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In reality, the problem is doctrinal imperatives, and blind adherence thereto. Religion is merely a subset of this problem, albeit the largest and most prominent. Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, et al were promulgating just this type of system, one of unquestionable doctrinal imperatives. As such, they are symptomatic of precisely the same class of thing as religion.
Stalin's atheism was state enforced. Religious groups were actively persecuted at this time (despite the Russian Orthodox church). Therefore the specious 'moustache' argument doesn't work. A far cry from secularism though, where the government is neutral to these persuasions. Remember guys, an is doesn't mean an ought (or is it the other way around : P)
In any case, you just have to look to Scandinavia where as many of 50% actively don't believe in gods to see that atheism doesn't lead to totalitarianism or barbarism or colloquial anarchy. They consistently score highest on the planet as the most healthy nations. The difference between the red curtain and places like Denmark? One demands obedience and blind servility and the other is a democracy fostering (or at least allowing) free inquiry and expression.
