Stalin and Stalinism: the Politics of Madness

Stalin's grand vision for the Soviet state was one in which a single man controlled a single party and thus would mold both party and nation in his own image. Stalin wanted to organize the Communist Party into a pyramid structure with all authority concentrated into his own person at the top. He desired an economy in which all the resources of the state were concentrated into his hands. He desired a party structure in which his orders would be carried out immediately and without question, discussion or debate.[1] Toward that end he sought to eliminate all opposition through the unrelenting use of terror, lies, propaganda, show trials, ruthless discipline and ruthless punishment. The party was a business and he was the boss.

Stalin's desire for total power was evident from his first days as General Secretary of the Communist Party. Looking back on his actions in that post with the knowledge of history led me to realize that even in the time before Comrade Lenin was even in his grave; Stalin was already using his appointment powers as Gensek to move his own supporters into key positions of influence.[2] I would recommend that if you do decide to denounce Stalin before the party; it would be wise to read exerts from Lenin's own political testament. You may recall key instances in that text in which Lenin expressed his own concerns about Stalin's abuse of power.