奥巴马对叙利亚白宫讲话(中英全文)

第一篇：奥巴马对叙利亚白宫讲话(中英全文)

Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation on Syria

奥巴马总统就叙利亚问题向全国发表讲话

East Room, Washington, D.C.东厅，华盛顿哥伦比亚特区

September 10, 2012013年9月10日

My fellow Americans, tonight I want to talk to you about Syria--why it matters, and where we go from here.我的美国同胞们，今晚我想对你们谈谈叙利亚问题--为什么此事很重要，从现在开始我们将做些什么。

Over the past two years, what began as a series of peaceful protests against the repressive regime of Bashar al-Assad has turned into a brutal civil war.Over 100,000 people have been killed.Millions have fled the country.In that time, America has worked with allies to provide humanitarian support, to help the moderate opposition, and to shape a political settlement.But I have resisted calls for military action, because we cannot resolve someone else’s civil war through force, particularly after a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan.过去两年来，最初为反对巴沙尔阿萨德专制政权举行的一系列和平示威演变成一场残酷的内战。有100,000多人被杀害。数百万人逃离这个国家。在此期间，美国与各盟国一起提供人道主义援助，帮助温和的反对派，并努力促成政治解决。但是我拒绝了关于采取军事行动的要求，因为我们无法通过武力解决别国的内战问题，特别是在伊拉克和阿富汗经过了10年战争之后。

The situation profoundly changed, though, on August 21st, when Assad’s government gassed to death over a thousand people, including hundreds of children.The images from this massacre are sickening: Men, women, children lying in rows, killed by poison gas.Others foaming at the mouth, gasping for breath.A father clutching his dead children, imploring them to get up and walk.On that terrible night, the world saw in gruesome detail the terrible nature of chemical weapons, and why the overwhelming majority of humanity has declared them off-limits--a crime against humanity, and a violation of the laws of war.8月21日，局势出现了巨大的变化。当时，阿萨德政府使用毒气杀害了一千多民众，其中包括数百名儿童。这场大屠杀的情景令人惨不忍睹：男子、妇女、儿童横尸遍地，都是因为中毒身亡。另一些人口吐白沫，呼吸窒息。一位父亲搂着死去的孩子们，还在哀求他们站起来走走。在那个可怕的夜晚，全世界通过惨绝人寰的详尽画面亲眼目睹化学武器的恐怖性质。这也说明为什么人类绝大多数宣布禁止使用这类武器——使用这类武器属于反人类的罪行，也违反了战争法。

This was not always the case.In World War I, American GIs were among the many thousands killed by deadly gas in the trenches of Europe.In World War II, the Nazis used gas to inflict the horror of the Holocaust.Because these weapons can kill on a mass scale, with no distinction between soldier and infant, the civilized world has spent a century working to ban them.And in 1997, the United States Senate overwhelmingly approved an international agreement prohibiting the use of chemical weapons, now joined by 189 governments that represent 98 percent of humanity.事情往往没有那么简单。在第一次世界大战期间，数以千万计的人在欧洲的战壕中被致命的毒气杀害，美国士兵也在其中。在第二次世界大战期间，纳粹使用毒气制造了大屠杀的惨剧。由于这类武器可以大规模杀人害命，不论他们是士兵还是婴儿，文明世界花了一个世纪的时间努力禁止这类武器。1997年，美国参议院以压倒多数批准禁止使用化学武器的国际公约，现已有代表全人类98%的189个政府参加这项国际公约。

On August 21st, these basic rules were violated, along with our sense of common humanity.No one disputes that chemical weapons were used in Syria.The world saw thousands of videos, cell phone pictures, and social media accounts from the attack, and humanitarian organizations told stories of hospitals packed with people who had symptoms of poison gas.8月21日，这些基本准则受到破坏，我们关于共同人性的信念被践踏。对于化学武器在叙利亚已经被使用一事，已没有人提出质疑。全世界从数千份视频、手机摄像和社会媒体条目上都看到这次袭击事件的情景。人道主义组织也提供了有关报道，指出一些医院人满为患，患者出现毒气中毒的症状。

Moreover, we know the Assad regime was responsible.In the days leading up to August 21st, we know that Assad’s chemical weapons personnel prepared for an attack near an area where they mix sarin gas.They distributed gasmasks to their troops.Then they fired rockets from a regime-controlled area into 11 neighborhoods that the regime has been trying to wipe clear of opposition forces.Shortly after those rockets landed, the gas spread, and hospitals filled with the dying and the wounded.We know senior figures in Assad’s military machine reviewed the results of the attack, and the regime increased their shelling of the same neighborhoods in the days that followed.We’ve also studied samples of blood and hair from people at the site that tested positive for sarin.此外，我们知道阿萨德政权应为此负责。在8月21日前的几天，我们知道阿萨德的化学武器人员为了准备发动袭击，在邻近地区配制沙林毒气。他们向自己的军队发放了防毒面具。然后他们从该政权控制的地区向附近的11个小区发射火箭，该政权正企图在这些地区清除反对派武装。火箭落地后不久，毒气就开始蔓延，医院里到处都是死伤的人员。我们知道阿萨德军事机器的高级要员察看了袭击的结果，此后几天该政权加强了对这些小区进行炮击的火力。我们还检验了从现场人员身上取得的血液和毛发样品，结果发现呈沙林阳性。When dictators commit atrocities, they depend upon the world to look the other way until those horrifying pictures fade from memory.But these things happened.The facts cannot be denied.The question now is what the United States of America, and the international community, is prepared to do about it.Because what happened to those people--to those children--is not only a violation of international law, it’s also a danger to our security.当独裁者采取罪恶行动时，他们期待全世界对此不闻不问，直到这些惨无人道的景象从记忆中渐渐消失。但这些情况千真万确。事实不可否认。现在的问题是，美利坚合众国和国际社会准备对此采取什么行动。因为这些民众—这些儿童—的遭遇不仅仅涉及违反国际法的行为，而且也对我国安全造成威胁。

Let me explain why.If we fail to act, the Assad regime will see no reason to stop using chemical weapons.As the ban against these weapons erodes, other tyrants will have no reason to think twice about acquiring poison gas, and using them.Over time, our troops would again face the prospect of chemical warfare on the battlefield.And it could be easier for terrorist organizations to obtain these weapons, and to use them to attack civilians.请让我说明这是为什么。如果我们不采取行动，阿萨德政权就会认为没有理由停止使用化学武器。一旦禁止使用这类武器的禁令受到侵蚀，其他专制暴君也会毫不犹豫地获得毒气并投入使用。长此以往，我国军队在战场上将再次面临化学战的局面。恐怖主义组织也更容易获得这类武器并使用这些武器袭击平民。

If fighting spills beyond Syria’s borders, these weapons could threaten allies like Turkey, Jordan, and Israel.And a failure to stand against the use of chemical weapons would weaken prohibitions against other weapons of mass destruction, and embolden Assad’s ally, Iran--which must decide whether to ignore international law by building a nuclear weapon, or to take a more peaceful path.如果战火蔓延到叙利亚边境之外，这些武器会对土耳其、约旦和以色列等盟国造成威胁。如果不制止使用化学武器的行为，对其他大规模毁灭性武器的禁令也会被削弱，使阿萨德的盟国伊朗更胆大妄为--伊朗必须作出抉择，是以制造核武器对抗国际法，还是走上更和平的道路。

This is not a world we should accept.This is what’s at stake.And that is why, after careful deliberation, I determined that it is in the national security interests of the United States to respond to the Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons through a targeted military strike.The purpose of this strike would be to deter Assad from using chemical weapons, to degrade his regime’s ability to use them, and to make clear to the world that we will not tolerate their use.这不是我们应接受的世界。这是利害攸关所在。正因为如此，在经过审慎研究后，我断定，以有针对性的军事打击回应阿萨德政权动用化学武器的行径符合美国国家安全利益。打击是为了制止阿萨德使用化学武器，削弱该政权使用化学武器的能力，并向世界表明，我们决不容使用化学武器。

That’s my judgment as Commander-in-Chief.But I’m also the President of the world’s oldest constitutional democracy.So even though I possess the authority to order military strikes, I believed it was right, in the absence of a direct or imminent threat to our security, to take this debate to Congress.I believe our democracy is stronger when the President acts with the support of Congress.And I believe that America acts more effectively abroad when we stand together.这是我作为全军统帅的判断。然而我也是世界最悠久的宪政民主国家的总统。因此，虽然我有权下令进行军事打击，但我认为，在我们的安全没有受到直接和紧迫威胁的情况下，应该将此提交国会辩论。我认为，总统的行动得到国会支持会使我们的民主制更有力。我认为，我们的团结一致会使美国能够更有效地在海外展开行动。

This is especially true after a decade that put more and more war-making power in the hands of the President, and more and more burdens on the shoulders of our troops, while sidelining the people’s representatives from the critical decisions about when we use force.由于十年来总统的战争决定权越来越大，我们军队的负担越来越多，而在事关我们何时动武的重大决定中人民代表作用旁落，这一点尤其如此。

Now, I know that after the terrible toll of Iraq and Afghanistan, the idea of any military action, no matter how limited, is not going to be popular.After all, I’ve spent four and a half years working to end wars, not to start them.Our troops are out of Iraq.Our troops are coming home from Afghanistan.And I know Americans want all of us in Washington--especially me--to concentrate on the task of building our nation here at home: putting people back to work, educating our kids, growing our middle class.我知道，在付出伊拉克和阿富汗的沉重代价后，任何有关军事行动的设想，无论多么有限，都不会受欢迎。毕竟，我已经用了四年半的时间努力结束战争，而不是开始战争。我们的军队现在已经撤出伊拉克。我们的军队正在从阿富汗返回家园。而且我知道，美国人民希望我们在华盛顿的所有人——特别是我——集中精力进行国内建设：让人们重返工作岗位，让我们的孩子受教育，壮大我们的中产阶层。

It’s no wonder, then, that you’re asking hard questions.So let me answer some of the most important questions that I’ve heard from members of Congress, and that I’ve read in letters that you’ve sent to me.所以，毫不奇怪，你们提出了尖锐的问题。那么就让我来回答一些我从国会议员那里听到和从你们给我的来信中读到的最重要的问题。

First, many of you have asked, won’t this put us on a slippery slope to another war? One man wrote to me that we are “still recovering from our involvement in Iraq.” A veteran put it more bluntly: “This nation is sick and tired of war.”

首先，你们许多人问，这样做不是将导致我们跌入另一场战争吗？一位给我来信的人写道，我们“还在从对伊拉克的介入的恢复中”。一位退伍军人更直截了当地写道：“这个国家厌倦战争。”

My answer is simple: I will not put American boots on the ground in Syria.I will not pursue an open-ended action like Iraq or Afghanistan.I will not pursue a prolonged air campaign like Libya or Kosovo.This would be a targeted strike to achieve a clear objective: deterring the use of chemical weapons, and degrading Assad’s capabilities.我的回答简单明了：我不会向叙利亚派遣美国地面军队。我不会开展像在伊拉克或阿富汗的那种无限期行动。我不会进行像在利比亚或科索沃那样的长期空中行动。这将是为达到一个明确目标而进行的有针对性的打击：防止使用化学武器，削弱阿萨德的能力。

Others have asked whether it’s worth acting if we don’t take out Assad.As some members of Congress have said, there’s no point in simply doing a “pinprick” strike in Syria.还有些人质疑，如果我们不推翻阿萨德，这种行动是否值得。正像一些国会成员所说，对叙利亚给予“轻扎”的一击毫无意义。

Let me make something clear: The United States military doesn’t do pinpricks.Even a limited strike will send a message to Assad that no other nation can deliver.I don’t think we should remove another dictator with force--we learned from Iraq that doing so makes us responsible for all that comes next.But a targeted strike can make Assad, or any other dictator, think twice before using chemical weapons.请让我明确一点：美国军队不作轻扎之举。即使是有限打击也将对阿萨德传递任何其他国家都无法传递的信息。我不认为我们应该用武力再去推翻一个独裁者——我们从伊拉克懂得，这样做意味着我们要承担随后的所有一切。但是，有限的打击能够让阿萨德，或任何其他独裁者，在动用化学武器前三思。

Other questions involve the dangers of retaliation.We don’t dismiss any threats, but the Assad regime does not have the ability to seriously threaten our military.Any other retaliation they might seek is in line with threats that we face every day.Neither Assad nor his allies have any interest in escalation that would lead to his demise.And our ally, Israel, can defend itself with overwhelming force, as well as the unshakeable support of the United States of America.其他一些提问涉及报复的危险。我们不排除任何威胁，但是阿萨德政权没有能力对我们的军队构成严重威胁。他们有可能图谋的任何报复手段与我们每天面临的威胁并无两样。阿萨德和他的同伙都不会希望加剧导致自身灭亡。我们的盟友以色列能够依靠其压倒性的军事力量和美利坚合众国坚定不移的支持实现自卫。

Many of you have asked a broader question: Why should we get involved at all in a place that’s so complicated, and where--as one person wrote to me--“those who come after Assad may be enemies of human rights?”

你们许多人提出了一个更宏观的问题：我们到底为什么要介入一个如此复杂的地方，在那里——就像一位人士写给我的——“接替阿萨德的人也许与人权为敌？”

It’s true that some of Assad’s opponents are extremists.But al Qaeda will only draw strength in a more chaotic Syria if people there see the world doing nothing to prevent innocent civilians from being gassed to death.The majority of the Syrian people--and the Syrian opposition we work with--just want to live in peace, with dignity and freedom.And the day after any military action, we would redouble our efforts to achieve a political solution that strengthens those who reject the forces of tyranny and extremism.确实，在阿萨德的反对派中有些是极端主义分子。但是，如果人们看到世界对防止无辜平民遭毒气杀害无动于衷，那只会使“基地”组织（al Qaeda）在变得更加混乱的叙利亚得势。大多数叙利亚人——以及我们与之合作的叙利亚反对派——仅希望过和平、有尊严和自由的生活。在任何军事行动过后，我们都将加倍努力实现政治解决，增强那些抵制暴政与极端主义的力量。

Finally, many of you have asked: Why not leave this to other countries, or seek solutions short of force? As several people wrote to me, “We should not be the world’s policeman.”

最后，你们很多人都问道：为什么不把这个问题留给其他国家，为什么不寻求不使用武力的解决方式？有些人致信给我时写道：“我们不应充当世界警察。”

I agree, and I have a deeply held preference for peaceful solutions.Over the last two years, my administration has tried diplomacy and sanctions, warning and negotiations--but chemical weapons were still used by the Assad regime.我对此表示赞同，而且我深信应优先考虑和平解决。两年来，本届政府采用过外交方式、实施过制裁、发出过警告并进行过谈判——但阿萨德政权却依然使用了化学武器。

However, over the last few days, we’ve seen some encouraging signs.In part because of the credible threat of U.S.military action, as well as constructive talks that I had with President Putin, the Russian government has indicated a willingness to join with the international community in pushing Assad to give up his chemical weapons.The Assad regime has now admitted that it has these weapons, and even said they’d join the Chemical Weapons Convention, which prohibits their use.不过，我们在最近几天看到了一些积极迹象。在一定程度上由于美国要采取军事行动的有力威慑，以及我与普京总统进行的建设性会谈，俄罗斯政府已表示愿意加入国际社会的行列，迫使阿萨德放弃其化学武器。阿萨德政权现已承认拥有这类武器，甚至表示要加入禁止使用这类武器的《禁止化学武器公约》。

It’s too early to tell whether this offer will succeed, and any agreement must verify that the Assad regime keeps its commitments.But this initiative has the potential to remove the threat of chemical weapons without the use of force, particularly because Russia is one of Assad’s strongest allies.确定这个方案是否可行现在还为时过早，而且任何一项协议都必须核实阿萨德政权遵守承诺的情况。但这项提案有可能在不使用武力的情况下消除化学武器的威胁，尤其是因为俄罗斯是阿萨德最牢靠的盟友之一。

I have, therefore, asked the leaders of Congress to postpone a vote to authorize the use of force while we pursue this diplomatic path.I’m sending Secretary of State John Kerry to meet his Russian counterpart on Thursday, and I will continue my own discussions with President Putin.I’ve spoken to the leaders of two of our closest allies, France and the United Kingdom, and we will work together in consultation with Russia and China to put forward a resolution at the U.N.Security Council requiring Assad to give up his chemical weapons, and to ultimately destroy them under international control.We’ll also give U.N.inspectors the opportunity to report their findings about what happened on August 21st.And we will continue to rally support from allies from Europe to the Americas--from Asia to the Middle East--who agree on the need for action.因此，在我们探求这个外交途径的同时，我已要求国会领袖推迟就授权使用武力进行投票。我将派国务卿约翰·克里于本周四同俄罗斯外长见面，我也将继续同普京总统进行商谈。我已同我们最亲密的两个盟国——法国和英国——的领导人交谈过，我们将与俄罗斯和中国磋商，共同努力在联合国安理会提出一项决议，要求阿萨德必须放弃化学武器，并在国际监控下最终销毁它们。我们还将让联合国核查人员有机会报告他们对8月21日所发生的一切的调查结果。我们也将继续争取同样认为有必要采取行动的盟友的支持——从欧洲到美洲、从亚洲到中东。

Meanwhile, I’ve ordered our military to maintain their current posture to keep the pressure on Assad, and to be in a position to respond if diplomacy fails.And tonight, I give thanks again to our military and their families for their incredible strength and sacrifices.与此同时，我已命令我军保持他们目前的态势，以便继续向阿萨德施压，并在外交失效的情况下能够作出应对。今晚，我再次感谢我军军人及其家属的无比坚强以及他们付出的巨大牺牲。

My fellow Americans, for nearly seven decades, the United States has been the anchor of global security.This has meant doing more than forging international agreements--it has meant enforcing them.The burdens of leadership are often heavy, but the world is a better place because we have borne them.我的美国同胞们，近70年来，美国一直是全球安全的支柱。这不仅意味着缔结国际协定——而且意味着严格执行国际协定。发挥领导作用的担子往往是沉重的，但正因为我们已承担起这个重担，这个世界才变得更加美好。

And so, to my friends on the right, I ask you to reconcile your commitment to America’s military might with a failure to act when a cause is so plainly just.To my friends on the left, I ask you to reconcile your belief in freedom and dignity for all people with those images of children writhing in pain, and going still on a cold hospital floor.For sometimes resolutions and statements of condemnation are simply not enough.因此，我要请右翼的朋友们想一想，以你们对美国强大军力的承诺，能否容许不为如此显而易见的正义事业采取行动。我要请左翼的朋友们想一想，以你们对所有人民的自由和尊严的信念，能否对那些痛苦挣扎的儿童在医院冰冷的地板上奄奄一息的画面无动于衷。有时仅仅拿出决议及发表谴责声明是远远不够的。

Indeed, I’d ask every member of Congress, and those of you watching at home tonight, to view those videos of the attack, and then ask: What kind of world will we live in if the United States of America sees a dictator brazenly violate international law with poison gas, and we choose to look the other way?

是的，我要请每一位国会议员以及今晚在家中收看讲话的每一个人都去看一看有关那次袭击的视频并扪心自问：如果美国看到一名独裁者动用毒气肆无忌惮地践踏国际法却视而不见，那我们的这个世界会变成什么样子？

Franklin Roosevelt once said, “Our national determination to keep free of foreign wars and foreign entanglements cannot prevent us from feeling deep concern when ideals and principles that we have cherished are challenged.” Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security, are at stake in Syria, along with our leadership of a world where we seek to ensure that the worst weapons will never be used.富兰克林·罗斯福曾说：“我国不介入国外战争和国外纠葛的决心不能阻止我们在我们所珍视的理念和原则受到挑战的时候深深地感到关切。” 我们的理念和原则，以及我们的国家安全，都在叙利亚问题上面临利害攸关的时刻，此外还有我们在全世界为确保最残酷的武器绝不被使用而发挥的领导作用。

America is not the world’s policeman.Terrible things happen across the globe, and it is beyond our means to right every wrong.But when, with modest effort and risk, we can stop children from being gassed to death, and thereby make our own children safer over the long run, I believe we should act.That’s what makes America different.That’s what makes us exceptional.With humility, but with resolve, let us never lose sight of that essential truth.美国不是世界警察。全球到处都有可怕的事情发生，我们没有能力去纠正每一桩恶行。但当我们付出适度的努力并承担适度的风险就能阻止用毒气杀害儿童的行径，并从长远来看能以此进一步保障我们本国儿童的安全，我便坚信我们应当采取行动。正是这一点让美国独树一帜。正是这一点让我们出类拔萃。让我们以谦和为怀，同时下定决心，永远牢记这个至关重要的真理。

Thank you.God bless you.And God bless the United States of America.谢谢你们。愿上帝保佑你们。愿上帝保佑美利坚合众国。

第二篇：奥巴马针对叙利亚事件在白宫发表的讲话

Good afternoon, everybody.Ten days ago, the world watched in horror as men, women and children were massacred in Syria in the worst chemical weapons attack of the 21st century.Yesterday the United States presented a powerful case that the Syrian government was responsible for this attack on its own people.Our intelligence shows the Assad regime and its forces preparing to use chemical weapons, launching rockets in the highly populated suburbs of Damascus, and acknowledging that a chemical weapons attack took place.And all of this corroborates what the world can plainly see-hospitals overflowing with victims;terrible images of the dead.All told, well over 1000 people were murdered.Several hundred of them were children-young girls and boys gassed to death by their own government.This attack is an assault on human dignity.It also presents a serious danger to our national security.It risks making a mockery of the global prohibition on the use of chemical weapons.It endangers our friends and our partners along Syria’s borders, including Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq.It could lead to escalating use of chemical weapons, or their proliferation to terrorist groups who would do our people harm.In a world with many dangers, this menace must be confronted.Now, after careful deliberation, I have decided that the United States should take military action against Syrian regime targets.This would not be an open-ended intervention.We would not put boots on the ground.Instead, our action would be designed to be limited in duration and scope.But I’m confident we can hold the Assad regime accountable for their use of chemical weapons, deter this kind of behavior, and degrade their capacity to carry it out.Our military has positioned assets in the region.The chairman of the Joint Chiefs has informed me that we are prepared to strike whenever we choose.Moreover, the Chairman has indicated to me that our capacity to execute this mission is not time-sensitive;it will be effective tomorrow, or next week, or one month from now.andI’m prepared to give that order.But having made my decision as Commander-in-Chief based on what I am convinced is our national security interests, I’m also mindful that I’m the President of the world’s oldest constitutional democracy.I’ve long believed that our power is rooted not just in our military might, but in our example as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.And that’s why I’ve made a second decision: I will seek authorization for the use of force from the American people’s representatives in Congress.Over the last several days, we’ve heard from members of Congress who want their voices to be heard.I absolutely agree.So this morning, I spoke with all four congressional leaders, and they’ve agreed to schedule a debate and then a vote as soon as Congress comes back into session.In the coming days, my administration stands ready to provide every member with the information they need to understand what happened in Syria and why it has such profound implications for America’s national security.And all of us should be accountable as we move forward, and that can only be accomplished with a vote.I’m confident in the case our government has made without waiting for U.N.inspectors.I’m comfortable going forward without the approval of a United Nations Security Council that, so far, has been completelyparalysed and unwilling to hold Assad accountable.As a consequence, many people have advised against taking this decision to Congress, and undoubtedly, they were impacted by what we saw happen in the United Kingdom this week when the Parliament of our closest ally failed to pass a resolution with a similar goal, even as the Prime Minister supported taking action.Yet, while I believe I have the authority to carry out this military action without specific congressional authorization, I know that the country will be stronger if we take this course, and our actions will be even more effective.We should have this debate, because the issues are too big for business as usual.And this morning, John Boehner, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell agreed that this is the right thing to do for our democracy.A country faces few decisions as grave as using military force, even when that force is limited.I respect the views of those who call for caution, particularly as our country emerges from a time of war that I was elected in part to end.But if we really do want to turn away from taking appropriate action in the face of such an unspeakable outrage, then we must acknowledge the costs of doing nothing.Here’s my question for every member of Congress and every member of the global community: What message will we send if a dictator can gas hundreds of children to death in plain sight and pay no price? What’s the purpose of the international system that we’ve built if a prohibition on the use of chemical weapons that has been agreed to by the governments of 98 percent of the world’s people and approved overwhelmingly by the Congress of thee United States is not enforced?

Make no mistake-this has implications beyond chemical warfare.If we won’t enforce accountability in the face of this heinous act, what does it say about our resolve to stand up to others who flout fundamental international rules? To governments who would choose to build nuclear arms? To terrorist who would spread biological weapons? To armies who carry out genocide?

We cannot raise our children in a world where we will not follow through on the things we say, the accords we sign, the values that define us.So just as I will take this case to Congress, I will also deliver this message to the world.While the U.N.investigation has some time to report on its findings, we will insist that an atrocity committed with chemical weapons is not simply investigated, it must be confronted.I don’t expect every nation to agree with the decision we have made.Privately we’ve heard many expressions of support from our friends.But I will ask those who care about the writ of the international community to stand publicly behind our action.And finally, let me say this to the American people: I know well that we are weary of war.We’ve ended one war in Iraq.We’re ending another in Afghanistan.And the American people have the good sense to know we cannot resolve the underlying conflict in Syria with our military.In that part of the world, there are ancient sectarian differences, and the hopes of the Arab Spring have unleashed forces of change that are going to take many years to resolve.And that’s why we’re not contemplating putting our troops in the middle of someone else’s war.Instead, we’ll continue to support the Syria people through our pressure on the Assad regime, our commitment to the opposition, our care for the displaced, and our pursuit of a political resolution that achieves a government that respects the dignity of its people.But we are the United States of America, and we cannot and must not turn a blind eye to what happened in Damascus.Out of the ashes of world war, we built an international order and enforced the rules that gave it meaning.And we did so because we believe that the right of inpiduals to live in peace and dignity depends on the responsibilities of nations.We aren’t perfect, but this nation more than any other has been willing to meet those responsibilities.So to all members of Congress of both parties, I ask you to take this vote for our national security.I am looking forward to the debate.And in doing so, I ask you, members of Congress, to consider that some things are more important than partisan differences or the politics of the moment.Ultimately, this is not about who occupies this office at any given time;it’s about who we are as a country.I believe that the people’s representatives must be invested in what America does abroad, and now is the time to show the world that America keeps our commitments.We do what we say.And we lead with the belief that right makes might-not the other way around.We all know there are no easy options.But I wasn’t elected to avoid hard decisions.And neither were the members of the House and the Senate.I’ve told you what I believe that our security and our values demand that we cannot turn away from the massacre of countless civilians with chemical weapons.And our democracy is stronger when the President and the people’s representatives stand together.I’m ready to act in the face of this outrage.Today I’m asking Congress to send a message to the world that we are ready to move forward together as one nation.Thanks very much.

第三篇：胡锦涛 奥巴马 白宫晚宴

Good evening, everybody.Please have a seat.On behalf of Michelle and myself, welcome to the White House.And thank you for joining us as we host President Hu and the Chinese delegation and as we pay tribute to the bonds between two great nations and two proud people.我：大家晚上好。请坐。我代表米歇尔以及我本人欢迎你们莅临白宫。此次我们邀请了胡锦涛主席与中国代表团，并对我们两国和人民的密切关系表示致敬，感谢你们的到来。译员：。。胡锦涛主席和中国代表团的时候，在我们对我们两个伟大国家和两个国家自豪的人民表示敬意的时候，欢迎。

综合：大家晚上好。请坐。米歇尔和我欢迎大家光临白宫。感谢各位与我们一道欢迎胡锦涛主席和中国代表团，对中美两国和人民的紧密关系致意。

There are too many distinguished guests to mention all of you tonight.But I do want to acknowledge a few who have championed relations between our nations: First of all, President Jimmy Carter and his wonderful wife Rosalynn Carter are here.As well as President Bill Clinton and my outstanding Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.我：在场贵宾众多，我便不一一介绍。但是我想特别介绍一下对我们中美两国友好关系作出重要贡献的几位：首先是吉米·卡特总统和他的夫人罗萨琳·卡特，还有比尔·克林顿总统及我国出色的国务卿希拉里·克林顿。

译员：在场有这么多贵宾，我不能够一个一个地介绍，但是我想提到其中几位为两国关系作出了很多促进工作：吉米·卡特总统和他的伟大夫人罗萨琳，还有比尔·克林顿总统和我的出色的国务部长希拉里·克林顿。

综合：今晚在座贵宾众多，我就不逐一介绍了。但是，我想特别介绍一下对我们两国关系起到关键作用的人：吉米·卡特总统和他的夫人罗萨琳·卡特，还有比尔·克林顿总统及我国出色的国务卿希拉里·克林顿。

President Hu, we have met today in a spirit of mutual respect: the United States--the oldest democracy in the world, and China--one of the oldest civilizations in the world.And while it’s easy to focus on our differences of culture and perspective, let us never forget the values that our people share: A reverence for family;the belief that, with education and hard work and with sacrifice, the future is what we make it;and most of all, the desire to give our children a better life.我：胡主席，今天我们本着相互尊敬的精神在此会面。美国是世界上最悠久的民主制国家，而中国是世界上最古老的文明国家之一。虽然我们很容易把焦点放到了文化与思想的差异上，我们也应重视我们两国人民共有的价值观，例如，对家庭的崇敬，还有通过教育、勤奋与牺牲创我们想要的未来的信念，最重要的，给我们的孩子创造更好生活的愿景。

译员：虽然我们很容易把我们的焦点放在文化上的差别或者观点上的差别，我们永远不应该忘记我们两国人民的共同价值观，像对家庭的崇敬，因为有一个共同的信念就是通过教育、辛苦工作的牺牲。未来是我们自己创造的。最重要的是一个共同愿望：让我们的孩子有更好的生活。综合：胡主席，今天的聚会体现了我们相互尊重的精神，美国是世界上最悠久的民主制度国家，中国是世界上最古老的文明之一。我们很容易将注意力放在文化与观点的差别之上，但我们也不应该忘记两国人民共有的价值观——对家庭的重视，对通过教育、勤奋和牺牲创造未来的信念，更重要的，对子女提供更好生活的愿望。

Let’s also never forget that throughout our history our people have worked together for mutual progress.We’ve traded together for more than 200 years.We stood together in the Second World War.The Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans have helped to build America, including many who join us here tonight.我：我们也不应忘记历史上曾经为了中美两国共同进步而做出努力的人们。中美两国进行贸易已经超过200年了。而在二战的时候，中美两国也曾站在同一阵线。中国的移民以及华裔美国人为美国建设作出过贡献，包括今晚许多在座的各位。译员：而且我们永远不要忘记在历史上我们两国人民为了共同的进步而共同努力.我们有200多年的贸易历史.我们在第二次世界大战的时候曾经站在一起.而且,中国的移民和华裔美国人对美国的建设作出过贡献,包括许多今天晚上在座的人士.综合：我们也不应该忘记历史上我们两国人民为了共同的进步而共同努力。我们有二百多年的贸易历史，在二战中我们并肩作战，中国的移民和华裔美国人对美国的建设做出了贡献，其中包括许多今晚在座的嘉宾。

The Chinese and American people work together and create new opportunities together every single day.Mr.President, today we’ve shown that our governments can work together as well, for our mutual benefit.And that includes this bit of news — under a new agreement, our National Zoo will continue to dazzle children and visitors with the beloved（People love it）giant pandas.我：中美两国人民每天都一起努力共创新的机会。主席先生，今天我们已经表明了两国政府可以同样地为了两国共同利益而一起共同合作，其中包括这条消息— 在新的协议下，我国国家动物园将继续能够让孩子们以及游客看到他们喜欢的中国大熊猫。

译员：中国人民和美国人民每天都在努力,共同努力创造新的机会。主席先生，今天我们也表明了两国政府同样地也能共同努力，为了共同的利益，其中也包括这条消息，根据一项新的协议，我们国家动物园还能够继续让我们的孩子们和访问者来看到他们所喜爱的中国大熊猫。

综合：中美两国人民每天都在共同努力创造新的机会。主席先生，今天我们也表明了两国政府可以同样为了共同的利益一起努力，其中也包括这条消息——根据一项新的协议，我们的国家动物园将可以继续保留吸引孩子和游客们的中国大熊猫。

I'm told that there is a Chinese proverb that says: If you want one year of prosperity, then grow grain.If you want 10 years of prosperity, then grow trees.But if you want 100 years of prosperity, then you grow people.And so I propose a toast to our people, the citizens of the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America.May they grow together in friendship.May they prosper together in peace.And may they realize their dream of the future for themselves, for their children, and for their grandchildren.Cheers！

我：我知道有一句中国谚语是：一年树谷，十年树木，百年树人。所以我提议让我们一起举杯，为了两国人民，为了中华人民共和国和美利坚合众国的公民。原两国人民在友谊中成长，在和平中繁荣。原他们实现自己以及子孙的未来的梦想。干杯！

译员：中国有一句谚语，听说它的意思是说：一年树谷，十年树木，百年树人。所以我提议我们一起举杯，为了中华人民共和国和美利坚，美国和中国的公民，为他们在友谊中共同成长，在和平中共同繁荣，也希望他们实现未来为他们自己，为他们的孩子，为他们的孙子的梦想。干杯！

综合：我知道一句中国谚语：一年树谷，十年树木，百年树人。所以我提议让我们一起举杯 —为我们的人民，中华人民共和国和美利坚合众国的公民。愿两国人民加深友谊，和平繁荣，实现自己及子孙的未来的梦想！干杯！

尊敬的奥巴马总统和夫人，各位来宾，女士们、先生们，朋友们，晚上好！应奥巴马总统的邀请，我很高兴再次来到美国进行国事访问。一踏上这片美丽的土地，我们就受到美国政府和人民的盛情款待。今天晚上，奥巴马总统又为我们举行欢迎宴会，并发表了热情洋溢的讲话。我谨代表我的同事们，并以我个人的名义，向奥巴马总统和夫人，向在座的美国朋友们，表示衷心的感谢，并通过你们向热情友好的美国人民转达中国人民的良好祝愿，向所有关心和支持中美关系发展的美国各界人士致以诚挚的问候。

我：President Obama and Mrs.Obama, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, Good evening.I am delighted to once again come to America and pay a state visit.Since setting foot on this beautiful land, we have received the cordial hospitality from American government and people.This evening, President Obama is hosting this warm welcoming dinner for us and has just made warm remarks.On behalf of my colleagues and in my own name, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to President and Mrs.Obama and all American friends present today.I also wish to convey through you the best wishes of Chinese people to and extend cordial greetings to American people from various sectors who have given care and support to the development of U.S.-China relations.译员：President Obama and Mrs.Obama, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, Good evening.I am delighted to once again come to the United States and pay a state visit at the invitation of President Obama.Since setting foot on this beautiful land, we have received the gracious hospitality of the U.S.government and people.This evening President Obama is hosting this warm welcoming dinner for us, and has just made warm remarks.On behalf of my colleagues and in my own name, I want to express heartfelt thanks to President and Mrs.Obama and other American friends present today.I also wish to convey through you the best wishes of the Chinese people to the friendly American people and extend cordial greetings to people from various sectors of the United States who have given care and support to the growth of U.S.-China relations.综合：President Obama and Mrs.Obama, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, Good evening.I am delighted to once again come to the United States and pay a state visit at the invitation of President Obama.Since setting foot on this beautiful land, we have received the gracious hospitality of the U.S.government and people.This evening President Obama is hosting this warm welcoming dinner for us, and has just made warm remarks.On behalf of my colleagues and in my own name, I want to express heartfelt thanks to President and Mrs.Obama and other American friends present today.I also wish to convey through you the best wishes of the Chinese people to the friendly American people and extend cordial greetings to people from various sectors of the United States who have given care and support to the growth of U.S.-China relations.我这次应奥巴马总统的邀请访问美国，目的是增进互信，加强友谊，深化合作，推动二十一世纪积极、合作、全面的中美关系继续向前发展。近年来，特别是奥巴马总统就职两年来，在双方的共同努力下，中美关系得到长足发展，两国广泛领域交流合作不断扩大，双方在重大的国际和地区问题上保持密切沟通和协调，为促进亚太地区乃至世界的和平、稳定、繁荣发挥了积极作用。

我：The purpose of my visit is to increase mutual trust, enhance friendship and deepen cooperation and advance the positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-U.S.relationship for the 21st century.In recent years, especially since President Obama took office, with joint efforts, China-U.S.Relations have made great progress.We have increased exchanges and cooperation in a wide range of areas, maintained close communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, and played a positive role in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region and the whole world.译员：The purpose of my visit is to increase mutual trust, enhance friendship, deepen cooperation and advance the positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-U.S.relationship for the 21st century.In recent years, particularly over the past two years since President Obama took office, China-U.S.relations have made strong headway, thanks to the joint efforts of both sides.We have increased exchanges in cooperation in a wide range of areas, maintained close communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, and played a positive role in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region and the whole world.综合：The purpose of my visit is to increase mutual trust, enhance friendship, deepen cooperation and advance the positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-U.S.relationship for the 21st century.In recent years, particularly over the past two years since President Obama took office, China-U.S.relations have made strong headway, thanks to the joint efforts of both sides.We have increased exchanges and cooperation in a wide range of areas, maintained close communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, and played a positive role in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region and the whole world.在当前形势下，中美两国拥有的共同利益比以往任何时候都要广泛，担负的共同责任比以往任何时候都要重大，面临的共同挑战比以往任何时候都要严峻，因而保持中美关系长期健康稳定发展也就比以往任何时候都要重要，这是中美两国面临的客观现实，应该成为我们的共识。我：Under the current circumstances, our two countries share broader common interests, show bigger common responsibilities and face more common challenges than at any time in history.As a result, it is more important to maintain long-term healthy and stable growth of China-U.S relations.This is the reality we face together and it should be recognized by both sides.译员：Under the current circumstances, our two countries share broader common interests, show their bigger common responsibilities, and face more severe common challenges than at any time in history.As a result, it is more important than ever for us to maintain the long-term, sound and steady growth of our bilateral relations.This is the reality we face, and it should be recognized by both sides.综合：Under the current circumstances, our two countries share broader common interests, show bigger common responsibilities and face more common challenges than at any time in history.As a result, it is more important to maintain the long-term, sound and steady growth of our bilateral relations.This is the reality we face together and it should be recognized by both sides.今天上午，我同奥巴马总统举行会谈，就中美关系及共同关心的国际和地区问题深入交换意见，达成重要共识，我们一致同意两国应该密切高层和各个级别的交往，加强对话和沟通，增进战略互信，深化各个领域的交流合作，密切在国际和地区问题上的沟通和协调，尊重对方主权领土完整和发展利益，妥善处理摩擦和分歧，致力于共同努力建设相互尊重、互利共赢的中美合作伙伴关系。

译员：This morning President Obama and I had an in-depth exchange of views on China-U.S.relations and international and regional issues of common interest.And we reached important agreement.We agreed that our two countries should increase contacts at the top and other levels, strengthen strategic mutual trust through dialogue and communication, intensify exchanges and cooperation in all fields, and step up communication and coordination on international and regional issues.We agreed that the two countries should respect each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the development interests, properly handle differences and frictions, and work together to build a China-U.S.cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.综合：This morning President Obama and I had an in-depth exchange of views on China-U.S.relations and international and regional issues of common interest.And we reached important agreement.We agreed that our two countries should increase contacts at the top and other levels, strengthen strategic mutual trust through dialogue and communication, intensify exchanges and cooperation in all fields, and step up communication and coordination on international and regional issues.We agreed that the two countries should respect each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the development interests, properly handle differences and frictions, and work together to build a China-U.S.cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.回顾往昔，中美建交三十二年来走过的不平凡历程表明，两国的共同利益远远大于分歧，互利合作始终是两国关系主流，这坚定了我们推动中美关系发展的信心。展望未来，中美两国都面临着保持经济平稳发展和实现经济转型的艰巨任务，都需要应对经济全球化带来的各种挑战，这增强了我们加强合作的需要和意愿。

译员：China-U.S.relations have traveled an extraordinary journey in the past 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties.A review of the history of our relations shows that we have far more common interests than differences, and cooperation for mutual benefit as always being the mainstream of our relations.This has reinforced our confidence in further pushing forward our relationship.Today both China and the United States are confronted with the arduous task of sustaining steady economic growth and achieving economic transformation.And we both need to tackle the various challenges brought by economic globalization.This has added to our need and desire to enhance cooperation.综合：China-U.S.relations have traveled an extraordinary journey in the past 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties.A review of the history of our relations shows that we have far more common interests than differences, and cooperation for mutual benefit as always being the mainstream of our relations.This has reinforced our confidence in further pushing forward our relationship.Today both China and the United States are confronted with the arduous task of sustaining steady economic growth and achieving economic transformation.And we both need to tackle the various challenges brought by economic globalization.This has added to our need and desire to enhance cooperation.我们要以更加坚定的信念，更加宽广的视野，更加积极的行动，脚踏实地，锐意进取，充分挖掘两国合作潜力，不断开创中美关系发展新局面。我相信，在双方的共同努力下，中美合作伙伴关系一定能够取得丰硕的成果，更好的造福两国人民，为世界和平与发展的崇高事业做出新的、更大的贡献。

我：We should tap the potential of cooperation between China and U.S and strive for new progress in China-U.S.relations with a stronger believe, a broader vision and more proactive approach.We also need to take solid steps and make pioneering efforts.I am confident that with joint efforts a China-U.S.cooperative partnership will achieve great success including greater benefit of our people and new and bigger contribution to the noble cause of peace and development.译员：We should pursue our relations with a stronger conviction, a broader vision and more proactive approach.We need to take solid steps and make pioneering efforts to fully tap the potential of cooperation and strive for new progress in China-U.S.relations.I am confident that with joint efforts, a China-U.S.cooperative partnership will yield bountiful fruits for the greater benefit of our people, and make new and bigger contribution to the noble cause of world peace and development.现在我提议，为奥巴马总统和夫人的健康，为在座的各位朋友的健康，为中美两国人民的友谊不断加强，为中美关系不断发展，干杯！

我：Now I'd like to propose a toast to the health of President Obama and Mrs.Obama;to the health of all friends present here;to the stronger friendship between the people of China and the United States and to the steady development of China-U.S.relations.译员：Now I'd like to propose a toast to the health of President and Mrs.Obama;to the health of all friends present here;to the stronger friendship between the people of China and the United States;and to the steady growth of China-U.S.relations.综合：Now I'd like to propose a toast to the health of President and Mrs.Obama;to the health of all friends present here;to the stronger friendship between the people of China and the United States;and to the steady growth of China-U.S.relations.

第四篇：奥巴马白宫演讲 2

Take executive action on immigration.在移民问题上采取执行行动。

Bucket.去他的。

New climate regulations.新气候规定。

Bucket.去他的。

It's the right thing to do.这么做才对。

My new attitude is paying off.我的新态度是回报。

Look at my Cuba policy.看看我的古巴政策。

The Castro brothers are here tonight.卡斯特罗兄弟今晚在这里。

Welcome to America, amigos.欢迎来到美国，朋友。

Que pasa? 怎麽了？

What? 什么？

It's the Castros from Texas.他们是来自德克萨斯州的卡斯特罗兄弟。

Oh.Hi, Joaquin.哦。嗨，杰奎因。

Hi, Julian.嗨，朱利安。

Anyway, being president is never easy.无论如何，当总统都不是件容易的事。

I still have to fix a broken immigration system, issue veto threats, negotiate with Iran.我仍然需要修复一个破碎的移民制度，发布否决威胁，与伊朗谈判。

All while finding time to pray five times a day.同时还要每天腾出时间来祈祷五次。

Which is strenuous.频繁了。

And it is no wonder that people keep pointing out how the presidency has aged me.难怪人们一直说担任总统让我变老了。

I look so old, John Boehner's already invited Benjamin Netanyahu to speak at my funeral.我看起来如此之老，以至于约翰·博纳已经邀请了本雅明·内塔尼亚胡在我的葬礼上致辞。

Meanwhile, Michelle hasn't aged a day.然而，米歇尔却一点儿都没有老。

I ask her what her secret is and she just says “fresh fruits and vegetables.” 我问她秘诀所在，她说“新鲜水果和蔬菜。”

It's aggravating.真是太可恨了。

Fact is though, at this point my legacy is finally beginning to take shape.事实就是，我的遗产渐渐显出雏形了。

The economy is getting better.经济正在好转。

Nine in ten Americans now have health coverage.如今百分之九十的美国人有了医保。

Today thanks to Obamacare you no longer have to worry about losing your insurance if you lose your job.今天，正因为奥巴马医改，你们才不用担心失业后没有保险。

You're welcome, Senate democrats.不用谢，民主党议员们。

第五篇：2010奥巴马开学演讲稿(白宫版)

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release September 14, 2010 Remarks by the President in Back to School Speech in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Julia R.Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School，Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1:05 P.M.EDT THE PRESIDENT: Thank you!Hello!(Applause.)Thank you.Thank you.Well, hello, Philadelphia!(Applause.)And hello, Masterman.It is wonderful to see all of you.What a terrific introduction by Kelly.Give Kelly a big round of applause.(Applause.)I was saying backstage that when I was in high school, I could not have done that.(Laughter.)I would have muffed it up somehow.So we are so proud of you and everything that you’ve done.And to all the students here, I’m thrilled to be here.We’ve got a couple introductions I want to make.First of all, you’ve got the outstanding governor of Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell, in the house.(Applause.)The mayor of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter, is here.(Applause.)Congressman Chaka Fattah is here.(Applause.)Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz is here.(Applause.)Your own principal, Marge Neff, is here.(Applause.)The school superintendent, Arlene Ackerman, is here and doing a great job.(Applause.)And the Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, is here.(Applause.)

And I am here.(Applause.)And I am thrilled to be here.I am just so excited.I’ve heard such great things about what all of you are doing, both the students and the teachers and the staff here.Today is about welcoming all of you, and all of America’s students, back to school, even though I know you’ve been in school for a little bit now.And I can’t think of a better place to do it than at Masterman.(Applause.)Because you are one of the best schools in Philadelphia.You are a leader in helping students succeed in the classroom.Just last week, you were recognized by a National Blue Ribbon--as a National Blue Ribbon School because of your record of achievement.And that is a testament to everybody here –-to the students, to the parents, to the teachers, to the school leaders.It’s an example of excellence that I hope communities across America can embrace.Over the past few weeks, Michelle and I have been getting Sasha and Malia ready for school.And they’re excited about it.I’ll bet they had the same feelings that you do--you’re a little sad to see the summer go, but you’re also excited about the possibilities of a new year.The possibilities of building new friendships and strengthening old ones, of joining a school club, or trying out for a team.The possibilities of growing into a better student and a better person and making not just your family proud but making yourself proud.But I know some of you may also be a little nervous about starting a new school year.Maybe you’re making the jump from elementary to middle school, or from middle school to high school, and you’re worried about what that’s going to be like.Maybe you’re starting a new school.You’re not sure how you’ll like it, trying to figure out how you’re going to fit in.Or maybe you’re a senior, and you’re anxious about the whole college process;about where to apply and whether you can afford to go to college.And beyond all those concerns, I know a lot of you are also feeling the strain of some difficult times.You know what’s going on in the news and you also know what’s going on in some of your own families.You’ve read about the war in Afghanistan.You hear about the recession that we’ve been through.And sometimes maybe you’re seeing the worries in your parents’ faces or sense it in their voice.So a lot of you as a consequence, because we’re going through a tough time a country, are having to act a lot older than you are.You got to be strong for your family while your brother or sister is serving overseas, or you’ve got to look after younger siblings while your mom is working that second shift.Or maybe some of you who are little bit older, you’re taking on a part-time job while your dad’s out of work.And that’s a lot to handle.It’s more than you should have to handle.And it may make you wonder at times what your own future will look like, whether you’re going to be able to succeed in school, whether you should maybe set your sights a little lower, scale back your dreams.But I came to Masterman to tell all of you what I think you’re hearing from your principal and your superintendent, and from your parents and your teachers: Nobody gets to write your destiny but you.Your future is in your hands.Your life is what you make of it.And nothing--absolutely nothing--is beyond your reach, so long as you’re willing to dream big, so long as you’re willing to work hard.So long as you’re willing to stay focused on your education, there is not a single thing that any of you cannot accomplish, not a single thing.I believe that.And that last part is absolutely essential, that part about really working hard in school, because an education has never been more important than it is today.I’m sure there are going to be times in the months ahead when you’re staying up late doing your homework or cramming for a test, or you’re dragging yourself out of bed on a rainy morning and you’re thinking, oh, boy, I wish maybe it was a snow day.(Laughter.)

But let me tell you, what you’re doing is worth it.There is nothing more important than what you’re doing right now.Nothing is going to have as great an impact on your success in life as your education, how you’re doing in school.More and more, the kinds of opportunities that are open to you are going to be determined by how far you go in school.The farther you go in school, the farther you’re going to go in life.And at a time when other countries are competing with us like never before, when students around the world in Beijing, China, or Bangalore, India, are working harder than ever, and doing better than ever, your success in school is not just going to determine your success, it’s going to determine America’s success in the 21st century.So you’ve got an obligation to yourselves, and America has an obligation to you, to make sure you’re getting the best education possible.And making sure you get that kind of education is going to take all of us working hard and all of us working hand in hand.It takes all of us in government--from the governor to the mayor to the superintendent to the President--all of us doing our part to prepare our students, all of them, for success in the classroom and in college and in a career.It’s going to take an outstanding principal, like Principal Neff, and outstanding teachers like the ones you have here at Masterman--teachers who are going above and beyond the call of duty for their students.And it’s going to take parents who are committed to your education.Now, that’s what we have to do for you.That’s our responsibility.That’s our job.But you’ve got a job, too.You’ve got to show up to school on time.You’ve got to pay attention in your class.You’ve got to do your homework.You’ve got to study for exams.You’ve got to stay out of trouble.You’ve got to instill a sense of excellence in everything that you do.That kind of discipline, that kind of drive, that kind of hard work, is absolutely essential for success.And I can speak from experience here because unlike Kelly, I can’t say I always had this discipline.See, I can tell she was always disciplined.I wasn’t always disciplined.I wasn’t always the best student when I was younger.I made my share of mistakes.I still remember a conversation I had with my mother in high school.I was kind of a goof-off.And I was about the age of some of the folks here.And my grades were slipping.I hadn’t started my college applications.I was acting, as my mother put it, sort of casual about my future.I was doing good enough.I was smart enough that I could kind of get by.But I wasn’t really applying myself.And so I suspect this is a conversation that will sound familiar to some students and some parents here today.She decided to sit me down and said I had to change my attitude.My attitude was what I imagine every teenager’s attitude is when your parents have a conversation with you like that.I was like, you know, I don’t need to hear all this.I’m doing okay, I’m not flunking out.So I started to say that, and she just cut me right off.She said, you can’t just sit around waiting for luck to see you through.She said, you can get into any school you want in the country if you just put in a little bit of effort.She gave me a hard look and she said, you remember what that’s like? Effort?(Laughter.)Some of you have had that conversation.(Laughter.)And it was pretty jolting hearing my mother say that.But eventually her words had the intended effect, because I got serious about my studies.And I started to make an effort in everything that I did.And I began to see my grades and my prospects improve.And I know that if hard work could make the difference for me, then it can make a difference for all of you.And I know that there may be some people who are skeptical about that.Sometimes you may wonder if some people just aren’t better at certain things.You know, well, I’m not good at math or I’m just not really interested in my science classes.And it is true that we each have our own gifts, we each have our own talents that we have to discover and nurture.Not everybody is going to catch on in certain subjects as easily as others.But just because you’re not the best at something today doesn’t mean you can’t be tomorrow.Even if you don’t think of yourself as a math person or a science person, you can still excel in those subjects if you’re willing to make the effort.And you may find out you have talents you never dreamed of.Because one of the things I’ve discovered is excelling--whether it’s in school or in life--isn’t mainly about being smarter than everybody else.That’s not really the secret to success.It’s about working harder than everybody else.So don’t avoid new challenges--seek them out, step out of your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to ask for help.Your teachers and family are there to guide you.They want to know if you’re not catching on to something because they know that if you keep on working at it, you’re going to catch on.Don’t feel discouraged;don’t give up if you don’t succeed at something the first time.Try again, and learn from your mistakes.Don’t feel threatened if your friends are doing well;be proud of them, and see what lessons you can draw from what they’re doing right.Now, I’m sort of preaching to the choir here because I know that’s the kind of culture of excellence that you promote at Masterman.But I’m not just speaking to all of you, I’m speaking to kids all across the country.And I want them to all here that same message: That’s the kind of excellence we’ve got to promote in all of America’s schools.That’s one of the reasons why I’m announcing our second Commencement Challenge.Some of you may have heard of this.If your school is the winner, if you show us how teachers and students and parents are all working together to prepare your kids and your school for college and a career, if you show us how you’re giving back to your community and your country, then I will congratulate you in person by speaking at your commencement.Last year I was in Michigan at Kalamazoo and had just a wonderful time.Although I got to admit, their graduating class was about 700 kids and my hands were really sore at the end of it because I was shaking all of them.(Laughter.)But the truth is, an education is about more than getting into a good college.It’s about more than getting a good job when you graduate.It’s about giving each and every one of us the chance to fulfill our promise, and to be the best version of ourselves we can be.And part of that means treating others the way we want to be treated--with kindness and respect.So that’s something else that I want to communicate to students not just here at Masterman but all across the country.Sometimes kids can be mean to other kids.Let’s face it.We don’t always treat each other with respect and kindness.That’s true for adults as well, by the way.And sometimes that’s especially true in middle school or high school, because being a teenager isn’t easy.It’s a time when you’re wrestling with a lot of things.When I was in my teens, I was wrestling with all sorts of questions about who I was.I had a white mother and a black father, and my father wasn’t around;he had left when I was two.And so there were all kinds of issues that I was dealing with.Some of you may be working through your own questions right now and coming to terms with what makes you different.And I know that figuring out all of that can be even more difficult when you’ve got bullies in a class who try to use those differences to pick on you or poke fun at you, to make you feel bad about yourself.And in some places, the problem is even more serious.There are neighborhoods in my hometown of Chicago, and there are neighborhoods right here in Philadelphia where kids are doing each other serious harm.So, what I want to say to every kid, every young person--what I want all of you--if you take away one thing from my speech, I want you to take away the notion that life is precious, and part of what makes it so wonderful is its persity, that all of us are different.And we shouldn’t be embarrassed by the things that make us different.We should be proud of them, because it’s the thing that makes us different that makes us who we are, that makes us unique.And the strength and character of this country has always come from our ability to recognize--no matter who we are, no matter where we come from, no matter what we look like, no matter what abilities we have--to recognize ourselves in each other.I was reminded of that idea the other day when I read a letter from Tamerria Robinson.She’s a 12-year-old girl in Georgia.And she told me about how hard she works and about all the community service she does with her brother.And she wrote, “I try to achieve my dreams and help others do the same.”

“That,” she said, “is how the world should work.”

That’s a pretty good motto.I work hard to achieve my goals and then I try to help others to achieve their goals.And I agree with Tamerria.That’s how the world should work.But it’s only going to work that way if all of you get in good habits while you’re in school.So, yes, each of us need to work hard.We all have to take responsibilities for our own education.We need to take responsibility for our own lives.But what makes us who we are is that here, in this country, in the United States of America, we don’t just reach for our own dreams, we try to help others do the same.This is a country that gives all its daughters and all of its sons a fair chance, a chance to make the most of their lives and fulfill their God-given potential.And I’m absolutely confident that if all of our students--here at Masterman and across this country--keep doing their part, if you guys work hard and you’re focused on your education, you keep fighting for your dreams and then you help each other reach each other’s dreams, then you’re not only going to succeed this year, you’re going to succeed for the rest of your lives.And that means America will succeed in the 21st century.So my main message to all of you here today: I couldn’t be prouder of you.Keep it up.All of you I know are going to do great things in the future.And maybe some time in the 21st century, it’s going to be one of you that’s standing up here speaking to a group of kids as President of the United States.Thank you.God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.Thank you.(Applause.)END 1:23 P.M.EDT