每天讀一點英文 那些激勵我前行的身影 04 布什總統(tǒng)告別演說

THE President: 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 that we have traveled together, and the future of our nation.

各位公民：八年來，我有幸擔任你們的總統(tǒng)。新世紀的第一個十年是一段意義重大的時期——一個時間分界點。今晚，我懷著一顆感謝的心，請求一個最后的機會，就我們一起走過的旅程以及國家的未來，與諸位分享一些想法。

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 history reflects the enduring promise of our land.

五天后，世界將目睹美國民主的活力。按照我們立國時的傳統(tǒng)，總統(tǒng)之位將傳給你們——美國人民所選擇的繼任者。站在國會山的臺階上的，將是一個其故事可以說明我們國家持久承諾的人。

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.

這是我們?nèi)珖南Ｍc驕傲的深刻。我和所有美國人一起，向總統(tǒng)當選人奧巴馬、他的妻子米歇兒以及他們兩個美麗的女兒致以最美好的祝愿。

Tonight I am filled with gratitude — to Vice President Cheney and members of my 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.

今晚，我滿懷感激——感激副總統(tǒng)切尼以及行政成員們;感謝勞拉，她給這個家?guī)須g樂，給我的生活帶來愛;感謝我們了不起的女兒芭芭拉和詹娜;感謝我的父母親，他們的榜樣為我提供了畢生的力量。

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.

最重要的是，我感謝美國人民給我的信任。我感謝你們的祈禱鼓舞了我的靈魂。我感謝你們在過去八年讓我目睹了無數(shù)體現(xiàn)勇氣、慷慨與仁慈的行動。

This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house — September the 11th, 2001. That morning, terrorists took nearly 3,000 lives 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.

今晚，我的思緒回到我站在這個地方向你們致辭的第一個晚上——2001年9月11日。那天早上，恐怖分子奪走了近3000性命，這是自珍珠港事件以來，美國遭遇的最嚴重的襲擊。我記得于三天后站在世貿(mào)中心的廢墟中的情形，周圍是全天候工作的救援人員。我記得我跟那些在五角大樓煙霧彌漫的走廊里工作的勇敢靈魂談話，跟那些登上93號航班最終成為英雄的人們的妻子們談話。我記得阿琳·霍華德(Arlene Howard)，她把已經(jīng)隕落的兒子的警察勛章給了我，提醒我我們失去了什么。我仍然戴著他的徽章。

As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11. But I never did. Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our nation. I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe.

隨著時間的流逝，大多數(shù)美國人可以回歸911之前的生活，但我就不能。每天早上，我都收到一份關(guān)于我國面臨威脅的簡報。我發(fā)誓要盡我所能保證我們的安全。

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.

在過去七年，一個新的國土安全部成立了。軍隊、情報界以及FBI已經(jīng)警告改造。我們的國家裝備了新的工具去監(jiān)控恐怖分子的活動，凍結(jié)他們的金融，打破他們的陰謀。而且在強大盟友的支持下，我們向恐怖分子以及那些支持他們的人們發(fā)起了戰(zhàn)斗。阿富汗已經(jīng)從塔利班窩藏基地組織、在大街上對婦女行石刑的國家變成一個年輕的民主體，與恐怖主義斗爭，鼓勵女孩子去上學(xué)。伊拉克已經(jīng)從一個殘暴的獨裁國家和美國的死敵變成一個位于中東之心的阿拉伯民主體，變成美國的朋友。

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 night and day 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.

很多這些決定引起合法性的爭論，但其結(jié)果卻是無須爭論的。七年多里，美國領(lǐng)土沒有再遭遇又一次恐怖襲擊。這要歸功于那些日夜辛勤工作保衛(wèi)我們的安全的人們——執(zhí)法人員，情報分析家，國土安全和外交人員，以及美國武裝部隊的男女成員。

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. And 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.

在危險時刻，公民自愿捍衛(wèi)國家，這是我們國家之福。我珍惜與這些無私的愛國者以及他們的家人的會晤。美國欠你們一份感激。致今晚所有在聆聽的全體男女軍人：作為你們的三軍總司令是至高無上的榮耀。

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.

我們的部隊發(fā)起的戰(zhàn)斗屬于更為廣泛的、兩種根本不同的制度之間的斗爭的一部分。在其中一種制度下，一小撮狂熱分子要求全體服從一種壓制性的意識形態(tài)，迫使婦女卑屈，殺害不信仰者。而另一種制度則是基于這樣的信念：自由是萬能的上帝賦予所有人的禮物，自由與正義照亮和平之路。

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’re standing with dissidents and young democracies, providing AIDS medicine to dying patients — 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.

這是我們的立國信仰。從長期來看，推廣這種信仰是保護我們公民的唯一可行辦法。當人們生活在自由之中，他們就不會愿意選擇追求恐怖主義運動的領(lǐng)袖。當人們對未來充滿希望，他們就不會愿意把生命交給暴力與極端主義。因此，美國在全世界推廣人的自由、人的權(quán)利以及人的尊嚴。我們支持異見人士及年輕的民主體，提供愛滋病藥物讓瀕臨死亡的病人恢復(fù)生機，不讓瘧疾傷害母親與嬰兒。這個僅為自由而生的偉大共和國帶領(lǐng)世界走向自由屬于所有國家的新時期。

For eight years, we’ve 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 and water and lands are measurably cleaner. And the federal bench includes wise new members like Justice Sam Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts.

八年來，我們還努力擴大國內(nèi)的機會與希望。在全國，學(xué)生們正起來滿足公立學(xué)校提高了的標準。一種新的醫(yī)療處方藥福利正為長者及殘疾人帶來內(nèi)心的平靜。每一個納稅人要支付的收入稅減少了。透過以信仰為基礎(chǔ)的項目，上癮者與受苦者找到了新希望。脆弱的生命得到更好的保護。用于退伍軍人的資金幾乎翻了一番。美國的空氣、水和陸地更加清潔。而且聯(lián)邦法官席上有了像法官阿利托(Sam Alito)和首席法官羅伯茨(John Roberts)這樣睿智的新成員。

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.

當我們的繁榮面臨挑戰(zhàn)，我們起來面對。面對金融崩潰的前景，我們采取了果斷措施保護我們的經(jīng)濟。努力工作的家庭面臨非常困難的時刻，但如果我們不采取行動，損失會嚴重得多。所有美國人團結(jié)在一起，憑著決心以及努力的工作，我們將讓經(jīng)濟重上增長之路。我們將再一次向世界展示美國自由企業(yè)體系的彈性。

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’ve 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 of the tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.

和此前負責這個辦公室所有人一樣，我曾經(jīng)歷挫折。如果還有機會，在一些事情上我會改變做法。然而，我在做事的時候總是心懷我們國家的最佳利益。我按照我的良心，并做了我認為正確的事情。你可能不會同意我所作出的一些艱難決定。但我希望你們明白我愿意作出這些艱難的決定。

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

未來十年，我們的國家將面臨更多艱難的選擇，一些指引性的原則可以指明我們的方向。

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.

盡管我們的國家比七年前安全，我們的民眾所面臨的最嚴重威脅仍然是再度發(fā)生的恐怖襲擊。我們的敵人很有耐心，決心再次襲擊。美國沒有尋求挑起沖突，也不應(yīng)該遭受這些沖突。但我們已經(jīng)肩負莊嚴的責任，我們必須面對。我們必須抵制自滿。我們必須保持決心。我們絕不能放松警惕。

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.

與此同時，我們必須繼續(xù)懷著信心與明確的目標與世界接觸。面對海外的威脅，轉(zhuǎn)向內(nèi)部尋求安慰是很有誘惑力的。但是我們必須拒絕孤立主義及作為其同伴的保護主義。在21世紀，國內(nèi)的安全與繁榮有賴于自由在海外的擴大。如果美國不帶領(lǐng)自由事業(yè)，這項事業(yè)就得不到指引。

As we address these challenges — and others we cannot foresee tonight — America must maintain our moral clarity. I’ve often spoken to you about good and evil, and this has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two of them 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.

在我們解決這些挑戰(zhàn)——以及其他一些我們無法在今晚預(yù)測的挑戰(zhàn)時，美國必須維持我們的道德明確性。我經(jīng)常跟你們說善與惡。這令一些人感到不舒服。但善惡存在于世上，兩者之間不會有任何妥協(xié)。無論在何時何地，把殺害無辜者作為推廣意識形態(tài)的手段都是錯誤的做法。

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.

讓人們擺脫壓迫和絕望是永遠正確的。國家必須繼續(xù)為正義和真理發(fā)言。我們必須始終愿意行動起來捍衛(wèi)它們，推進和平的事業(yè)。杰斐遜總統(tǒng)曾寫道，“我喜歡未來的夢想更甚于過去的歷史。”在我離開這個他于兩個世紀前所在的地方時，我贊成他的這種樂觀精神。美國是一個年輕的國家，充滿活力、不斷成長和自我更新。甚至在最艱難的時刻，我們都會放眼前面廣闊的地平線。]\

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.

我對美國的諾言有信心，因為我知道我們?nèi)嗣竦奶刭|(zhì)。這是一個鼓勵移民為自由的夢想而冒險的國家。這是一個公民可以在危險的時刻表現(xiàn)平靜，在苦難面前展示憐憫的國家。我們看到，我們周圍就有美國特質(zhì)的榜樣。勞拉和我已經(jīng)邀請當中一些人今晚到白宮。

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’ve seen it in Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines.

我們看到里卡斯鈉博士(Dr. Tony Recasner)的美國特質(zhì)，這位校長在卡特里娜颶風的廢墟中開辦一所新的特許學(xué)校。我們看到麥地那(Julio Medina)身上的美國特質(zhì)，這位前囚犯帶領(lǐng)一個以信仰為基礎(chǔ)的項目，幫助囚犯重回社會。我們在上士麥達德(Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade)身上的美國特質(zhì)，他負責伊拉克的一次埋伏并拯救了三名同伴的海軍陸戰(zhàn)隊隊員。

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 60 years old — 18 years 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.

我們在克里斯托夫(Bill Krissoff)這位來自加州的外科醫(yī)生身上看到美國特質(zhì)。他的兒子內(nèi)森(Nathan)是一位海軍陸戰(zhàn)隊隊員，在伊拉克獻出了生命。當我和克里斯托夫及其家人會面時，他帶來了一些令人吃驚的新聞：他告訴我，他像加入海軍醫(yī)療隊以紀念他的兒子。這位好人60歲了——比年齡上限大了18歲。但他的豁免申請得到了批準，而且在過去的一年里，他已經(jīng)接受戰(zhàn)地醫(yī)學(xué)訓(xùn)練。克里斯夫少校今晚不能出席，因為他很快就要部署到伊拉克，在那里，他將幫忙拯救美國受傷的勇士，維護他已逝兒子的遺產(chǎn)。

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’s 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.

從這些公民身上，我們看到了我們國家最美好的一面——彈性與希望，關(guān)懷與強大。這些優(yōu)點讓我對美國懷著不可動搖的信念。我們曾面臨危險與考驗，前面還會有更多危險與考驗。但憑著人民的勇氣，以及我們對理想的信心，這個偉大的國家永不疲憊……永不動搖……永不失敗。

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.

擔任你們的總統(tǒng)是我一生的榮幸。我們有過好日子也有過艱難日子。但每一天，我都因我們國家的偉大而受到鼓舞，都因我們民眾的善良感到振奮。能夠代表我們所愛的這個國家，這是我的福份。我將永遠為一個比其他任何頭銜更有意義的身份而感到榮幸：美利堅合眾國公民。

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. Thank you. (Applause.)

最后，我的美國同胞們：晚安。愿上帝保佑白宮和我們的下一任總統(tǒng)。愿上帝保佑你們和我們了不起的國家。謝謝你們。(星島環(huán)球網(wǎng)翻譯)

【人物簡介】

布什家族 - 幾代宦海沉浮造就兩位總統(tǒng),美國當選總統(tǒng)布什的家族，是當今美國聲名最顯赫的政治世家。自20世紀50年代以來，布什家族上演了一幕幕政治傳奇，它造就了一位參議員、兩位州長和兩位總統(tǒng)，成為美國最顯赫的政治王朝。