Justin, if you still have some more patience left in your mind, please read what communist party thinks about freedom :
Tiananmen square: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiananmen_Square_protests_of_1989 About Stalin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Purge
Though I am not a member of FSF,I still don't think Stallman's view of freedom includes "Freedom to Kill"
Maxin,
Don't practice the way of communist bashing. Chinese Communist Party and CPI(M) are two different entities. If you want to really point out the way, the communist parties behave, take Indian examples. But probably, not it this thread and not in this mailing group for fsf-friends might not be interested in either glorifying or crucifying any political organisation. As you said, the left had once opposed computerisation. They haven't denied it. But as they realised it, they changed their stand. Its the greatest quality of the party and should be well appreciated.
Regarding Stalin and Stalinism, there may be many opinions. But he was instrumental in the organisational setup of the communist movement. Right and wrong are perceptions only.
Sebin