Notes
As indicated by my title, I approached this from the perspective of the inhumanity of what was done to humans by humans led by one human with a twisted agenda and an overgrown ego. I will place emphasis on the events that were brought about directly by the behavior of Joseph Stalin. Also of interest is the fact that, while he was the driving force, he was able to get thousands of minions to do his bidding.
Several segments approach this from a more humorous angle. This is not a funny piece of history, but humor brings comfort and healing and makes a painful situation easier to look at. It is not my intention to insult anyone or make light of a very serious situation. I am simply answering my own "what-ifs" and "whys" in a manner that makes the journey more palatable.
I have two great-great aunts who were exiled to Siberia, so I grew up hearing about these events from the perspective of the family members who escaped to the United States who had no idea what had become of their sisters. I have a great reverence for the situation, it's victims, and its survivors.
Several segments approach this from a more humorous angle. This is not a funny piece of history, but humor brings comfort and healing and makes a painful situation easier to look at. It is not my intention to insult anyone or make light of a very serious situation. I am simply answering my own "what-ifs" and "whys" in a manner that makes the journey more palatable.
I have two great-great aunts who were exiled to Siberia, so I grew up hearing about these events from the perspective of the family members who escaped to the United States who had no idea what had become of their sisters. I have a great reverence for the situation, it's victims, and its survivors.