Thank you all for the interesting perspectives.
I have to admit, the Soviet Union still sounds like a living hell to me, but it's nice to get some perspective on the quality of life there. The only perspective I have comes from my Ukranian stepmother, who alternates between loving and hating the Soviet Union. When she has to pay for a doctor's appointment she loves the Union. When she goes to Wal-Mart she hates it.
As interesting as these perspectives are, I think I'm more comfortable with my Western lifestyle and mindset; "Better dead, than Red"
