Phonetically, I presume, which would be “Финстра.” Got that?

It’s important, because that is most likely the way it was written on the family’s immigration documents when they recently filed formal applications for temporary resident status — the first step toward their ultimate goal of Russian citizenship.

Yes, you read that correctly. On his YouTube channel, Arend Feenstra recently announced the big news . . . and even took his viewers with the family on their big adventure to complete the mountain of requisite paper work that will enable them to attain temporary resident status. In a few months, they expect the applications — all ten of them — will be granted, and that several months after that they will file for permanent resident status.

Next step (after about three years, he thinks): Russian citizenship.

Well, that nails it: The Feenstras have gone over the edge, around the bend, and down the rabbit hole. They have been captured by Putin’s Propaganda Pixies, and are now beyond salvation. What most people thought would be a short-lived nightmare followed by a quick return trip to Canada has turned into a lifelong commitment . . . all captured by some handy, unidentified cameraman, in Arend Feenstra’s own words.

Well, the words came from his mouth. But they clearly did not originate with him. Not when he spouted lines like “A massive thank you to our President Putin” for making their move to Russia possible. And, “Thank you to our wonderful President Putin” for changing the language requirements, thus making it possible for the Feenstras to apply for resident status. And how grateful they are to be able to build a future in their new home.

Excuse me, please, while I vomit.

Okay, that’s better. Now . . .

Look at the entire picture: The sudden acquisition of the farmland; the materials to build a big new house; the sudden change of language requirements; transportation for ten people whenever they need it; the warm reception and available interpreter at Immigration; the YouTube channel that won’t be shut down as long as the praise of “our wonderful President Putin,” the smiles of the happy wife and children, and the homage to the glories of Russia keep coming.

It’s all just too convenient.

The Feenstras have left behind the freedom of Canada, where they actually owned their farm and their home, and where they had the absolute right to criticize the “wokeness” they hate so much. And they’ve traded it all for a piece of land they will never be able to sell because they will never truly own it; the right to produce YouTube programs so long as they say only what it politically approved; and a future for their children under an oppressive, murderous, totalitarian regime that will control every move and every word of their lives . . . unless a revolution, “velvet” or otherwise, alters the course of history.

But they’ll thrive, just as long as they toe the line.

I hope they’re happy now. Really.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
10/10/24