Soviet Union: Komosomols at the Crossroads

Komsomols at the Crossroads

Komsomolskaya Pravda's Ace Reporter V. Chikin was as shocked as any other true atheist by the letters pouring in from outraged readers. They complained that young people were snapping up gold-plated crosses on sale in state-run shops. Crosses! Sniffing a scoop, Chikin went snooping.

Sure enough. He was no more than 20 steps inside the main entrance of GUM, the Soviet Union's largest department store, when his eyes fixed on the deep decolletages of two young sales girls. There, hanging from their necks, were glittering gold crosses. No, they said,...

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