Here's an interesting example of the use of the term 'bitch' by Joe Quinn, the pundit who is perhaps better known for calling the National Organization for Women the National Organization of Whores.
Summary: In a discussion of Deborah Lawrence, an artist who submitted an ornament for the White House Christmas tree expressing support for a congressional resolution to impeach President Bush, Rose Tennent read a quote from Lawrence, who said of the attention surrounding her ornament: "It took on a life of its own, obviously. In a way, I'm speechless." Tennent responded: "Good, stay that way. Don't talk," to which co-host Jim Quinn added, "That's right, don't talk. Shut up, bitch."
Melissa points out that being called a bitch by Mr. Quinn should really be taken as a compliment.
Here's the difficulty I have when writing about the use of terms such as 'bitch': There's no equivalent male term (though 'bastard' might come close except that it's not limited to the male sex) with similar connotations. This makes it hard to figure out if Quinn would have called a man something equivalent in a similar situation. Let's try it: "That's right, don't talk. Shut up, dog."
----
The picture is of my sainted Henrietta the Hound, the bitch to rule over all.