They certainly have become interchangeable.....at least in their own minds.

That would seem to be a terribly pessimistic view.....and perhaps I'm terribly idealistic in believing people don't need to be "kept in line," by fear or power. In fact, taking that view, you would seem to argue on behalf of religion. And exactly what "line" must we fall into? Whose ideals or standards are to be followed? Those of the strongest? Rarely is that in the best interest of the majority.

@Dew25 As the US has proven over and over abroad, take out the strongman leader in an attempt at "justice and Democracy," and without a strong, working government, even more evil people rush in to take over. If infrastructure and authority is destroyed, it doesn't take long for brigands to take advantage.