UUFSMA: “Compassion and Character Cast in a Vote”

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Online Service

“Compassion and Character Cast in a Vote”

Speakers: Robert Doupé and Cliff DuRand

Sunday, November 15, 2020

10:30 am

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/414604040 

Password: 294513

By Joseph Plummer
UUF Secretary

During this online Sunday Service of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Miguel de Allende, two members of the Fellowship, Robert Doupé and Cliff DuRand, will reflect on compassion and character as elements of political and social consciousness. Their commentaries follow the U.S. presidential election, in which the character of both major candidates provided a compelling litmus test for tens of millions of voters.

In the election’s broader context, Doupé considers the escalation of brutal and inhumane policies guiding the current administration’s executive decisions. He reminds Unitarians as citizens that they must call upon compassion in judging public policies and their effects on individuals.

Examining the galvanizing character of the chief executive implementing such policies, DuRand reflects on the self-interested, amoral, and asocial impulses of Donald Trump, a model of the neoliberal man, recognized for a complete lack of compassion in formulating public policies. DuRand treats this character-type as an offspring of capitalist markets. He notes that this ideology influences everyone in civic life and challenges his listeners to expel the “Trump within each of us.”

Born in Seattle, Washington, Doupé devoted his career to public administrative service in the Children’s Services Division of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and state juvenile protective services. In addition to a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, he holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of British Columbia. He and his wife Dianne Dailey live six months of the year in San Miguel.

DuRand is a retired philosophy professor and a founder of the Center for Global Justice, where he hosts a regular Monday webinar. His work as an author and editor has shaped two books, “Moving Beyond Capitalism” and “Recreating Democracy in a Globalized State.”

To participate in our online Sunday Service, visit the Fellowship’s website at www.uufsma.org and click on the Zoom Service button displayed on the home page. If requested, enter password: 294513. Sign-in between 10:15-10:25 am.

Through grants and awards, UUFSMA donates at least fifty percent of its budget to support nonprofit organizations that provide health, educational, and environmental services for underserved communities in the San Miguel region. Please support this work by clicking on the website home page Donate button. Now more than ever, your support is essential.

Due to the coronavirus, UUFSMA has suspended in-person Sunday services and other gatherings. A growing collection of previous online services can be found on the UUFSMA’s YouTube channel. Go to https://www.youtube.com/ and enter UUFSMA in the search box. The UU Fellowship welcomes people of all ages, races, religions, sexual orientation, and gender identity.