The cast of Soviet Union in our actual world?

[Poland1944]

Hey everyone, I'd like to know more about USSR.
How it influence us until today, how was the common life in S. Union, do you think it's a bad thing USSR had finished?And more....
(More words, more opinion.)

[Wht.Rex]

"How it influence us until today" - USSR was pioneer of many things (rights, technologies etc.), including worker rights that we have today. Only thing that is left from USSR is legacy that is held by Russia, that is why USA criticizes Russia so much for Russia tries to be more independent from West. (Forming Eurasian Union for example, Russia-China gas deal, BRIC contract creating new world bank etc.).

"how was the common life in S. Union" - I interviewed many older people (including my parents) who grew up and lived in USSR for college research. In conclusion, you did not have to worry about future in USSR. You knew that you always will have housing, job, healthcare, someone to socialize with etc. It was harder to lose job than to find one. People back then were much friendlier and intelligent. When your car had problems during road, no one will ignore you and will help you out fixing it. When you had no place to stay during roadtrip, anyone was glad to welcome you into house or apartment to stay, no one was pointing gun at you ("Get out of my property!" style).
Average work hours were around 7-8 per day. More was against worker rights. All were paid according to their needs and skills.
Any education was free, even doctor's degree. Already starting in kindergarden, you could sign up for youth scouts (October children). During summer, you had to help and work in farming, as children you had lot of free time for sports activities, extra education (musical instruments etc.). Student years were considered best. You could have free housing near your university, you could work part time job and get extra money, education was for free (but it was hard as hell), during their student days, many men have served military, after military you had garunteed job and education you want.

There were parliamentary, republic and local elections, but one gave a f*ck about them, people did not care about changes in politics much, all people were satisfied back in 50's - early 80's. Who wanted to be political activist, could actually easly get involved in local government. My grandmother was policewoman but later also decided to become deputy. Politician wages were not better than average worker, that is why many politicians worked extra job. Politics were just part-time job, except for those who worker in State government.

Overall, honestly, it was average people paradise. There was no luxury, but people were happy with what they had.

"do you think it's a bad thing USSR had finished?" - Yes. When USSR collapsed, all hell broke loose. NATO started its supremacy around world. There was no one to stand against US power. Russia in 90's was slave to West. Only with Putin, Russia has become now more independent and much more influencal.
Today Russia is becoming much more stronger, after 10 years, Russia will reach same levels as USSR and maybe possibly even stronger.

[Poland1944]

Thx for answer it! I'd like to learn more about USSR, so if anyone know more about it... just tell me

[Wht.Rex]

Just ask questions. ;)
I did quality research by interviewing lot of elder people for university report, it is part of my sociology program.