Distinction Made

This is a reply to an American friend who said all Lenin, Stalin, Marx monuments were taken down after the break-up of the USSR:

I did some checking.  Stalin statues were largely removed in the late 50's and early 60's.  the last remaining ones were consigned to a statue park where you can find old Soviet leaders.  Lenin is a different story.  His statues can still be found all over Russia.  What's interesting is that in his will he made it clear that he did not want a masoleum built for him after he died.  He also was against the cult of personality and gave instructions that Stalin should not succeed him.  Of course, we know what happened.  Oh, and lastly, statues associated with socialism, like Marx and Engels, can still be found in Russia.  It's clear the Russians make a distinction between Stalin and his crimes and Lenin/socialism.  Feb. '09

Click here for examples of Lenin monuments in Russia.