布什总统清华大学演讲全文(中英对照)

If you travel across America, you will find people of many different ethic backgrounds and many different faiths. We are a varied country. We are home to 2.3 million Americans of Chinese ancestry, who can be found working in the offices of our biggest companies, serving in my own Cabinet, and skating for America at the Olympics. Every immigrant, by taking an oath of allegiance to our country, becomes just as much an American as the President of the United States.

America shows that a society can be vast and varied, and yet still one country, commanding the allegiance and love of its people.

All of these qualities of America were vividly displayed on a single day, September 11th, when terrorists attacked America. American policemen and firefighters, by the hundreds, ran into burning towers in the desperate hope of saving other lives. Volunteers came from everywhere to help with the rescue efforts. Americans donated blood, and gave money to help the families of victims. People went to prayer services all over America, and raised flags to show their pride and unity. None of this was ordered by the government; it happened spontaneously, by the initiative of a free people.

Life in America shows that liberty, paired with law, is not to be feared. In a free society, diversity is not disorder. Debate is not strife. And dissent is not revolution. A free society trusts its citizens to seek greatness in themselves and their country.

It was my honor to visit China in 1975, and a lot has changed in your country since then. China has made amazing progress ? in openness, and enterprise, and economic freedom. And this progress previews China's great potential.

China has joined the World Trade Organization, and as you live up to its obligations, they will bring changes in China's legal system. A modern China will have a consistent rule of law to govern commerce and secure the rights of its people.

The new China your generation is building will need the profound wisdom of your traditions. The lure of materialism challenges society in our country and in many successful countries. Your ancient ethic of personal and family responsibility will serve you well.

Behind China's economic success today are talented, energetic people. In the near future, these same men and women will play a full and active role in your government. This university is not simply turning out specialists, it is preparing citizens. And citizens are not spectators in the affairs of their country. They are participants in its future.

Change is coming. China is already having secret ballot and competitive elections at the local level. Nearly twenty years ago, Deng Xiaoping said that China would eventually expand democratic elections all the way to the national level and I look forward to that day.

Tens of millions of Chinese today are relearning Buddhist, Taoist, and local religious traditions, or practicing Christianity, Islam, and other faiths. Regardless of where or how these believers worship, they are no threat to public order; in fact, they make good citizens. For centuries, this country had a tradition of religious tolerance. My prayer is that all persecution will end, so that all in China are free to gather and worship as they wish.