Shedhand,
I've used this analogy before, you may find it helpful. There's a business (U-Beaut) that makes and supplies finishing products. It pays for a clubhouse where woodworkers and those even remotely interested in woodworking can get together and chat about their interests. The club doesn't directly benefit the business, but the owners are willing to pay for the running of the club for the goodwill it generates. There's a few discrete signs on the walls giving the business name, but no direct advertising.
In return for this openhandedness the owners and managers of this club simply ask patrons and visitors to abide by a few simple rules and "no swearing" is one of them. As has pointed out there's very good reasons for this. Even if there were absolutely no reason at all for any of the rules the fact that the club owner has set them should be reason enough. If you don't like the rules, and continue to misbehave then there's a good chance that the bouncer will grab you and throw you out the door.
The clubhouse is open to people from all over the world and of any age. There's quite a few regular members and some of them are founts of wisdom and knowledge, others are here to learn whatever they can, some are always good for a laugh and to lift the spirits, and some visit once to get help with a problem and are never heard of again. There's hand tool experts, machinery nuts, class clowns, tradesmen (and women) from a variety of trades, all willing to share their skills and knowledge. There's discussions that are very woody related and others that are totally unrelated. People enjoy coming to this club, and some spend hours here every day. It's got a friendly caring atmosphere and is always supportive of members that are experiencing any difficulties. In short, it's a great place to be.
The clubhouse also has an open door for anyone who just wishes to be a spectator, they're not even required to identify themselves. So visitors could be anyone old enough to manage a computer. Now imagine that into this cosy, friendly atmosphere comes someone who is loud and abrasive, swearing like a trooper and generally spoiling the atmosphere. When asked to abide by the rules he's miffed and shouts out that it's his right to act as he pleases. He's very assertive about his rights but hasn't a clue about his responsibilities.
I've worked in some pretty crude environments and can swear with the best of them but I try to temper my language around here and don't believe it's an infringement of my freedom of speech. If you came to my house and swore or blasphemed I would tell you quite firmly to desist and if you didn't comply I'd show you the door (with violence if required).
If you don't like how this club is run by its owners or managers then you're free to leave and start your own.
If you believe it's your right to swear and blaspheme you might want to head down to the ANZAC day dawn service next year and try it to see what happens.
Mick
