To clarify. Imo it wasn't a 'whacky left' as Finkelstein says. It was a transition from state capitalism to .. state capitalism. The way I used to put it: 'it doesn't matter what colour the cat is if it catches mice'. Can't remember the source ... Also, I have no idea what US left (NY?) was going through in the '70 & 80s although I passed through geographically. Comparing to London (Thatcher time) I assumed a similar situation.

CCP have done it better than USSR. End of story. Dribbles of Marx here about capitalism being the best system since feudalism (1 million lifted out of poverty etc.). Socialism etc. is up to us. Tuppence from mua. I guess I had to get of off my chest .. apols