轟動美民主黨全國大會——12歲少女演講

2008年7月27日，12歲的少女伊阿娜·懷克斯勒在民主黨全國代表大會上發(fā)表演說，抨擊副總統(tǒng)切尼，贏得滿堂彩。伊阿娜是奧克蘭的一名七年級學(xué)生。她建立了一個“兒童支持克里”的基層組織，為此她放棄了參加夏令營，全身心地投入了為克里助選中去。克里的夫人上周親自打電話邀請伊阿娜在民主黨大會上發(fā)表演講。伊阿娜稱贊克里致力于美國的教育，關(guān)心美國的孩子。她說：“如果克里成功當(dāng)選美國總統(tǒng)，而他的成功也有孩子們的一份功勞，那該多么神奇。”她還批評切尼在與民主黨參議員的辯論中說臟話。她說：“如果是我說了這些臟話，我肯定會被判出場。我認(rèn)為現(xiàn)在切尼應(yīng)該被判出場。”全體代表對伊阿娜的演講不斷地報(bào)以歡呼。伊阿娜的父母為此流出了自豪的淚水。

Ilana Wexler:

My name is Ilana Wexler. I'm 12 years old, and I am the founder of "Kids for Kerry."

Kids for Kerry is a grassroots organization of kids that support John Kerry, want to help their futures, and get active in politics.

When my parents went to see Teresa Heinz Kerry speak, they told me that she was amazing! -- and that they thought John Kerry would make a great President. I decided to find out more about John Kerry. I talk about what I learned by using my ABCs.

"A" is America. John Kerry is a hero to America, and he will help our futures. He is a great and positive role model.

"B" is Better education. John Kerry wants to make class sizes smaller, so that children get the best part out of learning. He wants to help teachers because being a teacher is educating children, and letting them out into the world to do good things.

"C" is Compassion towards children. John Kerry wants to make sure that health care is not a privilege, but it is something that we can all afford.

This summer, I was supposed to go to my favorite camp. But instead, I decided to go to the John Kerry office every day. Kids can really help!

On KidsforKerry.org, we have an interactive presidential quiz. There are 270 questions for the electoral votes John Kerry will win. Plus, 25 questions to make up for Florida from the last election.

Our next goal is to have a petition for "National No Name-Calling Day," a day that the candidates don't say anything negative about one another. When our Vice President had a disagreement with a Democratic senator, he used a REALLY BAD word.

If I said that -- If I said that word, I would be put in a "time-out."

I think he should be put in a time-out.

The last time I saw John Kerry, he grabbed my arm and said, "See you at the convention." And here I am!

What will be even more amazing will be the inauguration in January, when we have a new President, knowing that kids have made a difference in this election.

To summarize, Teresa Heinz Kerry: Inspirational, amazing!

John Kerry: American hero, next President.

Kids need -- Kids need positive -- Kids need positive role models in politics. And our Vice President deserves a longgggggg time-out.

Kids -- Kids, this is about our futures. Make sure all adults you know get out and vote.

We can have a voice today!

Thank you!