In the midst of all of the hubbub, the angst, and the total insanity coming out of Washington lately, has anyone noticed how quiet Russia has been . . . aside from that little war in Ukraine, that is?

True, there have been a couple of military officers — well, one real military officer and one mercenary type — killed by bombs in Moscow in the last few weeks. But there hasn’t been the usual saber-rattling; and other than calling Volodymyr Zelensky an “illegitimate” president, even Vladimir Putin has been relatively quiet.

Most of all, I’ve missed poking fun at Putin’s press secretary, good old Dmitry Peskov, who, under normal circumstances, should be poking fun at Donald Trump and Elon Musk right about now. Where are you, Dima? Your silence is making me nervous.

But the Kremlin’s public relations folks have managed to keep busy — mostly, it seems, managing the careers of that fascinating emigre family from Canada, the Feenstras. Their YouTube channel and Facebook account — in a country where most outside social media are being blocked — have been keeping us informed, on a daily basis, of their idyllic life in the land of — their words — “religious freedom” and “unlimited opportunity.” They’ve even just finished filming an appearance on Channel One’s “Tonight Show.”

Who would have thought, a year ago, that their rough start in their new home would have led to fame and . . . well, maybe not fortune, but an obviously comfortable life . . . and in such a short time? Good job, everyone!

Anyway, rather than bite my fingernails over the relative silence from that part of the world, perhaps I should simply sit back and enjoy it while it lasts. Because, based on history and personal observation, it probably won’t last very long.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
2/7/25