(no subject)

[sisyphus.livejournal.com]

So, in my October Revolution post, some people sounded a bit upset at my bringing it up with an old celebratory phrase. But now I see (here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051221/ap_on_re_eu/russia_stalin_s_birthday) that some Russians are celebrating Stalin's birthday with statues, and according to the article, "A growing number of Russian towns in recent years have considered erecting monuments to Stalin."

Can anyone who still lives in Russia explain your perception of this to me -- is Communism taboo or not? Would people think you were strange if you said you prefer to go back to the old system? Is this article full of shit? If it's not, is it only rebellious kids and ancient hardliners who are doing this kind of celebrating? Are the Communists still the number 2 party in the Duma?

EDIT: Also, what is the government, or Putin's position on celebrations of Lenin,Stalin, etc..?