Groan! I heard that one a long time ago but had forgotten it. And now, my favorite joke from the Soviet-Union time period (joke takes place in the late 1960s):
The Commissar of Moscow decided to borrow a little Western imperialist decadence, in order raise some revenue, bring more young people into the Party, and distract Muscovites from their dismal lives. So, he proposed to open up Moscow's first topless bar! The operating plan was submitted and approved, an old building was renovated, lots of vodka and food were ordered, and the dancers were hired. A month or so after the place opened, the Commissar came by to visit.
He asked the manager, "So, comrade, how is it going with the topless bar?" The manager answered, "Frankly, comrade, not so good. Nobody seems to be coming here. You can look around and see how empty the place is."
The Commissar said, "Hmm, this will not look good in my report to the Politburo. We have to figure why this isn't working. Tell me, comrade, maybe the vodka is not good?"
"No, we ordered the finest vodka in all of Moscow."
"Perhaps the food was is not good?"
"No, comrade, I am connected to a comrade who supplies us with the highest quality steak."
"Well, perhaps the dancers are not good enough?"
"Oh no, comrade, you don't have to worry about the girls! We did thorough background checks on them. Their characters are absolutely spotless. In fact, they all have been loyal Party members since the 1920s!"
