林明华：想起罗斯福

出处　　∶星洲日报
英译出处∶Remembering Roosevelt
作者　　∶林明华（Lim Mun Fah）
发表日期∶06-04-09
翻译　　∶DOMINIC LOH

纳吉就任首相之后，即展开他的『百日新政』之旅，连串的示好举动马上成为焦点，让人不得不『听其言，观其行』。

歷史上，有两个让人印象深刻的百日新政，一是中国满清时代的『百日维新』；二是美国罗斯福时代的『黄金百日』。前者以失败告终，后者则让美国成功翻身，重造辉煌。

歷史永远是一面镜子，不管是中国『百日维新』的失败，还是美国『黄金百日』的成功，这两段外国经验，都是值得借鑑的他山之石。

『百日维新』是中国经歷鸦片战爭及甲午战爭的耻败之后，於清朝光绪二十四年间（公元1898年6月11日─9月21日），由满清政府及一眾知识分子进行的一项变法改革。无奈变法受到以慈禧太后为首的保守势力的反对，最后以失败告终。

美国的『黄金百日』，则源自罗斯福的成功经验。罗斯福在就任总统百日之內，大刀阔斧地推出连串大气魄的政策与措施。歷史上称为新政。

罗斯福於1932年出任美国第三十二任总统，时逢股市崩盘3年，经济大萧条，美国人民笼罩在士气空前低落的悲观氛围之中。临危受命的他，在上任的“黄金百日”之內，便推出了3R（復兴（Recover） 、救济（Relief） 、改革（Reform）新政，最终带领美国走出经济阴影，他也因此被誉为美国歷史上最孚眾望、最受爱戴及最伟大的总统之一。

罗斯福的贡献不只限于经济层面，他为维护世界自由、和平与稳定所展现的道德勇气，同样令人敬佩。在1941年致美国国会的咨文中，他宣佈並誓言捍卫人类4大自由（即言论、信仰的自由与免於匱乏、恐惧的自由）。二次大战期间，同盟国则因他带领美国的参战而转败为胜。

斯人已远，回忆罗斯福的种种伟大事蹟和贡献，我们也许会有“恨铁不成钢”的感慨，但对任何想要有真正作为的新领导人来说，罗斯福的气度、智慧和勇气，却绝对是他们应该学习的楷模！

As soon as he has assumed the office of prime minister, Najib immediately launched his first "100 days" expedition, and has become an instant hit with a bagful of goodies released to the people. However, the public are still watching closely how he is going to perform.

Historically, there have been two rather striking instances of "first 100 days"--the "100-Day Reforms" during the Manchu Dynasty in China, and the "Golden 100 Days" of the Franklin Roosevelt administration.

The former ended up a big flop, while the latter successfully twisted America's fate.

History always acts as a mirror, be it the fumbling "100-Day Reform" in China or the resounding success of America's "Golden 100 Days." The experiences in these two countries should serve as valuable lessons for us.

The "100-Day Reform" was introduced by the Manchu government and a group of intellectuals between June and September 1898, after China suffered the humiliating defeats in the Opium War and the First Sino-Japanese War. The reform nevertheless failed because of the strong opposition from the conservatives led by the Empress Dowager.

On the other hand, during his first 100 days, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced a series of bold reform policies and measures.

Roosevelt became the president of the United States in 1932, at a time when the US stock market had collapsed for a third consecutive year. The national economy was in pathetic shape and Americans were plunged into deep despair.

Taking over the White House at such a critical moment, Roosevelt introduced the 3Rs--Recover, Relief and Reform--within his first 100 days, eventually delivering the country out of economic gloom. Roosevelt has subsequently become one of the most popular, revered and greatest presidents of the country.

Roosevelt's great works were not limited to the economic front, he was also similarly held in high esteem for his great courage in preserving world freedom, peace and stability.

In his State of the Union address to the US Congress in 1941, Roosevelt announced that he would defend the four freedoms of humanity, namely freedom of speech and expression, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. During the second world war, the Allies won because he led the US Army to take part in the war.

Contemplating the great works of Franklin Roosevelt, perhaps we would lament the poor performances of our own leaders.

But to individuals who really aspire to become great leaders, Roosevelt's noble disposition, wisdom and courage should serve as the perfect role model for them to emulate.