From Imperials to the "Evil Empire"

Yesterday I posted a group of books from the so-called Star Wars Expanded Universe.  Thus the "Imperial" part of today's title.  And for the "Evil Empire" part?  That's what Reagan called the Soviet Union, of course.  Today I'm posting a review a one of Volkogonov's fascinating texts on the leadership of that nation during it's failed experiment with communism.

Book Review:  Autopsy for an Empire: The Seven Leaders Who Built the Soviet Regime

Source: Flicker.com

Source: Foundsh*t.com

It seems to me that, in the Special Edition versions of Return of the Jedi, there is a scene where a statue is being pulled down as grateful citizens celebrate the fall of the Galactic Empire.  I'm sure Lucas was inspired by the scenes from the Fall of Communism in the former Soviet Union.  But then, I suppose a scene where the Emporer's statue is carted down a river wouldn't jive well with the whole thing Lucas was trying to do there, yeah?  Still, it is a very telling image.  That river boat looks like it has seen better days, eh?