1月20日奥巴马总统就职演说全文

2009年01月22日16：54 来源：360doc坐井观天
同胞们：        我今天站在这里，谦逊面对我们眼前的使命，真心感激你们赋予我的信任，深深缅怀我们祖先做出的牺牲。我感谢布什总统对我们国家的服务，以及他在这次权力更迭过程中表现出的大度与合作。
迄今为止，已经有四十四位美国人接受了总统誓词。这誓词曾在繁荣的浪潮与和平的止水中被读出，但也经常在密集的乌云与咆哮的风暴中被宣告。在这些时候，美国之所以能勇往直前，不只是因为高层领袖的能力与远见，而是因为我们人民一直保持着对我们祖先理想的信念，和对我们建国理念的忠诚。
过去的美国人是如此，这一代的美国人也必须如此。
毋庸置疑，我们处于一场危机之中。我们的国家正在和一个有着广泛影响的暴力与仇恨的网络进行着战争。我们的经济被严重地削弱了——这不仅是因为部分人的贪婪与不负责任，也是我们未能在新时代中做出困难决定的共同失误。家园失去、失业增加、企业倒闭。我们的医疗保障太昂贵，我们的辍学率太高，我们生活的每一天都证明着我们使用能源的方式增强了我们敌人的实力，并威胁着我们的地球。
这些都是可以用数据和统计衡量的危机指标。然而，难以衡量但影响更加深远的危机是我们国家信心的削弱——喋喋不休的担心美国的衰落是不可避免的，下一代必须收敛目光。
今天我告诉你们，我们面临的这些挑战都是真的。挑战严峻，挑战众多。
短时间内我们无法轻易解决这些挑战。但请记住，美国——这些挑战能够被解决。在这一刻，我们聚集在一起，因为我们选择希望而非恐惧，有目的的团结而非冲突与不合。
在这一刻，我们共同宣告廉价的同情、虚假的承诺、指责和破旧的教条的结束。这些已经左右了我们的政治太长时间。
我们仍然是一个年轻的民族，但用圣经中的话说，把幼稚的东西置于一旁的时刻已经到来。在这一时刻，我们要重申我们永恒的精神，选择我们更好的历史，继承那世代相传的宝贵赠礼和高贵理想：上帝给予我们的承诺，所有人生来平等，所有人生来自由，并享有追逐他们所要的全部幸福的权利。
在重申我们民族的伟大的同时，我们也要认识到这伟大并不是被赋予的，而是被赢得的。我们的旅程从来没有走近路或者退让，也不是胆怯者——那些喜欢娱乐而非工作的，或仅仅追求名利的人的旅途。相反，这是冒险者，实干家，和创造者的旅途——他们有些人名扬四海，但更多的是在劳动中默默无闻，在这通往繁荣与自由的漫长而崎岖的道路中背负着我们前进的普通男女。
为了我们，他们带着不多的财产为寻找新生活跨越大洋。
为了我们，他们辛劳地挥洒汗水开拓西部，忍受着鞭子的抽打耕耘着坚硬的土壤。
为了我们，他们在康科特，葛底斯堡，诺曼底，和溪山战斗和牺牲。一次又一次，这些男女奋斗着，牺牲者，工作着，直到他们的手变得粗糙，于是我们才能有更好的生活。在他们眼中，美国比我们个人野心的总和更加宏伟，比所有出身、财富或派系的不同更加伟大。
这是我们今天仍在继续的旅途。我们仍然是地球上最繁荣，最强大的国家。我们的工人的生产力并没有在这次危机中被削弱。我们的思想并没有变得缺乏创造性，对我们的商品和服务的需求与上星期，上个月或去年相比并没有减少。我们的实力没有被损伤。但我们一成不变，保护狭隘利益，回避令人不快的决定的时代已经毫无疑问地过去了。从今天开始，我们必须自己站起来，拍去身上的尘埃，再次开始再造美国的工作。
因为无论何地，都有需要完成的工作。当前的经济状况需要我们做出勇敢而快速的行动，我们会做出行动——不仅仅是创造新的工作机会，同时也要为增长奠定新的基础。我们将修建道路和桥梁，电网和数码网络，这些会孕育商业并让我们更紧密地联系在一起。我们将让科学发挥正确的作用，掌握技术的奇迹以提高医疗保健的水屁股并降低其成本。我们将充分利用太阳能，风能和土壤来为我们的汽车提供燃料，为我们的工厂提供动力。我们也将改革我们的学校，学院与大学，使其能够面对新时代的需求。所有这些都是我们能做的，所有这些都是我们将要做的。
现在，有些人怀疑我们雄心壮志的规模——他们说我们的体制不能容忍太多的宏伟计划。他们的记忆是短浅的，因为他们已经忘记了这个国家已经做出的成绩；也忘记了自由的人们在想象与共同目标结合，需求与勇气结合时所能达到的成就。
愤世嫉俗的人没有懂得的是，他们脚下的基础已经在撼动——那些长久以来消耗我们的陈旧的政治论调已经不再适用。我们今天提出的问题不是我们的政府太大还是太小，而是是否它能发挥作用——它是否能帮广大家庭找到支付体面工资的工作，负担得起的医疗，和有尊严的退休。在答案是“是”的领域，我们就将继续，在答案是“否”的领域，我们就会终止某些项目。我们政府里管理公共财政的人将要负起责任——明智地开支，改革坏习惯，在阳光下办事——因为只有这样，我们才能重建人民和他们政府之间至关紧要的信任。
我们眼前的问题也不是市场是一个有益还是有害的力量。市场创造财富和扩展自由的力量是无可匹敌的，但这次的危机也提醒了我们，只要一不留意，市场就可能失控——一个国家如果偏袒于富人，是不可能长久富裕的。我们经济的成功一直以来就不是仅仅依靠于我们国民生产总值的高低，而是依靠于我们财富的覆盖面，是依靠我们给每一个人提供机会的能力，而非慈善施舍，因为这才是达到我们共同利益的最可靠的渠道。
至于我们共同的国防，我们拒绝在我们的安全和理想中做出选择。我们的国父们，当面临我们无法想象的危险，起草了一份为保证法制和人权的宪章，一份几代人用鲜血扩展的宪章。这些理想仍然照亮世界，我们不会为了权宜之策而放弃这些理想。所以，致今天所有正在旁观的政府和人民，从最宏伟的首都到我父亲出生的小村落：请你们知道，美国是每个国家，每个寻求和平与尊严的未来的男人、女人、和儿童的朋友，我们准备好了再一次承担起领袖的责任。
记得前几代人在面临法西斯主义和共产主义时使用的并非导弹和坦克，而是坚固的同盟和持久的信念。他们懂得，单靠我们的实力不能保护我们，实力也不能给我们以为所欲为的权利。相反，他们知道我们的实力是通过明智的使用而增长，我们的安全来自于我们事业的正义，我们作为榜样的力量——谦卑与克制的稳健品质。
我们是这份遗产的守护者。再一次地在这些原则的指引下，我们能够面对这些需要更多努力，更多国家间合作和理解的新威胁。我们会开始负责任地把伊拉克留给它的子民，在阿富汗建立来之不易的和平。与老朋友和从前的敌人一道，我们将不懈努力，减轻核威胁，和全球暖化。我们不会为我们 的生活方式道歉，我们也不会动摇对它的保护。对那些通过运用恐怖，滥杀无辜来达到其目标的人，我们对你们宣告，我们的精神比你们强大，无法摧毁，你们不可能比我们长久，我们肯定会打败你们。
因为我们知道，我们拼凑起来的遗产是力量，而非弱点。我们是一个由基督徒和穆斯林，犹太教徒和印 度教徒，以及非信徒共同组成的国家。我们是由世界上每个角落的每一种语言和文化形成，而正因为我们曾尝过内战和种族隔离的苦果， 从那黑暗的一章中变得更强大，更团结，我们不由自主地相信，所有古老的仇恨都将在某天消逝，部落间的分割将溶解；当世界变得越来越小，我们共同的人性将展现它的光辉，美国必须扮演其应有的角色，领导一个新的和平的世代。
对穆斯林世界，我们寻求一种基于共同利益和相互尊重的新道路。
对世界上那些想播种冲突，或把他们社会上的问题归咎于西方的领导人——要知道你们的人民只会用你们能创造的来评判你，而不是你们毁灭的。对那些通过腐败，欺骗和箝制异己而保住权力的，要知道你们站在了历史错误的一边；但如果你们愿意松开紧握的拳头，我们也会愿意伸出手来帮助。
对贫困国家的人民，我们保证会与你们一同合作，让你们的农田丰收，让清流奔涌；滋养饥饿的身体，哺育渴望的心灵。对那些像我们一样相对丰裕的国家，我们要说，我们已经不能继续对我们国界之外的痛苦漠不关心，我们也不能不顾后果地消耗世界上的资源。因为世界已经改变，而我们必须随之而变。
在我们思索前路的同时，我们应也怀着谦卑的感激记住此时此刻正巡逻于遥远的沙漠和山岗上的英勇的美国人。他们今天有话要对我们说，正像那些安息在阿灵顿公墓的英雄世代以来对我们的悄然诉说一样。
我们给予他们荣耀，并不只是因为他们是我们自由的卫士，而是因为他们代表着服务的精神，一种在比他们自身更加伟大的事业中寻找意义的愿望。而在这个时刻——在这个将会定义一整代人的时刻，正是这种精神必须常驻我们所有人心间。
即使政府能做且必须做，这个国家最终依赖的是美国人民的信心和决心。是当堤坝溃决时收容一个陌生人的善良，是一个工人宁愿减少自己的工时也不愿同伴失去工作时所体现出的无私，让我们度过最黑暗的时刻。是消防员冲进充满浓烟的走廊时的勇气，也是父母养育一个孩子时的决心，最终决定了我们的命运。
我们的挑战可能是全新的。我们应对这些挑战的方法可能是全新的。但我们的成功所仰仗的价值——勤劳与诚实，勇气与公正，容忍与好奇，忠诚与爱国——这些是古老的。这些是真实的。它们是我们历史进步的无声力量。现在我们需要重新找回这些真理。现在我们需要的是一个责任的新时代——每一个美国人都要认可，我们对我们自己有责任，对我们国家，对世界有责任。这种责任不是我们勉强接受，而是欣然掌握的，坚信没有什么比给我们所有人如此艰巨的使命更能满足我们的精神，定义我们的品格。
这就是作为公民的代价与承诺。
这是我们信心的来源——认同上帝召唤我们创造一个不可知的命运。
这是我们自由与信仰的含义——这就是为什么所有种族和所有信仰的男人、女人和儿童都能聚集在这个宏伟的广场一同欢庆，也是为什么一个父亲在不到60年前还不能在餐馆用餐的人，此刻能站在你们面前做出这最神圣的誓言。
让我们记住这一天，记住我们是谁，我们已经走了多远。在美国诞生的那一年，在最冷的一个月，一群爱国者在结冰的河的岸边，在即将熄灭的篝火边簇成一团。首都被遗弃了，敌人在进军。白雪上沾满了血痕。在我们革命的成果最不可知的一刻，我们的国父们下令向人民朗读以下文字：
“让这段话对未来世界诉说…在这深冬，当仅有希望和美德能够生存…这个城市和这个国家，面对共同的危险，勇敢面对。”
美国。面对我们共同的危险，在这个充满困难的冬天，让我们记住这些永恒的文字。带着希望和美德，再次勇敢地面对这冰冷的乱流，忍受可能到来的风雪。让我们孩子的孩子诉说我们的故事：当面临考验，我们拒绝让这旅程就此结束，我们没有后退，没有动摇；用注视着地平线的双眼和上帝赐予我们的恩典，我们带着自由这份伟大的赠礼，把它平安地交给了未来的世世代代。
谢谢。愿上帝保佑你们，愿上帝保佑美利坚合众国。
奥巴马就职演讲全文:凝聚力量 重塑美国
http://news.QQ.com　 2009年01月21日02:08 　 北方网

奥巴马发表就职演讲
据美国媒体报道，当地时间1月20日上午12点05分(北京时间21日凌晨1点05分)第44届美国总统奥巴马发表了就职演说。奥巴马说，美国仍然是年轻的国家，但这个时代受到挑战，我们必须凝聚力量，重新塑造美国。 以下为奥巴马演讲全文：
亲爱的同胞们：
今天我站在这里，为我们将面对的任重道远而慨叹。感谢你们对我寄托的信任，同时缅怀我们的前人所做出的牺牲。感谢布什总统为美国做出的贡献，以及他在总统任期交叠过程中的慷慨合作。
至此，共有四十四位美国人曾进行过总统宣誓。这一誓言曾在国家和平、欣欣向荣时做出过。然而这一誓词更曾在乌云笼罩和风暴袭来之时被宣读。美国人民之所以能够走过那些艰难的时刻，不仅仅是因为领袖的能力或远见；更是因为我们，我们人民，保持着对先人理想的忠诚，对我们国家创始文件的追随。
对于我们这一代美国人来说，也是这样，也必须这样。
国家正面临危机，这一点大家已经没有疑问。美国处在战争之中，面对一个有巨大影响力、充满暴力和仇恨的网络。我们的经济严重衰退。这来源于部分人的贪婪和不负责任，更由于作为一个整体，我们未能做出面对一个新时代的艰难决策。人民失去房屋、工作机会减少、商业活动遭到破坏。医疗保障过于昂贵，学校教育系统出现太多失败。而我们对能源的使用，日益让对手强大，与此同时又威胁着我们的星球。
这些，是从数据和统计中可以看到的危机信号。还有难以度量但同样深远的问题，那就是整个国家信心的缺失。那萦绕在我们头上的恐惧，认为美国的衰败不可避免，认为我们的下一代人不可能再有太高的期望。
今天我要对你们说，我们面临的挑战是真切的、严重的，而且有很多重。解决他们不可能很轻松，也不可能在短时间内发生。但美国人民，请记住这一点：这些挑战会被解决。
今天，我们聚集在一起，因为我们选择了希望而不是恐惧；我们选择了为共同的目标团结在一起，而不是冲突与争执。
今天，我们共同终结那些虚假的承诺、陈腐的教条、以及指摘与怨言。这些已经困扰了我们的政治体系太长时间。
我们的国家仍旧年轻，但借用圣经中的话，该是抛开那些孩子气的时候了。现在，需要重新拿出我们的坚韧精神，选择自己的历史。我们要延续代代相传的宝贵礼物，延续神圣的理想，那就是上帝赐予我们的承诺－－人人平等，人人自由，人人都有机会去追求最大程度的幸福。
在重温我们国家伟大的同时，我们必须明白，伟大不是凭空而来的，而是赢得的。在我们的历程中，从来没有走捷径或是退而求其次。这一历程不是为懦弱者准备的，不是为那些享乐高于工作、只知追求名利的人准备的。相反，是那些甘于承担风险的人，实干家，创造者－－有些众人皆知，而更多的在辛勤工作中默默无闻－－是他们带着我们穿越漫长、崎岖的道路走向繁荣与自由。
为了我们，他们把仅有的财物装进行囊，漂洋过海追求新的生活。
为了我们，他们开拓西部，在条件恶劣的工厂中流血流汗；他们忍受鞭笞，开垦贫瘠的土地。
为了我们，他们战斗和牺牲在协和镇（Concord）、葛底斯堡（Gettysburg）、诺曼底和科萨恩(KheSahn)。
一次又一次，这些男男女女，他们奋斗和牺牲；他们将双手磨破为了给我们带来更好的生活。在他们眼中，美国超越了我们每个人雄心的总和，超越了个人、财富和派系的差别。
今天，我们仍在这样的历程上。我们仍旧是地球上最繁荣、最强大的国家。美国工人们的效率并不比危机开始之前低。我们的头脑具有同样的创造力。我们的产品与服务和上周、上月、或者去年一样有需求。我们的能力从未被削弱。但墨守陈规、维护狭隘的利益、面对艰难的决策畏首畏尾的日子将一去不复返了。从今天开始，我们必须重新找回我们自己，掸去身上的尘土，开始重塑美国的重任。
环顾四周，有无数工作等着我们。经济状况期待着我们大胆和快速的行动。我们会付诸行动－－不仅仅是创造就业机会，同时还要为未来的增长打下新的基础。我们将建设公路、桥梁和电网，以及将我们紧密联系起来、提供商业信息的数字高速公路。我们会重新树立科学应有的地位，并利用技术手段提高医疗保障的质量，同时降低其费用。我们将利用太阳、风与土壤，来驱动我们的汽车和工厂。我们将改革我们的学校和大学，以满足新时代的需要。这些都有可能实现，更会去实现。
现在，有人还在怀疑我们的信心──他们认为我们的国家无法承担这样的重大计划。他们太健忘了，他们忘记了这个国家曾经取得的成就，他们忘记了当拥有了理想、共同的目标和必要的勇气，这些自由的人民曾经取得的辉煌成就。
这些愤世嫉俗的人无法理解这个国家所发生的转变──那些陈腐的政治已经缠绕了我们太久太长。我们现在面临的问题不是政府太大还是太小，而是政府所扮演的角色──应该帮助家庭获得体面的收入，购买他们的所需，有尊严地退休。当这些答案都是肯定的时，我们才能继续前进。如果答案是否定的，一切都将不复存在。我们这些管理公共财产的人应该负起责任──把钱花在刀刃上、改掉恶习、光明正大地行事──因为只有这样我们才能重塑人民和政府之间的信任。
市场力量的好坏不是我们的问题。市场在创造财富和推进自由进程方面是无可代替的，但是这场危机也提醒了我们没有审慎的监管，市场的力量将如野马一样脱缰──一个仅有财富的国家不可能持续繁荣。我们在经济上所取得的成功不仅体现在我们的经济总量上，也体现在我们的繁荣程度上，体现在我们为每个渴望成功的心灵所提供的机会上─这并非出自恻隐之心，而是我们实现共同利益的必经之路。
我们拒绝在安全和理想之间妥协。我们的建国先辈们，面对我们无法想象的凶险，却依然用几代人的鲜血维护了神圣的法律和人权。那些理想依然在照亮着这个世界，我们不会因一时的困难而放弃这些理想。我要对那些正在看着我们的国家和人民说，无论你身处繁华的都市还是像养育了我父亲那样的小村庄：对于那些追求和平与尊严的男人、女人和孩子，美国将永远是你们的朋友，我们将继续和你们一起前进。
我们是这种传统的捍卫者。我们继续追寻这些信念的指引，我们将直面这些挑战并更加努力─更多的沟通与合作。我们会负责地将伊拉克还给当地的人民，并在阿富汗保卫来之不易的和平。我们将与老朋友和原来的敌人一道，共同消除核威胁，解决全球变暖的根源。我们不会为自己的做法道歉，更不会动摇捍卫和平的决心，对于那些崇尚恐怖、滥杀无辜的人，我们的精神是强大而不可战胜的。你拖不垮我们，我们将会打败你。
我们多种族混居是一种优势。我们是一个由基督徒、穆斯林、犹太教徒、印度教徒和无神论者共同组成的国家。我们吸收了各种文化的精髓，从世界的每个角落学习。因为我们经历过内战和种族隔离的痛苦洗礼，并在黑暗中更加坚强和团结，我们无法保证，但是我们相信憎恨终将消弭，分隔终将散去。随着世界越来越紧密地联系在一起，我们共同的人性将显露出来，美国必须承担引领新时代和平的重任。
对于穆斯林世界，我们将基于共同的利益和信仰，寻找更好的合作之路。对于那些在世界各个地方挑起冲突或一味批评西方不良影响的领导者：你的人民评判你的依据是你建立了什么，而不是破坏了什么。对于那些依靠腐败和欺骗并压制异议而追求权利的人们：你们站在了人类历史的对立面。如果你们能张开紧握的拳头，我们也将伸出友谊之手。
对于那些贫穷的人们，我们保证和你们一起建设繁茂的农场和干净的水源，滋养那些饥寒交迫的身体和心灵。对于那些与我们一样相对富裕的国家，我们不能再对外界的苦难漠不关心，更不能继续大肆索取世界的资源。世界必须改变，我们都必须改变。
当我们审视前方的道路时，我们会感激那些跨越千山万水来到这里的人们。今天，他们有话对我们说，也是安息在阿林顿国家公墓里的先烈们时刻提醒我们的。我们尊敬他们不仅因为是他们捍卫了我们的自由，更因为他们正是奉献精神的化身；他们致力于寻找远高于自身的生命真谛。而此时，在这个特殊的时代，我们更需让这种精神长存。
因为归根结底，政府所能做的，也是必须做到的，是体现每个美国人的信念和决心，这也是这个国家赖以生存的精神力量。这种力量是洪灾泛滥时，陌生人之间的温暖善举；是经济困难时期，人们自损利益保全朋友工作的无私忘我。这是消防员们毅然冲入浓烟火海的勇气，也是父母培养孩子的无私之心，这些都决定了我们的命运。
或许，我们今日遇到挑战前所未有，所有的情况完全陌生。但是，我们赖以走向成功的价值观从未改变——诚实、勤勉、勇敢、公正、宽容、好学、忠贞和爱国。我们的历史亦由这些真理推进，亘古不变。如今，我们面对的是一个全新的责任时代——人人都需重视，对我们自己，我们的国家乃至整个世界，都有一份责任。我们会欣然接受这份责任，人生也正因此而充实。
这是公民的价值和承诺。
这是我们信心的源泉——上帝赐予我们知识以应对无常的命运。
这是我们所崇尚的自由与信念的真谛——这就是为什么今天，不同肤色，不同信仰的男女老少在此汇聚一堂；这就是为什么六十年前，一位父亲走入餐厅甚至无人理睬，而今天他的儿子可以站在这里，在你们面前许下最庄严的誓言。
所以让我们记住这一天，记住自己，记住为此的付出。在我们的国家诞生之初，先辈们在最寒冷的日子里，围聚在结冰的河边靠微弱的篝火取暖。离乡背井，后有敌军，鲜血染红了白雪。就在革命的道路如此模糊，意志也开始踌躇之时，我们的国父有这样几句话：
“告诉未来的世界……当一切陷入寒冬，万物俱灭，只有希望和勇气可以长存……这座城市和这个国家，在共同的危机下团结起来，共同面对前方的艰难。”
美国，面对我们共同的危机，在这艰难的寒冬，让我们牢记那些永恒的字句。怀着希望和美德，让我们再一次勇敢地面对冰冷的现实，迎接任何可能的风浪。让我们的子孙传唱，当我们面对挑战时，我们没有怯懦、没有退缩，更没有踟蹰不前。我们在上帝的关爱下眺望远方，我们在自由的道路上继续前进，我们的精神将永远闪耀着光芒。
奥巴马就职演说全文(英文版)
http://news.QQ.com　 2009年01月21日01:43 　 中国网

奥巴马手按林肯当年用《圣经》宣誓就任美总统
Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
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. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
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