Teks Pidato Barack Obama di Mesir 4 Juni 2009
Melalui
Facebook, salah seorang teman saya Mas Muhammad Guntur Romli masang
status “Obama menyebut 2 kali nama Indonesia dalam pidatonya di
Universitas Al Azhar, Cairo”..
Tertarik dengan sebutan “2 kali” saya mencari-cari di You Tube
tentang pidato Obama itu. Karena sambungan Speedy yang kurang
memuaskan, saya gagal mendengarkan full length of Obama speech,
sehingga saya menemukan teks pidato Obama ini di
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
Dan ternyata, Obama menyebut Indonesia bukan 2 kali, tapi malahan 3
kali !!! Karena pembaca blog ini kebanyakan mahasiswa/i Sastra Inggris,
mungkin ada gunanya saya mencopy-paste pidato Obama di Mesir itu.
Berikut pidato Obama, selamat menikmati !
“I am honoured to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted
by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has
stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo
University has been a source of Egypt’s advancement. Together, you
represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for
your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also
proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a
greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu
alaykum.
We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims
around the world – tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond
any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West
includes centuries of coexistence and co-operation, but also conflict
and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism
that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in
which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies
without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change
brought by modernity and globalisation led many Muslims to view the
West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.
Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but
potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the
continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against
civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably
hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human
rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust.
So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will
empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote
conflict rather than the co-operation that can help all of our people
achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord
must end.
I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States
and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual
respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not
exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and
share common principles – principles of justice and progress; tolerance
and the dignity of all human beings.
I do so recognising that change cannot happen overnight. No single
speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time
that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point.
But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly
the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only
behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each
other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek
common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, “Be conscious of God and
speak always the truth.” That is what I will try to do – to speak the
truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my
belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more
powerful than the forces that drive us apart.
Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a
Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes
generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in
Indonesia
and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of
dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found
dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.
As a student of history, I also know civilisation’s debt to Islam.
It was Islam – at places like Al-Azhar University – that carried the
light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for
Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim
communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass
and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our
understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic
culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless
poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful
contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through
words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial
equality.
I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America’s story.
The first nation to recognise my country was Morocco. In signing the
Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President John Adams wrote, “The
United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws,
religion or tranquillity of Muslims.” And since our founding, American
Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars,
served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses,
taught at our Universities, excelled in our sports arenas, won Nobel
Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when
the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the
oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of
our Founding Fathers  Thomas Jefferson  kept in his personal library.
So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the
region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my
conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on
what Islam is, not what it isn’t. And I consider it part of my
responsibility as President of the United States to fight against
negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.
But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America.
Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude
stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one
of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We
were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the
ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled
for centuries to give meaning to those words  within our borders, and
around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end
of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: “Out
of many, one.”
Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the
name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal
story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not
come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who
come to our shores  that includes nearly seven million American
Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are
higher than average.
Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to
practice one’s religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state
of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why
the U.S. government has gone to court to protect the right of women and
girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.
So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I ‘believe
that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race,
religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations – to
live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with
dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These
things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.
Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of
our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs
will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we
understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to
meet them will hurt us all.
For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial
system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a
new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation
pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all
nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains,
people are endangered across an ocean. And when innocents in Bosnia and
Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience.
That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is
the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.
This is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has
often been a record of nations and tribes subjugating one another to
serve their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are
self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that
elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably
fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners of it.
Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be
shared.
That does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it
suggests the opposite: we must face these tensions squarely. And so in
that spirit, let me speak as clearly and plainly as I can about some
specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.
The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.
In Ankara, I made clear that America is not – and never will be – at
war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent
extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject
the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of
innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President
to protect the American people.
The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America’s goals, and our
need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued
al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not
go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some
question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda
killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men,
women and children from America and many other nations who had done
nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder
these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their
determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many
countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions
to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.
Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan.
We seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose
our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to
continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our
troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent
extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many
Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.
That’s why we’re partnering with a coalition of forty-six countries.
And despite the costs involved, America’s commitment will not weaken.
Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed
in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths – more
than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are
irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of
nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an
innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a
person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. The enduring faith of
over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a
few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism –
it is an important part of promoting peace.
We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the
problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we plan to invest
$1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with
Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and
hundreds of millions to help those who have been displaced. And that is
why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop
their economy and deliver services that people depend upon.
Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was
a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and
around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are
ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also
believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use
diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems
whenever possible. Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson,
who said: “I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach
us that the less we use our power the greater it will be.”
Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a
better future – and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear to
the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their
territory or resources. Iraq’s sovereignty is its own. That is why I
ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why
we will honor our agreement with Iraq’s democratically-elected
government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to
remove all our troops from Iraq by 2012. We will help Iraq train its
Security Forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure
and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron.
And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by
extremists, we must never alter our principles. 9/11 was an enormous
trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was
understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our
ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have
unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I
have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.
So America will defend itself respectful of the sovereignty of
nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with
Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists
are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will
all be safer.
The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.
America’s strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is
unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the
recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a
tragic history that cannot be denied.
Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries,
and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust.
Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps
where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the
Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed – more than the entire Jewish
population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant,
and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction – or repeating vile
stereotypes about Jews – is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in
the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing
the peace that the people of this region deserve.
On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people
– Muslims and Christians – have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For
more than sixty years they have endured the pain of dislocation. Many
wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for
a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead.
They endure the daily humiliations – large and small – that come with
occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian
people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the
legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state
of their own.
For decades, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate
aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive.
It is easy to point fingers – for Palestinians to point to the
displacement brought by Israel’s founding, and for Israelis to point to
the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within
its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from
one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: the only
resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two
states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.
That is in Israel’s interest, Palestine’s interest, America’s
interest, and the world’s interest. That is why I intend to personally
pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task requires. The
obligations that the parties have agreed to under the Road Map are
clear. For peace to come, it is time for them – and all of us – to live
up to our responsibilities.
Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and
killing is wrong and does not succeed. For centuries, black people in
America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of
segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It
was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center
of America’s founding. This same story can be told by people from South
Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It’s a story
with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign of
neither courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to
blow up old women on a bus. That is not how moral authority is claimed;
that is how it is surrendered.
Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build.
The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with
institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have
support among some Palestinians, but they also have responsibilities.
To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the
Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past
agreements, and recognize Israel’s right to exist.
At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel’s
right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine’s. The United
States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements.
This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts
to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.
Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that
Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. And just as
it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis
in Gaza does not serve Israel’s security; neither does the continuing
lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of
the Palestinian people must be part of a road to peace, and Israel must
take concrete steps to enable such progress.
Finally, the Arab States must recognize that the Arab Peace
Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their
responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to
distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it
must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the
institutions that will sustain their state; to recognize Israel’s
legitimacy; and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the
past.
America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and say
in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and
Arabs. We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize
that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the
need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone
knows to be true.
Too many tears have flowed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us
have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis
and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the
Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended
it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and
Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham
to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses,
Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.
The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.
This issue has been a source of tension between the United States
and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined
itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a
tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the
United States played a role in the overthrow of a
democratically-elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic
Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and
violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known.
Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran’s
leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The
question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it
wants to build.
It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed
with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to
discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward
without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear
to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached
a decisive point. This is not simply about America’s interests. It is
about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead
this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.
I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that
others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nations
hold nuclear weapons. That is why I strongly reaffirmed America’s
commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons.
And any nation – including Iran – should have the right to access
peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under
the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of
the Treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I am
hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.
The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.
I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy
in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war
in Iraq. So let me be clear: no system of government can or should be
imposed upon one nation by any other.
That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that
reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this
principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people.
America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we
would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do
have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the
ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed;
confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice;
government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people; the
freedom to live as you choose. Those are not just American ideas, they
are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.
There is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is
clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more
stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in
making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and
law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree
with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments –
provided they govern with respect for all their people.
This last point is important because there are some who advocate for
democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are
ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes
hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard
for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent,
not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and
participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place
the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the
political process above your party. Without these ingredients,
elections alone do not make true democracy.
The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.
Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history
of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as
a child in
Indonesia, where devout Christians
worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the
spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose
and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and
soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it is
being challenged in many different ways.
Among some Muslims, there is a disturbing tendency to measure one’s
own faith by the rejection of another’s. The richness of religious
diversity must be upheld – whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or
the Copts in Egypt. And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as
well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic
violence, particularly in Iraq.
Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live
together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For
instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it
harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That is why I
am committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can
fulfill zakat.
Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding
Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit – for
instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We
cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of
liberalism.
Indeed, faith should bring us together. That is why we are forging
service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims,
and Jews. That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King
Abdullah’s Interfaith dialogue and Turkey’s leadership in the Alliance
of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into
Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action – whether
it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural
disaster.
The sixth issue that I want to address is women’s rights.
I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some
in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less
equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is
denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women
are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.
Now let me be clear: issues of women’s equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and
Indonesia,
we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead.
Meanwhile, the struggle for women’s equality continues in many aspects
of American life, and in countries around the world.
Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons,
and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity –
men and women – to reach their full potential. I do not believe that
women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I
respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional
roles. But it should be their choice. That is why the United States
will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded
literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through
micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.
Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.
I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory.
The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but
also offensive sexuality and mindless violence. Trade can bring new
wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and changing
communities. In all nations – including my own – this change can bring
fear. Fear that because of modernity we will lose of control over our
economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities –
those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our
traditions, and our faith.
But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not
be contradiction between development and tradition. Countries like
Japan and South Korea grew their economies while maintaining distinct
cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within
Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times
and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of
innovation and education.
This is important because no development strategy can be based only
upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young
people are out of work. Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a
consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader
development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation
will be the currency of the 21st century, and in too many Muslim
communities there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am
emphasizing such investments within my country. And while America in
the past has focused on oil and gas in this part of the world, we now
seek a broader engagement.
On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase
scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America, while
encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will
match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in
on-line learning for teachers and children around the world; and create
a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly
with a teenager in Cairo.
On economic development, we will create a new corps of business
volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries.
And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how
we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social
entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the
world.
On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support
technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help
transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create jobs. We will open
centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and
Southeast Asia, and appoint new Science Envoys to collaborate on
programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs,
digitize records, clean water, and grow new crops. And today I am
announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic
Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships
with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.
All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to
join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious
leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help
our people pursue a better life.
The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we
have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek –
a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American
troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each
secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful
purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the
rights of all God’s children are respected. Those are mutual interests.
That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.
I know there are many – Muslim and non-Muslim – who question whether
we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of
division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it
isn’t worth the effort – that we are fated to disagree, and
civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that
real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust. But if
we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I
want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every
country – you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.
All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The
question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart,
or whether we commit ourselves to an effort – a sustained effort – to
find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children,
and to respect the dignity of all human beings.
It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame
others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than
to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not
just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of
every religion – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto
us. This truth transcends nations and peoples – a belief that isn’t
new; that isn’t black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian, or
Muslim or Jew. It’s a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization,
and that still beats in the heart of billions. It’s a faith in other
people, and it’s what brought me here today.
We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the
courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.
The Holy Koran tells us, “O mankind! We have created you male and a
female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may
know one another.”
The Talmud tells us: “The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.”
The Holy Bible tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is
God’s vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And
may God’s peace be upon you.
Pidato Presiden Barack Obama
Barack Obama has been sworn in as the 44th US president. Here is his inauguration speech in full.
Source:
BBC NEWS
My fellow citizens:
I
stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust
you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I
thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the
generosity and co-operation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four
Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been
spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace.
Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and
raging storms.
At these moments, America has carried on not
simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but
because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our
forbearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
Serious challenges
That
we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at
war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy
is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the
part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and
prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed;
businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail
too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use
energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These
are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less
measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our
land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that
the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you
that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are
many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know
this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On
this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false
promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long
have strangled our politics.
Nation of 'risk-takers'
We
remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come
to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our
enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that
precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to
generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and
all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In
reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness
is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of
short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the
faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only
the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers,
the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men
and women obscure in their labour, who have carried us up the long,
rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and travelled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and ploughed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
'Remaking America'
Time
and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till
their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw
America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater
than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is
the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful
nation on earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this
crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services
no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our
capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of
protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that
time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust
ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For
everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy
calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create
new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the
roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our
commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful
place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality
and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil
to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our
schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.
All this we can do. All this we will do.
Restoring trust
Now,
there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest
that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are
short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what
free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common
purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to
understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale
political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.
The
question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too
small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a
decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.
Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is
no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars
will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do
our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the
vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the
question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its
power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this
crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin
out of control - that a nation cannot prosper long when it favours only
the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just
on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our
prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart
- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common
good.
'Ready to lead'
As for our common defence, we reject as
false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding
fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter
to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by
the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we
will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other
peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest
capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that
America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who
seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.
Recall
that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with
missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring
convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us,
nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our
power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the
justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering
qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this
legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new
threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and
understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq
to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old
friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear
threat, and roll back the spectre of a warming planet. We will not
apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence, and
for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and
slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger
and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
'Era of peace'
For
we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We
are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and
non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from
every end of this earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of
civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger
and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall
someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the
world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that
America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To
the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest
and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow
conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your
people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To
those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the
silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history;
but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To
the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make
your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved
bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy
relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to
suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources
without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change
with it.
'Duties'
As we consider the road that unfolds before
us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at
this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have
something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington
whisper through the ages. We honour them not only because they are
guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of
service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than
themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a
generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For
as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith
and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.
It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the
selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a
friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is
the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but
also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides
our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which
we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success
depends - honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and
curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things
are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our
history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths.
What
is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition,
on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our
nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but
rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so
satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our
all to a difficult task.
'Gift of freedom'
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This
is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and
children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across
this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years
ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand
before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day
with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have travelled. In the
year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of
patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The
capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained
with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in
doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the
people:
"Let it be told to the future world... that in the depth
of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the
city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet
[it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this
winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope
and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what
storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we
were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn
back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's
grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and
delivered it safely to future generations.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.
Ini pidato Presiden Barack Obama di Istana Negara Jakarta
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Selamat sore. Thank you,
President Yudhoyono, for your kind words, your gracious welcome and
for your friendship and your partnership.
After more than one attempt, it is wonderful to finally be back
in Indonesia. And I’m very pleased that my wife Michelle is joining me
for her first visit to the country. I assure you, it won’t be her last.
And I want to thank the people of Jakarta for the wonderful reception
when we arrived. Even in the rain, people were there to greet us. And
we’re very appreciative of that.
Of course, we’re mindful that this is a difficult time for
Indonesia -— first, the recent earthquake and tsunami, and now the
volcanic eruptions. And our thoughts and prayers are with those who
have lost their loved ones or their homes. And I know that President
Yudhoyono has been tireless in his efforts to make sure that people are
safe and that this difficulty is dealt with in as effective way as
possible. And so we are fully supportive of him.
The United States will continue to support the relief efforts in
any way that we can. And I hope that my presence here today is a
reminder that, in good times and in bad times, the United States stands
as a friend with Indonesia.
Now, obviously, much has been made of the fact that this marks
my return to where I lived as a young boy. I will tell you, though,
that I barely recognized it. As I was driving down the streets, the
only building that was there when I first moved to Jakarta was Sarinah.
Now it’s one of the shorter buildings on the road. (Laughter.)
But today, as President, I’m here to focus not on the past, but
on the future —- the Comprehensive Partnership that we’re building
between the United States and Indonesia.
As one of the world’s largest democracies, as the largest
economy in Southeast Asia and as a member of the G20, as a regional
leader, as a vast archipelago on the front lines of climate change, and
as a society of extraordinary diversity — Indonesia is where many of
the challenges and the opportunities of the 21st century come together.
At the same time, the United States is leading again in Asia. We
are strengthening our alliances. We’re deepening relationships, as
we’re doing with China. We’re re-engaging with ASEAN and joining the
East Asia summit, and we’re forging new partnerships with emerging
powers like Indonesia. So our Comprehensive Partnership is bringing our
countries closer together. And I want to focus just on three key areas.
And we discussed a wide range of issues during our meeting.
First, as President Yudhoyono mentioned, we are looking to
expand our trade and investment and commercial relationships because it
can create prosperity in both our countries.
Trade between us is growing fast —- and that includes American
exports to Indonesia. And that’s why Indonesia is one of the growing
markets that we’re going to be focused on as part of my initiative to
double U.S. exports. President Yudhoyono and I discussed ways to create
the conditions that would encourage additional trade and investment. He
mentioned that we’re number three right now in terms of trade volume
and investment. And I informed him we don’t like being number three; we
want to be number one. (Laughter.)
And so we’re going to be doing everything we can to expand this
trading relationship. And I’m pleased to announce that the Oversees
Private Investment Corporation, or OPIC, will host its annual
conference this spring in Indonesia to highlight new opportunities for
partnership here and across the region.
To strengthen cooperation in science and technology that fuels
growth, we are going to be pursuing joint research in areas like energy
and biodiversity conversation. And we are expanding educational
partnerships between our young scientists, engineers and doctors. And
building on the entrepreneurship summit that I hosted in Washington,
which was attended by some very talented young Indonesians, I’m pleased
that Indonesia will be hosting a regional entrepreneurship conference
next year.
As we prepare for the G20 and APEC summits, President Yudhoyono
and I discussed the need to ensure that the global economic recovery is
strong and balanced and is creating jobs in all of our countries. So
that’s focus number one — trade, investment, and the economy.
Second, we’re forging new ties between our people to address
common challenges. We’re expanding partnerships between our students
and our universities. We aim to double the number of educational
exchanges between our two countries within five years. And I thank
President Yudhoyono’s offer for additional scholarships for young
Americans to study in Indonesia. I think that’s a wonderful thing that
needs to happen.
We’re proud to support Indonesia’s leadership under President
Yudhoyono in confronting climate change. I understand there’s been a
lot of rain this year, and obviously we can’t look at one year as
indicative of the future but I think there’s no doubt that as an
archipelago, Indonesia will be on the front lines when it comes to the
potential impacts of climate change.
So we’re glad to work with President Yudhoyono on this issue,
and we welcome and will support the new partnership between Indonesia
and Norway to slow emissions from deforestation and degradation of peat
land.
We’re bringing on — we’re building on Indonesia’s inspiring
transition from dictatorship to democracy by launching a new effort to
help Indonesian civil society groups who tackle corruption and promote
human rights at home to share their experience with civil society
groups across this region, because I think people can learn from the
experiences of Indonesia.
And I would note that many of the partnerships I’ve mentioned
are a direct result of my call in Cairo for a new beginning between the
United States and Muslim communities around the world. And it involves
the private sector as well, thanks to efforts like Partners for a New
Beginning, which is forging partnerships around science, education and
entrepreneurship.
The third element of our Comprehensive Partnership is to deepen
our political and security cooperation. As President Yudhoyono
mentioned, we’re already enjoying strong cooperation in preventing
terrorism, preventing piracy. We look forward to Indonesia’s leadership
as the chair of ASEAN next year, and I look forward to returning to
Jakarta next year for the East Asia Summit.
One of the challenges ASEAN and the world will continue to face
is Burma, and I commend Indonesia for standing up for the people of
Burma and their rights. Last week’s election in Burma was neither free,
nor fair. And we will continue our efforts to move Burma toward
democratic reform and protection of human rights. As a first step, the
Burmese authorities should immediately and unconditionally release all
political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
So, promoting prosperity, expanding partnerships between our
people, and deepening political and security cooperation — these are
the pillars of our new partnership, which owes so much to the
leadership of my good friend President Yudhoyono. I believe that our
two nations have only begun to forge the cooperation that’s possible.
And I say that not simply as someone who knows firsthand what Indonesia
can offer the world. I say it as President — a President who knows what
Indonesia and the United States can offer the world together if we work
together in a spirit of mutual interest and mutual respect.
So terimah kasih dan Assalamualaikum.
Naskah Pidato Obama (Obama Speech)
21 Januari 2009
Berikut ini, saya posting naskah pidato Barack Obama saat dilantik (20 Januari 2009). Penulis unduh dari http://news.bbc.co.uk
Barack Obama has been sworn in as the 44th US president. Here is his inauguration speech in full.
Senyum Obama sesaat sebelum Pidato di mimbar (foto: Reuters/Jim Young)
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the
trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our
ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as
well as the generosity and co-operation he has shown throughout this
transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words
have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters
of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds
and raging storms.
At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the
skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people,
have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our
founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
(Serious challenges)
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our
nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and
hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and
irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure
to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have
been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too
costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence
that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our
planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics.
Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across
our land – a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and
that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are
serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short
span of time. But know this, America – they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and
false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far
too long have strangled our politics.
(Nation of ‘risk-takers’)
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time
has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm
our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward
that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to
generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and
all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that
greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never
been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path
for the faint-hearted – for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek
only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the
risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things – some celebrated but more
often men and women obscure in their labour, who have carried us up the
long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and travelled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and ploughed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
(Remaking America)
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and
worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life.
They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions;
greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most
prosperous, powerful nation on earth. Our workers are no less
productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less
inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last
week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But
our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting
off unpleasant decisions – that time has surely passed. Starting today,
we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work
of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the
economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act – not only to
create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build
the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed
our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its
rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s
quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and
the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform
our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new
age. All this we can do. All this we will do.
Restoring trust
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions – who
suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their
memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has
already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is
joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted
beneath them – that the stale political arguments that have consumed us
for so long no longer apply.
The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big
or too small, but whether it works – whether it helps families find
jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is
dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where
the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the
public’s dollars will be held to account – to spend wisely, reform bad
habits, and do our business in the light of day – because only then can
we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good
or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched,
but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market
can spin out of control – that a nation cannot prosper long when it
favours only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always
depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the
reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every
willing heart – not out of charity, but because it is the surest route
to our common good.
‘Ready to lead’
As for our common defence, we reject as false the choice between our
safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can
scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the
rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those
ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for
expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are
watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where
my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and
every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity,
and we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not
just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and
enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot
protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they
knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security
emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the
tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once
more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort –
even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will
begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned
peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work
tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the spectre of a
warming planet. We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we
waver in its defence, and for those who seek to advance their aims by
inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our
spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we
will defeat you.
‘Era of peace’
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a
weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus –
and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn
from every end of this earth; and because we have tasted the bitter
swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter
stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old
hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon
dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall
reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new
era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual
interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek
to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that
your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the
silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history;
but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to
make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved
bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy
relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to
suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources
without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change
with it.
‘Duties’
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with
humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol
far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us,
just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the
ages. We honour them not only because they are guardians of our
liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness
to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this
moment – a moment that will define a generation – it is precisely this
spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the
faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation
relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break,
the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a
friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is
the firefighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but
also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides
our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them
may be new. But those values upon which our success depends – honesty
and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty
and patriotism – these things are old. These things are true. They have
been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is
demanded then is a return to these truths.
What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility – a
recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to
ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly
accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is
nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than
giving our all to a difficult task.
(Gift of freedom)
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence – the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed – why men and women
and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration
across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60
years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now
stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far
we have travelled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of
months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the
shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was
advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the
outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation
ordered these words be read to the people:
“Let it be told to the future world… that in the depth of winter,
when nothing but hope and virtue could survive… that the city and the
country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our
hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue,
let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may
come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were
tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back
nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace
upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it
safely to future generations.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.
Dalam pidato kuliah umum di UI ini, Presiden Obama banyak
menyelipkan kata-kata dalam bahasa Indonesia, seperti : Selamat Pagi! ,
Pulang kampung, nih!, Baso. Sateee. Becak. Bemo. Indonesia sebagian
dari diri saya. Banyak deh pokoknya….yang membuat para hadirin bersorak
senang….menyihir audience….nice !
Ini dia isi pidatonya….
Presiden Obama : Thank you for this wonderful welcome. Thank you to the people of Jakarta. And thank you to the people of Indonesia.
I am so glad that I made it to Indonesia, and that Michelle was
able to join me. We had a couple of false starts this year, but I was
determined to visit a country that has meant so much to me.
Unfortunately, it’s a fairly quick visit, but I look forward to coming
back a year from now, when Indonesia hosts the East Asia Summit.
Before I go any further, I want to say that our thoughts and
prayers are with all of those Indonesians affected by the recent
tsunami and volcanic eruptions – particularly those who have lost loved
ones, and those who have been displaced. As always, the United States
stands withIndonesia in responding to this natural disaster, and we are
pleased to be able to help as needed. As neighbors help neighbors and
families take in the displaced, I know that the strength and resilience
of the Indonesian people will pull you through once more.
Let me begin with a simple statement: Indonesia is a part of me.
I first came to this country when my mother married an Indonesian man
named Lolo Soetoro. As a young boy, I was coming to a different world.
But the people ofIndonesia quickly made me feel at home.
Jakarta looked very different in those days. The city was filled
with buildings that were no more than a few stories tall. The Hotel
Indonesia was one of the few high rises, and there was just one brand
new shopping center called Sarinah. Betchaks outnumbered automobiles in
those days, and the highway quickly gave way to unpaved roads and
kampongs.
We moved to Menteng Dalam, where we lived in a small house with
a mango tree out front. I learned to love Indonesia while flying kites,
running along paddy fields, catching dragonflies, and buying satay and
baso from the street vendors. Most of all, I remember the people – the
old men and women who welcomed us with smiles; the children who made a
foreigner feel like a neighbor; and the teachers who helped me learn
about the wider world.
Because Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands, hundreds
of languages, and people from scores of regions and ethnic groups, my
times here helped me appreciate the common humanity of all people. And
while my stepfather, like most Indonesians, was raised a Muslim, he
firmly believed that all religions were worthy of respect. In this way,
he reflected the spirit of religious tolerance that is enshrined
inIndonesia’s Constitution, and that remains one of this country’s
defining and inspiring characteristics.
I stayed here for four years – a time that helped shape my
childhood; a time that saw the birth of my wonderful sister, Maya; and
a time that made such an impression on my mother that she kept
returningto Indonesia over the next twenty years to live, work and
travel – pursuing her passion of promoting opportunity in Indonesia ’s
villages, particularly for women and girls. For her entire life, my
mother held this place and its people close to her heart.
So much has changed in the four decades since I boarded a plane
to move back to Hawaii. If you asked me – or any of my schoolmates who
knew me back then – I don’t think any of us could have anticipated that
I would one day come back toJakarta as President of the United States.
And few could have anticipated the remarkable story of Indonesia over
these last four decades.
The Jakarta that I once knew has grown to a teeming city of
nearly ten million, with skyscrapers that dwarf the Hotel Indonesia,
and thriving centers of culture and commerce. While my Indonesian
friends and I used to run in fields with water buffalo and goats, a new
generation of Indonesians is among the most wired in the world –
connected through cell phones and social networks. And whileIndonesia
as a young nation focused inward, a growing Indonesia now plays a key
role in the Asia Pacific and the global economy.
This change extends to politics. When my step-father was a boy,
he watched his own father and older brother leave home to fight and die
in the struggle for Indonesian independence. I’m happy to be here on
Heroes Day to honor the memory of so many Indonesians who have
sacrificed on behalf of this great country.
When I moved to Jakarta, it was 1967, a time that followed great
suffering and conflict in parts of this country. Even though my
step-father had served in the Army, the violence and killing during
that time of political upheaval was largely unknown to me because it
was unspoken by my Indonesian family and friends. In my household, like
so many others acrossIndonesia, it was an invisible presence.
Indonesians had their independence, but fear was not far away.
In the years since then, Indonesia has charted its own course
through an extraordinary democratic transformation – from the rule of
an iron fist to the rule of the people. In recent years, the world has
watched with hope and admiration, as Indonesians embraced the peaceful
transfer of power and the direct election of leaders. And just as your
democracy is symbolized by your elected President and legislature, your
democracy is sustained and fortified by its checks and balances: a
dynamic civil society; political parties and unions; a vibrant media
and engaged citizens who have ensured that – inIndonesia — there will
be no turning back.
But even as this land of my youth has changed in so many ways,
those things that I learned to love about Indonesia – that spirit of
tolerance that is written into your Constitution; symbolized in your
mosques and churches and temples; and embodied in your people – still
lives on. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika – unity in diversity. This is the
foundation of Indonesia’s example to the world, and this is why
Indonesia will play such an important role in the 21st century.
So today, I return to Indonesia as a friend, but also as a
President who seeks a deep and enduring partnership between our two
countries. Because as vast and diverse countries; as neighbors on
either side of the Pacific; and above all as democracies – the United
States andIndonesia are bound together by shared interests and shared
values.
Yesterday, President Yudhoyono and I announced a new,
Comprehensive Partnership between the United States and Indonesia. We
are increasing ties between our governments in many different areas,
and – just as importantly – we are increasing ties among our people.
This is a partnership of equals, grounded in mutual interests and
mutual respect.
With the rest of my time today, I’d like to talk about why the
story I just told – the story of Indonesia since the days when I lived
here – is so important to the United States, and to the world. I will
focus on three areas that are closely related, and fundamental to human
progress – development, democracy, and religion.
First, the friendship between the United States and Indonesia can advance our mutual interest in development.
When I moved to Indonesia, it would have been hard to imagine a
future in which the prosperity of families in Chicago and Jakarta would
be connected. But our economies are now global, and Indonesians have
experienced both the promise and perils of globalization: from the
shock of the Asian financial crisis in the 1990s to the millions lifted
out of poverty. What that means – and what we learned in the recent
economic crisis – is that we have a stake in each other’s success.
America has a stake in an Indonesia that is growing, with
prosperity that is broadly shared among the Indonesian people – because
a rising middle class here means new markets for our goods, just as
America is a market for yours. And so we are investing more inIndonesia
, our exports have grown by nearly 50 percent, and we are opening doors
for Americans and Indonesians to do business with one another.
America has a stake in an Indonesia that plays its rightful role
in shaping the global economy. Gone are the days when seven or eight
countries could come together to determine the direction of global
markets. That is why the G-20 is now the center of international
economic cooperation, so that emerging economies likeIndonesia have a
greater voice and bear greater responsibility. And through its
leadership of the G-20’s anti-corruption group, Indonesia should lead
on the world stage and by example in embracing transparency and
accountability.
America has a stake in an Indonesia that pursues sustainable
development, because the way we grow will determine the quality of our
lives and the health of our planet. That is why we are developing clean
energy technologies that can power industry and preserve Indonesia’s
precious natural resources – and America welcomes your country’s strong
leadership in the global effort to combat climate change.
Above all, America has a stake in the success of the Indonesian
people. Underneath the headlines of the day, we must build bridges
between our peoples, because our future security and prosperity is
shared. That is exactly what we are doing – by increased collaboration
among our scientists and researchers, and by working together to foster
entrepreneurship. And I am especially pleased that we have committed to
double the number of American and Indonesian students studying in our
respective countries – we want more Indonesian students in our schools,
and more American students to come study in this country, so that we
can forge new ties that last well into this young century.
These are the issues that really matter in our daily lives.
Development, after all, is not simply about growth rates and numbers on
a balance sheet. It’s about whether a child can learn the skills they
need to make it in a changing world. It’s about whether a good idea is
allowed to grow into a business, and not be suffocated by corruption.
It’s about whether those forces that have transformed the Jakarta that
I once knew –technology and trade and the flow of people and goods –
translate into a better life for human beings, a life marked by dignity
and opportunity.
This kind of development is inseparable from the role of democracy.
Today, we sometimes hear that democracy stands in the way of
economic progress. This is not a new argument. Particularly in times of
change and economic uncertainty, some will say that it is easier to
take a shortcut to development by trading away the rights of human
beings for the power of the state. But that is not what I saw on my
trip to India, and that is not what I see in Indonesia. Your
achievements demonstrate that democracy and development reinforce one
another.
Like any democracy, you have known setbacks along the way.
America is no different. Our own Constitution spoke of the effort to
forge a “more perfect union,” and that is a journey we have travelled
ever since, enduring Civil War and struggles to extend rights to all of
our citizens. But it is precisely this effort that has allowed us to
become stronger and more prosperous, while also becoming a more just
and free society.
Like other countries that emerged from colonial rule in the last
century, Indonesia struggled and sacrificed for the right to determine
your destiny. That is what Heroes Day is all about – an Indonesia that
belongs to Indonesians. But you also ultimately decided that freedom
cannot mean replacing the strong hand of a colonizer with a strongman
of your own.
Of course, democracy is messy. Not everyone likes the results of
every election. You go through ups and downs. But the journey is
worthwhile, and it goes beyond casting a ballot. It takes strong
institutions to check the concentration of power. It takes open markets
that allow individuals to thrive. It takes a free press and an
independent justice system to root out abuse and excess, and to insist
upon accountability. It takes open society and active citizens to
reject inequality and injustice.
These are the forces that will propel Indonesia forward. And it
will require a refusal to tolerate the corruption that stands in the
way of opportunity; a commitment to transparency that gives every
Indonesian a stake in their government; and a belief that the freedom
that Indonesians have fought for is what holds this great nation
together.
That is the message of the Indonesians who have advanced this
democratic story – from those who fought in the Battle of Surabaya 55
years ago today; to the students who marched peacefully for democracy
in the 1990s, to leaders who have embraced the peaceful transition of
power in this young century. Because ultimately, it will be the rights
of citizens that will stitch together this remarkable Nusantara that
stretches from Sabang to Merauke – an insistence that every child born
in this country should be treated equally, whether they come from Java
or Aceh; Bali or Papua.
That effort extends to the example that Indonesia sets abroad.
Indonesia took the initiative to establish the Bali Democracy Forum, an
open forum for countries to share their experiences and best practices
in fostering democracy. Indonesia has also been at the forefront of
pushing for more attention to human rights within ASEAN. The nations
of Southeast Asia must have the right to determine their own destiny,
and the United States will strongly support that right. But the people
of Southeast Asia must have the right to determine their own destiny as
well. That is why we condemned elections in Burma that were neither
free nor fair. That is why we are supporting your vibrant civil society
in working with counterparts across this region. Because there is no
reason why respect for human rights should stop at the border of any
country.
Hand in hand, that is what development and democracy are about –
the notion that certain values are universal. Prosperity without
freedom is just another form of poverty. Because there are aspirations
that human beings share – the liberty of knowing that your leader is
accountable to you, and that you won’t be locked up for disagreeing
with them; the opportunity to get an education and to work with
dignity; the freedom to practice your faith without fear or restriction.
Religion is the final topic that I want to address today, and –
like democracy and development – it is fundamental to the Indonesian
story.
Like the other Asian nations that I am visiting on this trip,
Indonesia is steeped in spirituality – a place where people worship God
in many different ways. Along with this rich diversity, it is also
home to the world’s largest Muslim population – a truth that I came to
know as a boy when I heard the call to prayer across Jakarta.
Just as individuals are not defined solely by their faith,
Indonesia is defined by more than its Muslim population. But we also
know that relations between the United States and Muslim communities
have frayed over many years. As President, I have made it a priority to
begin to repair these relations. As a part of that effort, I went to
Cairo last June, and called for a new beginning between the United
States and Muslims around the world – one that creates a path for us to
move beyond our differences.
I said then, and I will repeat now, that no single speech can
eradicate years of mistrust. But I believed then, and I believe today,
that we have a choice. We can choose to be defined by our differences,
and give in to a future of suspicion and mistrust. Or we can choose to
do the hard work of forging common ground, and commit ourselves to the
steady pursuit of progress. And I can promise you – no matter what
setbacks may come, the United States is committed to human progress.
That is who we are. That is what we have done. That is what we will do.
We know well the issues that have caused tensions for many years
– issues that I addressed in Cairo. In the 17 months that have passed
we have made some progress, but much more work remains to be done.
Innocent civilians in America, Indonesia, and across the world
are still targeted by violent extremists. I have made it clear that
America is not, and never will be, at war with Islam. Instead, all of
us must defeat al Qaeda and its affiliates, who have no claim to be
leaders of any religion – certainly not a great, world religion like
Islam. But those who want to build must not cede ground to terrorists
who seek to destroy. This is not a task for America alone. Indeed, here
in Indonesia, you have made progress in rooting out terrorists and
combating violent extremism.
In Afghanistan, we continue to work with a coalition of nations
to build the capacity of the Afghan government to secure its future.
Our shared interest is in building peace in a war-torn land – a peace
that provides no safe-haven for violent extremists, and that provides
hope for the Afghan people.
Meanwhile, we have made progress on one of our core commitments
– our effort to end the war in Iraq. 100,000 American troops have left
Iraq. Iraqis have taken full responsibility for their security. And we
will continue to support Iraq as it forms an inclusive government and
we bring all of our troops home.
In the Middle East, we have faced false starts and setbacks, but
we have been persistent in our pursuit of peace. Israelis and
Palestinians restarted direct talks, but enormous obstacles remain.
There should be no illusions that peace and security will come easy.
But let there be no doubt: we will spare no effort in working for the
outcome that is just, and that is in the interest of all the parties
involved: two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in
peace and security.
The stakes are high in resolving these issues, and the others I
have spoken about today. For our world has grown smaller and while
those forces that connect us have unleashed opportunity, they also
empower those who seek to derail progress. One bomb in a marketplace
can obliterate the bustle of daily commerce. One whispered rumor can
obscure the truth, and set off violence between communities that once
lived in peace. In an age of rapid change and colliding cultures, what
we share as human beings can be lost.
But I believe that the history of both America and Indonesia
gives us hope. It’s a story written into our national mottos. E
pluribus unum – out of many, one. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika – unity in
diversity. We are two nations, which have travelled different paths.
Yet our nations show that hundreds of millions who hold different
beliefs can be united in freedom under one flag. And we are now
building on that shared humanity – through the young people who will
study in each other’s schools; through the entrepreneurs forging ties
that can lead to prosperity; and through our embrace of fundamental
democratic values and human aspirations..
Earlier today, I visited the Istiqlal mosque – a place of
worship that was still under construction when I lived in Jakarta. I
admired its soaring minaret, imposing dome, and welcoming space. But
its name and history also speak to what makes Indonesia great. Istiqlal
means independence, and its construction was in part a testament to the
nation’s struggle for freedom. Moreover, this house of worship for many
thousands of Muslims was designed by a Christian architect.
Such is Indonesia’s spirit. Such is the message of Indonesia’s
inclusive philosophy, Pancasila. Across an archipelago that contains
some of God’s most beautiful creations, islands rising above an ocean
named for peace, people choose to worship God as they please. Islam
flourishes, but so do other faiths. Development is strengthened by an
emerging democracy. Ancient traditions endure, even as a rising power
is on the move.
That is not to say that Indonesia is without imperfections. No
country is. But here can be found the ability to bridge divides of race
and region and religion – that ability to see yourself in all
individuals. As a child of a different race coming from a distant
country, I found this spirit in the greeting that I received upon
moving here: Selamat Datang. As a Christian visiting a mosque on this
visit, I found it in the words of a leader who was asked about my visit
and said, “Muslims are also allowed in churches. We are all God’s
followers.”
That spark of the divine lies within each of us. We cannot give
in to doubt or cynicism or despair. The stories of Indonesia and
America tell us that history is on the side of human progress; that
unity is more powerful than division; and that the people of this world
can live together in peace. May our two nations work together, with
faith and determination, to share these truths with all mankind.
Apapun maksud dari kedatangannya ke Indonesia, beliau berhasil
mengambil hati bangsa Indonesia dengan cara sebagai orator yang keren
abis! Juga bahasa tubuhnya yang santun, kemana pun dia bergerak…keren
deh…Mungkin harus banyak di contoh para pejabat di Indonesia<
seorang Presiden negara adidaya bisa berlaku seperti itu. Nice!
.
Pidato Bahasa Inggris ini diambil langsung dari Gedung Putih di Amerika sono. Pidato ini adalah pidato Presiden Barack Obama tentang pendidikan yang disampaikan pada tanggal 8 september 2009 di Arlington, Virginia.Tidak ada unsur penyalahgunaan teks pidato ini karena situs gedung putih sendiri memakai Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. Publikasi teks pidato bahasa inggris
ini semata-mata demi kemajuan dan perkembangan ilmu pengetahuan
khususnya di bidang pendidikan serta ilmu Bahasa--lebih khusus lagi
yaitu untuk meningkatkan kemampuan kita dalam Berbahasa Inggris.
Berikut adalah teks pidato Bahasa Inggris tentang pendidikan yang disampaikan oleh Presiden Obama:
The President: Hello
everyone – how’s everybody doing today? I’m here with students at
Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we’ve got students
tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade.
I’m glad you all could join us today.
I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for
those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it’s
your first day in a new school, so it’s understandable if you’re a
little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are
feeling pretty good right now, with just one more year to go. And no
matter what grade you’re in, some of you are probably wishing it were
still summer, and you could’ve stayed in bed just a little longer this
morning.
I know that feeling. When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a
few years, and my mother didn’t have the money to send me where all the
American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons
herself, Monday through Friday – at 4:30 in the morning.
Now I wasn’t too happy about getting up that early. A lot of times, I’d
fall asleep right there at the kitchen table. But whenever I’d complain,
my mother would just give me one of those looks and say, "This is no
picnic for me either, buster."
So I know some of you are still adjusting to being back at school. But
I’m here today because I have something important to discuss with you.
I’m here because I want to talk with you about your education and what’s
expected of all of you in this new school year.
Now I’ve given a lot of speeches about education. And I’ve talked a lot about responsibility.
I’ve talked about your teachers’ responsibility for inspiring you, and pushing you to learn.
I’ve talked about your parents’ responsibility for making sure you stay
on track, and get your homework done, and don’t spend every waking hour
in front of the TV or with that Xbox.
I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting
high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around
schools that aren’t working where students aren’t getting the
opportunities they deserve.
But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the
most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of
it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless
you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to
your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work
it takes to succeed.
And that’s what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you
has for your education. I want to start with the responsibility you
have to yourself.
Every single one of you has something you’re good at. Every single one
of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself
to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can
provide.
Maybe you could be a good writer – maybe even good enough to write a
book or articles in a newspaper – but you might not know it until you
write a paper for your English class. Maybe you could be an innovator or
an inventor – maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or
a new medicine or vaccine – but you might not know it until you do a
project for your science class. Maybe you could be a mayor or a Senator
or a Supreme Court Justice, but you might not know that until you join
student government or the debate team.
And no matter what you want to do with your life – I guarantee that
you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a
teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a
lawyer or a member of our military? You’re going to need a good
education for every single one of those careers. You can’t drop out of
school and just drop into a good job. You’ve got to work for it and
train for it and learn for it.
And this isn’t just important for your own life and your own future.
What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future
of this country. What you’re learning in school today will determine
whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future.
You’ll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in
science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop
new energy technologies and protect our environment. You’ll need the
insights and critical thinking skills you gain in history and social
studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and
make our nation more fair and more free. You’ll need the creativity and
ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that
will create new jobs and boost our economy.
We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and
intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you
don’t do that – if you quit on school – you’re not just quitting on
yourself, you’re quitting on your country.
Now I know it’s not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of
you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to
focus on your schoolwork.
I get it. I know what that’s like. My father left my family when I was
two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at
times to pay the bills and wasn’t always able to give us things the
other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my
life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn’t fit in.
So I wasn’t always as focused as I should have been. I did some things
I’m not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my
life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.
But I was fortunate. I got a lot of second chances and had the
opportunity to go to college, and law school, and follow my dreams. My
wife, our First Lady Michelle Obama, has a similar story. Neither of her
parents had gone to college, and they didn’t have much. But they worked
hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in
this country.
Some of you might not have those advantages. Maybe you don’t have adults
in your life who give you the support that you need. Maybe someone in
your family has lost their job, and there’s not enough money to go
around. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don’t feel safe, or
have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren’t right.
But at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life – what you
look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you’ve got
going on at home – that’s no excuse for neglecting your homework or
having a bad attitude. That’s no excuse for talking back to your
teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. That’s no excuse
for not trying.
Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up.
No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your
own destiny. You make your own future.
That’s what young people like you are doing every day, all across America.
Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas. Jazmin didn’t speak
English when she first started school. Hardly anyone in her hometown
went to college, and neither of her parents had gone either. But she
worked hard, earned good grades, got a scholarship to Brown University,
and is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to
being Dr. Jazmin Perez.
I’m thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who’s
fought brain cancer since he was three. He’s endured all sorts of
treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took
him much longer – hundreds of extra hours – to do his schoolwork. But he
never fell behind, and he’s headed to college this fall.
And then there’s Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois.
Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest
neighborhoods, she managed to get a job at a local health center; start a
program to keep young people out of gangs; and she’s on track to
graduate high school with honors and go on to college.
Jazmin, Andoni and Shantell aren’t any different from any of you. They
faced challenges in their lives just like you do. But they refused to
give up. They chose to take responsibility for their education and set
goals for themselves. And I expect all of you to do the same.
That’s why today, I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for
your education – and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal
can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention
in class, or spending time each day reading a book. Maybe you’ll decide
to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your
community. Maybe you’ll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased
or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you
believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study
and learn. Maybe you’ll decide to take better care of yourself so you
can be more ready to learn. And along those lines, I hope you’ll all
wash your hands a lot, and stay home from school when you don’t feel
well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter.
Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it.
I know that sometimes, you get the sense from TV that you can be rich
and successful without any hard work -- that your ticket to success is
through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star, when chances
are, you’re not going to be any of those things.
But the truth is, being successful is hard. You won’t love every subject
you study. You won’t click with every teacher. Not every homework
assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute.
And you won’t necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try.
That’s OK. Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones
who’ve had the most failures. JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter book was
rejected twelve times before it was finally published. Michael Jordan
was cut from his high school basketball team, and he lost hundreds of
games and missed thousands of shots during his career. But he once said,
"I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why
I succeed."
These people succeeded because they understand that you can’t let your
failures define you – you have to let them teach you. You have to let
them show you what to do differently next time. If you get in trouble,
that doesn’t mean you’re a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder
to behave. If you get a bad grade, that doesn’t mean you’re stupid, it
just means you need to spend more time studying.
No one’s born being good at things, you become good at things through
hard work. You’re not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new
sport. You don’t hit every note the first time you sing a song. You’ve
got to practice. It’s the same with your schoolwork. You might have to
do a math problem a few times before you get it right, or read something
a few times before you understand it, or do a few drafts of a paper
before it’s good enough to hand in.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when
you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn’t a sign of
weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to
admit when you don’t know something, and to learn something new. So find
an adult you trust – a parent, grandparent or teacher; a coach or
counselor – and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals.
And even when you’re struggling, even when you’re discouraged, and you
feel like other people have given up on you – don’t ever give up on
yourself. Because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your
country.
The story of America isn’t about people who quit when things got tough.
It’s about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their
country too much to do anything less than their best.
It’s the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went
on to wage a revolution and found this nation. Students who sat where
you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war; who
fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon. Students who sat
where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google, Twitter and Facebook and
changed the way we communicate with each other.
So today, I want to ask you, what’s your contribution going to be? What
problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What
will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years
say about what all of you did for this country?
Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make
sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I’m
working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment
and computers you need to learn. But you’ve got to do your part too. So I
expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best
effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you.
So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself
down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it.
Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.