Arguably the US was much closer to Communism than Russia in the 50-60's. Unions effectively controlled the means of production through conflict 'strikes + other means' and redistributed more than the fair market value of their labor to the workers over the long term. Russia on the other hand was a de facto feudal system, with the party sharing power and privilege to a few at the expense of the peasants.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Virginia_Coal_Wars