I'm British and I think that swearing enriches language when used judiciously.
Also - expressing emotion and anger is valuable when the situation calls for it. Personally I would have considered something stronger than 'turd' in this case.
Hitchens was inexhaustibly eloquent and grandiloquent; his skill at using expletives for emphasis in service to his message reflected his mastery of the language.
Gawker (and all of its puerile clickbait spawn) is no Chris Hitchens.
"I'm British and I think that swearing enriches language when used judiciously."
It does. But "My political opponents are [swear word]" is not judicious. (Or profanity if you prefer; most Americans would not call "turd" a swear word but it is obviously merely a more genteel way of calling someone a shit, it is a low-grade profanity.)
It's very common and hardly new. It may even be tactically or strategically sound for some desired goals. But it's not judicious, having the same root as judge, being similar to magisterial. Dignified, mature magistrates do not say "People who disagree with me are poo poo heads." If they are inclined to fling insults, they usually use a much higher grade. See, for instance: http://allowe.com/laughs/book/When%20Insults%20Had%20Class.h...
And here i thought that being "mature" is about taking responsibility for your actions, thinking about others instead of only yourself, looking at the bigger picture and maybe even making sacrifices for it, even being the "bigger man" when the situation calls for it. But no, being "mature" is about being politically correct. Fuck that, i'l stay a child kthnxbye.
The contempt these politicians have for you and their willingness to trample all over you in the service of the uber-wealthy and powerful is unlimited. Why should they be afforded any respect at all?
Is this really the new normal for websites ?