The facts surrounding Bernie's invitation to Vatican City [View all]

[CoffeeCat]

The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences extended an invitation to Bernie Sanders to participate in their conference which celebrates the 25th anniversary of Centesimus Annus.

Many world leaders, researchers and scientists were invited to participate. The first step in getting securing this invitation, is to apply. Not everyone who applies is invited. It is evident that the attendee list includes many prominent, accomplished participants from across the globe.

Bernie was extended an invitation to this conference. This is an exciting honor. His supporters should be proud of him, despite some negative grumblings.

Negative publicity ensued after Margaret Archer of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, issued disparaging comments, accusing Bernie of being "discourteous". She even speculated, that, “I think in a sense he may be going for the Catholic vote but this is not the Catholic vote and he should remember that and act accordingly -- not that he will.”

Here are the facts. The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, as a whole, extended this invitation to Bernie. They didn't have to. They granted this honor to Bernie because they want him there. If the organization wholly shared Ms. Archer's views, the invitation would have never happened. To suggest that Bernie wasn't invited--is unfair, unfounded and untrue.

Furthermore, below is the text of a press release/press statement released by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. You will notice that Bernie's name is listed FIRST in the list of attendees. Obviously, the organization is very proud that Bernie is attending. Their press materials--which are disseminated via the wires, worldwide--touts Bernie's name prominently.

I've written hundreds of press releases, on behalf of scientists, corporations and organizations. Press materials are designed to inform and publicize information. The most important information is placed in the first paragraph. Frankly, most reporters don't read past the headline and the first paragraph. Bernie's name is listed in that first paragraph, and is prominently featured as the first name.

That is not a mistake. That was done to spotlight Bernie Sander's involvement.

Clearly, Bernie has earned the support and respect of Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences--enough to get this coveted invitation and enough for them to highly tout his participation.

Undoubtedly, there are many important people and voices within this organization. Margaret Archer is the president and she is one of those voices. However, her concerns and allegations were not important enough to override the decision that this organization made to invite Bernie and to showcase his involvement.

We should all be very proud of Bernie Sanders and we should all look forward to the contributions that he will make at this important conference.

Bernie Sanders supporters should be celebrating this invitation--and so should Bernie Sanders.

(Link and) Text of press release issued by the pontifical Academy of Social Sciences
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We're delighted to host this conference to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Centesimus Annus, bringing together world leaders, including US Senator Sanders, Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa, Bolivian President Evo Morales, Academicians of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences such as its President Margaret Archer, and leading scholars such as Professor Daniel Finn, Professor Jeffrey Sachs etc., to examine and discuss changes in politics, economics, and culture in the world these last 25 years in the light of Pope Francis' new encyclical Laudato si'. Our intention is socio-political in the highest sense of the term, because according to art. 1 of our Statutes, the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences was established by the Holy Father John Paul II on 1 January 1994 with the aim of promoting the study and progress of the social sciences, primarily economics, sociology, law and political science.
Title I - Constitution and Aims of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences
Art. 1
The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences was established by the Holy Father John Paul II on 1 January 1994 (AAS 86 [1994], 213), with the aim of promoting the study and progress of the social sciences, primarily economics, sociology, law and political science. The Academy, through an appropriate dialogue, thus offers the Church the elements which she can use in the development of her social doctrine, and reflects on the application of that doctrine in contemporary society. The Academy, which is autonomous, maintains a close relationship with the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
✠ Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo

https://berniesanders.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Bernie-Sanders-Vatican.pdf