the Jefferson to the river，the Potomac，and the Virginia shore.Someone said that's the view Lincoln had when he saw the smoke rising from the Battle of Bull Run.Well I see more prosaic things： the grass on the banks，the morning traffic as people make their way to work，now and then a sailboat on the river.I've been thinking a bit at that window.I've been reflecting on what the past ,then the Mall and the Jefferson Memorial.But on mornings when the humidity is low，you can see past the

Jefferson to the river，the Potomac，and the Virginia shore.Someone said that's the view Lincoln had when he saw the smoke rising from the Battle of Bull Run.Well I see more prosaic things： the grass on the banks，the morning traffic as people make their way to work，now and then a sailboat on the river.I've been thinking a bit at that window.I've been reflecting on what the past 8 years have meant and mean.And the image that comes to mind like a refrain is a nautical one —— a small story about a big ship，and a refugee，and a sailor.It was back in the early eighties，at the height of the boat people.And the sailor was hard at work on the carrier Midway，which was patrolling the South China Sea.The sailor，like most American servicemen，was young，smart，and fiercely observant.The crew spied on the horizon a leaky little boat.And crammed inside were refugees from Indochina hoping to get to America.The Midway sent a small launch to bring them to the ship and safety.As the refugees made their way through the choppy seas，one spied the sailor on deck，and stood up，and called out to him.He yelled，“Hello，American sailor.Hello，freedom man.”

A small moment with a big meaning，a moment the sailor，who wrote it in a letter，couldn't get out of his mind.And，when I saw it，neither could I.Because that's what it has to —— it was to be an American in the 1980's.We stood，again，for freedom.I know we always have，but in the past few years the world again —— and in a way，we ourselves —— rediscovered it.It's been quite a journey this decade，and we held together through some stormy seas.And at the end，together，we're reaching our destination.The fact is，from Grenada to the Washington and Moscow summits，from the recession of '81 to '82，to the expansion that began in late '82 and continues to this day，we've made a difference.The way I see it，there were two great triumphs，two things that I'm proudest of.One is the economic recovery，in which the people of America created —— and filled —— 19

million new jobs.The other is the recovery of our morale.America is respected again in the world and looked to for leadership.Something that happened to me a few years ago reflects some of this.It was back in 1981，and I was attending my first big economic summit，which was held that year in Canada.The meeting place rotates among the member countries.The opening meeting was a formal dinner for the heads of government of the seven industrialized nations.Well I sat there like the new kid in school and listened，and it was all Francois this and Helmut that.They dropped titles and spoke to one another on a first-name basis.Well，at one point I sort of leaned in and said，“My name's Ron.” Well，in that same year，we began the actions we felt would ignite an economic comeback —— cut taxes and regulation，started to cut spending.And soon the recovery began..Two years later，another economic summit with pretty much the same cast.At the big opening meeting we all got together，and all of a sudden，just for a moment，I saw that everyone was just sitting there looking at me.And then one of them broke the silence.“Tell us about the American miracle，” he said.Well，back in 1980，when I was running for President，it was all so different.Some pundits said our programs would result in catastrophe.Our views on foreign affairs would cause war.Our plans for the economy would cause inflation to soar and bring about economic collapse.I even remember one highly respected economist saying，back in 1982，that “The engines of economic growth have shut down here，and they're likely to stay that way for years to come.” Well，he and the other opinion leaders were wrong.The fact is what they call “radical” was really “right.” What they called “dangerous” was just “desperately needed.”

And in all of that time I won a nickname，“The Great Communicator.” But I never thought it was my style or the words I used that made a difference： it was the content.I wasn't a great communicator，but I communicated great things，and they didn't spring full bloom from my

brow，they came from the heart of a great nation —— from our experience，our wisdom，and our belief in the principles that have guided us for two centuries.They called it the “Reagan Revolution.” Well，I'll accept that，but for me it always seemed more like the great rediscovery，a rediscovery of our values and our common sense.Common sense told us that when you put a big tax on something，the people will produce less of it.So，we cut the people's tax rates，and the people produced more than ever before.The economy bloomed like a plant that had been cut back and could now grow quicker and stronger.Our economic program brought about the longest peacetime expansion in our history： real family income up，the poverty rate down，entrepreneurship booming，and an explosion in research and new technology.We're exporting more than ever because American industry became more competitive.And at the same time，we summoned the national will to knock down protectionist walls abroad instead of erecting them at home.Common sense also told us that to preserve the peace，we'd have to become strong again after years of weakness and confusion.So，we rebuilt our defenses，and this New Year we toasted the new peacefulness around the globe.Not only have the superpowers actually begun to reduce their stockpiles of nuclear weapons —— and hope for even more progress is bright —— but the regional conflicts that rack the globe are also beginning to cease.The Persian Gulf is no longer a war zone.The Soviets are leaving Afghanistan.The Vietnamese are preparing to pull out of Cambodia，and an American-mediated accord will soon send 50，000 Cuban troops home from Angola.The lesson of all this was，of course，that because we're a great nation，our challenges seem complex.It will always be this way.But as long as we remember our first principles and believe in ourselves，the future will always be ours.And something else we learned： Once you begin a great movement，there's no telling where it'll end.We meant to change a nation，and instead，we changed a world.Countries across the globe are turning to free markets and free speech and turning away from

the ideologies of the past.For them，the great rediscovery of the 1980's has been that，lo and behold，the moral way of government is the practical way of government： Democracy，the profoundly good，is also the profoundly productive.When you've got to the point when you can celebrate the anniversaries of your 39th birthday，you can sit back sometimes，review your life，and see it flowing before you.For me there was a fork in the river，and it was right in the middle of my life.I never meant to go into politics.It wasn't my intention when I was young.But I was raised to believe you had to pay your way for the blessings bestowed on you.I was happy with my career in the entertainment world，but I ultimately went into politics because I wanted to protect something precious.Ours was the first revolution in the history of mankind that truly reversed the course of government，and with three little words： “We the People.” “We the People” tell the government what to do； it doesn't tell us.“We the People” are the driver； the government is the car，and we decide where it should go，and by what route，and how fast.Almost all the world's constitutions are documents in which governments tell the people what their privileges are.Our Constitution is a document in which “We the People” tell the government what it is allowed to do.“We the People” are free.This belief has been the underlying basis for everything I've tried to do these past 8 years.But back in the 1960's，when I began，it seemed to me that we'd begun reversing the order of things —— that through more and more rules and regulations and confiscatory taxes，the government was taking more of our money，more of our options，and more of our freedom.I went into politics in part to put up my hand and say，“Stop.” I was a citizen politician，and it seemed the right thing for a citizen to do.I think we have stopped a lot of what needed stopping.And I hope we have once again reminded people that man is not free unless government is limited.There's a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics： “As government expands，liberty contracts.”

Nothing is less free than pure communism —— and yet we have，the past few years，forged a satisfying new closeness with the Soviet Union.I've been asked if this isn't a gamble，and my answer is no because we're basing our actions not on words but deeds.The detente of this 1970's was based not on actions but promises.They'd promise to treat their own people and the people of the world better.But the gulag was still the gulag，and the state was still expansionist，and they still waged proxy wars in Africa，Asia，and Latin America.Well，this time，so far，it's different.President Gorbachev has brought about some internal democratic reforms and begun the withdrawal from Afghanistan.He has also freed prisoners whose names I've given him every time we've met.But life has a way of reminding you of big things through small incidents.Once，during the heady days of the Moscow summit，Nancy and I decided to break off from the entourage one afternoon to visit the shops on Arbat Street —— that's a little street just off Moscow's main shopping area.Even though our visit was a surprise，every Russian there immediately recognized us and called out our names and reached for our hands.We were just about swept away by the warmth.You could almost feel the possibilities in all that joy.But within seconds，a KGB detail pushed their way toward us and began pushing and shoving the people in the crowd.It was an interesting moment.It reminded me that while the man on the street in the Soviet Union yearns for peace，the government is Communist.And those who run it are Communists，and that means we and they view such issues as freedom and human rights very differently.We must keep up our guard，but we must also continue to work together to lessen and eliminate tension and mistrust.My view is that President Gorbachev is different from previous Soviet leaders.I think he knows some of the things wrong with his society and is trying to fix them.We wish him well.And we'll continue to work to make sure that the Soviet Union that eventually emerges from this process is a less threatening one.What it all boils down to is this： I want the new closeness to continue.And it will，as long as we make it clear that we will continue to act in a certain way as long as they continue to act in a helpful manner.If and when they don't，at first pull your punches.If they persist，pull the plug.It's still trust but verify.It's

still play，but cut the cards.It's still watch closely.And don't be afraid to see what you see.I've been asked if I have any regrets.Well，I do.The deficit is one.I've been talking a great deal about that lately，but tonight isn't for arguments，and I'm going to hold my tongue.But an observation： I've had my share of victories in the Congress，but what few people noticed is that I never won anything you didn't win for me.They never saw my troops； they never saw Reagan's regiments，the American people.You won every battle with every call you made and letter you wrote demanding action.Well，action is still needed.If we're to finish the job，Reagan's regiments will have to become the Bush brigades.Soon he'll be the Chief，and he'll need you every bit as much as I did.Finally，there is a great tradition of warnings in Presidential farewells，and I've got one that's been on my mind for some time.But oddly enough it starts with one of the things I'm proudest of in the past 8 years： the resurgence of national pride that I called，“The New Patriotism.” This national feeling is good，but it won't count for much，and it won't last unless it's grounded in thoughtfulness and knowledge.An informed patriotism is what we want.And are we doing a good enough job teaching our children what America is and what she represents in the long history of the world？ Those of us who are over 35 or so years of age grew up in a different America.We were taught，very directly，what it means to be an American.And we absorbed，almost in the air，a love of country and an appreciation of its institutions.If you didn't get these things from your family you got them from the neighborhood，from the father down the street who fought in Korea or the family who lost someone at Anzio.Or you could get a sense of patriotism from school.And if all else failed you could get a sense of patriotism from the popular culture.The movies celebrated democratic values and implicitly reinforced the idea that America was special.TV was like that，too，through the mid-sixties.But now，we're about to enter the nineties，and some things have changed.Younger parents aren't sure that an unambivalent appreciation of America is the right thing to teach modern children.And as for those who create the popular culture，well-grounded patriotism is no longer the style.Our spirit is back，but we haven't reinstitutionalized it.We've got to do a better job of getting across that America is freedom —— freedom of speech，freedom of religion，freedom of enterprise.And freedom is special and rare.It's fragile； it needs production [protection].So，we've got to teach history based not on what's in fashion but what's important —— why the Pilgrims came here，who Jimmy Doolittle was，and what those 30 seconds over Tokyo meant.You know，4 years ago on the 40th anniversary of D-day，I read a letter from a young woman writing to her late father，who had fought on Omaha Beach.Her name was Lisa Zanatta Henn，and she said，“we will always remember，we will never forget what the boys of Normandy did.” Well，let's help her keep her word.If we forget what we did，we won't know who we are.I'm warning of an eradication of that —— of the American memory that could result，ultimately，in an erosion of the American spirit.Let's start with some basics： more attention to American history and a greater emphasis on civic ritual.And let me offer lesson number one about America： All great change in America begins at the dinner table.So，tomorrow night in the kitchen I hope the talking begins.And children，if your parents haven't been teaching you what it means to be an American，let 'em know and nail 'em on it.That would be a very American thing to do.And that's about all I have to say tonight，except for one thing.The past few days when I've been at that window upstairs，I've thought a bit of the 'shining city upon a hill.' The phrase comes from John Winthrop，who wrote it to describe the America he imagined.What he

imagined was important because he was an early Pilgrim，an early freedom man.He journeyed here on what today we'd call a little wooden boat； and like the other Pilgrims，he was looking for a home that would be free.I've spoken of the shining city all my political life，but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it.But in my mind it was a tall，proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans，windswept，God-blessed，and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace； a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity.And if there had to be city walls，the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here.That's how I saw it，and see it still.And how stands the city on this winter night？ More prosperous，more secure，and happier than it was 8 years ago.But more than that： After 200 years，two centuries，she still stands strong and true on the granite ridge，and her glow has held steady no matter what storm.And she's still a beacon，still a magnet for all who must have freedom，for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness，toward home.We've done our part.And as I walk off into the city streets，a final word to the men and women of the Reagan Revolution，the men and women across America who for 8 years did the work that brought America back.My friends： We did it.We weren't just marking time.We made a difference.We made the city stronger； we made the city freer； and we left her in good hands.All in all，not bad —— not bad at all.And so，goodbye，God bless you，and God bless the United States of America.