-From the inaugural address of former US President Kennedy:
What we celebrate today is not the victory of a political party, but the celebration of freedom; It symbolizes the end and the beginning; It means renewal and change. Because I have solemnly sworn before you and Almighty God, as our ancestors drew up nearly a century and a quarter ago. The world is very different now, because people have the power to eliminate all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life in their own flesh and blood. However, the revolutionary beliefs held by our ancestors are still being debated all over the world. This belief is that human rights are destined to come not from the generosity of the government, but from God.
Today, we dare not forget that we are the successors of the first revolution. Here and now, let me tell our friends and our enemies that this torch has been given to a new generation of Americans. They were born in this century, tempered by war, edified by harsh and arduous peace, proud of our ancient tradition, and unwilling to witness or allow human rights to be gradually taken away. China has always been steadfast in defending these human rights, and we are also actively defending these human rights at home and around the world.
Let every country know that no matter whether it wants us to be good or bad, we will pay any price, endure any burden, cope with any hardships, support any friends and oppose any enemies to ensure the existence and realization of freedom.
This is what we are determined to do, and it is more than that.
For those old allies who share our cultural and spiritual traditions, we promise to treat each other sincerely as close friends. As long as we are United, there is almost nothing impossible in many cooperative undertakings. If we are divided, we can't do anything, because we dare not meet powerful challenges when we disagree and go our own way.
For those new countries that we welcome to join the ranks of free countries, we must ensure that we will never let one form of colonial rule disappear and be replaced by another much more cruel tyranny. We can't always count on them to support our views, but we always hope that they will resolutely safeguard their freedom, and we must remember that those stupid and aggressive people in the past were swallowed up by tigers.
For those who live in huts and villages half a world away and try to break the shackles of universal poverty, we promise to do our best to help them save themselves, no matter how long it takes. This is not because * * * will do so, nor because we ask them to vote, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help many poor people, it cannot save a few rich people.
To our sister republic, we offer a special guarantee: we should turn our good promises into good actions to help free people and free governments get rid of the shackles of poverty in the new progressive alliance. However, this peaceful revolution to realize one's wishes should not be the prey of hostile countries. Let all our neighbors know that we will unite with them and resist aggression or subversion anywhere in the United States. Let other countries know that the western hemisphere will take care of its own affairs.
As for the world parliament of the United Nations, a sovereign country, it is our last and best hope in today's era when the tools of war are developing faster than those of peace. We want to reaffirm our commitment to support; Don't let it become a forum for abuse, strengthen the protection of new and weak countries and expand the areas where their power can be used.
Finally, for those countries that are our enemies, what we want to provide is not a guarantee, but a request: both sides should start to seek peace again, and don't wait until the dangerous destructive forces released by science lead to the intentional or unintentional self-destruction of all mankind.
We dare not seduce them with weakness. Because only when our power undoubtedly grows can we be sure that it will never be used.
Neither of these two powerful countries can rest assured of the current trend-both sides are overwhelmed by the cost of modern weapons, and both sides are shocked by the continuous development of deadly atomic forces, but both sides are competing to change the unstable balance of terror, which can temporarily prevent mankind from finally getting involved in the war.
So let's start over. Both sides should remember that humility is not a sign of cowardice, and sincerity always needs to be verified. We should never negotiate out of fear. But let's never be afraid to negotiate.
Let both sides explore what can unite us and don't waste energy on what can divide us. For the first time, let the two sides formulate sincere and accurate suggestions on weapons inspection and control, and put the uncontrolled force that can destroy other countries under the absolute control of all countries.
Let both sides seek to stimulate the magical power of science rather than the terrorist factor of science. Let's explore the planet, desert control, eliminate diseases, explore the depths of the ocean, and encourage art and commerce.
Let the two sides join hands and follow Isaiah's command to "unload the heavy burden" in all corners of the world ... (and) set the oppressed free. "
If the establishment of a cooperative beachhead can curb many suspicions, let the two sides work together again. This is not the pursuit of a new balance of power, but the establishment of a new world ruled by law, in which the strong are just, the weak are safe and peace is in hand.
All these things will not be completed in the first 100 days, not in the first 1000 days, not in the current government term, or even in our life on earth. But let's get started.
My fellow citizens, the final result of our cause is not in my hands, but in your hands. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, every generation of Americans has been called to test their loyalty to their country. The graves of young Americans serving in the army in response to this call are all over the world.
Now the horn calls us again-don't carry weapons, although weapons are what we need; Not calling us to fight, although we are ready to fight; That is to call on us to shoulder a lasting and inseparable struggle year after year, "rejoicing in hope and enduring in adversity"; This is a struggle against the public enemies of mankind-tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.
Can a global alliance covering east, west, north and south be formed to deal with these enemies, so as to ensure that all mankind can enjoy a richer life? Are you willing to participate in this historic effort?
In the long history of the world, only a few generations were entrusted with the important task of defending freedom when it encountered the greatest crisis. In the face of this responsibility, I will never shrink back; I welcome it. I don't believe that any of us will be willing to exchange places with others and other generations. Our energy, faith and dedication in this endeavor will illuminate our country and all those who serve it, and the brilliance gathered from this flame will surely illuminate the whole world.
So, my fellow citizens: Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.
Citizens of the world: Ask not what America is willing to do for you, but what we can do together for human freedom. Finally, whether you are an American citizen or a citizen of other countries in the world, please ask us for the high standards of strength and sacrifice we ask of you. Our only reliable reward is a clear conscience, and the final judge of our actions is history. Let us guide our beloved land forward and pray for God's blessing and help, but we know that in this world, God's task is absolutely our own.