Jim:
Do you honestly think that the incredible death rate of those who politically opposed those in power in a myriad of work/ death camps is worth ignoring no matter how many fine intellectuals you met (who obviously could discuss things of no interest to the State while being spied on by that State)?

Let's say you had been misheard and arrested after one of those fine conversations. You'd have been subjected to a kangaroo court and your case decided by your usefulness to the authorities.

As for the sorry state of the current descendants of the Soviet Union, their state mafia devolved to a privatized mafia. This is a kind of reverse commentary on what used to be the Communist theory that capitalism would naturally progress to a higher form of organization culminating in Communism.

"The dream of the left" died in those slave states long before your visit. Another book in addition to the ones you've ignored in my previous posts is "The God that failed."

The actual "dream of the left" is alive and well in the West. You are yourself one of its exponents, as am I. The fact that we are at intellectual loggerheads in a venue of free speakers is one of its salient features.

When I visited the Soviet Union I saw the inevitable huge placards and streamers under bridges proclaiming the greatness of Lenin and the Party. Nothing like people constantly being told what and how to think. (This state organization now is on display in North Korea). You are completely ignoring or denying this main feature of Eastern Europe.

I'll also never forget a visitor to Communist China in late 60s early 70s visiting a bookstore. They only sold ONE BOOK, the 'thoughts' of Chairman Mao.

There are none so blind as those who will not see, none so deaf as those who will not hear.