英語篇#10 Resignation Address in 1974 - Richard Nixon

Summary of the Speech:

- Nixon concluded that he no longer had "a strong enough political base in the Congress" to make it possible for him to complete his term of office.

- He had never been a quitter, and to leave office before the end of his term "is abhorrent 深惡痛絕 to every instinct 本能 in my body.”

- He mentioned he must put the interests of America first.

 

Some Important Parts of the Speech:

“I would have preferred to carry through to the finish whatever the personal agony it would have involved, and my family unanimously urged me to do so. But the interest of the Nation must always come before any personal considerations.”

 

- Agony （肉體或精神的）極度痛苦

My aunt has cancer and she has been in agony.

 

- Unanimously 一致地

The Board voted unanimously to terminate his three-year contract.

董事會全票通過決定終止他為期三年的合同。

 

- Urge 敦促; 驅策

We were urged to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.

 

To continue to fight through the months ahead for my personal vindication 辯護; 證明正當 would almost totally absorb the time and attention of both the President and the Congress in a period when our entire focus should be on the great issues of peace abroad and prosperity without inflation at home.

 

Absorb 吸收

- I need to a tissue to absorb the water on the table.

- Absorb the time and attention (耗盡時間及精神)