If you dont storm the streets, they wont give you anything. If they see huge masses, they will give in and give the people more freedom.

These days people are more clever, which means that politicians are clever enough to see when the situation is critical, and so they will give you what you want. Afterall they rather stay in office than feel the wrath of people. ^_^

Of course USSR wasn't perfect, because it was a socialist dictatorship, and we all know that democratic socialism is better.

Still, life in Imperial Russia was much worse than in Soviet Union, since Lenin gave people many rights. Stalin of course abused his power (and proved that he is a true reactionary, who was parasiting on the people). Nevertheless was USSR much better than most countries, because health care and education were freely accessible for everyone, all people were given a job according to their specialisation, because the right to have a job was guaranteed by the constitution. There were no homeless people, no unemployed people, and the state supported young talents.

East European contries were better, not only economically, but also politically and freedom of expression wasn't limited as much.

The best country in the world during 20th century was however Yugoslavia. It's sad how nationalism and opportunism tore it appart.