Say what you like (because you're probably right) about the Soviet Union's brutal regime, its poorly-thought-through economic policies and its unforgivable treatment of its people. The USSR's art was pretty good. And - if we're taking the Hollywood Polanski approach - good art is enough to make up for any sins.
There's a wonderful visual history of Communist Russia up at Foreign Policy, where they have a gallery up of photos and posters nicked from David King's new book, Red Star Over Russia. If ever you've wanted to see Stalin mugging for the camera, now's your chance.
