Rating: 
Summary: This is an important book
Review: 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. I'm weighing this single book against all the "great" books of the world, including that perennial bestseller, the Bible. Why is this book so important? Because of its terrifying immediacy. While I say this books is important, I mean here and now. It is my sincere hope that this book will become a historical document (like many of those great books); it is my fear that I am dreaming.So what is so all-fired important? This book is a history and discussion about consensual crimes--that is, victimless crimes, or, as the author prefers, crimes in which the participants consented to the action. The distinction is necessary, and McWilliams makes a point of clearly stating his position, codified in a single statement, which I will repeat for you here: "..." However, for such a simple statement, it is dangerously revolutionary with regard to our society today (...). What at first glance might seem the height of liberalism--McWilliams is, after all, recommending the abolishment of laws against drug use, gambling, and prostitution, among others--is actually the basis of libertarianism. Yet McWilliams has solved the problem that I have always had with the libertarian movement, and that is their stand on the environment. Clearly many of the environmental rules and regulations would continue to stand if McWilliams had his way; pollution does physically harm the environment (and the persons) of others. This book, for the simple nature of its argument, is no half-measure though. Although it is extremely readable, with an interesting layout (included a boxed quote for almost every page), it is still 800 pages. I didn't feel like any of the material was extraneous, however, and sometimes wanted more detail. Some of the interesting details that were included: * McWilliams documenting Jerry Falwell committing a "false witness" (lying) on national television;
* The history of hemp use (and the evolution of the propaganda on its abuse);
* The play-by-play description of a "Dragnet" episode in which a character dies of an LSD overdose, although there's never been a documented case of such (some have died due to actions performed under the influence [similar to drunk driving?], but not of an overdose);
* "The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose." The Bible, right? Wrong. Shakespeare, "The Merchant of Venice," Act 1, Scene 3, Line 99. While it isn't necessary to agree completely with McWilliams (although you'll be tempted; he is a very persuasive writer), the point is that if you agree with a single argument, it is enough to call for the abolishment of laws against consensual crimes. A strong statement, but clearly evidenced by the facts--that is, if you agree with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Is it needless to say that I highly recommend this book? No, I think I need to state it openly. Even if you don't come to the same conclusions as McWilliams, I think it is vitally necessary that you make the effort to educate yourself regarding the history of these activities and the history of the laws against these activities. Given the amount of dis- and non-information that is available on drugs, prostitution, homosexuality, et al, even if the statistics that McWilliams quotes are only 10% accurate, the figures are still impressive. This isn't a "dry" book at all, even given the numerous quotes from founding fathers (both American and Biblical); McWilliams understands the necessity of humor (who said, "If I couldn't laugh, I'd be crying"?).
Rating:
Summary: So sensible, so simple, yet so rich
Review: In many ways this is the book that inspired the entire semester study and the deep and abiding interest in liberty that drives it. McWilliams's 780-page work was initially inspired by the "consensual crime" philosophies of Lysander Spooner. In brief: adults should be free to do whatever they wish with their own property and their own person, as long as it does not harm the property or person of others. Consensual crimes refer to any illegal activity that does not physically harm the person or property of another. Virtually all drug use "crimes" may fall into this category, as well as all laws governing any kind of sexual behavior between consenting adults. McWilliams also takes to task the laws on assisted suicide, gambling, prostitution, bigamy and polyamory, "unorthodox" medical practices, pornography and obscenity, the expression of unpopular political views, and even the petty laws on seat belt use, public drunkenness, and vagrancy. None of these have any business being classified as crimes, McWilliams argues. The desire to regulate such behavior is regarded as a moral crusade "for our own good," and so often this desire translates into allowing government greater and greater power to enforce such laws. In fact, McWilliams reasons, the removal of all such consensual crimes from the law books would: reduce taxes by as much as one-third, unburden the court system, decrase the country's staggering inmate population, and reduce _real_ crime by freeing up law enforcement's resources to pursue legitimate crimes such as arson, theft, rape, and murder. Moreover, such actions would create an environment in which people are free to live their own lives their own way: free to experiment, free to fail, free to succeed. Besides being highly critical of Prohibition and its modern-day analog The War On Drugs (which made him a target of the DEA), McWilliams devotes considerable page space to examining the New Testament and putting the words of Jesus of Nazareth into interesting perspective (this being done since so many would-be morality enforcers cite Jesus's teachings as justification to prosecute and imprison the perpetrators of consensual "crime"). Richly researched and liberally sprinkled with thought-provoking and amusing quotations, this book is a testament to the philosophies of true liberty and stands as a worthy monument to its late author, who died awaiting trial after being arrested by DEA agents for state-approved medicinal use of marijuana.
Rating:
Summary: Have your Eyes Opened with each turn of a page!
Review: Insightful! Brilliant! McWilliams displays beautifully the damage non-crimes has on society, the economy and our collective states of mind!
Rating:
Summary: Fun and informative.
Review: 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 asked, and you never got a straight answer. From drugs to gambling, from prostitution to pornography, the author covers them all. He explains why having laws against consensual crimes is unconstitutional, violates the separation of church and state, destroys people's lives, is extremely expensive, and flat out just does not work. Very entertaining and well documented book, if you ask me. This is highly ironic, and fairly depressing too: the author died from not being able (allowed) to smoke medical marijuana.
Rating: 
Summary: Should be required reading in high schools.
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Should be required reading in high schools.
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect Book If You Love To Debate On Drug Laws and Censorsh
Review: The book is basically what the title is about. The absurdity of concensual crimes (drugs, prostitution, gambling, "obsenity", censorship, etc.)in a free society.Peter Mcwilliams humor and thorough presentation of unbelievable facts along with witty and sometimes humorous quotes, make this the best book I've read regarding political and social views.This book will give you all the information you need when debating topics such as censorship, the constitution, the "war" on drugs etc. Read this book and then pass it on to the most ignorant, prejudice (pre-judge, not necesarrily race or sex wise) person you know who favors authoritarian laws, then buy another copy for yourself, it's that good!
Rating:
Summary: Can't say enough good things!
Review: This book is an amazing piece on the matter of "consensual crimes". The combination of logical thought, and well-researched material provide for a dangerous opposition to the current laws. Peter McWilliams touches upon such subjects as gambling, drugs, and prostitution to name but a few. He asserts the fact that prohibition can be counterproductive in many ways and inevitably fail to resolve what it intended. He fights to regain the personal liberties which were founded from this country and to prevent further injustices from occurring. Peter argues that the government is abusing the force of law to coerce moral values onto people. His views closely resemble that of the Libertarian Party. This is a must read, I highly recommend this book to all...(from those who are unhapy with the current laws to those who absolutely defend the government). The modest price for the plethora of information is well worth it.
Rating:
Summary: This should be required reading to graduate highschool
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: The Libertarian Bible!
Review: This book is perhaps the greatest written, period! Never has one book so thoroughly and successfully highlighted the real problems in this country, as well as offering a highly workable solution. Our Founding Fathers are no doubt rolling in their graves at what their vision of a free America has become, due to the evil machinations of religious nuts and their "legislated morality." McWilliams has also written one of the most hilarious books on the subject, as he shows the glaring hypocrisy and outright stupidity of recent legislation crusades. This huge tome is also filled with the most profound, funny, and frightening quotes from diverse sources. "Ain't Nobody's Business if You Do" should be read by every freethinker and young person in the country!
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