Stalin: The fact that the main blows are directed against Stalin is explained by the fact that Stalin knows—perhaps better than some of our comrades— all the tricks of the opposition. He is not so easy to deceive, and so they direct their blows primarily against Stalin. Well then, let them curse all they want... Can we be surprised that Trotsky, who treated the great Lenin so disrespectfully—a man not even worthy of polishing Lenin’s boots—now slanders, without restraint, one of Lenin’s many disciples? I consider it a matter of honor that the opposition directs all its hatred against Stalin. That’s exactly how it should be. It would be strange and even insulting if the opposition, which is trying to destroy the Party, were to praise Stalin. https://wordsmith.social/protestation/quotes#quote2895