ZP, I think you have the right of it. Some people use derogatory words applied to others in order to appeal to the emotions of the masses. In the USA, at least, political correctness tells us that this is discrimination and should be avoided. However it is OK under certain circumstances and this is considered to be one.
If we think of piracy (as on the seas), there were pirates that stole from "innocents", often inducing harm (both physical and emotional) and fear. If we look around at our society, we can find a very recent case where fear and emotional harm was induced (apparently quite legally) on us here at MR by Amazon and the DMCA. Does that make Amazon pirates? I'll leave the conclusion to the readers.
In a so called democracy (the USA is a republic although we like to think of ourselves as a democracy) the governing of the people is supposed to be "by" the people and "for" the people. All too often is is "by" & "for" large corporations who send $$$ & lobbyists to our Congressional Leaders who actually make the laws.
Bottom line is; "'cause it's legal, don't make it right!"
Just one man's opinion.