We should not say communism in either case. The base ideology is far away from what they realized, or ever wanted to realize.
Communism, democracy and other "people are equal" ideologies are all the same. You will never have equal word and right without equal money... money is power. Praise democracy and badmouth communism after you were thinking about this. You are not free and not equal. "There are animals who are more equal" (Orwell)
Moreover, I would say Patriotism is also something that has been dirtied long ago. Instead of being faithful to your nation, to your people and fighting to protect it from the Bad... you are just loyal to the government which rules your nation and people and IS the Bad itself... Problem lies not in *.ism but in people who has power. Within borders or reachin past borders.
As for the USSR and its people. At least they did not loose the ability to see clearly and think... they always knew all about their government... lies, propaganda, oppression, limits of freedom. When the political elite (controlling the economy) made mistake and internal fighting (like in 53 an 56) caused the system to collapse. In the US where the financial elite (controlling politics, and more than half of the world) will make mistake sooner or later... but what will happen?
My country was occupied by USSR for 40 years... I still cannot badmouth it's people. Same for USA, I have many friends and relatives there. People are not equal to their government and state above their heads. But they are responsible for changes and future!!
Another thing, for those who see red everywhere ))) no offence. But who has risen the beast, who armed the beast, who helped the beast to build the world's biggest and strongest army? Who whispered into his ears so he decided to attack Europe in august 1941? ))
Create a beast... let it loose... control it, punish it.. defeat it. Be hero... gain power. Old script... There is the motive.