Speaking of yesterday’s article on volunteering (like Stalin…), I should add this: card-carrying communists in general were manically devoted (although not just them).
Communists were all pushed to be “leaders”.
Communists would volunteer for every position in their local trade union.
Communists would go anywhere for the Party, and put their life and liberty at risk.
Communists would give very large donations of time and money for the Revolution (before tight-fisted Moscow was ever contacted).
Communists routinely sacrificed lucrative careers for the Party.
And people still wonder how small numbers had a disproportionate effect on the whole planet?!