The asterisk is obsolete then. There is something about them that make a sentence funnier than if they had to allow the full word in. Maybe that it is hinting at something rather than being blunt?Very good point. Just because if that, out should not be used, as it creates hypocrisy
Perfect analogy
Vultures seems appropriate too, imo
Exactly my idea also ... "Give them bread and play", well, soon they might replace bread with GMO food, take them more away from the Divine,
The polarised landscape of American politics does cater to vultures. And they chuck a peace of meat between in the masses so they can be diverted from actual issues.