His boat was fastened by a chain to a stake in the ground.

他的小船用链条拴在岸边的一根地桩上。

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If he is rejected, the message to future public servants will be clear -- never rock the boat, always go along with the majority, never stake out an independent position, never take a principled stand and above all, never annoy a powerful enemy.

CNN: Don't punish Obama for picking a maverick