【中英】Bush Farewell Speech

Iam_zhcn

【英文链接】http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-17.html

President Bush Delivers Farewell Address to the Nation

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.  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. This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation. And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-Elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls.  Tonight I am filled with gratitude -- to Vice President Cheney and members of 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. I thank you for the prayers that have lifted my spirits. And I thank you for the countless acts of courage, generosity, and grace that I have witnessed these past eight years.  This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house -- September 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.  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. Over the past seven years, a new Department of Homeland Security has been created. The military, the intelligence community, and the FBI have been transformed. Our nation is equipped with new tools to monitor the terrorists' movements, freeze their finances, and break up their plots. And with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them. Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al Qaeda and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school. Iraq has gone from a brutal dictatorship and a sworn enemy of America to an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States.  

There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil. This is a tribute to those who toil 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.  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.  The battles waged by our troops are part of a broader struggle between two dramatically different systems. Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience, and marks unbelievers for murder. The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God, and that liberty and justice light the path to peace.  This is the belief that gave birth to our nation. And in the long run, advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens. When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror. When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism. So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity. We'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.  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.  

When challenges to our prosperity emerged, we rose to meet them. Facing the prospect of a financial collapse, we took decisive measures to safeguard our economy. These are very tough times for hardworking families, but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted. All Americans are in this together. And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth. We will show the world once again the resilience of America's free enterprise system.  Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I'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.  The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and there are some guiding principles that should shape our course.  While our nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient, and determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard.  At the same time, we must continue to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.  As we address these challenges -- and others we cannot foresee tonight -- America must maintain our moral clarity. I'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.  

President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." As I leave the house he occupied two centuries ago, I share that optimism. America is a young country, full of vitality, constantly growing and renewing itself. And even in the toughest times, we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead.  I have confidence in the promise of America because I know the character of our people. This is a nation that inspires immigrants to risk everything for the dream of freedom. This is a nation where citizens show calm in times of danger, and compassion in the face of suffering. We see examples of America's character all around us. And Laura and I have invited some of them to join us in the White House this evening.  We see America's character in Dr. Tony Recasner, a principal who opened a new charter school from the ruins of Hurricane Katrina. We see it in Julio Medina, a former inmate who leads a faith-based program to help prisoners returning to society. We've seen it in Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines.  We see America's character in Bill Krissoff -- a surgeon from California. His son, Nathan -- a Marine -- gave his life in Iraq. When I met Dr. Krissoff and his family, he delivered some surprising news: He told me he wanted to join the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son. This good man was 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.  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.

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country, and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other - citizen of the United States of America.  And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time: Good night. May God bless this house and our next President. And may God bless you and our wonderful country. Thank you. (Applause.)  END 8:14 P.M. EST

Iam_zhcn

【中文链接】http://www.dzwww.com/xinwen/guojixinwen/200901/t20090116_4237449.htm

美国当地时间15日晚8时(北京时间16日上午9时)，美国总统布什在白宫发表最后告别演说。据白宫官员透露，演说总长13分钟，共5页，布什称自己的总统任期为“在危机中取得重大成就”的时期。

布什告别演讲全文：我跟随良知的指引 (来源网易)

    各位同胞：在过去的八年间作为你们的总统，是我的荣幸。新世纪的第一个十年，是重要的十年——一个与众不同的十年。  
    今晚，怀着感恩之心，请允许我在这最后的机会分享一些想法，一些有关总统历程和国家未来的想法。

    五天之后，世界将目击美国民主的一个重要时刻。按照建国伊始的传统，总统之职将传递给由你们——美国人民选择的继任者。这位即将站在国会台阶上的人，他的故事正彰显了我们这块土地所延续的承诺。
    对我们整个国家来说，这是一个充满希望与自豪的时刻。我与全体美国人民一道，对候任总统奥巴马、他的妻子米歇尔和他们那一双美丽的女儿，致以最美好的祝愿。

    今晚，让我表达对副总统切尼和内阁成员的感激之情；我还要感谢劳拉（译者注：布什的夫人），是你为我们的家庭带来欢乐，为我的生活带来爱；还要感谢我们的女儿，芭芭拉和詹纳；以及我的父母――是他们的榜样为我提供了一生的力量。
    而最重要的，我要感谢你们――美国人民，感谢你们给予我的信任。感谢你们的祈祷，它振奋着我的灵魂。感谢在过去八年间我所见证过的，无以计数的勇气、慷慨、和仁爱。

    今晚，我的思绪回到2001年9月11日，我第一次在这里向全国发表讲话。
    那个早上，恐怖分子在那次自珍珠港事件以来，美国所遭受过的最严重的袭击中夺去了近3000名美国人民的生命。我记得三天后，我站在世贸中心的废墟之中，身边是加班加点连续作战的救援人员。

    我记得与那些穿越五角大楼浓烟的勇士们的对话，以及与93航班上殉难英雄们的妻子或丈夫们的交谈。   
    我记得艾琳?霍华德。她把她逝去的儿子的警徽送给我。那个警徽是对失去的所有记忆――我至今仍然随身携带。

    随着时间的逝去，大多数美国人能够恢复到9.11之前的正常生活中去。但我不能。每天早上，我都会收到一份对我国威胁状况的简报。我发誓尽我的一切力量保卫美国的安全。
    在过去的八年间，一个新的部门——国土安全部成立了。军队、情报部门、FBI都发生了改观。
    我们的国家掌握了新的手段来监视恐怖分子的活动、冻结他们的财务、打破他们的图谋。而有坚强的盟友与我们一道，我们对恐怖分子和他们的支持者宣战。

    阿富汗，从一个塔利班袒护基地组织、妇女当街遭乱石致死的国家，转变为一个对抗恐怖主义、支持女孩子们走进校门的年轻民主国家。
    伊拉克从一个残酷的独裁国家、美国的宿敌，转变为位于中东心脏的阿拉伯民主国家，和美国的朋友。对于这些决策进行辩论是完全合理的，但其结果是不可辩驳的。

    在过去的七年间没有发生一起在美国土地上的恐怖袭击活动。这是那些夜以继日保障我们安全者的功劳——执法官员、情报分析员、国土安全与外交人士，和美国武装部队中服役的男女士兵。
    这些在危难时志愿保卫我们国家的公民是美国之福。我记忆中珍藏着与这些无私的爱国者，以及他们的家人的见面的情景。美国感谢你们。

    对于今晚正在收听讲话的部队中的男女士兵，我要说：没有比作为你们的最高统帅更荣耀的事了。我们的战士所进行的战争，在广义上，是这样两个截然不同的体系间的斗争。在一个体系中，是一小撮狂热分子，追求对一种压迫性的意识形态的绝对服从；女性只能屈从附属；异教徒遭到谋杀。

    而另一个系统是基于这样的信念：自由是全能的上帝赐予我们的普世礼物；自由与公证将点亮通往和平之路。我们的国家正是诞生于这样的信仰之中。而从长远来看，只有发扬这样的信仰，才能实实在在保护我们公民的安全。
    当人们生活在自由中，他们不会去选择那些发动恐怖战争的领袖。当人们对未来充满希望时，他们不会令生活向暴力与极端主义俯首。因此在世界范围内，美国推崇人类自由、人权与尊严。

    我们与持不同政见者和年轻的民主力量并肩作战；我们提供艾滋病药品挽救垂危的病人；我们挽救患疟疾的母亲与婴儿。我们这个与自由共同降生的伟大共和国，正引领世界走向一个自由属于所有国家的新时代。

    在过去的八年间，我们还努力在美国本土扩展机会和希望。在美国各地，公立学校的学生们获得提升，达到更高的标准。
    一个新的医疗福利计划让老年人和残障人士无后顾之忧。每位纳税人的所得税更低。瘾君子与其他处在痛苦中的人士从基于信仰的组织中找到新希望。
    人类脆弱的生命获得了更好的保护。安置退伍老兵的资金几乎倍增。美国的空气、水与土地更清洁。睿智的新法官，如山姆?阿利托法官和约翰?罗伯茨首席法官加入联邦法院。

    当影响美国繁荣的挑战出现时，我们直面之。当面对金融崩溃的前景时，我们采取果断措施，保卫我们的经济。
    对于那些努力工作的家庭来说，这一时刻相当艰难。但如果我们不采取任何行动的话，情况会糟糕得多。对此，全美国凝聚在一起。信念、苦干和团结，将让我们把经济重新带回增长的轨道。

    我们会再次向世界展示美国自由企业系统的韧性。如同所有我的前任一样，我也经历过挫折。如果还能有机会，有些事我会做出不同的选择。然而，我始终是以我们国家的利益为考虑标准。我跟随良知的指引，做我认为正确的选择。
    你可能不同意我曾经做出的一些强硬的决定。但是我希望你能相信，那是出自我的真实意愿。未来的十年里，我们将面临更多的艰难抉择，我们应该有一些原则来决定我们的方针政策。

    虽然我们的国家比七年前更加安全，但恐怖袭击依然是我们面临的最大威胁。我们的敌人极富耐心地等待下一次袭击。美国人本不应该承受这种灾难。但是我们有责任，也必须去面对这些威胁。我们要避免自满，我们要坚定决心，我们决不能放松警惕。
    同时，我们还应该继续怀着自信和清晰的目标来参与世界各地的事务。面对来自外面的威胁，人们很容易畏缩不前。但是我们必须杜绝孤立主义和保护主义，闭门造车无异于玩火自焚。在21世纪里，一个国家的稳定和繁荣，取决于整个世界的自由进程。如果美国不能引导自由，那就没有人可以做到。

    当我们谈论这些问题的时候——还有那些我们今晚无法预测的问题——美国人必须保持明确的道德性。我曾经无数次地跟你们讨论过善与恶。这个话题可能过于沉重，但世界上的确是善恶并存，并且没有妥协。
    依靠残害无辜来推进意识形态在任何时候、任何地方都是错误的。将人们从压迫和绝望中解救出来才是正确的。这个国家必须继续宣扬真理和正义。我们要继续坚持推进和平。

    托马斯·杰斐逊总统曾经写道：“我不缅怀过去的历史，而致力于未来的梦想。”当我要离开两个世纪前他住过的这座建筑的时候，我希望能够与你们分享这种乐观。美国是个年轻的国家，充满活力，不断成长，不断创新。即使在最艰难的时刻，我们仍昂首望着远方。
    我对美国的承诺充满信心，因为我知道美国人的精神。
    这是一个能够激励移民冒所有的风险来追求自由的国家。这是一个人民在危机中仍保持镇静，在痛苦中仍怀有同情的国家。我们周围都是这样的人。

    今晚，劳拉和我邀请了一些人来白宫加入我们。我们在托尼·雷卡斯纳尔博士身上看到了美国精神，他在卡特里娜飓风的废墟中建立起一座崭新的学校。我们在胡里奥·梅迪纳身上看到了美国精神，他出狱后怀着信仰，领导了一个帮助犯人重返社会的帮助计划。
    我们在奥布里·麦克戴德身上看到了美国精神，他在伊拉克勇闯敌阵就出了三个战友。我们在比尔·克里索夫身上看到了美国精神，这位来自加利福尼亚的外科医生，他的儿子牺牲在了伊拉克的战场。

    当我见到克里索夫医生和他的家人时，他告诉我一个令人惊异的消息：为了纪念他的儿子，他希望加入海军医疗队。这位老人已经60岁了——比参军年龄上限大了整整18岁。
    但是他的请求被允许了，过去几年里他一直在战地医院接受培训。克里索夫海军少校今天无法来到现场，因为他马上就要开赴伊拉克，在那里，他将帮助受伤的勇士们，并以此来纪念他的儿子。在这些美国人的身上，我们看到了我们国家的精髓——百折不挠而又充满希望，心存善良而又生性坚强。

    这些美德使得我对美国的信心不可动摇。我们经历了危机与考验，而前方还会有诸多凶险。但是有了我们的勇气和信念，这个伟大的国家将不知疲倦……毫不犹豫……永不言败。我很荣幸有生之年能够成为总统，我体会过快乐，也经历过艰难。
    但是每天我都为这个伟大的国家和善良的人民所振奋。我非常幸运地能够代表这个我们深爱的国家。我将永远为这个对我意味着更多的头衔而感到骄傲：美利坚合众国公民。

    所以，美国人民，在这最后的时刻：晚安。愿上帝保佑下一任总统。愿上帝保佑我们和这个美丽的国家。

Iam_zhcn

In farewell speech, Bush says he kept nation safe
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/bush_s_farewell

WASHINGTON – As Americans get ready to turn the page on George W. Bush, the president offered his own first draft of history. Summarizing eight — and at times turbulent — years in office, Bush told the country that while his policies have been unpopular, there can be little debate about the results: "America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil."

In a farewell address to the nation Thursday night, Bush harkened back to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, a time when the public rallied around him and his approval ratings soared.

"As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11," Bush said in a prime-time address from the East Room of the White House. "But I never did."

Leaving office with the highest disapproval rating since Richard Nixon, Bush said, "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."

A bookend to eight years indelibly marked by terrorism, two wars and recessions, the 13-minute speech was Bush's last opportunity to defend his record before leaving office on Tuesday. His next scheduled public appearance will be greeting President-elect Barack Obama on Inauguration Day.

Seemingly upbeat and confident, Bush called the inauguration of Obama, the first black president, a "moment of hope and pride" for America.

The nation's 43rd president remained defiant about his own record. He claimed foreign policy successes in Iraq and Afghanistan while crediting his administration for improving public schools, creating a new Medicare prescription drug benefit and finding more money for veterans. With the United States facing the worst financial crisis in generations — under his watch — Bush said his White House took "decisive measures" to safeguard the economy.

"Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks," Bush said. "And there are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right."

Bravado gave way to nostalgia as soon as Bush left the podium. He walked alone down the red-carpeted hallway toward the residence. Then he returned to the room — full of about 200 Cabinet secretaries and allies, advisers and friends — still on their feet, cheering. Bush and first lady Laura Bush greeted the guests. Across the room, their daughter, Barbara, wiped tears away with both hands. Her twin sister, Jenna Hager, touched her on her shoulder as their father said his goodbye.

Bush's presidency began with the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil and ends with the worst economic collapse since the 1930s.

"These are very tough times for hardworking families, but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted," he said. "All Americans are in this together. And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth."

On national security, he highlighted his administration's efforts to equip the nation with new tools to monitor terrorists, freeze their assets and foil their plots. But he also acknowledged some of his controversial policies, including the terrorist surveillance program and harsh interrogation of suspected terrorists.

While there has not been another attack on U.S. soil, the number of terrorist acts around the world has increased, Iran has gained influence in the Mideast, North Korea still hasn't verifiably declared its nuclear work, anti-Americanism abroad has emboldened extremists' recruitment efforts and a safe haven for terrorists remains along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Bush said he leaves with a "thankful heart." He expressed gratitude to his family. "Above all, I thank the American people for the trust you have given me."

That trust, however, has eroded over the years. His approval rating soared to 90 percent after the Sept. 11 attacks, but he's leaving office as a new Gallup Poll puts it at 34 percent. That's up from 25 percent just before the November elections, reflecting a bump that presidents commonly get just before they leave office.

Iam_zhcn

Bush Farewell Speech Analyzed
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99444212&ft=1&f=1003

President Bush has delivered his farewell speech to the nation. In his address, the president said he had acted in the nation's best interests.

Listen Now （点原文链接）

commentblock (这个看不到)

lsd2003

楼主能不能搞成一段英文，一段中文呀，这样子，不太好学英语呀