Inaugural Address by US President Barack barack obama 2009 1 20th, 2009 My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, thank you for your trust, and remember the sacrifices made by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his contribution to the country, and also for his generosity and cooperation in the whole process of the transfer of power. Forty-four Americans have been sworn in. These words were said at the height of prosperity and in peaceful times. However, this oath is often made in the midst of dark clouds and storms. At these moments, the United States continues to move forward, not only because of the skills or foresight of those in high positions, but because our people have always been loyal to the ideals of our ancestors and to our founding documents. That's true. So this generation of Americans must do the same. As we all know, we are in a crisis. Our country is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy has been severely weakened, which is the result of greed and irresponsibility of some people, but it is also the result of our collective failure to make difficult choices and prepare our country for the new era. Homes have been lost; Decrease in jobs; The business is closed. Our medical care costs are too high; Our school has let too many people down; Every day, there is further evidence that the way we use energy strengthens our competitors and threatens our planet. These are cris is indicators, which are subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but equally profound, our confidence has been weakened across the country-a lingering fear that the decline of the United States is inevitable and that the next generation must lower its sights. Today, I want to tell you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious. There are many of them. They will not be satisfied easily or in a short time. But you know, America, they will be satisfied. Today, we are gathered together because we have chosen hope over fear and unity over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to announce the end of petty discontent and false promises, mutual accusations and outdated dogmas, which have strangled our politics for too long. We are still a young country, but in the words of the Bible, it is time to abandon naivety. It's time to reaffirm our enduring spirit; Choose our better history; Let this precious gift, this lofty idea, be passed down from generation to generation: God's promise that all people are equal, all people are free, and all people should have the opportunity to pursue the greatest happiness. When reaffirming the greatness of our country, we understand that greatness has never been given by heaven. This is necessary. Our journey has never been a shortcut or a second best. This road is not for the timid, for those who prefer leisure to work, or for those who only pursue fame and fortune. More precisely, it is the adventurers, doers and creators-some are famous, but more often they are unknown men and women, who have led us on the long and bumpy road to prosperity and freedom. For us, they packed up their only possessions and crossed the ocean to find a new life. For us, they worked hard in sweatshops and settled in the west; Endure whipping and plow through hard land. They fought and died for us in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Shan. These men and women struggled, sacrificed and worked again and again until their hands were worn out, so that we could live a better life. They think America is bigger than the sum of our personal ambitions; Greater than all differences in birth, wealth or faction. This is our journey today. We are still the most prosperous and powerful country on earth. The productivity of our workers is not lower than at the beginning of the crisis. Compared with last week, last month or last year, our minds are equally creative, and our goods and services are equally needed. Our ability has not diminished. But the time has passed when we stuck to the rules, protected narrow interests and postponed unpleasant decisions. Starting today, we must pull ourselves together, dust ourselves off and start the work of remaking America again. Because we look around, there is work to be done everywhere. The current economic situation requires us to take bold and rapid action, and we will take action-not only to create new employment opportunities, but also to lay a new foundation for economic growth. We will build roads and bridges, power grids and digital lines to provide energy for our businesses and connect us. We will restore the proper position of science and use scientific and technological miracles to improve medical quality and reduce costs. We will use solar energy, wind energy and soil to provide fuel for our cars and power for our factories. We will reform our schools, colleges and universities to meet the requirements of the new era. We can do all this. All we have to do is. Now, some people question our ambition-they think our system can't bear too many big plans. Their memory is short-lived. Because they have forgotten what this country has done; When imagination is combined with common goals, necessity is combined with courage, what kind of achievements will free people achieve. What cynics fail to understand is that the land under their feet has changed-the stale political arguments that have consumed our energy for a long time no longer apply. The question we want to ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works-whether it helps families find jobs with decent wages, affordable health care and dignified retirement. If the answer is yes, we intend to move on. If the answer is no, the project will be terminated. Those of us who manage public funds will be held accountable-spend money wisely, get rid of bad habits and do things aboveboard-because only in this way can we restore the vital trust between the people and the government. The question before us is not whether the market is a good or bad force. Its power to create wealth and expand freedom is unparalleled, but this crisis reminds us that without a vigilant eye, the market may get out of control. When a country only favors the rich, it cannot prosper for a long time. The success of our economy depends not only on the size of our GDP, but also on the scope of our prosperity; We have the ability to provide opportunities to everyone who is willing, not out of charity, but because this is the most reliable way to realize our common interests. As for our common defense, we refuse to make a wrong choice between our security and our ideals. Our founding fathers, in the face of unimaginable dangers, drafted a charter to guarantee the rule of law and human rights, a charter expanded with the blood of generations. These ideals still illuminate the world, and we will not give them up for expediency. Therefore, I want to say to the people and governments of all other countries watching TV today, from the largest capital to the small village where my father was born, know that the United States is a friend of every country, a friend of every man, woman and child seeking a peaceful and dignified future, and we are ready to lead the world again. In retrospect, the ancestors defeated fascism not only by missiles and tanks, but also by solid alliances and lasting beliefs. They understand that our strength alone cannot protect us, and we have no right to do whatever we want. On the contrary, they know that our strength grows through careful use; Our security comes from the justice of our cause, the strength of our example, and the harmonious quality of humility and restraint.