"My main point, as I've said before, is that in an atheist state the leader is seen as God. "

This is not an atheist position. No leader among atheists is seen as a "God". That's strictly
a doctrinal idea. The only example you might give for an "atheist state" is Stalin's USSR
or China and I argue that neither of these states are true atheist states. They follow a party line that most self respecting atheists would never allow. These party lines are tantamount to religious beliefs. A true atheist is (I re-emphasize since it seems to be lost on some) a non-believer in any god.

As to the use of the word "atheist", I would consider that to be a bad choice because an "a-theist" to many means "anti-theist" and this is subject to interpretation. I think there is a difference in that "a-theism" allows for others to believe what they like whereas "anti-theism" is exactly what it says. It's against any religious belief. Since I don't accept a religious belief as being "real" for me then I can't be against it.

I personally have no problem with anyone who wants to believe whatever they want to so long as it doesn't produce harm. (Kinda' the hypocratic oath...do no harm).

Instead of the term atheist, I prefer to call myself a Freethinker. To me this means that
I will not be shackled by someone else's dogma whether a bible, koran, torah or Marxist Manifesto. I don't ascribe to any individual a "higher power" but look at others in egalitarian terms as equals.

This would preclude popes, bishops, kings, authority figures, reverends, priests, messianic people, rabbis, monks and imams. Also, I have no problem with flat-earthers, astrologers, or any other bandwagon which is protected by the US Constitution. I do not, care for religious evangelism and feel that this activity is harmful to social good.

I also do not put a god above the US Constitution.

I think the "delusion" occurs when one allows others to do their thinking for them.

I can respect that some others will not share my views. This doesn't mean that I believe that they're bad people. Many of my friends are religious and I love them.

I think that there are some religious people that do a lot of good for society but I don't
attribute this to their religion. They are just good people and behave accordingly.
.
A lot of clarity needs to be presented about this topic. Fortunately, I live in a country
where my views are protected by the US Constitution and I hope that this will continue
to be the case otherwise our democracy will be lost.