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.
这些是危机的迹象，这一点统计数据将予以证明。不易于衡量但同样严重的是全国各地动摇的信心——一种挥之不去的恐惧感，认为美国将不可避免地走下坡路，下一代人不得不放低眼光。
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.
今天，我告诉大家，我们面临的挑战确实存在，不仅严重而且是多方面的。它们不可能轻易或在一个短时间内被征服。但是，美国，请记住——它们将最终被征服。
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
我们今天聚集在这里是因为我们选择希望而非恐惧，选择齐心协力而不是冲突对立。
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.
我们今天在这里宣告，让斤斤计较与虚假承诺就此结束，让窒息我们政治为时太久的相互指责和陈词滥调就此终结。
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 predious 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.
我国仍是一个年轻的国家，但用圣经的话说，现在是抛弃幼稚的时候了，是我们让永恒的精神发扬光大的时候了，是选择创造更佳历史业绩的时候了，是将代代相传的宝贵财富、崇高理想向前发展的时候了。上帝赋予所有人平等、自由和充分追求幸福的机会。
重点讲解：
1. a span of
间隔；期间；
eg. The batteries had a life span of six hours.
这些电池的寿命为 6 小时。
eg. The celebrations would last a span of two weeks.
庆祝活动将持续两个多礼拜。
2. worn out
（观点等）过时的，陈腐的；
eg. 'A passport to a brighter future': it sounds like a worn-out advertising slogan, but for once the cliche has substance.
“通往更加光明的未来的通行证”，这话听起来像句老掉牙的广告词，但这次这句套话却言之有物。
eg. When writing a composition, one must avoid using worn - out themes.
作文一定要避免陈词滥调。
3. set aside
放弃（信仰、原则或情感）；置…于不顾；
eg. He urged them to set aside minor differences for the sake of peace.
他敦促他们为了和平抛开一些小的分歧。
eg. The plan was set aside.
计划被搁置起来。
4. carry forward
推进；发扬；
eg. They are determined to carry forward the enterprise.
他们决心把事业进行下去。
eg. This fine traditional virtue deserves to be carried forward.
这项传统美德值得继续发扬下去。
5. pass on
将…传给；将…交给；
eg. The experienced artisan would pass on the tricks of the trade to the apprentice.
这位经验丰富的工匠会把诀窍传给徒弟。
eg. Matsushita made a considerable effort to pass on his company's legacy to each new recruit.
松下先生作了相当大的努力，把他的公司的优秀遗产传给每一个新成员。 |