A refresher course on rights and personal freedom. What is your position on prostitution, pornography, gambling and other victimless crimes? This book will make readers consider their rights and the rights of others in a more humanistic and caring way.
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From Publishers Weekly
Obsessed with a personal freedom that some would consider license, McWilliams ( How to Survive the Loss of a Love ) here contends that consensual crimes--those involving drugs, gambling, sex and unusual religious practices, among them--should be allowed if they do not physically harm others or their property. In this overlong, diffuse but often entertaining book, studded with illustrations and quotations from the likes of Elvis Presley and Saint Augustine, the author argues that not only are our constitutional rights violated by punishment for such crimes, but that enforcing ineffectual, costly laws results in the needless jailing of thousands each year, and yield suffering and social discrimination for many harmless non-conformists. Meanwhile, he wrongfully claims, violence, robbery and corruption go largely unpunished. Citing historical precedents and extensively analyzing the Bible, McWilliams calls for a "politics of change" that would separate law from religion and morality, and that would honor diversity. 100,000 first printing; $300,000 ad/promo; first serial to Playboy.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By Paul Ireland
Format:Paperback
This is the best book I've ever read on any topic. It's my bible. I only wish I had a chance to meet Peter before he was murdered by the U.S. Government for trying to save his own life.
This is not only a must read, I buy copies for everyone I care about.
By W. A. Hill
Format:Audio Cassette
Once I found out exactly what a libertarian was (very difficult to discern from reading the popular press), I discovered that I've been one for some time. So "Aint Nobody's Business..." is "preaching to the choir" for the large part. The main factor that draws one to this book is McWilliam's writing style, of which I've been a fan since the early '80s when I read his "The Word Processing Book" (still available around the web). So I enjoyed reading both those parts with which I agree (most) and those few that I don't.
. The disagreement stems from McWilliams's philosophical inconsistency. He gets the social morality of the libertarian position on inter-human relations, then blows it by repeating some of the most egregious environmentalist (coming from a basically anti-human, self-hating philosophy) claptrap... A most common flaw in those that come to the libertarian position from the "left". In any case, that wasn't enough to spoil the book for me.
. It is a large book, but don't be deterred. It is just big enough to provide the smack in the head needed to move victims of the juvenile detention centers (the public school system) from their complacency.
. The disagreement stems from McWilliams's philosophical inconsistency. He gets the social morality of the libertarian position on inter-human relations, then blows it by repeating some of the most egregious environmentalist (coming from a basically anti-human, self-hating philosophy) claptrap... A most common flaw in those that come to the libertarian position from the "left". In any case, that wasn't enough to spoil the book for me.
. It is a large book, but don't be deterred. It is just big enough to provide the smack in the head needed to move victims of the juvenile detention centers (the public school system) from their complacency.
By Jeffrey Dorn
Format:Paperback
This book is awsome. It is engaging and entertaining. I have read it through three times now and us it constantly as reference for debate. I love throwing this book at "ditto heads"
This book puts into a simple format the very basic concepts that out society is built upon. Individual freedom. Civil rights. For me the book was a re-enforcement of my liberal belief that I am free to do what I want to do as long as I am not hurting another person or their property even if GOD may not approve. For the "ditto-head", at least the few "ditto-heads" that can actually read... this book will be far to scary. The religious right wingnuts will be put off too... the premis of the book is to question why society feels justified punishing consentual crimes in the name of GOD.
Read this book. Please. Its good for the soul.
This book puts into a simple format the very basic concepts that out society is built upon. Individual freedom. Civil rights. For me the book was a re-enforcement of my liberal belief that I am free to do what I want to do as long as I am not hurting another person or their property even if GOD may not approve. For the "ditto-head", at least the few "ditto-heads" that can actually read... this book will be far to scary. The religious right wingnuts will be put off too... the premis of the book is to question why society feels justified punishing consentual crimes in the name of GOD.
Read this book. Please. Its good for the soul.
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4.7 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Changed my entire outlook on politics
This is one of the best books I've ever read and easily ranks as one of my favorites. It's a shame that Mcwilliams is no longer with us. This book shows what a great author he was. Read more
Published on July 9 2003 by "demonofthefall55"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Accessable to all Americans -- and should be.
This is a book all Americans should read, whether they ultimately end up agreeing with it or not. It is well organised and addresses many good points towards the decriminalisation... Read more
Published on May 2 2003 by Heather
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun and informative.
It has everything you wanted to know about consensual crimes without ever asking it. Well... Actually, it's everything you wanted to know about consensual crimes, and then you... Read more
Published on Dec 19 2002 by Vincent Jacquemin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Every American Must Read
This book made me proud to be an American and want to move to another country - immediately. It affirmed my agnosticism and want to be a Christian (a real one - not anything to do... Read more
Published on Nov 19 2002 by "dazedbrad"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Have your Eyes Opened with each turn of a page!
Insightful! Brilliant! McWilliams displays beautifully the damage non-crimes has on society, the economy and our collective states of mind!
Published on Oct 30 2002 by Jenn Borchardt
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is an important book
I think this is one--if not the--of the most important books that I have ever read. And I do not say that lightly. Read more
Published on Sep 26 2002 by Glen Engel Cox
5.0 out of 5 stars
Peter McWilliams
The death of Peter is tangible evidence backing up the statements in his book... This is the most informative and astounding testament to the absurdity of our legal system. Read more
Published on July 11 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
From Fudgesickles to Freedom
when you were a kid, it was easy to say that life should be fair and the harshest punishment was fit for any wrong you suffered. Read more
Published on Jun 30 2002
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book -
My opinion is that this should be mandatory
reading in HS's all over the US
reading in HS's all over the US
Published on April 25 2002 by Laura
5.0 out of 5 stars
The revolution starts here
Excuse the cliched and overly dramatic title, it's difficult to express how much of an effect this book has had on my thinking. Read more
Published on April 8 2002
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