I think it likely that it is a general rule that revolutionary movements that come to power try to portray its predecessor as blackly as possibly. First of all, it increases your own legitimacy, since you get to take credit for any accomplishments. Second, it allows you to blame any failures on the previous guys being so awful. (Come to think of it, this isn't exactly unique to revolutionary movements.)
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^^^^^^ CB: Does your generalization apply to the current Russian establishment and its portrayal of the SU ?