人到中年156
以下是法案通过后奥巴马的演讲：Our nation was founded on a bedrock principle that we are all created equal. The project of each generation is to bridge the meaning of those founding words with the realities of changing times—a never-ending quest to ensure those words ring true for every single American.Progress on this journey often comes in small increments. Sometimes two steps forward, one step back, compelled by the persistent effort of dedicated citizens. And then sometimes there are days like this, when that slow, steady effort is rewarded with justice that arrives like a thunderbolt.This morning, the Supreme Court recognized that the Constitution guarantees marriage equality. In doing so, they have reaffirmed that all Americans are entitled to the equal protection of the law; that all people should be treated equally, regardless of who they are or who they love.This decision will end the patchwork system we currently have. It will end the uncertainty hundreds of thousands of same-sex couples face from not knowing whether they’re marriage, legitimate in the eyes of one state, will remain if they decide to move or even visit another.This ruling will strengthen all of our communities by offering to all loving same-sex couples the dignity of marriage across this great land. In my second inaugural address, I said that if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. It is gratifying to see that principle enshrined into law by this decision.This ruling is a victory for Jim Obergefell and the other plaintiffs in the case. It’s a victory for gay and lesbian couples who have so long for their basic civil rights. It’s a victory for their children, whose families will now be recognized as equal to any other. It’s a victory for the allies and friends and supporters who spent years, even decades working and praying for change to come.And this ruling is a victory for America. This decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts. When all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free.My administration has been guided by that idea. It’s why we stopped defending the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and why we were pleased when the court finally struck down the central provision of that discriminatory law. It’s why we ended, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”From extending full marital benefits to federal employees and their spouses to expanding hospital visitation rights for LGBT patients and their loved ones, we’ve made real progress in advancing equality for LGBT Americans in ways that were unimaginable not too long ago.I know a change for many of our LGBT brothers and sisters must have seemed so slow for so long. But compared to so many other issues, America’s shift has been so quick.I know that Americans of good will continue to hold a wide range of views on this issue. Opposition, in some cases, has been based on sincere and deeply held beliefs. All of us who welcome today’s news should be mindful of that fact and recognize different viewpoints, revere our deep commitment to religious freedom.But today should also give us hope that on the many issues with which we grapple, often painfully, real change is possible. Shift in hearts and minds is possible. And those who have come so far on their journey to equality have a responsibility to reach back and help others join them, because for all of our differences, we are one people, stronger together than we could ever be alone. That’s always been our story.We are big and vast and diverse, a nation of people with different backgrounds and beliefs, different experiences and stories but bound by the shared ideal that no matter who you are or what you look like, how you started off or how and who you love, America is a place where you can write your own destiny.We are people who believe every child is entitled to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness. There is so much more work to be done to extend the full promise of America to every American. But today, we can say in no uncertain terms that we’ve made our union a little more perfect.That’s the consequence of a decision from the Supreme Court, but more importantly, it is a consequence of the countless small acts of courage of millions of people across decades who stood up, who came out, talked to parents, parents who loved their children no matter what, folks who were willing to endure bullying and taunts, and stayed strong, and came to believe in themselves and who they were.And slowly made an entire country realize that love is love.What an extraordinary achievement, but what a vindication of the belief that ordinary people can do extraordinary things; what a reminder of what Bobby Kennedy once said about how small actions can be like pebbles being thrown into a still lake, and ripples of hope cascade outwards and change the world.Those countless, often anonymous heroes, they deserve our thanks. They should be very proud. America should be very proud.Thank you. 以上来自《时代》。
薛苏一世
奥巴马上海演讲稿（中英文）PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good afternoon. It is a great honor for me to be here in Shanghai, and to have this opportunity to speak with all of you. I'd like to thank Fudan University's President Yang for his hospitality and his gracious welcome. I'd also like to thank our outstanding Ambassador, Jon Huntsman, who exemplifies the deep ties and respect between our nations. I don't know what he said, but I hope it was good. (Laughter.)奥巴马总统：你们好。能够有机会在上海跟你们大家交谈，我深感荣幸。我要感谢复旦大学的杨校长，感谢他的款待和热情的欢迎。我还要感谢我们出色的大使洪博培，他代表了我们两国之间的深远联系和相互尊重。我不知道他刚才说什么，但是希望他说得不错。（笑声）What I'd like to do is to make some opening comments, and then what I'm really looking forward to doing is taking questions, not only from students who are in the audience, but also we've received questions online, which will be asked by some of the students who are here in the audience, as well as by Ambassador Huntsman. And I am very sorry that my Chinese is not as good as your English, but I am looking forward to this chance to have a dialogue.我今天准备先做一个开场白，但我真正希望做的是回答问题，不但回答在座的学生提出的问题，同时也回答从网上提出的一些问题，这些问题由在座的一些学生和洪博培大使代为提出。很抱歉，我的中文不如你们的英文，但我期待着这个和你们对话的机会。This is my first time traveling to China, and I'm excited to see this majestic country. Here, in Shanghai, we see the growth that has caught the attention of the world -- the soaring skyscrapers, the bustling streets and entrepreneurial activity. And just as I'm impressed by these signs of China's journey to the 21st century, I'm eager to see those ancient places that speak to us from China's distant past. Tomorrow and the next day I hope to have a chance when I'm in Beijing to see the majesty of the Forbidden City and the wonder of the Great Wall. Truly, this is a nation that encompasses both a rich history and a belief in the promise of the future.这是我首次访问中国，看到你们壮丽的国家，我感到很兴奋。在上海，我们看到了全球瞩目的发展——高耸的大厦、繁忙的街道、创业的动态。这些都是中国步入 21世纪的迹象，让我感到赞叹。同时，我也期盼看到向我们展现中国悠久历史的古迹。明天和后天我会在北京，希望有机会看到壮观的故宫和奇迹般的长城。的确，这是一个既有丰富的历史，又对未来的希望充满信心的国家。The same can be said of the relationship between our two countries. Shanghai, of course, is a city that has great meaning in the history of the relationship between the United States and China. It was here, 37 years ago, that the Shanghai Communique opened the door to a new chapter of engagement between our governments and among our people. However, America's ties to this city -- and to this country -- stretch back further, to the earliest days of America's independence.我们两国的关系也是如此。毫无疑问，上海在美中关系史上是一个具有重大意义的城市。正是在这里，37年前发布的《上海公报》（Shanghai Communique）开启了我们两国政府和两国人民接触交往的新篇章。然而，美国与这个城市以及这个国家的纽带可以追溯到更久远的过去，直至美国独立初期。In 1784, our founding father, George Washington, commissioned the Empress of China, a ship that set sail for these shores so that it could pursue trade with the Qing Dynasty. Washington wanted to see the ship carry the flag around the globe, and to forge new ties with nations like China. This is a common Americanimpulse -- the desire to reach for new horizons, and to forge new partnerships that are mutually beneficial.1784年，我们的建国之父乔治�6�1华盛顿主持了“中国女皇号”（Empress of China）的下水仪式。这条船前往中国海岸，寻求与清朝通商。华盛顿希望看到这条悬挂美国国旗的船前往世界各地，与像中国这样的国家缔结新的纽带。这是通常的美国人的愿望——希望达到新的地平线，建立新的、互利的伙伴关系。Over the two centuries that have followed, the currents of history have steered the relationship between our countries in many directions. And even in the midst of tumultuous winds, our people had opportunities to forge deep and even dramatic ties. For instance, Americans will never forget the hospitality shownto our pilots who were shot down over your soil during World War II, and cared for by Chinese civilians who risked all that they had by doing so. And Chinese veterans of that war still warmly greet those American veterans who return to the sites where they fought to help liberate China from occupation.在此后的两个世纪中，历史洪流使我们两国关系向许多不同的方向发展，但即使在动荡的岁月中，两国人民也抓住机会发展了深入的、甚至极不平凡的关系。例如，美国人民永远不会忘记，二战期间，美国飞行员在中国上空被击落后，中国公民冒着失去一切的危险护理他们。参加过二战的中国老兵仍然热情欢迎故地重游的美国老兵，他们曾经在那里作战，帮助中国从占领下获得解放。A different kind of connection was made nearly 40 years ago when the frost between our countries began to thaw through the simple game of table tennis. The very unlikely nature of this engagement contributed to its success -- because for all our differences, both our common humanity and our shared curiosity were revealed. As one American player described his visit to China -- "[The]people are just like us…The country is very similar to America, but still very different."近40年前，简单的乒乓球比赛带来了两国关系的解冻，使我们两国建立起另一种联系。这种接触令人意外，但却恰恰促成了其成功，因为尽管我们之间存在许多分歧，但是我们共同的人性和共同的好奇心得以从中显现。正如一位美国乒乓球队员在回忆对中国的访问时所说：“那里的人民和我们一样……这个国家和美国有许多相似之处，也有很大区别。”Of course this small opening was followed by the achievement of the Shanghai Communique, and the eventual establishment of formal relations between the United States and China in 1979. And in three decades, just look at how far we have come.无须赘言，这个小小的契机带来了《上海公报》的问世，并最终促使美中两国在1979年建立正式外交关系。请看在此后的30年，我们取得了多么长足的进展。In 1979, trade between the United States and China stood at roughly $5 billion -- today it tops over $400 billion each year. The commerce affects our people's lives in so many ways. America imports from China many of the computer parts we use, the clothes we wear; and we export to China machinery that helps power your industry. This trade could create even more jobs on both sides of the Pacific, while allowing our people to enjoy a better quality of life. And as demand becomes more balanced, it can lead to even broader prosperity.1979年，美中贸易额约为50亿美元，今天，年度贸易额已经超过4000亿美元。贸易在许多方面影响着两国人民的生活，美国电脑中的许多元件以及我们身穿的服装都是从中国进口的，我们向中国出口你们的工业需要的机器。这种贸易可以在太平洋两岸创造更多的就业机会，让我们的人民过上质量更高的生活。随着需求趋于平衡，繁荣的范围将进一步扩大。In 1979, the political cooperation between the United States and China was rooted largely in our shared rivalry with the Soviet Union. Today, we have a positive, constructive and comprehensive relationship that opens the door to partnership on the key global issues of our time -- economic recovery and the development of clean energy; stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and the scourge of climate change; the promotion of peace and security in Asia and around the globe. All of these issues will be on the agenda tomorrow when Imeet with President Hu.1979年，美中之间的政治合作主要立足于双方共同面对的竞争对手苏联。如今我们享有积极的、建设性的、全面的关系，为我们在当今时代的关键性全球问题上建立伙伴关系打开了大门，这些问题包括：经济复苏和清洁能源开发、制止核武器扩散和气候变化的影响、在亚洲及全球各地促进和平与安全。所有这些问题都是我明天与胡主席会谈的内容。And in 1979, the connections among our people were limited. Today, we see the curiosity of those ping-pong players manifested in the ties that are being forged across many sectors. The second highest number of foreign students in the United States come from China, and we've seen a 50 percent increase in the study of Chinese among our own students. There are nearly 200 "friendship cities" drawing our communities together. American and Chinese scientists cooperate on new research and discovery. And of course, Yao Ming is just one signal of our shared love of basketball -- I'm only sorry that I won't be able to see a Shanghai Sharks game while I'm visiting.1979年，我们两国人民的联系十分有限。今天，我们看到当年乒乓球队员的好奇心已经化为许多领域的纽带，中国留学生在美国的人数名列第二，而在美国学生中，学中文的人数增加了50%。我们两国有近200个友好城市，把我们的社区连接在一起。美中科学家合作进行新的研究与发现。而姚明是我们两国人民都热爱篮球的仅仅一个标志而已——令我遗憾的是，此行中我不能观看上海大鲨鱼队的比赛。It is no coincidence that the relationship between our countries has accompanied a period of positive change. China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty -- an accomplishment unparalleled in human history -- while playing a larger role in global events. And the United States has seen our economy grow along with the standard of living enjoyed by our people, while bringing the Cold War to a successful conclusion.我们两国之间的关系相伴着一个积极变化的时期，这不是偶然的。中国实现了亿万人民脱贫，这一成就史无前例，同时，中国在全球问题中也在发挥更大的作用。美国在促使冷战顺利结束的同时，经济也取得了增长，人民的生活水平提高。
张凉凉2779
This week, President Obama said he now supports same-sex marriage.本周奥巴马总统表示他支持同性婚姻。 BARACK OBAMA: "I think same-sex couples should be able to get married."奥巴马：“我认为同性伴侣应该能够结婚。” He became the first sitting American president to express that opinion. Earlier he had said his thinking on the issue was "evolving."他成为首位表达这一意见的在任美国总统。此前他曾经表示，他在这一问题上的观点在“演变”。 Reaction in Congress was mixed. Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the minority Democrats in the House of Representatives, welcomed the news.国会对此的反应是喜忧参半。众议院少数派民主党领袖佩洛西对此表示欢迎。 NANCY PELOSI: "America's children and families and workers saw history being made right before their very eyes: the president of the United States advancing civil rights in our country."洛佩西：“美国人亲眼见证了这一历史：美国总统推进了美国公民的权利。” But Speaker John Boehner and other Republicans in the House said the president was sending the wrong message at the wrong time.但众议院议长博纳和其他共和党人表示，奥巴马总统在一个错误的时间传达了一个错误的讯息。 JOHN BOEHNER: "I believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. And the president, the Democrats can talk about all this all they want. But, the fact is, the American people are focused on our economy, and they are asking the question: where are the jobs?"博纳：“我认为婚姻是男人和女人之间的结合。总统和民主党人可以就此高谈阔论。但事实是，美国人民关注的是经济，他们的问题是，工作在哪里？” House Republicans are leading a court case against the administration for not defending a federal law called the Defense of Marriage Act. That nineteen ninety-six law defines marriage as between one man and one woman.众议院共和党人就政府当局未能捍卫联邦《婚姻保护法案》发起法庭诉讼。这一签署于1996年的法案将婚姻定义为一男一女之间。 In the Senate, Republicans did not say much about the president's announcement. Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid said he would support same-sex marriage if the issue were put to voters in his home state of Nevada.参议院中的共和党人对总统的声明未作过多评论。参议院多数派民主党领袖里德表示，如果在他的家乡内华达州，这一问题被交由选民表决，他会支持同性婚姻。 Mr. Obama received strong support from politically influential gays and lesbians in the two thousand eight campaign. His re-election campaign says donations from both groups have greatly increased since his announcement.在2008年选举中，奥巴马先生获得了有政治影响力的男、女同性恋群体的大力支持。奥巴马连任竞选部门表示，自奥巴马发表公开声明以来，来自这两个群体的捐款大幅增加。 Mitt Romney, the likely Republican presidential candidate, opposes same-sex marriage.罗姆尼这位最具可能的共和党总统候选人则反对同性婚姻。 MITT ROMNEY: "My view is that marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman, and that is the position I have had for some time and I don't intend to make any adjustments at this point."罗姆尼：“我的观点是，婚姻是一男一女之间的事情。这是我一直以来的立场，在这一点上我也无意改变。” Support for same-sex marriage has grown in recent years, especially among younger people. A recent Gallup public opinion survey suggested that Americans are now evenly split on the issue. Gallup first asked the question in nineteen ninety-six. That year only twenty-seven percent of people said they supported same-sex marriage.近年来，同性婚姻支持者不断壮大，特别是在年轻人中。最近一次盖洛普民意调查显示，美国人在这一问题上的态度不相上下。盖洛普机构于1996年第一次抛出这一问题，当时只有27%的人对同性婚姻表示支持。 The president's position on the issue gained new attention after a TV appearance Sunday by Vice President Joe Biden. He was on NBC's "Meet the Press" program.在副总统拜登上周日在电视上亮相之后，奥巴马总统的立场引发了新的关注。拜登当时是在参加美国广播公司（NBC）的《会见新闻界》节目。JOE BIDEN: "I am absolutely comfortable with the fact that men marrying men, women marrying women, and heterosexual men and women marrying one another are entitled to the same exact rights, all the civil rights, all the civil liberties."拜登：“男人与男人或女人与女人之间的婚姻和异性恋的婚姻应该享有完全相同的权利，我对此绝不会感到不舒服。” President Obama announced the change in his thinking on ABC News on Wednesday.奥巴马总统周三在美国广播公司新闻上宣布了他观点的改变。 BARACK OBAMA: "At a certain point, I just concluded that for me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married."奥巴马：“在这一点上，我个人的结论是，我确定同性伴侣应该能够结婚。” He noted his success at ending the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and his opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act.他指出了他在结束美国军队“不问不说”政策上的成功，以及他对《婚姻保护法案》的反对立场。 But Mr. Obama said he still supports the right of individual states to decide the marriage issue. He spoke a day after a large majority of voters in North Carolina approved a state constitutional ban on homosexual marriage. North Carolina became the thirtieth state to pass such an amendment. The ban also includes civil unions and domestic partnerships.但奥巴马先生说，他仍然支持各州自行决定是否承认同性婚姻。在他发表讲话的前一天，北卡罗莱纳州大部分选民通过了该州对同性婚姻的宪法禁令。北卡罗莱纳州成为第30个通过这类修正案的美国州。该禁令也包括了民事结合（civil union）和同居伴侣关系（domestic partnerships）。 Currently, six of the fifty states and the District of Columbia allow same-sex couples to marry. Nine states allow civil unions or provide rights under domestic partnership laws.目前，50个美国州中的6个州以及哥伦比亚特区允许同性伴侣结婚。9个州允许民事结合，或支持同居伴侣关系法案下的相关权利。
