As to your comment about what is the real distinction to be made, I must say that it is not the distinction being discussed on this thread. Nor, for that matter, is it particularly helpful, other than to give yourself an opportunity to pat yourself on the back for being morally and ethically superior. Because certain groups and philosophies and theologies have a logical and historical propensity to violate the God-given rights of others to either a greater or lesser degree, athiests presently holding the record for the worst atrocities of all time.
And it is good to see you as well, although I have not been around here of late.
Once again, I am trying to draw an important distinction (which I think you are struggling to ignore).
It is not atheism which shapes my dealings with other human beings. Atheism simply describes my beliefs with respect to the existence of deities. My ethics are derived from my philosophy. At the core of this philosophy, is the concept of individual human rights. As such, you need not fear the initiation of force from me under ANY circumstances, regardless of my lack of theological beliefs.
And likewise theistic beliefs are no guarantee of respect for the rights of others. The initiation of force has often historically accompanied the advancement of religious beliefs.
So it is not religion, or lack of religion, which empowers history's butchers. It is a system of ethics (whether philosophically or theologically inspired) which disregards the rights of individuals.
Have atheistic communists butchered millions? you betcha...
Have theistically minded zealots butchered quite a few themselves? Yup.
What did they share in common? Not religion, but corrupted ethics which disregarded rights.