I am familiar with their actual history, but the colloquialism has taken on its own life just as the term "nimrod" no longer describes the famous hunter of that name but rather a bumbling buffoon.

As regards the politics of it, we can split these hairs all day. Where do we draw the line between a tool and a weapon? Which tools are acceptable to use and in what ways?

That AI is being used as a political bludgeon is not the fault of AI any more than gunshot wounds are the direct fault of the gun; they are tools being used for particular aims. I consider both equally dangerous in the right (wrong) hands, but by that same token a gun can be used to feed a family when used for hunting just as AI has provided monetary benefits to regular working people.

A tool cannot in and of itself be political. Its use and application absolutely can.

ETA: Upon re-reading I see that my "nimrod" comparison can read as an insult. I meant it more in how Bugs Bunny altered the colloquial meaning. I was not trying to be disparaging in any way and apologize if I offended.