The Soviet Union had its own youth organization, the KOMSOMOL. They were involved in loads of construction projects and helped building factories, railways and so on.

Why does nobody badmouth Singapore for its draconian one-party rule since independence. They imprison people for decades without trial by accusing them them of "communist believes". Nobody says a word about Japanese decades-long one-party rule which ultimately led to an INES Level 7 "incident" thanks to the cozy relationship between the nuclear industry and the government (read: rampant corruption).

So talking about Russia is really hypocritical, as there are enough other place with severe problems. But, as always, only your enemies have to play by the rules...

Bogdanov (unregistered) wrote in #17
Alex K.
"Russian people deserve freedom and won't let anyone roll Russia back to authoritarianism." I guess, it is my turn now -- What makes you think that Russians do not feel themselves free? And why do you think that what you are advising -- this is what they need? Please, do not speak for all Russians as well and do not make decisions for them what regime they want to see and what form of government they want (freedom, democracy, totalitarism). Russia was full of advisers in the 1990s and where it ended up? Do not put your perspectives of life in the heads and mouths of all Russians. 50% of them said -- United Russia (thus, Putin/Medvedev). That is voice of majority of Russians, doesn't is? What's wrong with saying that "russians deserve freedom"? Do you think otherwise? Then I'm sorry. As for todays' level of freedom,&nbs p;- let's just compare freedom of speach in 90-s and now. Do you see what I mean? Is it possible in today's Russia to have something like "Daily show" on the TV? I don't think so. I'm not critisising Putin economy, - although it's about time to stop stripmining Russia and leave some resources for children. But the level of political freedom in Russia went down drastically. It's getting somewhat close to Belorussia, from my point of view.