I read this book fifteen years ago and it still influences my thinking about political rights. A comprehensive and exhaustive argument for removing government from medling in morality, the book is an extremely well-researched primer on the constitution, the Bible, and American history. Despite the seriousness of the subject and the arguments, the book is an enjoyable read because McWilliams has a sharp and biting sense of humor that often manifests in sarcastic and snarky footnotes, plus page after page of great and relevant quotes on the subject at hand by celebrities and politicians. If every person in America read this book, we might actually have a shot of living in a sane and compassionate country. ( )

A very well presented set of arguments as to why consensual ("victimless") crimes should at the very least be decriminalized, if not legalized. Particuarly the arguments presented with regard to drugs seem difficult to refute. Very well written... ( )

Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do covers the facts on the politically-charged concept of victimless crimes.

Drugs, pornography, prostitution, and gambling. We make these things illegal in this country, because we assume it's the government's role to protect people from hurting themselves. But is this assumption correct?

I started this book as a conservative. The facts and history showed me I'd been lied to by mainstream advertisements, urban myths, and schools. I had many misconceptions that were quickly disillusioned by this book.

The conclusion: Adults should have the right to make choices about their own lives. Even if those choices seem harmful, stupid, or worthless, they have that right. Your freedom to swing your fist ends where my nose begins... but you should be able to hit your own nose all you want. ( )

I confess a libertarian bias, but so much libertarian writing is pompous and inaccessible that I have a difficult time introducing others to these ideas. This book does what so few manage to do; it brings libertarianism closer to the common sense simplicity at its heart. (For the philosophy-types about to flame me, that's not to say that there isn't a complex philosophy to be found in libertarianism, merely that heavy-handedness and obfuscation work no better at communication than Heidegger translations.) The quotes make this a great browser-book, entertaining and thought-provoking even for guests at my home who have other political leanings.

http://www.mcwilliams.com/

All of Mr. McWilliams' books are online, free. I saw him speak at a Libertarian convention which was televised in the late '90s, if I recall correctly. The book is worth reading just for the quotes included on each page regarding freedom and privacy. ( )