I'm ever more convinced that the reality of Soviet economic life has been mischaracterized, including by the regime itself, as "communism/socialism" – to make it seem vaguely intelligent, experimental, and foreign – when it was more like a county entirely managed by a administrative state in partnership with industry, something not entirely unknown in the US. Have a look at the high-speed rail development in California. Thirty years of planning and work, $38B spent, and only 119 miles more-or-less completed (a 2.5 hour drive) but already falling apart before a single ticket has been purchased. It's Soviet-like in every way because that is what happens in any society – forget socialism – that is burdened by a parasitic ruling class under any ideological slogan. The same forces dominate US pharmaceuticals at some level, elements of big tech and big media too, and the military. It's all just the same old scam regardless of its philosophical veneer.