12岁少女美民主党全国大会演讲

学以致用

      Ilana Wexler's speech

     at 2004 Democratic Party Convention

     12岁少女演讲轰动美民主党全国大会

     7月27日，12岁的少女伊阿娜·怀克斯勒在民主党全国代表大会上发表演说，抨击副总统切尼，赢得满堂彩。伊阿娜是奥克兰的一名七年级学生。她建立了一个“儿童支持克里”的基层组织，为此她放弃了参加夏令营，全身心地投入了为克里助选中去。克里的夫人上周亲自打电话邀请伊阿娜在民主党大会上发表演讲。伊阿娜称赞克里致力于美国的教育，关心美国的孩子。她说：“如果克里成功当选美国总统，而他的成功也有孩子们的一份功劳，那该多么神奇。”她还批评切尼在与民主党参议员的辩论中说脏话。她说：“如果是我说了这些脏话，我肯定会被判出场。我认为现在切尼应该被判出场。”全体代表对伊阿娜的演讲不断地报以欢呼。伊阿娜的父母为此流出了自豪的泪水。

     Ilana Wexler:

     My name is Ilana Wexler. I'm 12 years old, and I am the founder of "Kids for Kerry."

     Kids for Kerry is a grassroots organization of kids that support John Kerry, want to help their futures, and get active in politics.

When my parents went to see Teresa Heinz Kerry speak, they told me that she was amazing! -- and that they thought John Kerry would make a great President. I decided to find out more about John Kerry. I talk about what I learned by using my ABCs.

     "A" is America. John Kerry is a hero to America, and he will help our futures. He is a great and positive role model.

     "B" is Better education. John Kerry wants to make class sizes smaller, so that children get the best part out of learning. He wants to help teachers because being a teacher is educating children, and letting them out into the world to do good things.

     "C" is Compassion towards children. John Kerry wants to make sure that health care is not a privilege, but it is something that we can all afford.

     This summer, I was supposed to go to my favorite camp. But instead, I decided to go to the John Kerry office every day. Kids can really help!

     On KidsforKerry.org, we have an interactive presidential quiz. There are 270 questions for the electoral votes John Kerry will win. Plus, 25 questions to make up for Florida from the last election.

     Our next goal is to have a petition for "National No Name-Calling Day," a day that the candidates don't say anything negative about one another. When our Vice President had a disagreement with a Democratic senator, he used a REALLY BAD word.

     If I said that -- If I said that word, I would be put in a "time-out."

     I think he should be put in a time-out.

     The last time I saw John Kerry, he grabbed my arm and said, "See you at the convention." And here I am!

     What will be even more amazing will be the inauguration in January, when we have a new President, knowing that kids have made a difference in this election.

     To summarize, Teresa Heinz Kerry: Inspirational, amazing!

     John Kerry: American hero, next President.

     Kids need -- Kids need positive -- Kids need positive role models in politics. And our Vice President deserves a longgggggg time-out.

     Kids -- Kids, this is about our futures. Make sure all adults you know get out and vote.

     We can have a voice today!

     Thank you!