VOA标准英语2008年-Bush Calls for Volunteerism

By Scott Stearns
White House
01 June 2008

U.S. President George Bush is calling on young Americans to volunteer at home and abroad. VOA White House Correspondent Scott Stearns reports, Mr. Bush gave the commencement address at a university in South Carolina.
　

U.S. President George W. Bush delivers the commencement address at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, 31 May 2008

President Bush encouraged students graduating from Furman University to contribute to a rising culture of personal responsibility by serving others and being accountable to themselves and their families.

He said he has seen the spirit of service in Americans who are changing lives in Africa.

"Our citizens are teaching children in Ghana, helping¹ villagers fight malaria² and HIV/AIDS in Tanzania, and helping war-ravaged people recover and rebuild in Liberia," said President Bush. "These citizens are showing the world the true face of America - a kind and generous Nation that is meeting its responsibility to help the poor, the sick, and the hungry."

With American volunteerism near all-time highs, President Bush said much good work is being carried out by community and faith-based groups serving in soup kitchens, helping prisoners rejoin society, and inspiring young people in inner city classrooms.

Mr. Bush said the spirit of service also lives in those who proudly wear America's uniform.

"America is blessed to have citizens who volunteer in times of danger, and that includes some of you here today," he said. "You will leave Furman with more than a degree - you will also receive your commission as an officer in the United States military. I thank you for making the noble decision to serve. Your country is proud of you and so is your Commander-in-Chief."

It was a largely apolitical commencement speech without mention of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan or the president's struggles with Democrats³ in Congress over warrantless wiretaps and a free trade agreement with Colombia.

On this year's presidential election, Mr. Bush noted⁴ that it will be the first vote for many of the students. He asked them to do their duty by casting a ballot⁵. If they are wondering who to vote for, he said he and South Carolina's Republican governor would be happy to offer a few suggestions.

1 helping   

n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的

参考例句：

• The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
• By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。

2 malaria   

n.疟疾

参考例句：

• He had frequent attacks of malaria.他常患疟疾。
• Malaria is a kind of serious malady.疟疾是一种严重的疾病。

3 democrats   

n.民主主义者，民主人士( democrat的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The Democrats held a pep rally on Capitol Hill yesterday. 民主党昨天在国会山召开了竞选誓师大会。
• The democrats organize a filibuster in the senate. 民主党党员组织了阻挠议事。 来自《简明英汉词典》

4 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

5 ballot   

n.（不记名）投票，投票总数，投票权；vi.投票

参考例句：

• The members have demanded a ballot.会员们要求投票表决。
• The union said they will ballot members on whether to strike.工会称他们将要求会员投票表决是否罢工。