[kranz]

Originally Posted by Betonov

The thing that makes it complicated, that SFRJ (Socialist Federative Republics of Yugoslavia, aka united Yugoslavia) was a paradise for my parents and grandparents. Industry was the showcase of the economy, workers had more rights than today, things were actually being built back then, vacation was cheap and you were welcome everywhere and no-one had to work overtime.
That communist opression that westerners were so keen (and still are) on throwing in our faces was present, but minimal. For burning a flag you got a fine, you went to jail for actuall attacks on officials, spitting on the goverment gave you a black eye, nothing more severe.

So, life was better back then than now, but I believe life would have been worse today

almost exactly as in Poland. Life wasn't better, it was just easier. (job, prospects for future).