Custom Weapons

from Gordon Duff and Mike Chester , we present ; The VT Custom Firearms Shop is open for business and is ready to take your orders .
We took a short break to give Mike a rest but he is back building custom firearms which we are proud to offer .
Recent events have seriously increased the demand for firearms and many dealers are experiencing shortages .
We have plenty of in-stock complete rifles and pistols as well as parts for custom builds .
There are many weapons in inventory that are not listed including a good supply of curio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a somewhat limited supply of optics and magazines so , for now , they are not available for sale except with a rifle or pistol purchase .
Since many people are now experiencing financial limits due to not being able to work we have introduced a new basic rifle at a lower price point but with all of the quality , you have come to expect from us .
We still have our regular models available for the same price that they were before the current situation .
Many sellers are trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising their prices but we don ’ t believe in price gouging .
Of course , our suppliers have raised their prices and when our inventory needs to be replaced we will have to raise our prices to compensate .
But for now , we are keeping them low .
We don ’ t encourage panic buying but are here to serve your needs .
For further information or to purchase any of these guns , please contact Mike Chester at Chet ’ s Firearms of Howell , Michigan .
[ email protected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike .
Prices do not include shipping to your local FFL .
All prices are plus reasonable shipping , all sales require normal license procedures and are limited by law in your area , please check .
Dealer is Chet Firearms of Howell , Michigan .
We have these weapons for immediate shipment and a few more , like a truckload .
You want it , we will build it for you , any caliber or may well have it for immediate shipment .
DISCLOSURE : Chet ’ s Firearms is a private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Firearms and Adamas personnel design weapons offered by Chet ’ s , a federally licensed dealer and manufacturer .
VT has NO financial interest in Chet ’ s Firearms and is NOT an owner , partner , or affiliate with Chet ’ s Firearms .
All legal responsibilities for gun sales is that of Chet ’ s Firearms and NOT VT or Veterans Today Network This is our new model “ basic ” rifle .
The functional parts are the same high quality that we use on our premium rifles .
The differences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjustable stock and pistol grip .
No optic is included at this price .
Our basic model is a step above most basic rifles in that we include a 10 inch slimline keymod front rail instead of the plastic handguard most offer .
• 16-inch Phosphate coated or parkerized barrel compatible with .223 and 5.56 ammo • 30 or 10 round magazine ( depend on your local laws ) • Optic not included in base price ( add a 3-9X40 Barksa scope for $ 60 or fold-able open sights for $ 35 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other calibers at a slight premium .
Call Mike for details .
California and New York have enacted cosmetic laws that ban so-called “ assault rifles.
” Any rifle with any appearance item from a list of “ features ” makes it illegal to purchase .
We designed and built a “ featureless ” rifle that has none of the evil parts .
Functionally it is identical to our regular AR rifles , it just looks different .
At first glance , it looks a bit odd but it is actually very pleasant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in stock and these special stocks are now in short supply so we don ’ t know when we will be able to build another one .
• 16-inch phosphate coated barrel , target crowned without threads ( one of the banned features ) • Special “ featureless ” stock with a curved hand grip instead of a pistol grip .
( another banned item ) The 6.5 Grendel is the round that the military should be using as it has much more power and accuracy at distance .
The bullet is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This rifle features a high-end ELD Defense match grade target barrel .
It maintains accuracy at well past 1000 yards .
ELD is a British company that has made barrels for the UK competition rifle team for many years .
They have recently entered the US market and offered manufacturers reasonable prices to get us to try their products .
We have found their quality to be excellent .
Now that we are using them the introductory prices have ended .
This is the last barrel we bought at the lower price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost more .
The photo shows the rifle equipped with a Zeiss scope which is currently out of stock so we are offering it with a Hi-Lux Leatherwood scope in 4-16X44 .
This is a quality “ piece of glass.
” You also have the option for an additional $ 25 of upgrading to the Hi-Lux Leatherwood scope in 6-24X44 .
Our line of custom .308s are still awaiting approval and so we can not offer them for sale at this time .
We do , however , have one that was built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell .
We took their rifle and replaced the stock with a MOE and added a custom pistol grip .
We put on a detachable carry handle with built-in dual aperture sights that co-witness with the front sight post .
We added a removable rail with a 3-9X40 Barksa scope on top of the handle .
This can be easily removed or replaced using the single thumbscrew that locks it in place .
• “ Punisher ” muzzle brake ( Maybe slightly different than one pictured ) • ACS stock ( this stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rifle is available with a MOE stock at the same price ) • 30 round or 10 round magazine ( depending on your local laws ) The .450 Bushmaster round was developed specifically as a deer hunting round though it can also be a quite effective anti-personnel round .
Several states , including Michigan , have different zones during deer hunting season .
Those nearer to cities only allow the use of shotguns or rifles using non-tapered rounds .
The intent of the non-tapered round was to use a pistol cartridge in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rounds such as the .357 magnum , .44 magnum or the .45 Long Colt are used .
Any rifle that uses a cartridge has a larger compartment for powder and is necked down to propel a smaller caliber bullet at high velocity is not allowed .
Bushmaster designed a round to get around this limitation and called it the .450 Bushmaster .
You can think of it as basically a .45 very long Colt .
It is a non-tapered cartridge so it is legal to use in these restricted areas but has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rifles .
• 8 round magazine specifically designed for the .450 ( a standard .223 magazine can be used in single stack configuration but is much more prone to jam . )
• Optic not included in price but we have a few available .
The .458 SOCCOM was designed by the military to be a handheld rifle used primarily by the Navy and Coast Guard to shoot holes in pirate ships and drug runner ’ s boats .
It fires a large heavy bullet at high velocity .
A typical example is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second .
This could take down an elephant , though that would be wrong .
We have one Chinese made SKS rifle ( It appears to be a Norinco , but it does not have brand markings ) It has not been touched and is still coated in cosmolene .
It is a battle used and has some trench art on the stock .
It is chambered in 7.62X39 ( same as the AK-47 ) We gave it a cursory examination and it appears to be in relatively good condition but it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some scars .
The cosmolene prevents a closer inspection and I didn ’ t take any photos .
We are therefore offering it in as-in condition .
• We also have a new modern custom foldable stock that accepts removable magazines and one magazine .
These are available if desired at an extra cost of $ 100 .
Contact Mike for the details .
This is a very rare collectible rifle in “ hand select ” condition .
The Finns copied the Russian Mosin Nagant but shortened the barrel slightly and installed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tiny fraction of the number made by the Russians and few were imported to the US .
It is still in cosmolene and is in above average condition .
It appears to have been used very little or not at all .
It is chambered in 7.62X54R as is the original Russian model .
These are quite rare and this may be your only chance to get one .
These are just a few of our available offerings .
We have many assembled rifles in stock for immediate shipping as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specifications .
Call Mike at 517-548-9558 to ask any questions or to place an order .
Ask for Mike We accept cashier ’ s checks , Money orders , Visa , MasterCard , and Discover .
There is a 3 % surcharge for credit card use as that is what we are charged and we just pass it along .
The following photos are of some of our previous builds .
Some of these are not currently available .

from Gordon Duff and Mike Chester, we present;
In the last few months, demand for our offerings has increased dramatically and we have completely sold out of our “basic” special model. There is a severe shortage on the availability of parts which resulted in the price we pay for parts to sharply increase. Parts for the “Basic” if they were even available, would now cost more than we were selling the complete rifles for. No matter how many times I do the calculations, I still don’t think I can make up the deficit in volume.
All of the other firearms shown are still available at the prices shown but we are down to only one of each for most of them and replacing them will cost more.
We are doing our best to keep our custom products available at reasonable prices, but in the foreseeable future we see shortages and higher prices.
Right now, these seen below are the only complete rifles and pistols available, but we are working to replenish our parts supply when they become available.
We still have the necessary components to build complete lower receivers so if you already have an upper, know another place to buy one or have built your own we can still supply the necessary lowers. Prices start at $325 for complete lowers (this price is for a standard mil-spec adjustable stock and pistol grip) and can go up somewhat depending on options chosen. Call Mike at 517-548-9558 to ask any questions or to place an order…
Mike
Chet’s Firearms
The VT Custom Firearms Shop is open for business and is ready to take your orders. We took a short break to give Mike a rest but he is back building custom firearms which we are proud to offer.
COVID attack cat as requested
Recent events have seriously increased the demand for firearms and many dealers are experiencing shortages. We have a very limited supply of in-stock complete rifles and pistols as well as parts for custom builds.
Gordon Duff with one of the VT Firearms ready to go
There are many weapons in inventory that are not listed including a good supply of curio and relic military weapons. We have a somewhat limited supply of optics and magazines so, for now, they are not available for sale except with a rifle or pistol purchase.
50 years before Kadir and G
Many sellers are trying to take advantage of the current shortage by raising their prices but we don’t believe in price gouging. Of course, our suppliers have raised their prices and since our inventory needs to be replaced we will have to raise our prices to compensate. Many parts have more than doubled in price and many are not available at any price. We are doing our best to keep our prices as low as possible. We don’t encourage panic buying but are here to serve your needs.
Carbon Fiber kit
For further information or to purchase any of these guns, please contact Mike Chester at Chet’s Firearms of Howell, Michigan. chetarms@charter.net or phone 517-548-9558. Ask for Mike. Prices do not include shipping to your local FFL.
All prices are plus reasonable shipping, all sales require normal license procedures and are limited by law in your area, please check.
Dealer is Chet’s Firearms of Howell, Michigan. We have these weapons for immediate shipment and a few more, like a truckload. You want it, we will build it for you, any caliber or may well have it for immediate shipment.
Call Mike at 517 548 9558
DISCLOSURE: Chet’s Firearms is a private company. VT promotes Chet’s Firearms and Adama’s personnel design weapons offered by Chet’s, a federally licensed dealer and manufacturer. VT has NO financial interest in Chet’s Firearms and is NOT an owner, partner, or affiliate with Chet’s Firearms. All legal responsibilities for gun sales is that of Chet’s Firearms and NOT VT or VT Network
High End Custom .223/5.56 — Sold
This is a special one of a kind rifle that I originally built for myself. I am not currently able to go to the range so I am offering it for sale. It is brand new and is equipped with several custom features. It is equipped with a 3.0 lb. pull match grade custom trigger group. It has a short take-up, a crisp break and a short reset. The rifle is also equipped with a Luth-AR custom adjustable stock, a stainless steel match barrel with a stainless steel custom muzzle brake, a side charging upper, a 13.5 inch ultra slimline keymod rail, and a custom comfortable soft pistol grip. It also includes a 4X32 AIM scope with a red/green illuminated cross hair reticle and a fiber optic open sight on top.
Loadout:
16 inch match stainless steel barrel with stainless custom muzzle brake
Side charging upper receiver
13.5 inch ultra slimline keymod rail
3.0 lb. pull match grade trigger group with a short take-up, crisp break, and a short reset with anti-walk pins. – $200.00+ value
Luth-AR custom adjustable stock – $100.00 value
Soft custom pistol grip – $40.00 value
13.5 inch ultra-slimline keymod rail
AIM 4X32 scope with red/green illuminated crosshair reticle and fiber optic open sight on top. – $150.00 value
30 or 10 round magazine – depending on your local laws
Special Price of $999
Premium – Economy .223/5.56 Rifle
This rifle is a high-quality economically priced rifle. It has a 16 inch chrome-moly barrel with a “birdcage” muzzle brake, a Mil-spec adjustable stock and pistol grip, and a 12 inch slimline rail.
The functional components are our same high quality parts that we use for our more expensive rifles, but with lower-priced “furniture.”
Loadout:
16 inch chrome moly barrel with “birdcage” muzzle brake
12-inch slimline rail
Mil-spec adjustable stock and pistol grip
30 or 10 round magazine
$619.00
Our original exclusive “Can-Within-a-Can”
This is the original version of our famous “can-within-a-can design.
This was originally designed for UK forces as a replacement for the HK MP 5. Their version is 40 round clips, .300AAC/Blackout with threaded recess barrel (on the VT version as well) to take a silencer. If in Blackout, subsonic ammo is available.
When tested against a 9mm MP 5 which costs 4 times as much, this weapon makes the MP 5 look like a child’s toy. The world of fake weapons gurus had no idea we could get 8 times the range and 5 times the hitting power out of a lighter weapon with larger capacity that you can also beat someone to death with, thus the ‘can within a can’ design. This is the preferred ‘real life’ combat shooter at below 400 meters where 99.9 percent of real combat happens.
Loadout:
8.5-inch chrome-moly steel barrel
10 inch round front outer “can”
flash can
Custom pistol grip
Shockwave Blade arm brace
30 round magazine
Shown with optional red dot sight – +$50
Note – cat not included
$749
7.5 Inch .223 Pistol
Loadout:
7.5-inch chrome-moly barrel
7-inch slimline keymod rail
Shockwave Blade arm brace – newest style, easily adjustable length
Custom pistol grip
Birdcage muzzle brake
30 round magazine
$729
16 Inch .223/5.56 Rifle with “Breaching” Muzzle Brake
Loadout
16 Inch chrome-moly barrel in .223/5.56
12-inch slimline keymod rail
Breaching muzzle brake – This can be replaced with a “Birdcage Muzzle Brake at no charge
MOE stock
custom pistol grip
30 or 10 round magazine – depending on your local laws
$779
20 Inch .223/5.56 Rifle
Loadout
20-inch chrome-moly barrel in .223/5.56
15-inch slimline keymod rail
MOE stock
Custom pistol grip
Stainless trigger group
Sound forwarding muzzle device – This does not reduce the total sound but is supposed to direct more of it forward away from the shooter.
30 or 10 round magazine
$809 $799
450 Bushmaster Rifle
The .450 Bushmaster round was developed specifically as a deer hunting round though it can also be a quite effective anti-personnel round.
Several states, including Michigan, have different zones during deer hunting season. Those nearer to cities only allow the use of shotguns or rifles using non-tapered rounds. The intent of the non-tapered round was to use a pistol cartridge in a rifle for a limited range and power. Rounds such as the .357 magnum, .44 magnum or the .45 Long Colt are used.
Any rifle that uses a cartridge that has a larger compartment for powder and is necked down to propel a smaller caliber bullet at high velocity is not allowed. Bushmaster designed a round to get around this limitation and called it the .450 Bushmaster. You can think of it as basically a .45 very long Colt. It is a non-tapered cartridge so it is legal to use in these restricted areas but has power similar to the high-powered hunting rifles.
Loadout:
16 Inch Phosphate coated barrel
12 inch slimline keymod rail
Custom “tanker” style muzzle brake
Omega Tactical custom adjustable stock with thick butt pad
Custom pistol grip
8 round magazine specifically designed for the .450 (a standard .223 magazine can be used in single stack configuration but is much more prone to jam.)
Optic not included in price but we have a few available.
$779
.350 Legend — This one is sold, but I have another .350 barrel and can build another
The .350 Legend is a brand new round that was first introduced in 2019. It was designed primarily for deer hunting but is also a very fine anti-personnel round.
It is a smooth-sided round similar to the idea of the .450 Bushmaster but is a much more controllable round to shoot with much less recoil. Like the .450 Bushmaster, it was designed to allow hunters to use it in areas that limit deer hunting to the use of shotguns and non-tapered pistol rounds. They started with a basic .223 round and did not taper it down to the .223 bullet. This makes the projectile a .357 bullet. It is quite effective.
Loadout:
18 Inch Phosphate coated chrome-moly barrel
15 inch slimline MLOK rail
custom muzzle brake
custom grip
Rogers Superstock – adjustable with anti-rattle latch
5 round hunting magazine (most states limit capacity for hunting to 5 rounds. Larger magazine will probably be available in the future)
Optics are available but not included in price.
$769
The AK cats
California / New York Compatible Rifle
California and New York have enacted cosmetic laws that ban so-called “assault rifles.”
Any rifle with any appearance item from a list of “features” makes it illegal to purchase. We designed and built a “featureless” rifle that has none of the evil parts. Functionally it is identical to our regular AR rifles, it just looks different.
At first glance, it looks a bit odd but it is actually very pleasant to shoot.
We are now selling this rifle with the much nicer generation 3 stock.
This rifle now comes with the generation 3 stock shown in the first 3 photos. This stock not only looks better but it gets around the non-adjustable restriction by including a series of spacers that can be put in or taken out to adjust the length of the stock. This is legal.
It will come with an upper like the one shown on the older model pictured above. The 3-9X40 Barksa scope is not included but is available for an additional $60
Loadout:
16-inch phosphate coated barrel, target crowned without threads (one of the banned features)
New Generation 3 “featureless” stock with a curved hand grip instead of a pistol grip. (another banned item)
10 round magazine (CA and NY limit)
12-inch slimline keymod rail
$779
6.5 Grendel Precision 20 inch Target Rifle
The 6.5 Grendel is the round that the military should be used as it has much more power and accuracy at distance. The bullet is still traveling at supersonic speeds at 1000 yards.
This rifle features a high-end ELD Defense match grade target barrel. It maintains accuracy at well past 1000 yards. ELD is a British company that has made barrels for the UK competition rifle team for many years. They have recently entered the US market and offered manufacturers reasonable prices to get us to try their products. We have found their quality to be excellent. Now that we are using them the introductory prices have ended. This is the last barrel we bought at a lower price so in the future this rifle will cost more.
Loadout:
20 Inch Stainless steel ELD match grade target barrel
15-inch Ultra-slimline keymod rail
Custom Stainless muzzle brake
Custom padded stock
Custom pistol grip
25 round Magazine
$799
Collectible Rifles
SKS Rifle
We have one Chinese made SKS rifle (It appears to be a Norinco, but it does not have brand markings) It has not been touched and is still coated in cosmolene. It is a battle used and has some trench art on the stock. It is chambered in 7.62X39 (same as the AK-47)
We gave it a cursory examination and it appears to be in relatively good condition but it has been used in battle so it has some scars. The cosmolene prevents a closer inspection and I didn’t take any photos. We are therefore offering it in as-in condition.
The price is $349 .
We also have a new modern custom foldable stock that accepts removable magazines and one magazine. These are available if desired at an extra cost of $100. Contact Mike for the details.
Finnish Mosin Nagant
This is a very rare collectible rifle in “hand select” condition. The Finns copied the Russian Mosin Nagant but shortened the barrel slightly and installed a much-improved trigger system.
They made only a tiny fraction of the number made by the Russians and few were imported to the US. It is still in cosmolene and is in above average condition. It appears to have been used very little or not at all. It is chambered in 7.62X54R as is the original Russian model. These are quite rare and this may be your only chance to get one.
The price is $499
These are just a few of our available offerings. We have many assembled rifles in stock for immediate shipping as well as parts to custom build on to your specifications.
Call Mike at 517-548-9558 to ask any questions or to place an order.
Ask for Mike We accept cashier’s checks, Money orders, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. There is a 3% surcharge for credit card use as that is what we are charged and we just pass it along.
The following photos are of some of our previous builds. Some of these are not currently available.


veteranstoday--2020-04-01--Intel: US stands down on Europe’s new trade mechanism with Iran

[ Editor ’ s Note : Color me surprised .
I had read the EU had plans to send some medical equipment to Iran but we have heard these “ it ’ s just around the corner ” statements before .
I am thinking that maybe either these were donations , and hence no funds changed hands to avoid triggering the US financial sanctions .
We also had heard talk last week of some of Iran ’ s frozen funds being so they could be used for payment , but without a transfer being made .
Either way the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , making the statement that it wanted to be sure as the “ aid ” was not “ hijacked ” , whatever the heck that means .
The US has always said that humanitarian aid could always be imported , but not mentioning that the issue was not sending it into Iran , but paying for it .
Hence medicines for things like rare children ’ s cancer diseases have been block for years and accounting for the unnecessary deaths of kids .
As far as we know maybe this was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods to Iran flew home with some of Iran ’ s new coronavirus test kits… Jim W. Dean ] Jim 's Editor ’ s Notes are solely crowdfunded via PayPal Jim 's work includes research , field trips , Heritage TV Legacy archiving & more .
Thanks for helping .
Click to donate > > Europe launched its first shipment to Iran today using a mechanism that was originally intended to function as a workaround to US sanctions in a Hail Mary bid to salvage the unraveling Iran nuclear deal .
The shipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help it cope with the coronavirus outbreak that is ravaging the country .
The mechanism — dubbed INSTEX — was originally conceived as a means to offset the economic burden on Iran resulting from US sanctions .
But so far , the United States appears completely unbothered .
“ The US has no issues with humanitarian trade so long as it is conducted with strong due diligence measures to prevent the Iranian regime from hijacking the aid for itself , ” a State Department spokesperson told Al-Monitor .
Why it matters : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hoping that it would allow for business with European firms as Tehran hemorrhaged billions of dollars in oil revenue following President Donald Trump ’ s reimposition of sanctions .
After more than a year of delay , it became increasingly clear that INSTEX would only be used to facilitate humanitarian trade with Iran .
While Iran has accused US sanctions of inhibiting its response to the coronavirus pandemic , the United States did revise its sanctions guidelines last month to allow for medical and agricultural trade via Iran ’ s Central Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violate US sanctions — so long as it engages only in humanitarian transactions .
What ’ s next : A group of 34 Democratic lawmakers , including presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin today urging them to relieve sanctions on Iran as it struggles to cope with the pandemic .
Thirteen anti-war groups also backed the letter .
In the first transaction of its kind , France , Germany and Britain have sent medical goods to Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bypass US sanctions against Tehran .
In January 2019 , the three European countries , known as the E3 , developed the trade mechanism — dubbed INSTEX — as a workaround to export goods to Iran .
“ INSTEX and its Iranian counterpart STFI will work on more transactions and enhancing the mechanism , ” the German Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
“ These goods are now in Iran.
” The German Foreign Ministry did not specify what was included in the shipment , only confirming its arrival .
Citing people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street Journal reported Tuesday that “ the sale was equipment related to blood treatment from a German exporter.
” The Islamic Republic , meanwhile , is grappling with the Middle East ’ s worst coronavirus outbreak .
The death toll climbed to 2,898 on Tuesday , with more than 44,000 confirmed cases , Iran ’ s Health Ministry said .
The White House has resisted calls from some world leaders and human rights organizations to ease its “ maximum pressure ” campaign of sanctions against Iran , which Tehran says is hampering its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Iran have increasingly taken to social media to condemn the United States for what it calls “ economic terrorism.
” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stressed in a Tuesday news conference that the United States has offered humanitarian assistance to Iran in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
Medicine and medical supplies are exempted from US sanctions .
“ When they make the claim that they just don ’ t have the money to feed their people , these are decisions that these people ’ s leaders have often made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other sanctioned countries .
“ It is indeed quite sad.
” Last week , Iran ’ s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said his country would not accept American assistance , calling US officials “ charlatans and liars.
” “ Several times Americans have offered to help us to fight the pandemic .
That is strange because you face shortages in America , ” Khamenei said in a televised speech .

…from Al-Monitor
[ Editor’s Note: Color me surprised. I had read that the EU had plans to send some medical equipment to Iran, but we have heard these “it’s just around the corner” statements before.
I am thinking that possibly these were donations, and hence no funds changed hands to avoid triggering the US financial sanctions. We also had heard talk last week of some of Iran’s frozen funds being unfrozen so they could be used for payment, but without a transfer being made.
Either way the US seems to have rolled with it for now, making the statement that it wanted to be sure that the “aid” was not “hijacked”, whatever the heck that means. The US has always said that humanitarian aid could always be imported, but didn’t mention that the issue was not sending it to Iran, but of Iran having a mechanism to pay for it.
Hence medicines for things like rare children’s cancer diseases have been blocked for years and accounting for the unnecessary death of kids. As far as we know, maybe this was a barter transaction where the German plane delivering goods to Iran flew home with some of Iran’s new coronavirus test kits … Jim W. Dean ]
Jim's Editor’s Notes are solely crowdfunded via PayPal
Jim's work includes research, field trips, Heritage TV Legacy archiving & more. Thanks for helping. Click to donate >>
– First published … April 01, 2020 –
Europe launched its first shipment to Iran today using a mechanism that was originally intended to function as a workaround to US sanctions in a Hail Mary bid to salvage the unraveling Iran nuclear deal. The shipment includes consists of medical goods for Iran to help it cope with the coronavirus outbreak that is ravaging the country. The mechanism — dubbed INSTEX — was originally conceived as a means to offset the economic burden on Iran resulting from US sanctions. But so far, the United States appears completely unbothered. “The US has no issues with humanitarian trade so long as it is conducted with strong due diligence measures to prevent the Iranian regime from hijacking the aid for itself,” a State Department spokesperson told Al-Monitor. Why it matters: Iran initially had high expectations for INSTEX, hoping that it would allow for business with European firms as Tehran hemorrhaged billions of dollars in oil revenue following President Donald Trump’s reimposition of sanctions. After more than a year of delay, it became increasingly clear that INSTEX would only be used to facilitate humanitarian trade with Iran. While Iran has accused US sanctions of inhibiting its response to the coronavirus pandemic, the United States did revise its sanctions guidelines last month to allow for medical and agricultural trade via Iran’s Central Bank. This means INSTEX might never actually violate US sanctions — so long as it engages only in humanitarian transactions. What’s next: A group of 34 Democratic lawmakers, including presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin today urging them to relieve sanctions on Iran as it struggles to cope with the pandemic. Thirteen anti-war groups also backed the letter.
Note: from an additional Al-Monitor story:
In the first transaction of its kind, France, Germany and Britain have sent medical goods to Iran under a trade mechanism set up to bypass US sanctions against Tehran.
In January 2019, the three European countries, known as the E3, developed the trade mechanism — dubbed INSTEX — as a workaround to export goods to Iran.
“INSTEX and its Iranian counterpart STFI will work on more transactions and enhancing the mechanism,” the German Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “These goods are now in Iran.”
The German Foreign Ministry did not specify what was included in the shipment, only confirming its arrival. Citing people familiar with the transaction, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that “the sale was equipment related to blood treatment from a German exporter.”
The Islamic Republic, meanwhile, is grappling with the Middle East’s worst coronavirus outbreak. The death toll climbed to 2,898 on Tuesday, with more than 44,000 confirmed cases, Iran’s Health Ministry said.
The White House has resisted calls from some world leaders and human rights organizations to ease its “maximum pressure” campaign of sanctions against Iran, which Tehran says is hampering its ability to contain the virus. Officials in Iran have increasingly taken to social media to condemn the United States for what it calls “economic terrorism.”
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stressed in a Tuesday news conference that the United States has offered humanitarian assistance to Iran in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Medicine and medical supplies are exempted from US sanctions.
“When they make the claim that they just don’t have the money to feed their people, these are decisions that these people’s leaders have often made,” Pompeo said of Iran and other sanctioned countries. “It is indeed quite sad.”
Last week, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said his country would not accept American assistance, calling US officials “charlatans and liars.”
“Several times Americans have offered to help us to fight the pandemic. That is strange because you face shortages in America,” Khamenei said in a televised speech.


veteranstoday--2020-04-01--NEO – Andre Vltchek on the intellectual self-quarantine disease

We are not allowed to watch , listen and read what we want , anymore by Andre Vltchek , …with New Eastern Outlook , Moscow , …and the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences , a research institution for the study of the countries and cultures of Asia and North Africa [ Editor ’ s Note : Andre shares his unhappiness about being cooped up and kept from his perennial traveling , where every day is a new adventure .
Sure , the internet is there to connect us all , but not on the level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cafe in one of the great cities .
He presents a dual theme , the older version of censorship where publication is blocked , and the modern version of not being able to find what you want to see or know .
VT has followed this closely , as we have watched Google smash the links to some of our best older material .
So we have just kept republishing them .
Whenever they screw us , we go right back at them .
Like Vltchek , Gordon and I amassed large libraries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regretted at moving time , but Vltchek ’ s collection is in a different league due to its multiple languages .
My focus was always on biographies and autobiographies , and they came in handy for my future work with Public TV at the Comcast studios in Atlanta .
I began my shows with the old time , three minute editorial monologue , and I always wanted to use key quotes in those .
This required a lot of book scoring in terms of coding the most valuable ones with upper versus lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yellow highlighter .
When doing interviews with authors , I could review the highlights of their books in 15 minutes the night before a show , and once again in the morning before heading to the studio for my one hour Jim Dean Journal , a knock off of the Charlie Rose format that I had enjoyed so much over the years .
Sadly over the years , burglaries of books in storage during some of my traveling years separated me from a 2500 book library , and then later one of 3500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores , library sales and bookseller end lot close outs .
I then stopped at 1000 books for space requirements , and also because working with VT , the online reading load has killed my book reading .
My library is purely a reference one now .
If I had spare time , I have a huge editing task waiting for me to database all of my video interviews and event archives , keywording them down to the clip segment , so they will be archived for a quick search and for adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ articles .
So my dear Andre , enjoy the time at home where you can enjoy your treasures , which are hard to enjoy when you are on the road and have so little time when you need to absorb as much as you can , while you can… Jim W. Dean ] Jim 's Editor ’ s Notes are solely crowdfunded via PayPal Jim 's work includes research , field trips , Heritage TV Legacy archiving & more .
Thanks for helping .
Click to donate > > Now , that almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world , have been forced into staying in what could be easily defined as house arrest , there is suddenly plenty of time to read books , to watch great films , and to listen to splendid music .
Many of us , for years , have been sadly repeating again and again : “ if only we would have time… ” Now there is plenty of it – plenty of time .
The world has stopped .
Something terrible is happening ; something we never wanted to occur .
We sense it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not know precisely , what it is .
Not now , not yet .
Fiction has become reality .
Albert Camus and his Plague .
Jose Saramago and Blindness .
We did not really know that something like this could take place ; even those of us who have close to zero trust in the wisdom of Western civilization .
Today , again , I read the same argument that has been sending chills down my spine , each time it is repeated .
And repeated it is being , now regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Fascism is clearly back .
Dr. Luboš Motl , a Czech theoretical physicist , who was an assistant professor at Harvard University from 2004 to 2007 : “ And they believe that the structures which allow them to survive – the governments , banks , and so on – are ‘ evil ’ .
Some are just financially illiterate .
But others know what they are saying , and rejoice in demanding that trillions be sacrificed in order to infinitesimally increase the probability that a 90-year-old will avoid infection and live a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t accept their dependence on society and the system at all .
They don ’ t realize that their moral values , their ‘ human rights ’ , are only available if paid for by prosperous societies.
” A doctor… my God !
A “ prosperous society ” means , obviously , a capitalist , Western society .
Imperialism , neo-colonialism !
To the people like him , clearly , not every human life is equal .
‘ Value ’ depends on age , and perhaps on race ?
’ It has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but at least it was concealed , somehow .
Now it is out in the open .
And I am shaking .
Not from fear , but from revulsion .
I definitely do not want to live in “ Motl ’ s world.
” But back to the main topic of this essay .
Now we finally have that proverbial time to read , to watch films , and to listen to music .
Involuntarily , but time we have , nevertheless .
We also have plenty of time to think , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now diseased Uruguayan writer , an icon of the left , Eduardo Galeano , once told me , at his favorite Café Brazilero in Montevideo : “ In order to be a great writer , one has to be a great listener , first.
” I have to add : And a great reader , observer .
You can only produce great books , films and essays , after you listened to thousands of people speak ; people rich and poor , bright and senseless .
And after reading hundreds of books , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is impossible to change the world for better , after only consuming the cheapest pop and porn .
My Russian/Chinese mother , a painter and architect , has always told me , ever since I was a child : “ Even if you end up being an abstract painter , you can not cheat the basics : you have to first learn how to draw a face , a human body .
You have to know the classics , philosophy… Only then you can let your fantasy to go wild.
” Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , we are all grounded .
Time to catch up on what we have been neglecting , in terms of those intellectual inputs .
We are seated down on our sofas , we open our laptops , ready to download great films and music , and… and… nothing !
Go to Netflix and try to order something very basic , like films belonging to the brilliant Japanese new way cinema .
Try to watch the latest , incredible Iranian contemporary film , or some wonderful Czech masterpieces such as “ On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ( “ Teroristka , in Czech ” ) .
You will not succeed .
Go to Apple TV , and you will encounter the same result , “ almost nothing ” .
Sure , you can still watch some excellent international films if you fly the Emirates , or Air France , but remember , you are grounded !
In a panic , you rush to YouTube , only to discover that if you speak Russian or Czech or Spanish or Chinese , you can watch the best from these countries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their original tongues , no subtitles .
But if you want to share them with your friends and family members , who rely on English , you will only encounter trailers and short excerpts .
How many languages do my readers speak ?
I understand 8 , at most 9 .
Therefore , I can not watch films in Vietnamese , Chinese , Farsi .
They all have excellent directors .
Countries like Russia and China are making all their classic films available , and for all , right there , online .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure that you will never be able to watch them for free , or even for a fee , in English or with English subtitles .
You are supposed to watch Hollywood crap , and toothless BBC upgraded sitcoms .
You don ’ t like it ?
Tough luck !
At some point , you start frantically searching for different ways of how to get your hands on the important works of art .
Many , after several days of futile attempts and searches , simply give up and begin to watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and decades , like a beaver , I have been accumulating DVDs and CDs , from all over the world .
At present I have some 800 CDs , between Asia and Latin America , and hundreds of DVDs , even VHSs .
There is a reason for it – and I always knew that there would be .
I do not trust the regime .
I have never relied on the electronic formats of films and music , or on storing my stuff in some ‘ cloud ’ and on sticks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always be available through Amazon , YouTube , Netflix , Apple TV and other brutal businesses .
At this moment , my predictions have come true : you can not even watch Fellini ’ s La Dolce Vita on Apple TV !
Or , forget about the best films made by Pasolini , early ( socialist realism ) films by Kurosawa , 1930 ’ s Shanghai New Wave , or most of the masterpieces by Tarkovsky .
Yes , I have accumulated a tremendous film and music library , in all formats .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t trust the Western regime .
Especially now , when making the world population dumber and dumber , more and more complacent , is becoming , as it appears to me , the main goal of the Western apparatchiks .
Remember when they created those “ zones ” for DVDs ?
That was the beginning .
Our planet was fragmented , in the name of business , and of copyright protection .
But in fact , the reason was absolutely clear : people were not supposed to understand each other .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others saw the world .
Only the “ hubs ” like London , New York or Paris were allowed to decide and pre-chew , how the conquered part of humanity could interact , intellectually , culturally and ideologically .
The books ; oh yes , the books !
They have not started burning books , yet , as they did in Ray Bradbury ’ s novel “ Fahrenheit 451 ” .
I repeat , not yet .
But the system has made sure that books which even slightly challenge the system are hardly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes without saying that I made sure to count on two massive personal libraries , in both Asia and in Latin America .
Remember , they told you how ‘ un-ecological ’ printing paper books really was ?
Funny , you were never told how toxic tablets , computers and mobile phones are .
What you were also never told is that if you begin to rely fully on electronic books , the tap can be closed , at any moment , and doing what you do , you will be locked out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South America , I accumulated thousands of essential ( and not so essential ) books .
And I am a proud co-publisher of a small , but vigorous publishing house Badak Merah ( ‘ Red Rhino ’ ) .
And I never agree to publish any of my own , more than 20 books in 35 languages so far , electronically , before they are first printed on paper .
These days , paradoxically , unless you live in London or Paris , New York , but also Moscow , Beijing or Havana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not get books of your choice in those huge , bookstore chains , at least at the first attempt .
You will get bombarded from the moment you enter the store , with junk , pop , and feel-good stuff , until they distract you from all the serious , essential topics .
Actually , I am not even sure that in the West , these days , it is possible to build a great personal library , from scratch , anymore !
Yet , it is almost impossible to analyze “ emergencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ) like the coronavirus , without consulting philosophers and the above-mentioned novelists , like Saramago , Camus and Bradbury .
To understand Chinese and Russian philosophers would be very handy for comprehending , why both countries have so successfully combated the virus , and are now helping dozens of nations all over the world ; even those that have been tormenting them for years and decades .
To read and understand Cuban revolutionary , internationalist thinkers , would shed some light on the present situation , too .
But the chances are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do all that .
Yes , the taps are closing , and Westerners are increasingly resembling zombies , or , more precisely , ISIS .
Mostly , they can not get their hands on important books that would make them think , analyze and understand .
But most of the time , people don ’ t even have any desire to read , watch and listen to things that would help them to comprehend what is taking place around them , anymore .
Instead of listening to the human beings on all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the West , predominantly hear only about themselves .
It is some sort of “ selfie-style ” interaction with the world .
Individuals who live in this sort of realm , are taught to take simple commands , to react without thinking too much , and above all , to obey .
In the meantime , intellectual collapse is approaching ; or it is already here .
Now , people like me , are realizing that they are not allowed to read , watch and listen to what they want , anymore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listened to a lot , before .
And we have great ammunition of books , films , music.We are still writing about what is happening .
But soon , perhaps very soon , the great majority of individuals , will stop to even worry about such topics .
They will simply accept : shut up and accept , and read , watch and listen to what is pushed down their throats .
Or , to use new terminology – they will self-quarantine , intellectually .
If such a scenario arrives , it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic is destroying our human race .
Because it would not be a human race , anymore .
That is why , right now , we have to defend each and every human being , each life , whether sick or healthy , even if the person is 90 or 100 years old .
And we have to defend great books , films and music , because in them is our knowledge , our humanity , as well as the key to our survival .
Andre Vltchek is philosopher , novelist , filmmaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a creator of Vltchek ’ s World in Word and Images , and a writer that penned a number of books , including China ’ s Belt and Road Initiative : Connecting Countries Saving Millions of Lives .
He writes especially for the online magazine “ New Eastern Outlook .
”

DISCLOSURE: Sourced from Russian government funded media
We are not allowed to watch, listen
and read what we want, anymore
by Andre Vltchek, …with New Eastern Outlook, Moscow,…and the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, a research institution for the study of the countries and cultures of Asia and North Africa
[ Editor’s Note: Andre shares his unhappiness about being cooped up and kept from his perennial traveling, where every day is a new adventure. Sure, the internet is there to connect us all, but not on the level of doing an interview in a sidewalk cafe in one of the great cities.
He presents a dual theme, the older version of censorship where publication is blocked, and the modern version of not being able to find what you want to see or know. VT has followed this closely, as we have watched Google smash the links to some of our best older material. So we have just kept republishing them. Whenever they screw us, we go right back at them.
Like Vltchek, Gordon and I amassed large libraries over the years, to be only regretted at moving time, but Vltchek’s collection is in a different league due to its multiple languages. My focus was always on biographies and autobiographies, and they came in handy for my future work with Public TV at the Comcast studios in Atlanta.
I began my shows with the old time, three minute editorial monologue, and I always wanted to use key quotes in those. This required a lot of book scoring in terms of coding the most valuable ones with upper versus lower page dog-earring, and my heavily used yellow highlighter.
When doing interviews with authors, I could review the highlights of their books in 15 minutes the night before a show, and once again in the morning before heading to the studio for my one hour Jim Dean Journal, a knock off of the Charlie Rose format that I had enjoyed so much over the years.
Sadly over the years, burglaries of books in storage during some of my traveling years separated me from a 2500 book library, and then later one of 3500, representing years of collecting from thrift stores, library sales and bookseller end lot close outs.
I then stopped at 1000 books for space requirements, and also because working with VT, the online reading load has killed my book reading. My library is purely a reference one now.
If I had spare time, I have a huge editing task waiting for me to database all of my video interviews and event archives, keywording them down to the clip segment, so they will be archived for a quick search and for adding as a “video footnote” in articles.
So my dear Andre, enjoy the time at home where you can enjoy your treasures, which are hard to enjoy when you are on the road and have so little time when you need to absorb as much as you can, while you can… Jim W. Dean ]
Jim's Editor’s Notes are solely crowdfunded via PayPal
Jim's work includes research, field trips, Heritage TV Legacy archiving & more. Thanks for helping. Click to donate >>
– First published … April 01, 2020 –
Now, that almost all of us, all over the world, have been forced into staying in what could be easily defined as house arrest, there is suddenly plenty of time to read books, to watch great films, and to listen to splendid music.
Many of us, for years, have been sadly repeating again and again: “if only we would have time…”
Now there is plenty of it – plenty of time. The world has stopped. Something terrible is happening; something we never wanted to occur. We sense it, we are terrified, but we do not know precisely, what it is. Not now, not yet.
Fiction has become reality. Albert Camus and his Plague. Jose Saramago and Blindness. We did not really know that something like this could take place; even those of us who have close to zero trust in the wisdom of Western civilization.
Today, again, I read the same argument that has been sending chills down my spine, each time it is repeated. And repeated it is being, now regularly, at least in Europe. There, Fascism is clearly back. Dr. Luboš Motl, a Czech theoretical physicist, who was an assistant professor at Harvard University from 2004 to 2007:
“And they believe that the structures which allow them to survive – the governments, banks, and so on – are ‘evil’. Some are just financially illiterate. But others know what they are saying, and rejoice in demanding that trillions be sacrificed in order to infinitesimally increase the probability that a 90-year-old will avoid infection and live a little bit longer. They don’t accept their dependence on society and the system at all. They don’t realize that their moral values, their ‘human rights’, are only available if paid for by prosperous societies.”
A doctor… my God! A “prosperous society” means, obviously, a capitalist, Western society. Imperialism, neo-colonialism! To the people like him, clearly, not every human life is equal. ‘Value’ depends on age, and perhaps on race?’
It has always been like this, in the West, but at least it was concealed, somehow. Now it is out in the open. And I am shaking. Not from fear, but from revulsion. I definitely do not want to live in “Motl’s world.”
***
But back to the main topic of this essay. Now we finally have that proverbial time to read, to watch films, and to listen to music. Involuntarily, but time we have, nevertheless. We also have plenty of time to think, think, think.
The great and now diseased Uruguayan writer, an icon of the left, Eduardo Galeano, once told me, at his favorite Café Brazilero in Montevideo:
“In order to be a great writer, one has to be a great listener, first.” I have to add: And a great reader, observer.
You can only produce great books, films and essays, after you listened to thousands of people speak; people rich and poor, bright and senseless. And after reading hundreds of books, and watching hundreds of excellent films.
It is impossible to change the world for better, after only consuming the cheapest pop and porn. My Russian/Chinese mother, a painter and architect, has always told me, ever since I was a child:
“Even if you end up being an abstract painter, you cannot cheat the basics: you have to first learn how to draw a face, a human body. You have to know the classics, philosophy… Only then you can let your fantasy to go wild.”
Now, with the repulsive era of the COVID-19, we are all grounded. Time to catch up on what we have been neglecting, in terms of those intellectual inputs.
We are seated down on our sofas, we open our laptops, ready to download great films and music, and… and… nothing!
***
Go to Netflix and try to order something very basic, like films belonging to the brilliant Japanese new way cinema. Try to watch the latest, incredible Iranian contemporary film, or some wonderful Czech masterpieces such as “On the Roof”, or “Terrorist Woman” (“Teroristka, in Czech”).
You will not succeed. Go to Apple TV, and you will encounter the same result, “almost nothing”. Sure, you can still watch some excellent international films if you fly the Emirates, or Air France, but remember, you are grounded!
In a panic, you rush to YouTube, only to discover that if you speak Russian or Czech or Spanish or Chinese, you can watch the best from these countries, mostly for free, but only in their original tongues, no subtitles. But if you want to share them with your friends and family members, who rely on English, you will only encounter trailers and short excerpts.
How many languages do my readers speak? I understand 8, at most 9. Therefore, I cannot watch films in Vietnamese, Chinese, Farsi. They all have excellent directors.
Countries like Russia and China are making all their classic films available, and for all, right there, online. But the US-UK censors and greedy distributors make sure that you will never be able to watch them for free, or even for a fee, in English or with English subtitles.
You are supposed to watch Hollywood crap, and toothless BBC upgraded sitcoms. You don’t like it? Tough luck! At some point, you start frantically searching for different ways of how to get your hands on the important works of art.
Many, after several days of futile attempts and searches, simply give up and begin to watch whatever shit is available.
For years and decades, like a beaver, I have been accumulating DVDs and CDs, from all over the world. At present I have some 800 CDs, between Asia and Latin America, and hundreds of DVDs, even VHSs.
There is a reason for it – and I always knew that there would be. I do not trust the regime.
I have never relied on the electronic formats of films and music, or on storing my stuff in some ‘cloud’ and on sticks, or hoping that what I want would always be available through Amazon, YouTube, Netflix, Apple TV and other brutal businesses.
At this moment, my predictions have come true: you cannot even watch Fellini’s La Dolce Vita on Apple TV! Or, forget about the best films made by Pasolini, early (socialist realism) films by Kurosawa, 1930’s Shanghai New Wave, or most of the masterpieces by Tarkovsky.
Yes, I have accumulated a tremendous film and music library, in all formats. I repeat: I simply don’t trust the Western regime. Especially now, when making the world population dumber and dumber, more and more complacent, is becoming, as it appears to me, the main goal of the Western apparatchiks.
Remember when they created those “zones” for DVDs? That was the beginning. Our planet was fragmented, in the name of business, and of copyright protection. But in fact, the reason was absolutely clear: people were not supposed to understand each other.
They were not supposed to understand directly how the others saw the world. Only the “hubs” like London, New York or Paris were allowed to decide and pre-chew, how the conquered part of humanity could interact, intellectually, culturally and ideologically.
***
The books; oh yes, the books! They have not started burning books, yet, as they did in Ray Bradbury’s novel “Fahrenheit 451”. I repeat, not yet.
But the system has made sure that books which even slightly challenge the system are hardly made available to the public. It goes without saying that I made sure to count on two massive personal libraries, in both Asia and in Latin America.
Remember, they told you how ‘un-ecological’ printing paper books really was? Funny, you were never told how toxic tablets, computers and mobile phones are. What you were also never told is that if you begin to rely fully on electronic books, the tap can be closed, at any moment, and doing what you do, you will be locked out from the information.
In Asia and South America, I accumulated thousands of essential (and not so essential) books. And I am a proud co-publisher of a small, but vigorous publishing house Badak Merah (‘Red Rhino’). And I never agree to publish any of my own, more than 20 books in 35 languages so far, electronically, before they are first printed on paper.
These days, paradoxically, unless you live in London or Paris, New York, but also Moscow, Beijing or Havana, the chances are that you will not get books of your choice in those huge, bookstore chains, at least at the first attempt.
You will get bombarded from the moment you enter the store, with junk, pop, and feel-good stuff, until they distract you from all the serious, essential topics. Actually, I am not even sure that in the West, these days, it is possible to build a great personal library, from scratch, anymore!
***
Yet, it is almost impossible to analyze “emergencies” (both real and ‘injected’) like the coronavirus, without consulting philosophers and the above-mentioned novelists, like Saramago, Camus and Bradbury.
To understand Chinese and Russian philosophers would be very handy for comprehending, why both countries have so successfully combated the virus, and are now helping dozens of nations all over the world; even those that have been tormenting them for years and decades. To read and understand Cuban revolutionary, internationalist thinkers, would shed some light on the present situation, too.
But the chances are, you will not be allowed to do all that. Yes, the taps are closing, and Westerners are increasingly resembling zombies, or, more precisely, ISIS.
Mostly, they cannot get their hands on important books that would make them think, analyze and understand. But most of the time, people don’t even have any desire to read, watch and listen to things that would help them to comprehend what is taking place around them, anymore.
Instead of listening to the human beings on all the continents, individuals, particularly those living in the West, predominantly hear only about themselves. It is some sort of “selfie-style” interaction with the world.
Individuals who live in this sort of realm, are taught to take simple commands, to react without thinking too much, and above all, to obey. In the meantime, intellectual collapse is approaching; or it is already here.
Now, people like me, are realizing that they are not allowed to read, watch and listen to what they want, anymore. But at least we have already listened to a lot, before. And we have great ammunition of books, films, music.We are still writing about what is happening.
But soon, perhaps very soon, the great majority of individuals, will stop to even worry about such topics. They will simply accept: shut up and accept, and read, watch and listen to what is pushed down their throats.
Or, to use new terminology – they will self-quarantine, intellectually.
If such a scenario arrives, it will become irrelevant whether COVID-19 or some other epidemic is destroying our human race. Because it would not be a human race, anymore.
That is why, right now, we have to defend each and every human being, each life, whether sick or healthy, even if the person is 90 or 100 years old. And we have to defend great books, films and music, because in them is our knowledge, our humanity, as well as the key to our survival.
Andre Vltchek is philosopher, novelist, filmmaker and investigative journalist. He’s a creator of Vltchek’s World in Word and Images, and a writer that penned a number of books, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Connecting Countries Saving Millions of Lives. He writes especially for the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook.”