“The word vain (as it’s rendered in the ESV) can mean “empty,” “nothing,” “worthless,” or “to no good purpose.”

That is exactly my point.

Invoking the name of "God" to "Dam" or "stop" the thinkTank DemonRat PR firms from making decisions, bypassing our republic and democracy for their own evil gains; is not an "empty" call to God.

Just my two cents of course, I'm biased and didn't have the same upbringing you did, I don't/didn't mean to offend. We all have our bugaboos, mine being the ufologists/flat earthers.

people often differ on how to honor mothers and fathers because people exist in different cultures

If you grew up in a negative environment where parents were fighting to the point of divorce that is going to bias your perspective. I can say they harmed you or your perspective of God and you didn't deserve that, but they no doubt were not in a good place themselves. I can't judge their experience or yours; I also can't place judgement on someone, saying that Their using the name of God is for empty purposes, especially if that person is suffering.

Therefore, what we can conclude is that misusing the Lord’s name is not as simplistic as saying statements like, “Oh my God,” even if such statements are inappropriate. The wrong use of the Lord’s name, the one the Bible warns against is using God’s name for evil. Doing that would require much more intent, effort, and indicate that we do not have the right relationship with God.

Love you.