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第一章 我有一个梦(2)

同胞们:

今天我站在这里,面对眼前的诸多困难,深感重任在肩。我感谢你们对我的信任,并铭记先辈们为了这个国家所做的献身。我感谢布什总统为国家做出的贡献,感谢他在两届政府过渡期间给予的慷慨与合作。

迄今为止,已经有44个美国总统宣誓就职。总统宣誓有时面对的是国家的和平繁荣,但通常面临的是乌云密布的紧张形势。在紧张的形势中,支持美国前进的不仅仅是领导人的能力和远见卓识,更是因为美国人民始终坚信国家先驱者的理想,并对我们的建国理念忠贞不渝。

前辈们如此,我们这一代美国人也必须如此。

现在我们都深知,我们身处危机之中。我们的国家在战斗,我们面对的敌人是分布广泛的暴力和仇恨势力;我们的经济也受到严重的削弱,原因虽有一些人的贪婪和不负责任,但更为重要的是我们作为一个集体在一些重大问题上决策失误,同时也未能做好应对新时代的准备。一些人失去了家园,一些人失去了工作,很多企业纷纷倒闭。社会的医疗保险费用过度昂贵、学校教育让许多人失望,而且每天的情况都在不断显示,我们使用能源的方式助长了敌人的威风,同时也威胁着我们星球的安全。

统计数据证实,我们已身陷危机。危机难以测量,但更难以测量的是其对美国人信心的动摇--现在一种认为美国衰落不可避免,我们的下一代不得不降低对美国的期望的说法正在吞噬着人们的自信。

听我说,这些威胁并非子虚乌有,它们不仅迫在眉睫而且多乱如麻。要想一挥而就解决这些问题绝非易事。我们要相信,我们一定会渡过难关。

今天,我们在这里齐聚一堂,因为我们选择希望而不是恐惧,选择齐心协力而不是冲突对立。

今天,我们宣布要为无谓的摩擦、不实的承诺和指责画上句号,我们要打破牵制美国政治发展的若干陈旧教条。

美国仍是一个年轻的国家,借用《圣经》的话说, “放弃幼稚的时代已经到来了。” 重拾坚韧精神的时代已经到来,我们要为历史做出更好的选择,我们要秉承历史赋予的宝贵权利,秉承那种代代相传的高贵理念:上帝赋予我们每个人以平等和自由,以及每个人尽全力去追求幸福的机会。

在重申我们国家伟大精神的同时,我们深知伟大从来不是上天赐予的,伟大需要靠努力赢取。我们的历程从来不是走捷径或退而求其次的历程。它不是弱者的道路--它不属于好逸恶劳或只图名利享受的人;这条路属于冒险者、实干家,创造者--有些人享有盛名,但大多数是默默无闻耕耘劳作的男女志士,是他们带我们走向通往繁荣和自由的漫长崎岖之路。

为了我们,先辈们打点起贫寒的行装上路,远涉重洋,寻找新生活;为了我们,先辈们忍辱负重,用血汗浇铸工厂;为了我们,先辈们在荒芜的西部原野辛勤耕作,定居他乡;为了我们,先辈们奔赴疆场,英勇捐躯,长眠于康科德城、葛底斯堡、(第二次世界大战中的)诺曼底和(越战中的)溪山。

一次又一次,我们的先辈们战斗着、牺牲着、操劳着,只为了我们可以生活得更好。他们看到的美国超越了我们每一个人的雄心壮志,也超越了所有种族、财富或派系的差异。

今天我们继续先辈们未尽的旅程。美国依然是地球上最繁荣、最强大的国家。同危机初露端倪之时相比,美国人民的生产力依然旺盛;与上周、上个月或者去年相比,我们的头脑依然富于创造力,我们的商品和服务依然很有市场,我们的实力不曾削弱。但是,可以肯定的是,维持现状的时代、保护狭隘利益的时代以及对艰难抉择犹豫不决的时代已经过去了。从今天开始,我们必须振作起来,拍拍身上的泥土,重新开启再造美国的事业。

无论我们把目光投向何处,都有工作在等待着我们。经济状况要求我们采取大胆且快速的行动,我们即将行动起来,不仅是要创造就业,更要为(下一轮经济)增长打下新的基础。我们将造桥铺路,为企业铺设电网和数字线路,将我们联系在一起。我们将回归科学,运用科技的奇迹提高医疗保险的质量,降低医疗成本。我们将利用风能、太阳能和地能驱动车辆,为工厂提供能源。我们将改革中小学以及大专院校,以适应新时代的要求。这一切,我们都能够做到,而且我们都将会做到。

现在,有人怀疑我们的雄心壮志,他们认为我们的体制承载不了太多的宏伟计划。他们太健忘了。他们已经忘了这个国家过去所取得的成就;他们已经忘了当创造力与共同目标以及必要的勇气结合起来时,自由的人民就会爆发出无穷的创造力。

这些怀疑论者的错误在于,他们没有意识到政治现实已经发生了变化,长期以来耗掉我们太多精力的陈腐政治观点已经过时。今天,我们的问题不在于政府的大小,而在于政府能否有效运转,政府能否帮助家庭成员找到薪水合适的工作、提供给他们可以负担得起的医疗保障并让他们体面地退休。哪个方案能给予肯定的答案,我们就推进哪个方案。哪个方案的答案是否定的,我们就选择终止。而掌管纳税人税金的人应当承担起责任,合理支出,摒弃陋习,磊落做事,这样才能重塑人民与政府的信任纽带。

我们面临的问题也不是市场好坏的问题。市场创造财富、拓展自由的能力无可匹敌,但是这场危机提醒我们,没有严格的监管,市场很可能就会失控--如果一个国家仅仅施惠于富裕者,其富裕便不能持久。国家经济的成败不仅仅取决于国内生产总值的大小,而且取决于繁荣的覆盖面,取决于我们是否有能力让每一位愿意致富的人都有机会走向富裕。我们这样做不是慈善,而是因为这是确保实现共同利益的途径。

就共同防御而言,我们绝不接受安全与理念不可两全的荒谬论点。当年,我们的先辈们面对我们几乎无法想象的危险,起草了确保法治和人权的宪章。一代代人民的鲜血夯实了这一宪章。今天,这些理念依然照耀着世界,我们不会为一时之利而弃之。因此我想对正在观看这一仪式的其他国家的人民和政府说,不论他们现在各国伟大的首府还是在如同我父亲出生地一般的小村落,我想让他们知道:对于每个追求和平与尊严的国家和个人而言,美国是你们的朋友,我们愿意再次领导大家踏上追寻之旅。

回想起先辈们从容地面对法西斯主义的时候,他们不仅依靠手中的导弹和坦克,他们还依靠稳固的联盟和坚定的信仰。他们深知单凭自己的力量我们无法保护自己,他们也深知我们强大并不足以使我们有权利为所欲为。他们明白,正是因为谨慎使用实力,我们才日益强大;我们的安全通过我们正义的事业、榜样的力量以及谦卑和克制的品质得以保障。

我们继承了这些遗产。在这些原则的再次指引下,我们有能力应对新的威胁,我们需要付出更多的努力、进行国家间更广泛的合作以及增进国家间的理解。首先,我们将以负责任的态度,将伊拉克交还给伊拉克人民,同时巩固阿富汗来之不易的和平。对于老朋友和老对手,我们将继续努力,不遗余力,削弱核威胁,遏制全球变暖的幽灵。我们不会在价值观念上退缩,也不会动摇捍卫它的决心。对于那些企图通过恐怖主义或屠杀无辜平民达成目标的人,我们要对他们说:我们的信仰更加坚定,不可动摇,你们不可能拖垮我们,我们定将战胜你们。

因为我们知道,我们的多元化遗产是一个优势,而不是劣势。我们是一个由基督教徒和穆斯林、犹太教徒和印度教徒,以及无宗教信仰者组成的国家。我们民族的成长受到许多语言和文化的影响,我们吸取了这个星球上任何一个角落的有益成分。正是因为我们民族曾亲尝过内战和种族隔离的苦酒,并且在经历了这些黑色的篇章之后变得更加强大更加团结,因此我们才确信一切仇恨终有一天都会成为过去,种族的划分不久就会消失,而且随着世界变得越来越小,我们共同的人性将得到彰显。在迎接新的和平时代到来的过程中,美国需要发挥自己的作用。

思索前方的路,我们无时无刻不在铭记那些远征沙漠和偏远山区的英勇美国战士,并对他们充满感激之情,他们和那些安息在阿灵顿国家公墓之下的战争英雄们一样,给予我们启示。

我们向他们致敬,不仅因为他们是自由的守护者,更因为他们体现了为国服务的精神,他们愿意在比自身更伟大的事业中发现人生的意义。此时此刻,在这个要塑造一代人的时刻,我们需要的正是这样一种精神。

虽然政府能有许多作为也必须有许多作为,但最终离不开美国人民的信仰和决心,这才是我们的立国之本。于防洪堤坝决堤之时收留陌生受难者的善意,于经济不景气的时候宁愿减少自己工时也不肯看着朋友失业的无私,正是这些,支撑着我们走过黑暗的时刻。消防队员冲入满是浓烟的楼梯抢救生命的勇气,父母养育孩子的坚持,正是这些决定了我们的命运。

我们面临的挑战可能前所未闻,我们应对挑战的措施也可能前所未有,但那些长期以来指导我们成功的价值观--勤奋、诚实、勇气、公平竞争、包容以及对世界保持好奇心,还有对国家的忠诚和爱国主义--却是历久弥新。这些价值观都是千真万确的。他们是创造美国历史的无声力量。我们现在需要的就是回归这些古老的价值观。我们需要一个新的负责任的时代,一个觉醒的时代,每个国人都应意识到:我们对自己、对国家和世界负有责任。对于这些责任,我们并非勉强接受,而是心甘情愿主动承担。我们应该坚定这一认识,即没有什么比全身心投入一项艰巨的工作更能锻炼我们的性格,更能获得精神上的满足。

这是公民应尽的义务,应做出的承诺。

这就是我们自信的来源,上帝号召我们要掌握自己的命运。

这就是我们自由和信仰的意义,这也是为何不同种族、不同信仰、不同性别和年龄的人可以同聚一堂在此欢庆的原因,也是我今天能站在这里庄严宣誓的原因,而在50多年前我的父亲甚至都不能成为地方餐馆的服务生。

所以,让我们铭记自己的身份,镌刻自己的足迹。在美国诞生的时代,那最寒冷的岁月里,一群勇敢的爱国人士围着篝火在冰封的河边取暖。首都被占领,敌人在挺进,冬天的雪被鲜血染成了红色。在美国大革命最受质疑的时刻,我们的国父们这样说: “我们要让未来的世界知道……在深冬的严寒里,唯有希望和勇气才能让我们存活……面对共同的危险时,我们的城市和国家要勇敢地上前去面对。”

今天的美国也在严峻的寒冬中面对共同的挑战,让我们记住国父们不朽的话语。带着希望和勇气,让我们再一次勇敢地面对寒流,迎接可能会发生的风暴。我们要让我们的子孙后代记住,在面临挑战的时候,我们没有屈服,我们没有逃避也没有丝毫动摇,我们脚踏实地、心怀信仰,我们将自由一代一代,薪火相传!

导读

2009年1月20日第56届(第44任)美国总统奥巴马发表了就职演说。奥巴马说,美国仍然是个年轻的国家,且这个时代受到了挑战,我们必须凝聚力量,重新塑造美国。但他并没有涉及有关经济刺激计划的更多细节。

单词注解

humble adj. 谦逊的;卑微的

grateful adj. 感激的,感谢的

segregation n. 隔离

embody v. 象征,具体表现

诵读名句

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace.

Now,there are some who question the scale of our ambitions-who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans.

America. In the face of our common dangers,in this winter of our hardship,let us remember these timeless words.

I Have a Dream

我有一个梦

Martin Luther King/马丁·路德·金

Five score years ago,a great American,in whose symbolic shadow we stand today,signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later,the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later,the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later,the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later,the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we’ ve come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

……

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow,I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident,that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia,the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi,a state sweltering with the heat of injustice,sweltering with the heat of oppression,will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day,down in Alabama,with its vicious racists,with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of “interposition” and “nullification” -one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted,and every hill and mountain shall be made low,the rough places will be made plain,and the crooked places will be made straight, “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together?”

This is our hope,and this is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith,we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith,we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith,we will be able to work together,to pray together,to struggle together,to go to jail together,to stand up for freedom together,knowing that we will be free one day. And this will be the day-this will be the day when all of God’ s children will be able to sing with new meaning:My country’ tis of thee,sweet land of liberty,of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died,land of the Pilgrim’ s pride.

From every mountainside,let freedom ring!And if America is to be a great nation,this must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that;let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside,let freedom ring.

And when this happens,when we allow freedom ring,when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet,from every state and every city,we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’ s children,black men and white men,Jews and Gentiles,Protestants and Catholics,will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:Free at last! free at last! Thank God Almighty,we are free at last!

一百年前,一位伟大的美国人--今天我们就站在他的雕像下--正式签署了《解放宣言》。这项重要法令的颁布,如一座伟大的灯塔,照亮了当时挣扎于不义之火焚烧下的数百万黑奴的希望;它像欢快的破晓曙光,结束了黑人陷于囹圄的漫漫长夜。

然而,整整一百年过去了,我们却仍然得面对这个悲惨的现实:黑人依然得不到自由;整整一百年过去了,黑人依然被种族隔离的镣铐和种族歧视的锁链羁绊着,举步维艰;整整一百年过去了,在物质繁荣的汪洋大海中,黑人却依然独自生存在贫穷的孤岛之上;整整一百年过去了,黑人依然在美国社会的阴暗角落里向隅而泣,在自己的土地上却依然流离失所。因此,我们今天来到这里,把这种骇人听闻的情况公布于众。

……

朋友们,今天我要告诉你们,尽管此刻困难挫折重重,但我仍然有一个梦想。这个梦深深扎根于伟大的美国梦之中。

我有一个梦想:总有一天这个国家会奋然而起,实现其信条的真谛: “我们认为这些真理是不言而喻的。每个人生来就是平等的。”

我有一个梦想:总有一天在佐治亚州的红色山冈上,昔日奴隶的儿子与昔日主人的儿子能够如兄弟手足般同桌而坐。

我有一个梦想:总有一天就算是密西西比这样一个被不公正与种族压迫的热潮所统治着的荒漠之州,也能转变成一方自由和正义的绿洲。

我有一个梦想:总有一天我的四个孩子将生活在一个不以他们的肤色,而是以他们内在品质来评价他们的国度中。

今天,我有一个梦想。

我有一个梦想:总有一天阿拉巴马州--该州州长今天仍在喋喋不休地说着不同意也不执行联邦法令的话语--能有所不同,黑人的小男孩与小女孩能够和白人的小男孩与小女孩如兄弟姐妹般携手同行。

今天,我有一个梦想。

我有一个梦想:总有一天幽谷会上升,高山会下降,崎岖之地将变为坦荡的平原,曲折之路将变为笔直的大道;主的荣光将会显现,芸芸众生同声赞叹。

这是我们的渴望,也是将随我返回南方去的信念。靠着这个信念,我们就能从绝望之山开凿出希望之石。靠着这个信念,我们就能把我们国家里种族争斗的不和谐之音,转谱成一曲兄弟般友爱的动人交响曲。靠着这个信念,我们就能共同工作、共同祈盼、共同战斗、共同昂首入狱、共同维护自由。我们知道,总有一天,我们会获得自由。当这一天到来时,上帝所有的子民都能以全新的意义高唱:我的祖国,亲爱的自由之邦,我为你歌唱。这是祖先安息的故园,这是朝圣者为之自豪的土地。让自由之声在每一座山峰回响!

当美国成为真正伟大的国家时,这一切必将成真。

因此,让自由之声在新罕布什尔州的巍峨高峰回响!

让自由之声在纽约州的雄伟山脉中回响!

让自由之声在宾夕法尼亚州高耸的阿勒格尼山峰回响!

让自由之声在科罗拉多州白雪皑皑的洛基山回响!

让自由之声在加利福尼亚州的柔美群峰回响!

不,不仅如此,让自由之声在佐治亚州的石山回响!

让自由之声在田纳西州的远眺山峰回响!

让自由之声在密西西比州的每一座山巅,每一座丘陵回响!

让自由之声在每一处山坡回响!

当我们让自由之声回响时,当我们让自由之声在每一个山村、每一处村寨、每一个州、每一座城回响时,我们就能让这一天早日降临。到那时,上帝所有的孩子--白人与黑人,犹太人与非犹太人,基督教徒与天主教徒--携手同唱那首古老的黑人圣歌: “终于自由了!终于自由了!感谢全能的上帝,我们终于自由了!”

导读

1963年8月23日,马丁·路德·金组织了美国历史上影响深远的 “自由进军” 运动。他率领一支庞大的游行队伍向首都华盛顿进军,为全美国的黑人争取人权。他在林肯纪念堂前向25万人发表了著名的演说《我有一个梦想》,号召大家为反对种族歧视、争取平等而努力。

单词注释

chain n. 链,链条;项圈

transform v. 改造;改革;改善

drip v. 滴下

prodigious adj. 巨大的;庞大的

mighty adj. 强大的;强有力的

诵读名句

Five score years ago,a great American,in whose symbolic shadow we stand today,signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident,that all men are created equal.”

This is our hope,and this is the faith that I go back to the South with With this faith,we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.

Farewell Address

布什告别演说

George Walker Bush/乔治·沃克·布什

Fellow citizens:

For eight years,it has been my honor to serve as your President. The first decade of this new century has been a period of consequence-a time set apart. Tonight,with a thankful heart,I have asked for a final opportunity to share some thoughts on the journey we have traveled together and the future of our Nation.

Five days from now,the world will witness the vitality of American democracy. In a tradition dating back to our founding,the presidency will pass to a successor chosen by you,the American people. Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose story reflects the enduring promise of our land. This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole Nation. And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-elect Obama,his wife Michelle,and their two beautiful girls.

Tonight I am filled with gratitude-to Vice President Cheney and members of the Administration;to Laura,who brought joy to this house and love to my life;to our wonderful daughters,Barbara and Jenna;to my parents,whose examples have provided strength for a lifetime. And above all,I thank the American people for the trust you have given me. I thank you for the prayers that have lifted my spirits. And I thank you for the countless acts of courage,generosity,and grace that I have witnessed these past eight years.

This evening,my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house-September 11,2001. That morning,terrorists took nearly 3,000lives in the worst attack on America since Pearl Harbor. I remember standing in the rubble of the World Trade Center three days later,surrounded by rescuers who had been working around the clock. I remember talking to brave souls who charged through smoke-filled corridors at the Pentagon and to husbands and wives whose loved ones became heroes aboard Flight 93. I remember Arlene Howard,who gave me her fallen son’ s police shield as a reminder of all that was lost. And I still carry his badge.

As the years passed,most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before Nine-Eleven. But I never did. Every morning,I received a briefing on the threats to our Nation. And I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe.

Over the past seven years,a new Department of Homeland Security has been created. The military,the intelligence community,and the FBI have been transformed. Our Nation is equipped with new tools to monitor the terrorists’ movements,freeze their finances,and break up their plots. And with strong allies at our side,we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them. Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al Qaeda and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school. Iraq has gone from a brutal dictatorship and a sworn enemy of America to an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States.

There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil. This is a tribute to those who toil day and night to keep us safe-law enforcement officers,intelligence analysts,homeland security and diplomatic personnel,and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

Our Nation is blessed to have citizens who volunteer to defend us in this time of danger. I have cherished meeting these selfless patriots and their families. America owes you a debt of gratitude. And to all our men and women in uniform listening tonight:There has been no higher honor than serving as your Commander in Chief.

The battles waged by our troops are part of a broader struggle between two dramatically different systems. Under one,a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology,condemns women to subservience,and marks unbelievers for murder. The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God and that liberty and justice light the path to peace.

This is the belief that gave birth to our Nation. And in the long run,advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens. When people live in freedom,they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror. When people have hope in the future,they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism. So around the world,America is promoting human liberty,human rights,and human dignity. We are standing with dissidents and young democracies,providing AIDS medicine to bring dying patients back to life,and sparing mothers and babies from malaria. And this great republic born alone in liberty is leading the world toward a new age when freedom belongs to all nations.

For eight years,we have also strived to expand opportunity and hope here at home. Across our country,students are rising to meet higher standards in public schools. A new Medicare prescription drug benefit is bringing peace of mind to seniors and the disabled. Every taxpayer pays lower income taxes. The addicted and suffering are finding new hope through faith-based programs. Vulnerable human life is better protected. Funding for our veterans has nearly doubled. America’ s air,water,and lands are measurably cleaner.

When challenges to our prosperity emerged,we rose to meet them. Facing the prospect of a financial collapse,we took decisive measures to safeguard our economy. These are very tough times for hardworking families,but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted. All Americans are in this together. And together,with determination and hard work,we will restore our economy to the path of growth. We will show the world once again the resilience of America’ s free enterprise system.

Like all who have held this office before me,I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.

The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country,and there are some guiding principles that should shape our course.

While our Nation is safer than it was seven years ago,the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient and determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities,and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard.

At the same time,we must continue to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad,it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion,protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century,security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom,that cause will not be led.

As we address these challenges-and others we cannot foresee tonight-America must maintain our moral clarity. I have often spoken to you about good and evil. This has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world,and between the two there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time,everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This Nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense and to advance the cause of peace.

President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” As I leave the house he occupied two centuries ago,I share that optimism. America is a young country,full of vitality,constantly growing and renewing itself. And even in the toughest times,we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead.

I have confidence in the promise of America because I know the character of our people. This is a Nation that inspires immigrants to risk everything for the dream of freedom. This is a Nation where citizens show calm in times of danger and compassion in the face of suffering. We see examples of America’ s character all around us. And Laura and I have invited some of them to join us in the White House this evening.

We see America’ s character in Dr. Tony Recasner,a principal who opened a new charter school from the ruins of Hurricane Katrina. We see it in Julio Medina,a former inmate who leads a faith-based program to help prisoners returning to society. We see it in Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade,who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines.

We see America’ s character in Bill Krissoff,a surgeon from California. His son Nathan,a Marine,gave his life in Iraq. When I met Dr. Krissoff and his family,he delivered some surprising news:He told me he wanted to join the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son. This good man was 60years old-18years above the age limit. But his petition for a waiver was granted,and for the past year he has trained in battlefield medicine. Lieutenant Commander Krissoff could not be here tonight,because he will soon deploy to Iraq,where he will help save America’ s wounded warriors and uphold the legacy of his fallen son.

In citizens like these,we see the best of our country-resilient and hopeful,caring and strong. These virtues give me an unshakable faith in America. We have faced danger and trial,and there is more ahead. But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals,this great Nation will never tire... never falter... and never fail.

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this Nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other:citizen of the United States of America.

And so,my fellow Americans,for the final time:Good night. May God bless this house and our next President. And may God bless you and our wonderful country. TdE0TA+rqy7PLpQB3P3wfhvNTj0te47VS6Rvp87xOykogzJvTQC30LB7+oxTwcjI



第一章 我有一个梦(3)

各位同胞:

过去的8年,我很荣幸地成为你们的总统。这个世纪的头10年是一个非常重要的时期。今晚,带着一颗感恩的心,我将利用这最后的机会和你们一起分享我的一些看法,回顾过去一起走过的时光以及我对国家未来的展望。

再过5天,世界将见证充满活力的美国民主政治。根据我们建国时创立的传统,总统职位将交给你们--美国人民选举出来的继任者。届时站在国会台阶上的那个人,他的经历将折射出我们这个国家长久以来的承诺。对于我们整个国家来说,这是一个充满希望和自豪的时刻。我将和其他所有美国人民一起,向当选总统奥巴马、他的妻子米歇尔以及他们两个漂亮的女儿送去最美好的祝愿。

今晚,我满怀感激之情,感谢我的副总统切尼以及白宫的每一位工作人员;我还要感谢我的妻子劳拉和我的女儿芭芭拉和詹娜,是她们给我的生活带来了无尽的快乐和爱意;我要感谢我的父母,他们给了我前进的动力。最重要的是,我要感谢所有美国人民给予我的信任。谢谢你们的祈祷让我斗志昂扬。在过去的8年里,你们给了我无穷的勇气和极大的宽容,我对此表示深深的感谢。

今晚,我的思绪回到了2001年9月11日,那是我第一次在这里发表晚间演说。那天上午,恐怖分子对美国发动了自珍珠港事件以来最为严重的恐怖袭击,造成约3,000人死亡。我记得自己3天后站在世贸大楼的废墟前的情景。我周围是那些夜以继日抢救伤者的救援人员。我记得我同那些穿过五角大楼浓烟密布的走廊进行救援的勇士们交谈,同93号航班的英雄们的爱人们对话。我记得阿勒内·霍华德,她当时把她死去儿子的警徽交给了我,以表达对逝者的思念之情。直到现在,我仍然珍藏着他的徽章。

随着时光流逝,绝大多数美国人都已从悲痛中走了出来,恢复了9·11之前的生活。然而,我还没有解脱。每天早上,我都会收到一份关于国家安全威胁的简报,那时我发誓要尽最大的努力来保证我们的安全。

在过去的7年中,我们成立了新的国土安全部。我们的军队,军事情报部门,以及FBI都进行了改革。为了监视恐怖分子的行动,我们已经做了充分的准备,我们冻结了恐怖分子的账户,并屡屡粉碎了他们的阴谋。我们与强大的同盟国一道共同打击恐怖分子以及那些支持恐怖分子的人。在我们的帮助下,阿富汗已经由恐怖主义的天堂转变成了一个逐步成熟的民主国家,那里的人们正和恐怖主义作斗争。此外,女孩子上学也得到了应有的尊重。伊拉克也已经摆脱了萨达姆的残酷统治,不再与美国为敌,成为了中东心脏地带的民主国家,美国的朋友。

针对这些决策,存在着一些合理的争论,但对于这些结果却没有任何争议。在过去的7年多时间里,美国本土再也没有遭受过恐怖袭击,这要归功于那些日夜辛劳保卫我们安全的人们:执法人员、情报分析人员、国土安全人员和外交官员,以及美军的士兵们。

承蒙上帝恩典,美国拥有这些愿意在国家危难之际挺身而出的人们。我非常珍视与这些无私的爱国者以及他们家人进行的会面,美国人民感谢你们。对于那些今晚正在聆听这次演讲的美军士兵们,我想说的是:这个世界上再也没有比成为你们的总司令更让人感到荣幸的事了。

美军正在进行的战争,广义上来看其实是两种不同体系之间的战争。一种是一小撮狂热分子要求人们完全臣服于受压迫的意识形态,他们迫害妇女并且杀害那些和他信仰不一样的人们。另外一种体系则建立在普世的民主基础上,自由和正义是通往和平的道路。

美国,正是基于这样的信念诞生的。从长远来看,倡导这种信念是保卫我们国民的唯一切实有效的方法。当人们生活在民主政治中时,他们就不愿再去选择那些追随恐怖势力的领导者。当人们对未来充满希望时,他们就不会选择放弃生命来发动暴力袭击。因此,美国一直在全世界倡导自由、人权和尊严。我们向那些新兴的民主政体提供支持,向艾滋病人提供药物,让垂死的病人起死回生,让母亲和婴儿们免受疟疾的困扰。自由是美国成立的唯一基石,并领导世界向一个自由普照全球的时代发展。

过去8年里,我们也努力增加美国人民所拥有的机会和希望。在美国,学生们现在可以在公立学校接受条件更好的教育;新的医疗福利政策让老人和残疾人更加安心;每一位纳税人的个人所得税降低了;通过信心重建计划,那些吸毒者也找到了新的希望;人们脆弱的生命得到了更好的保护;对于退伍老兵的补助几乎增加了一倍;美国的空气、水源以及土地比以前更加清洁了。

当繁荣遇到挑战时,我们勇敢地面对。当金融危机发生时,我们采取了果断的措施来保护我们的经济。对于那些辛勤工作的家庭来说,这是一个非常艰难的时期,但是如果我们不采取行动的话,后果会更严重。所有的美国人都受到了影响。团结一心的美国人将通过坚定的信心和辛勤的工作将我们的经济重新拉回到增长的车道上。我们将向世界再次展示美国自由企业制度的复兴。

和所有前任一样,我也经历过挫折,如果可能的话,我会采取不一样的方式来应对这些挫折。不过,我总是以国家利益最大化为出发点。我对得起自己的良心,采取了我认为是正确的措施。你们可能不同意我所作出的一些艰难决定。但是我希望,你们能认为,我是一位愿意作出艰难决定的总统。

我们的国家在未来将面临更多的艰难选择,必须用一些指导性原则来指引我们的路线。

虽然我们的国家现在比7年前更为安全,但目前美国最严峻的威胁仍然是恐怖袭击。我们的敌人很有耐心,并且决意要再次发动袭击。美国没有试图挑起冲突或者做过任何导致冲突的错事。但我们肩负着庄严的责任,必须同恐怖主义作斗争。我们不能骄傲自满,要坚定决心,绝不能放松警惕。

与此同时,我们必须抱有信心和明确的目的参与世界事务。面对来自海外的威胁,在国内寻求安慰是一种诱人的举措。但是我们必须抵制孤立主义和保护主义,退缩只会招来危险。在21世纪,国内的安全和繁荣需要依靠国外自由的扩展。如果美国不领导自由事业,那么自由事业将无所适从。

在我们应对这些挑战时,我们今晚还无法预测其他的挑战,美国必须保持道德上的纯洁。我们经常谈及善恶问题,这可能令一些人颇感不适,但是目前这个世界确实存在着正义和邪恶,两者之间无法达成妥协。无论何时何地,杀害无辜者来推动一种意识形态都是错误的,把人们从压迫和绝望中解放出来永远是正确的。美国必须坚持为正义和真理而呼喊。我们必须保护正义和真理,并且推进和平事业的发展。

托马斯·杰斐逊总统曾写道, “相对于过去的历史,我更喜欢未来的梦想。” 在我即将离开他两个世纪前所居住过的白宫时,我也持这种乐观的态度。美国是一个年轻的国家,充满了活力,在不断地发展与更新。即便是在最艰难的时候,美国仍然没有放弃对未来的梦想。

我对美国的未来充满信心,因为我了解我们民族的特质,这是一个鼓励移民们为自由的梦想而去尝试一切事情的国家,这是一个面对危险仍能保持镇定的国家,这是一个面对苦难仍抱有同情心的国家。在身边的每一个人身上,我们都能看到美国的特征。

我们可以在托尼·里卡斯尼尔的身上看到美国的特质,这位校长在卡特里娜飓风的废墟上重建了他的学校。我们可以在胡利奥·梅迪纳身上看到这种特质,这位曾经的犯人领导着一个基于信仰的项目,帮助囚犯们重返社会。我们也可以在奥布里·麦克达德参谋军士身上看到这种特质,他在伊拉克时,冲入包围圈并成功营救出了三名海军陆战队队员。

我们在加州医生比尔·克里索夫身上看到了美国的这种特质,他的儿子纳塔恩,作为一名海军陆战队队员,在伊拉克献出了自己的生命。当我遇到克里索夫和他的家人时,他告诉我一个令我意想不到的消息:为了缅怀儿子,他想加入海军医疗团。这位好人已60岁,超过规定年龄的上限18年,但他的申请得到了批准。在过去的一年中,克里索夫得到了很好的锻炼,可惜已荣升中校的他今晚不能来到这里,因为他很快就会前往伊拉克,在那里他可以救助我们受伤的勇士,并继续他儿子未完成的事业。

我们在这些公民身上看到了我们国家最优良的品质:坚韧且充满希望、有爱心且坚强。这些品质使我对美国有不可动摇的信心。我们曾面临危险和考验,未来还会有更多的危险和考验。然而,依靠你们的勇气和信心,伟大的美国永远会坚如磐石,永远不会走向没落。

对我来说,能够担任你们的总统是我一生的荣耀。任期内,我有过欢乐也有过困苦。但我每天都被我们国家的伟大所鼓舞,为我们人民的善良所振奋。我对自己有机会代表我们所热爱的国家感到幸福,并且我也一直在为我们的国家祈祷。在以后的时光里,我会永远珍视这样的身份:美利坚合众国的公民。

所以,我亲爱的美国同胞,让我最后一次对你们说:晚安。愿上帝保佑白宫和我们的下一任总统。愿上帝保佑你们和我们这个美好的国家。

导读

2009年1月15日晚8时 (北京时间16日上午9时) ,美国总统布什发表电视告别演说,正式向美国国民道别。这位在任期内倍受争议及批评的美国总统在告别演说中,表示在国内外政策上取得了一系列成功,同时也向国民承认了一些错误。布什称自己的总统任期为 “在危机中取得重大成就” 的时期。

单词注释

debate n. 辩论,讨论

extremism n. 极端性;极端主义

protected adj. 受 (法律) 保护的

inspire v. 鼓舞,激励

tough adj. 坚韧的,牢固的,折不断的

诵读名句

As the years passed,most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before Nine-Eleven. But I never did.

I have cherished meeting these selfless patriots and their families.

In the face of threats from abroad,it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward.

See China in the Light of Her Development

温家宝在剑桥大学的演讲:用发展的眼光看中国

Wen Jiabao/温家宝

Vice Chancellor Alison Richard,Ladies and Gentlemen,It gives me great pleasure to come to Cambridge,a world-renowned university that I have long wanted to visit. Cambridge has produced many great scientists and thinkers Isaac Newton,Charles Darwin and Francis Bacon,to name but a few,and made important contribution to the progress of human civilization. This year marks the 800th anniversary of the university. Please accept my warm congratulations.

This is my fourth visit to your country. Despite the great distance between China and Britain,the friendly exchanges between our peoples have been on the rise. The successful resolution of the question of Hong Kong and fruitful cooperation between our two countries in areas such as economy,trade,culture,education,science and technology have cemented the foundation of our comprehensive strategic partnership. Here,I wish to pay high tribute to all those who have been working tirelessly to promote friendly ties between our two countries.

The title of my speech today is “See China in the Light of Her Development”.

My beloved motherland is a country both old and young.

She is old,because she is a big Oriental country with a civilization stretching back several thousand years. With diligence and wisdom,the Chinese nation created a splendid civilization and made significant contributions to the progress of humanity.

She is young,because the People’ s Republic is just 60years old,and the country began reform and opening-up only 30years ago. The Chinese people established the New China after unremitting struggles and ultimately found a development path suited to China’ s national conditions through painstaking efforts. This is the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Following this path,our ancient civilization has been rejuvenated.

The key element of China’ s reform and opening-up is to free people’ s minds and the most fundamental and significant component is institutional innovation. Through economic reform,we have built a socialist market economy,where the market plays a primary role in allocating resources under government macro-regulation. We have carried out political reform,promoted democracy and improved the legal system. People are the masters of the country. We run the country according to law and endeavor to build a socialist country under the rule of law.

The essence of China’ s reform and opening-up is to put people first and meet their ever growing material and cultural needs through releasing and developing productive forces. It aims to give everyone equal opportunities for all-round development. It aims to protect the democratic rights of the people and promote stability,harmony and prosperity across the land. And it aims to safeguard the dignity and freedom of everyone so that he or she may pursue happiness with ingenuity and hard work.

Over the past three decades,more than 200million Chinese have been lifted out of poverty,the average life expectancy has increased by 5years,and the 83million people with disabilities in China have received special care from the government and society. All this points to the tremendous efforts China has made to protect human rights. We have introduced free nine-year compulsory education throughout the country,established the cooperative medical system in the rural areas and improved the social safety net. The age-old dream of the Chinese nation is being turned into reality a dream to see the young educated,the sick treated and the old cared for.

I want to quote from a Tang Dynasty poem to describe what is happening in China, “From shore to shore it is wide at high tide,and before fair wind a sail is lifting.” The Chinese people are working hard to modernize their country. This is a great practice in a large developing country both ancient and new. The Chinese people,with destiny in their own hands,are full of confidence in their future.

My beloved motherland is a country that stood numerous vicissitudes but never gave up.

Earlier in my career,I worked in northwest China for many years. There,in the boundless desert,grows a rare variety of tree called euphratespoplar. Rooted over 50meters down into the ground,they thrive in hostile environments,defying droughts,sandstorms and salinization. They are known as the “hero tree” ,because a euphrates poplar can live for a thousand years. Even after it dies,it stands upright for a thousand years,and even after it falls,it stays intact for another thousand years. I like the euphrates poplar because they symbolize the resilience of the Chinese nation.

Over the millennia,the Chinese nation has weathered numerous disasters,both natural and man-made,surmounted all kinds of difficulties and challenges,and made her way to where she proudly stands today. The longsufferings have only made her a nation of fortitude and perseverance. The experience of the Chinese nation attests to a truth:what a nation loses in times of disaster will be made up for by her progress.

I am reminded of the experience that I had in Wenchuan,Sichuan Province after the devastating earthquake there last May. That earthquake shocked the whole world. It flattened Beichuan Middle School and claimed many young lives. But only 10days after the earthquake,when I went there for the second time,I had before my eyes new classrooms built on debris by local villagers with planks. Once again,the campus echoed with the sound of students reading aloud. I wrote down 4Chinese characters on the blackboard,meaning “A country will emerge stronger from adversities.” I have been to Wenchuan seven times since the earthquake and witnessed countless touching scenes like this. I am deeply moved by the unyielding spirit of my people. This great national spirit is the source of strength which has enabled the Chinese nation to emerge from all the hardships stronger than before.

With hard work over the past half century and more,China has achieved great progress. Its total economic output is now one of the largest in the world. However,we remain a developing country and we are keenly aware of the big gap that we have with the developed countries. There has been no fundamental change in our basic national condition:a big population,weak economic foundation and uneven development. China’ s per capita GDP ranks behind 100countries in the world and is only about 1/18that of Britain. Those of you who have been to China as tourists must have seen the modern cities,but our rural areas are still quite backward.

To basically achieve modernization by the middle of this century,we must accomplish three major tasks:first,achieve industrialization,which Europe has long completed,while keeping abreast of the latest trends of the scientific and technological revolution;second,promote economic growth while ensuring social equity and justice;and third,pursue sustainable development at home while accepting our share of international responsibilities. The journey ahead will be long and arduous,but no amount of difficulty will stop the Chinese people from marching forward. Through persistent efforts,we will reach our goal.

My beloved motherland is a country that values her traditions while opening her arms to the outside world.

The traditional Chinese culture is rich,extensive and profound. Harmony,the supreme value cherished in ancient China,lies at the heart of the Chinese culture. The Book of History,an ancient classic in China for example,advocates amity among people and friendly exchanges among nations.

The Chinese cultural tradition values peace as the most precious. This has nurtured the broad mind of the Chinese nation. The Chinese nation is generous and tolerant,just as Mother Earth cares for all living things. She is in constant pursuit of justice,just as the eternal movement of the Universe.

In the 15th century,the famous Chinese navigator Zheng He led seven maritime expeditions to the Western Seas and reached over 30countries. He took with him Chinese tea,silk and porcelain and helped local people fight pirates as he sailed along. He was truly a messenger of love and friendship.

The argument that a big power is bound to seek hegemony does not apply to China. Seeking hegemony goes against China’ s cultural tradition as well as the will of the Chinese people. China’ s development harms no one and threatens no one. We shall be a peace-loving country,a country that is eager to learn from and cooperate with others. We are committed to building a harmonious world.

Different countries and nations need to respect,tolerate and learn from each other’ s culture. Today,300million Chinese are learning English and over one million of our young people are studying abroad. The cultures and arts of various parts of the world are featured daily on China’ s television,radio and print media. Had we not learned from others through exchanges and enriched ourselves by drawing on others’ experience,we would not have enjoyed today’ s prosperity and progress.

In the 21st century,economic globalization and the information network have linked us all together. Different cultures live together and influence each other. No culture can flourish in isolation. How much a country or a nation contributes to the culture of humanity is increasingly determined by her ability to absorb foreign cultures and renew herself. That is why China will remain open and receptive,value her own traditions while drawing on others’ successful experience,and achieve economic prosperity and social progress in a civilized and harmonious way.

……

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Britain is the last leg of my European trip. I have gained a deeper understanding of Europe through this visit. China-EU cooperation is now standing at a new historical starting point and I am all the more confident about the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. There are no outstanding issues left over from history or conflict of fundamental interests between the two sides. What we have is a solid foundation and a bright future for cooperation. As the first industrialized country,Britain has accumulated rich experience in economic development and environmental protection. We hope to learn from your experience and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with you.

The future belongs to the younger generation. It is incumbent upon you to build an even more splendid future of China-Britain relations. Here and now,I cannot but mention Dr. Joseph Needham,a Cambridge alumnus who made important contributions to cultural exchanges between China and Britain. With his monumental masterpiece,Science and Civilization in China,he built a bridge between the two great civilizations of East and West. To honor tradition and innovation is the outstanding character of Cambridge. I hope more of you will turn your eyes to China,see my country in the light of her development,and act as ambassadors of China-Britain friendship. I believe that as long as you,the young people of China and Britain learn from each other and strive for progress hand in hand,you will add a brilliant new chapter to the annals of our relations.

Thank you!

尊敬的理查德校长,女士们,先生们:

来到向往已久的剑桥大学,非常高兴。剑桥举世闻名,培养出牛顿、达尔文、培根等许多杰出的科学家、思想家,为人类文明进步作出了重要贡献。今年是剑桥建校800周年,我谨致以热烈祝贺!

这是我第四次访问英国。中英相距遥远,但两国人民的友好交往不断增多。香港问题的圆满解决,经贸、文教、科技等领域的有效合作,为发展中英全面战略伙伴关系奠定了坚实基础。在此,我向长期致力于中英友好的朋友们表示崇高的敬意!

今天,我演讲的题目是:用发展的眼光看中国。

我深深爱着的祖国--古老而又年轻。

说她古老,她是一个有着数千年文明史的东方大国。中华民族以自己的勤劳和智慧,创造了灿烂的古代文明,对人类发展作出过重大贡献。

说她年轻,新中国成立才60年,改革开放才30年。中国人民经过长期不懈的斗争建立了新中国,又经过艰苦的探索,终于找到了适合国情的发展道路--中国特色社会主义道路,文明古国焕发了青春活力。

中国改革开放,最重要的是解放思想,最根本、最具有长远意义的是体制创新。我们推行经济体制改革,建立了社会主义市场经济体制。在政府的宏观调控下,充分发挥市场对资源配置的基础性作用。我们深化政治体制改革,把发展民主和完善法制结合起来,实行人民当家作主,依法治国,建设社会主义法治国家。

改革开放的实质,就是坚持以人为本,通过解放和发展生产力满足人们日益增长的物质文化需求,在公正的条件下促进人的全面发展;就是保障人民的民主权利,让国家政通人和、兴旺发达;就是维护人的尊严和自由,让每个人的智慧和力量得以迸发,成功地追求自己的幸福生活。

30年来,中国贫困人口减少了2亿多,人均寿命提高了5岁,8,300万残疾人得到了政府和社会的特殊关爱,这是中国保障人权的光辉业绩。九年免费义务教育的推行,农村合作医疗制度的建立,社会保障体系的完善,使学有所教、病有所医、老有所养的理想,正在变为现实。

我愿借用两句唐诗形容中国的现状: “潮平两岸阔,风正一帆悬。” 中国人正在努力实现现代化,这是一个古而又新的发展中大国进行的一场伟大实践。掌握了自己命运的中国人民,对未来充满信心!

我深深爱着的祖国--历经磨难而又自强不息。

我年轻时曾长期工作在中国的西北地区。在那浩瀚的沙漠中,生长着一种稀有的树种,叫胡杨。它扎根地下50多米,抗干旱、斗风沙、耐盐碱,生命力极其顽强。它 “生而一千年不死,死而一千年不倒,倒而一千年不朽” ,世人称为英雄树。我非常喜欢胡杨,它是中华民族坚韧不拔精神的象征。

千百年来,中华民族一次次战胜了天灾人祸,渡过了急流险滩,昂首挺胸地走到今天。深重的灾难,铸就了她百折不挠、自强不息的品格。中华民族的历史证明了一个真理:一个民族在灾难中失去的,必将从民族的进步中得到补偿。

此时此刻,我不禁想起在汶川地震灾区的亲身经历。去年5月,四川汶川发生了震惊世界的特大地震,北川中学被夷为平地,孩子们伤亡惨重。可是,时隔10天,当我第二次来到这里时,乡亲们已在废墟上搭起了板房教室,校园里又回荡着孩子们朗朗的读书声。当时我在黑板上,给同学们写下了 “多难兴邦” 几个字。地震发生以来,我7次到汶川灾区,碰到这样感人的事迹不胜枚举。我为我们中华民族这种愈挫愈奋的精神深深感动。这种伟大的精神,正是我们的民族饱经忧患而愈益坚强、生生不息的力量源泉。

经过半个多世纪的艰苦奋斗,中国有了比较大的发展,经济总量跃居世界前列,但我们仍然是一个发展中国家,同发达国家相比还有很大的差距。人口多,底子薄,发展不平衡,这种基本国情还没有从根本上得到改变。中国的人均GDP水平,排在世界100位之后,仅为英国的1/16左右。到过中国旅游的朋友,你们所看到的城市是现代的,而我们的农村还比较落后。

到本世纪中叶,中国要基本实现现代化,面临三大历史任务:既要努力实现欧洲早已完成的工业化,又要追赶新科技革命的浪潮;既要不断提高经济发展水平,又要实现社会公平正义;既要实现国内的可持续发展,又要承担相应的国际责任。中国要赶上发达国家水平,还有很长很长的路要走,还会遇到许多艰难险阻。但是,任何困难都阻挡不住中国人民前进的步伐,只要我们坚持不懈地努力奋斗,中国现代化的目标就一定能够实现。

我深深爱着的祖国--珍视传统而又开放兼容。

中华传统文化底蕴深厚、博大精深。 “和” 在中国古代历史上被奉为最高价值,是中华文化的精髓。中国古老的经典--《尚书》就提出 “百姓昭明,协和万邦” 的理想,主张人民和睦相处,国家友好往来。

“和为贵” 的文化传统,哺育了中华民族宽广博大的胸怀。我们的民族,既能像大地承载万物一样,宽厚包容;又能像苍天刚健运行一样,彰显正义。

15世纪,中国著名航海家郑和七下西洋,到过三十几个国家。他带去了中国的茶叶、丝绸、瓷器,还帮助沿途一些国家剿灭海盗,真正做到了播仁爱于友邦。

国强必霸,不适合中国。称霸,既有悖于我们的文化传统,也违背中国人民意志。中国的发展不损害任何人,也不威胁任何人。中国要做和平的大国、学习的大国、合作的大国,致力于建设一个和谐的世界。

不同国家、不同民族的文化,需要相互尊重、相互包容和相互学习。今天的中国,有3亿人在学英语,有100多万青年人在国外留学。我们的电视、广播、出版等新闻传媒,天天都在介绍世界各地的文化艺术。正因为我们善于在交流中学习,在借鉴中收获,才有今天中国的繁荣和进步。

进入21世纪,经济全球化、信息网络化,已经把世界连成一体,文化的发展将不再是各自封闭的,而是在相互影响中多元共存。一个国家、一个民族对人类文化贡献的大小,越来越取决于她吸收外来文化的能力和自我更新的能力。中国将永远坚持开放兼容的方针,既珍视传统,又博采众长,用文明的方式、和谐的方式实现经济繁荣和社会进步。

……

女士们,先生们!

英国是我这次欧洲之行的最后一站。这次访问,加深了我对欧洲的了解。中欧合作已经站在一个新的历史起点上。我对中欧发展全面战略伙伴关系更加充满信心。我们之间不存在历史遗留问题,也不存在根本利害冲突。中欧合作基础坚实,前景光明。英国是最早进入现代化的国家,你们在发展经济、保护环境等方面,都有许多成功的经验。我们愿意向你们学习,加强交流与合作。

未来属于青年一代。中英关系的美好前景要靠青年去开拓。抚今追昔,我想起对中英文化交流作出重要贡献的剑桥校友李约瑟博士。他的鸿篇巨著《中国科学技术史》,在东西方两大文明之间架起了一座桥梁。继承传统、勇于创新,是剑桥大学的优秀品格。希望更多的剑桥人关注中国,用发展的眼光看中国,做中英交流的友好使者。我相信,只要中英两国青年相互学习,携手共进,一定会谱写出中英关系的崭新篇章。

谢谢大家!

导读

2009年1月27日,中国国务院总理温家宝赴瑞士、德国、西班牙、英国和欧盟总部进行正式访问,并出席在瑞士达沃斯举行的世界经济论坛2009年年会。2月2日下午,即将结束访英和访欧行程的中国总理温家宝踏雪到访剑桥大学,并发表了深情演讲,在向学生简要介绍中国改革开放的同时,敦促大家 “用发展的眼光看中国” 。

单词注解

fruitful adj. 富有成效的;收益好的

diligence n. 勤勉,勤奋

quote v. 引用;引述

claim n. 主张,断言,声称

nurture n. 养育,教养,培育

absorb v. 汲取,理解

诵读名句

With diligence and wisdom,the Chinese nation created a splendid civilization and made significantcontributions to the progress of humanity.

The argument that a big power is bound to seek hegemony does not apply to China.

In the 21st century,economic globalization and the information network have linked us all together. Different cultures live together and influence each other. TdE0TA+rqy7PLpQB3P3wfhvNTj0te47VS6Rvp87xOykogzJvTQC30LB7+oxTwcjI

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