Communism as an idea has no inherent connection to those atrocities.
"The criticism of religion ends with the doctrine that man is the supreme being for man. It ends, therefore, with the categorical imperative to overthrow all those conditions in which man is an abased, enslaved, abandoned, contemptible being." - Karl Marx, Contribution to the Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Right
Fascism and Nazism on the other hand are ideologies of inequality and annihilation.
That is not to say that you can't call yourself a communist and still be an enemy of humankind (so whatever kind of asshole) - but you don't have to be. But once you are a fasicst, there can be no doubt that you are.
I can't believe these are the times we live in. The services of the Internet Archive are invaluable for scholars and students alike. No library can afford all the printed books/journals or licenses needed for an adequate approach to most topics. And to be honest, shadow libraries are also much needed when publishers lock away vital knowledge (which was often gained through support from public grants).
This seems just another example of how capitalism will bring about the downfall of our civilization as it hinders the progress of science.
Good post, though our tastes differ for the 'New Trek' stuff (I disliked Discovery, hated Picard - the rest I'd mostly agree on).
You missed The Animated Series and maybe The Orville ^^
@OP: I'd recommend skipping the movies after the TOS ones (from 'Generations' onwards), unless you are a completionist/masochist ^^