Erica Smiley is the National Coordinator of the Young Communist
League-USA, a multi-racial, working class youth organization that is
Committed to a better world through socialism. She has held positions with
Jobs with Justice and was the National Field Director of Choice USA, a
pro-choice organization focusing primarily on youth access to reproductive
healthcare. She is originally from North Carolina, and joined the social
justice movement organizing around affirmative action, financial aid, and to
prevent the building of prisons and juvenile facilities through a broader
statewide youth coalition. Smiley sits on the National Committee of the
Communist Party- USA.

What's your view of the Soviet Union?
- I don't have much of a view of Russia and the Soviet Union as I was aninfant during the Cold War. I have studied both their successes and mistakes under socialism, however. And I'm grateful for the richness of the lessons they provide.

What do you think of Mikhail Gorbachev?
- No opinion.

What is your view of today's Russia?
- No opinion