CURRENT MISSION

To support the human rights struggles of people who are oppressed. My main focus is the Palestinians.

ABOUT ME

I am retired from a career in IT. Additionally, I'm an author (10 books) and journalist (countless articles) and human-rights activist. I've spoken on human rights in such diverse places as Washington, D.C.; Shannon, Ireland (where my wife and I Couchsurfed), and Tehran, Iran. My main area of focus is Palestine. I serve on the boards of World Beyond War; Canadian Voices for Palestinian Rights, and Canadians for Peace and Justice in Kashmir.
I retired four years ago, and am now in my third year of a PhD program (Sociology and Legal Studies) at the University of Waterloo.
My wife and I have been taking dancing lessons for years, and I'm learning to speak Arabic.
Following the U.S. presidential election of 2004, I moved to Canada.
I have lost all faith in the two-party system, and voted Socialist in the 2016 election (I hold dual citizenship: U.S. and Canada).
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and am actively involved with the Church.
Additionally, I am happily married; my wife and I have one son who is also happily married to a wonderful young woman.
As noted above, I'm learning to speak Arabic. I have a working knowledge of Spanish.

PHILOSOPHY

I have strongly-held beliefs that I live by. However, I do not expect other people to live by them; other people have their beliefs and like me, they live by them and I respect that.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have hosted several times, and each has been a great experience (there was one small exception, but nothing major). I have been a 'guest' several times, once with my wife, son and daughter-in-law, and each was also a great experience.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

All of our couchsurfing experiences have been wonderful. It was terrific getting to know the people who stayed with us, and the people I stayed with.

Interests

I enjoy bicycling, kayaking and hiking. I also oil paint; I'm not good (and I'm not just being modest; I'm really not good!), but I get satisfaction from what I do.
Several years ago, my wife, son and I took a weeklong bike tour in Oregon, which was terrific. We camped at sustainable farms and worked on them during the mornings, and learned about sustainable practices.
My wife and I have been taking dancing lessons for several years, which is fun (usually!).

• writing
• books
• human rights
• cooking
• reading
• painting
• cycling
• hiking
• history
• volunteering
• social justice

Music, Movies, and Books

Much of my reading concerns research for my books and articles. For more leisure-type reading, I greatly enjoy anything by Jane Austen.
A few years ago, I read 'Les Miserables', and loved it. The movie was one of the best movies I've ever seen. Another all-time favorite movie is 'Tommy', the rock opera from the seventies.
Another great book is 'Healing Politics: A Doctor’s Journey into the Heart of Our Political Epidemic', by Abdul El-Sayed.
Also, 'Peace Like a River', by Leif Enger.
And, of course 'The Thorn Birds'.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I suppose the most amazing thing I've ever done is move from south Florida to the Yukon Territory. I made the decision to leave the U.S. after the 2004 presidential election.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can provide information about the following:
* History of desertion from the U.S. military.
* U.S. foreign policy.
* Palestinian oppression and resistance.
* The repression of the Kashmiris.
* Colonialism.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Conversation. Also, I'll cook a lasagna dinner if time allows. And since my wife and I have been taking dance lessons for years, I can teach a few basic steps if anyone is interested.

Countries I’ve Visited

Croatia, England, Greece, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Turkey, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, United States

•