On atheists in america:
Most of the atheists i have conversed with aren't atheist at all, they are anti-christian. They throw out everything christian, which also means throwing out things like good-living, meaning of life. And what Jordan Peterson talks about mythology. (stories about life and learning)
Without these structures, the atheist is just blown about through life. Everything happens to them. They have no real ability to do anything. There are no guide posts or land marks to lead them and show them that they are getting somewhere.
As you said, organized religions are seriously overlaid with masses control. They didn't start out that way. They started out with people sharing spiritual experiences. Unfortunately, you get any large organization and psychopaths will find a way to the top of it, and then, the organization will be all about control.
The atheists reject the control, but also through out the spirituality and replaced it with nothing. So, there life is shallow and meaningless.
It is very sad.
...there ain't no atheist in a foxhole....lol
My ambivalence is a very 'gentle' one with the universe.
It seems to me that many atheist are a wee bit pissed off!