Buffalox , 10 days ago (edited 9 days ago)

but even when it went through, it was about 50/50.

First search result:
Seems support for NATO is way more than 50/50, 76% for and only 12% against. (May 2022)
https://yle.fi/a/3-12437506

Second search result:
Maybe you claim that's an outlier, but the next result was 78% for: (September 2022)
https://www.rferl.org/a/finland-nato-survey-membership/32145117.html

US just has somewhat too much influence over it for it to be truly a politically neutral defence alliance

Nobody ever claimed it is politically neutral, there are actually political requirements to become a member, like it's only possible for democracies.

The people who were pro-NATO used a lot of fear mongering

Maybe you are naive, and believe Russia would never dream of doing anything against Finland if Russia won over Ukraine. The Ukraine war by Putin was a moment of truth, Putin was ready to use military power against peaceful neighbors, and Finland used to be under Russia too, so Finland is very likely on the list.

But all that is besides the point, that Russia very obviously does not in reality fear NATO, Because Finland is NATO now, and that was the point of the comment:

Shows how concerned they actually are about NATO

Which is true, and Russia has been lying all the time about their need to defend themselves against NATO.