THE LIBERATOR ONLINE
January 12, 2000
Vol. 5, No. 1
Circulation: 34,256 in 84 countries
Mailing list of the Advocates for Self-Government.
Created and edited by Paul Schmidt, mailto:paul@self-gov.org
Co-edited by James W. Harris, mailto:james@self-gov.org
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_________________________________________________________________
"For decades, libertarians have had the best ideas -- and the worst
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-- Alejandro Chafuen, Atlas Foundation
_________________________________________________________________
CONTENTS
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS
* Celebrity Libertarian: Melanie
* Survey: U.S. Thirty Times More Civilized
* The Unbiased Media
ON THE WEB
* Editor's Choice: PUREPOLITICS.COM
ASK DR. RUWART
* Are There 'Pro-Life' Libertarians?
* Doesn't NAFTA Mean Free Trade?
* More Minimum Wage Arguments
PERSUASION POWER POINT
* The Six-Step Recipe For Cooking Big Government
by Michael Cloud
PRODUCT REVIEW
* Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do
_________________________________________________________________
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Dear friends,
Happy New Year!
Did you make any New Year's Resolutions? Last year Harry Browne, 1996
Libertarian Party presidential candidate, did. The result was a
compact how-to of effective libertarian communication, by one of the
most effective and persuasive advocates of the ideas of liberty ever.
Hope you find it as informative and inspiring as I did.
* * *
A Libertarian's New Year's Resolutions
by Harry Browne
1. I resolve to _sell_ liberty by appealing to the self-interest of
each prospect, rather than _preaching_ to people and expecting
them to suddenly adopt my ideas of right and wrong.
2. I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or debates. My
purpose is to inspire people to want liberty -- not to prove that
they're wrong.
3. I resolve to _listen_ when people tell me of their wants and
needs, so I can help them see how a free society will satisfy
those needs.
4. I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the social
goals someone may seek -- a cleaner environment, more help for the
poor, a less divisive society -- and try to show him that those
goals can never be achieved by government, but will be well served
in a free society.
5. I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and
needs that lead people to seek government help. I don't have to
approve of their subsidies or policies -- but if I don't
acknowledge their needs, I have no hope of helping them find a
better way to solve their problems.
6. No matter what the issue, I resolve to keep returning to the
central point: how much better off the individual will be in a
free society.
7. I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been born an
American. Any plan for improvement must begin with a recognition
of the good things we have. To speak only of America's defects
will make me a tiresome crank.
8. I resolve to focus on the ways America could be so much better
with a very small government -- not to dwell on all the wrongs
that exist today.
9. I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness.
Such things steal time and attention from the work that must be
done.
10. I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable manner. I may
be the first Libertarian someone has encountered, and it's
important that he get a good first impression. No one will hear
the message if the messenger is unattractive.
11. I resolve to remind myself that someone's "stupid" opinion may be
an opinion I once held. If _I_ can grow, why can't I help _him_
grow?
12. I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a shouting
match, no one wins, no one changes his mind, and no one will be
inspired to join our quest for a free society.
13. I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Republicans and Democrats.
They use character assassination, evasions, and intimidation
because they have no real benefits to offer Americans. We, on the
other hand, are offering to set people free -- and so we can win
simply by focusing on the better life our proposals will bring.
14. I resolve to be civil to my opponents and treat them with respect.
However anyone chooses to treat me, it's important that I be a
better person than my enemies.
(Best-selling author Harry Browne currently hosts a
nationally-syndicated talk show. This article was reprinted from
"LibertyWire," an email project of the Harry Browne 2000 Exploratory
Committee.)
Sharon Harris, President
mailto:sharon@self-gov.org
PS: Peter McWilliams is a best-selling author, a libertarian... and a
medical marijuana freedom fighter. In past issues of the Liberator
Online you've read about his arrest and subsequent legal battle for
the right to use marijuana to combat nausea caused by medicines he
takes to combat AIDS and cancer. His attempt to win a victory for
California medical marijuana users in court was derailed in November
when, incredibly, a federal judge turned the trial into a farce by
ruling that McWilliams could not mention his health condition,
Proposition 215, medical uses for marijuana, and related issues. This
left McWilliams with only one practical option: to plead guilty and
accept a plea bargain, and ask the judge to show compassion in
sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for February 28. He faces up to
five years in prison: a death sentence for someone with his health
challenges. We join with liberty lovers everywhere in hoping the judge
will show mercy, compassion, and decency in sentencing.
McWilliams is author of "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do: The
Absurdity of Victimless Crimes in a Free Society." This is a wonderful
book that has been acclaimed by readers across the political spectrum.
I'm pleased to offer it as our "Product Review" special at the end of
this issue.
Please check out our "Product Review" section - you'll be impressed by
the praise this book has received. Even if you don't plan to order the
book, I highly recommend you read Jim Powell's excellent review - it's
highly informative and a real pleasure to read.
One thing that I love about the book is the quotations: hundreds of
great quotes on the subjects of tolerance and freedom. Funny, moving,
thought-provoking - these alone are worth the cover price!
_________________________________________________________________
WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES
* Advocates in Ohio LP newsletter: Our thanks to the Libertarian Party
of Ohio for an excellent article in their newsletter about the
Advocates 15th Anniversary Celebration, written by longtime
libertarian and Advocates supporter Steve Schulte.
* Candidate Uses Quiz in Innovative Ways: John Girardeau ran for the
Virginia House of Delegates this fall, and he incorporated the
Advocates' World's Smallest Political Quiz into his campaign
literature. He used the Quiz as the back of his hard-hitting and very
attractive card-sized handout - a great way to educate voters on
libertarian issues and identify potential supporters and activists. He
also mailed 28,000 copies of a very snazzy postcard that included the
Quiz to voters in his district - adding a powerful
educational/outreach aspect to his campaign. A lot of campaign
literature is throw-away stuff. Not John's - we expect it was a
"keeper" for many folks. Great job, John! Other candidates have used
the Quiz in their literature, too. For reprint information, and free
camera-ready copy for candidates, contact the Advocates.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
* Free "Libertarian Clips": "Libertarian Clips" is a daily (or weekly,
if you prefer) clipping service that brings you news stories from
around the world that use the words "libertarian" or "libertarianism."
See what libertarians are doing, and see how the media is using those
words. It's FREE, and subscribing is a snap. Just click here:
http://www.self-gov.org/clips/
* Latest "Liberator" still available: The summer issue of "The
Liberator," our print magazine, is crammed full of good news about
liberty. Topics include: growing acceptance of the World's Smallest
Political Quiz; the Quiz in Academia and on national television;
Lights of Liberty winners; OPH success in California; Operation
Persuasion update; and much more. We'll send you a FREE sample copy of
this magazine. Just click here: http://www.self-gov.org/request.html
* Communication Bargain of the Century: You can get the great 3-tape
audio course "The Essence of Political Persuasion" from us at the
*give-away* price of only $7.50 - that price includes handling and,
now, First Class mail. (Yes, we've previously offered it for $5.00 if
mailed by bulk mail, but we found that too slow -- First Class will
get your order to you right away!) Libertarian Party Political
Director Ron Crickenberger says this Advocates offer is "...the
greatest gift the libertarian movement has received in years." Thanks
to "Persuasion" creator Michael Cloud for making this offer possible.
To order, see: http://www.reliablehost.com/self-gov/persuasion.html
This is a secure site, so you can order via credit card with
confidence. You can also call us or mail $7.50 to the Advocates. Our
phone number and address are at the end of this issue.
* 1999 Lights of Liberty Awards: You can win certificates, public
recognition, prizes and more for your vital activism for liberty.
Awards are given for: 3 libertarian letters to the editor; 3 sessions
working at an OPH booth; OR 3 libertarian-oriented public speeches.
Click here http://www.self-gov.org/lights/ to learn more.
New: Every "Lights of Liberty" winner will be entered in a drawing for
the autographed "Libertarian Presidential Library" collection - a $250
value!
* Now Available: Audio and video tapes of the entire Advocates 15th
Anniversary Celebration. You can buy individual tapes, or get the
whole set at a special low price. This event, held September 24-26,
featured top libertarian leaders and some of the very finest
libertarian speakers at their very best. In alphabetical order: David
Bergland, Ken Bisson, Walter Block, Harry Browne, Doug Casey, Michael
Cloud, Marshall Fritz, Sharon Harris, Karl Hess Jr., Jacob Hornberger,
Vince Miller, Charles Murray, David Nolan, Congressman Ron Paul,
Carole Ann Rand, and Mary Ruwart. Click here
http://www.reliablehost.com/self-gov/adv15.html for a complete list of
speakers, topics, and prices.
_________________________________________________________________
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS
by James W. Harris
Celebrity Libertarian: Melanie
Melanie, the world-renowned pop/folk singer-songwriter, has declared
that she's a libertarian and a Libertarian Party supporter. And she's
done it in a very public way: in the liner notes to her new
greatest-hits CD, "Ring the Living Bell: A Collection."
She writes:
"I'm a total Libertarian, and I am not a Democrat, a Socialist, or a
Republican Vote Libertarian, [and] don't worry about wasting your
vote." She also had this to say about government: "Totally leave us
alone and we'll be better off."
Melanie first came to public prominence when she appeared at the
original Woodstock in 1969. Among her biggest hits: "Brand New Key,"
"Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," and "The Nickel Song." The
Emmy-winning singer/songwriter has released 25 albums. "Brand New
Key," a huge hit in the early '70's, was featured on the soundtrack of
the 1998 hit film "Boogie Nights."
(Source: Libertarian Party News)
Survey: U.S. Thirty Times More Civilized
A recent survey by the Tax Foundation estimated that Americans "will
spend more per capita in 1999 on taxes ($10,298) than on food
($2,693), clothing ($1,404), and shelter ($5,833) combined."
In 1904, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. made his famous statement that
"taxes are what we pay for a civilized society." The Tax Foundation
points out that we must be awfully civilized by now - taxes are fully
30 times greater (in 1999 dollars) than when Holmes spoke.
(Sources: Tax Foundation, as reported in "CEI UpDate," Competitive
Enterprise Institute)
The Unbiased Media
The Media Research Center is a conservative organization that
documents what they perceive to be liberal bias in the nation's media.
On December 9, the organization presented their "Dishonor Awards for
the Decade's Most Outrageous Liberal Bias." The awards were carried on
C-SPAN. Though we're libertarians, we found their collection of
remarks from our "unbiased" national media figures alternately
hilarious, weird and appalling. Here are some samples:
"If we could be one-hundredth as great as you and Hillary Rodham
Clinton have been in the White House, we'd take it right now and
walk away winners...Thank you very much and tell Mrs. Clinton we
respect her and we're pulling for her."
-- Dan Rather at a May 27, 1993 CBS affiliates meeting, talking via
satellite to President Clinton about his (Rather's) new on-air
partnership with Connie Chung as co-anchor of the CBS Evening News.
* * *
"It's short of soap, so there are lice in the hospitals. It's short
of pantyhose, so women's legs go bare. It's short of snowsuits, so
babies stay home in the winter. Sometimes it's short of cigarettes
so millions of people stop smoking, involuntarily. It drives
everybody crazy. The problem isn't communism; nobody even talked
about communism this week. The problem is shortages."
-- NBC Nightly News commentator John Chancellor on the Soviet
Union, Aug. 21, 1991.
* * *
"He [Ted Kaczynski] wasn't a hypocrite. He lived as he wrote. His
manifesto, and there are a lot of things in it that I would agree
with and a lot of other people would, that industrialization and
pollution all are terrible things, but he carried it to an extreme,
and obviously murder is something that is far beyond any political
philosophy, but he had a bike. He didn't have any plumbing, he
didn't have any electricity."
-- Time Washington reporter Elaine Shannon talking about the
Unabomber, April 7, 1996 C-SPAN Sunday Journal.
* * *
"I think he [Senator Jesse Helms] ought to be worried about what's
going on in the Good Lord's mind, because if there is retributive
justice, he'll get AIDS from a transfusion, or one of his
grandchildren will get it."
-- National Public Radio and ABC News reporter Nina Totenberg
reacting to Senator Jesse Helms' claim that the government spends
too much on AIDS research, July 8, 1995 Inside Washington.
* * *
"You know, I hope his wife feeds him lots of eggs and butter and he
dies early like many black men do, of heart disease. Well, that's
how I feel. He is an absolutely reprehensible person."
-- USA Today columnist and Pacifica Radio talk show host Julianne
Malveaux on Justice Clarence Thomas, November 4, 1994 PBS To the
Contrary.
* * *
"Some thoughts on those angry voters. Ask parents of any
two-year-old and they can tell you about those temper tantrums: the
stomping feet, the rolling eyes, the screaming....Imagine a nation
full of uncontrolled two-year-old rage. The voters had a temper
tantrum last week....Parenting and governing don't have to be dirty
words: the nation can't be run by an angry two-year-old."
-- ABC's Peter Jennings in his radio commentary after the GOP won
the House, Nov. 14, 1994.
(Source: Media Research Center)
_________________________________________________________________
ON THE WEB
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ASK DR. RUWART
How can you answer difficult questions about libertarianism -- in
short, positive, persuasive soundbite-sized responses? It's a
challenge every libertarian communicator faces.
Dr. Mary Ruwart is a leading expert in libertarian communication and
author of the international bestseller "Healing Our World." Her new
book is "Short Answers to the Tough Questions." In this column she
provides Liberator Online readers with "Short Answers to the Tough
Questions" that libertarians are frequently asked.
If you'd like Dr. Ruwart to provide effective answers for YOUR "tough
questions" on libertarian issues, just email the questions to her at:
mailto:ruwart@self-gov.org. *Due to volume, Dr. Ruwart can't
personally answer or acknowledge all email queries.* But we'll run the
best questions -- and Dr. Ruwart's answers -- in upcoming issues.
Extra Tip: Dr. Ruwart suggests that answers are often best preceded by
a "Ransberger Pivot" statement, to establish common ground with the
questioner. (Example: "Like you, I too want to live in a world where
the environment is clean... Like you, I too want to see greater
abundance for all people...") For more on the Ransberger Pivot
communication technique, see previous issues, or contact the
Advocates.
Dr. Ruwart's past answers are archived in searchable form at the
http://www.self-gov.org/ruwart/
Short Answers to the Tough Questions:
by Dr. Mary Ruwart
* * *
Are There 'Pro-Life' Libertarians?
Question:
"I am new to libertarianism but really have only one main issue that
seems to separate me from other libertarians: abortion. I am pro-life.
I'm curious to know if other libertarians hold this view, or if I am
alone on this."
My short answer:
"You are not alone. Just as in other parties and organizations, the
abortion issue is hotly debated among libertarians.
"In general, libertarians are split into two camps, both believing
that their view best expresses the non-aggression principle.
"The group which identifies with the 'pro-life' viewpoint feels that a
couple engaging in sexual relations should be responsible for the
results of their actions. If a child is conceived who cannot fend for
himself, the parents are responsible for bringing him into the world
and caring for him until he can. Abortion is viewed as murder of an
innocent, much as you describe.
"The predominant 'pro-choice' viewpoint, as expressed in the current
version of the Libertarian Party platform, is backed by principled
arguments as well. Libertarians believe that no one should be enslaved
to support another, including a pregnant woman 'enslaved' to carry a
fetus she does not want. A woman's body is her property, to do with as
she wishes. Libertarians of this persuasion generally believe that
parents do not have a *duty* to support their offspring, although most
parents gladly do so. Obviously, children's rights are a related and
unresolved issue between these two viewpoints.
"Another pro-choice perspective is that the fetus, by definition, is
part of the woman's body as long as it cannot be sustained outside of
her. 'Her body, her choice.'
"However, once the fetus could live outside the mother, some
libertarians argue that a live birth, rather than an abortion, is the
proper method for a woman to exercise property rights over her body.
Just as you would ask a trespasser to leave, rather than blast him or
her away, so too should a woman ask the fetus to leave in the least
forceful way possible. Those wishing to adopt the newborn would assume
the costs of caring for the premature infant and become its legal
guardian.
"In spite of these very different interpretation of the non-aggression
principles, proponents of the various positions share some important
common ground. First, they all agree that tax-supported abortions are
a violation of everyone's rights!
"Secondly, most (not all) believe that outlawing abortion will only
drive it underground. Most believe that a better way of stopping
abortion is to make it obsolete. A libertarian society is
best-equipped to do just that.
"For example, interracial adoption wouldn't be discouraged as it is
today by government social services agencies. Contracts between the
birth mother and adoptive parents would be honored by the courts,
making them more attractive, predictable, and suited to the needs of
everyone concerned. Research in effective contraception and the
ability to transfer a fetus to a willing mother are more likely in a
society made wealthy by non-aggression.
"Something is interfering in the natural order of things when so many
people want to adopt and so many women chose an abortion instead of a
baby. That 'something' is the government aggression that controls
research, adoption guidelines, and contract law. Our first priority
should be to stop the government aggression that encourages abortion
in the first place. Perhaps that will be the only solution that both
'pro-choice' and 'pro-life' advocates need."
[Editor's Note: The Libertarian Party platform plank on abortion,
while pro-choice, was amended in 1996 to acknowledge that libertarians
disagree on this issue. For more information on the views of pro-life
libertarians, contact Libertarians For Life, the leading libertarian
pro-life organization. Their address, along with addresses for many
other libertarian organizations, is at our Web site. Also archived at
our Web site: more answers by Dr. Ruwart to questions about this
difficult issue.]
* * *
Doesn't NAFTA Mean Free Trade?
Question:
"I read your recent defense of free trade, but what is wrong with
NAFTA? The acronym does clearly say that is for 'Free Trade'" My short
answer: "If NAFTA promotes free trade, why does it take 500+ pages to
say these two words? Some experts believe that NAFTA's morass of
regulations will, in fact, limit trade further; others believe that,
on balance, trade will be enhanced. If the experts are confused, I
conclude that NAFTA may or may not be a step in the right direction,
but not a great leap. "Words are often used in politics to create an
acceptable image for an act that the public would find unacceptable.
For example, how many people would support taxation if we called it
'legalized theft' or 'protection money' instead? "Recently-proposed
'Know Your Customer' banking regulations sounded warm and fuzzy, but
actually demanded that banks actively spy on their customers and
report to the government. When evaluating any legislation, look to the
substance, not to the name, for 'the real thing.'"
* * *
More Minimum Wage Arguments
Question:
"Concerning your recent comments on the minimum wage in the Liberator
Online:
"It always surprises me to hear the same answer given in response to
the question of the minimum wage's adverse effects on society.
"Raising the minimum wage will not necessarily result in lost jobs.
The number of salaried employees is not the only factor that needs to
be taken into consideration. There are three areas where the added
cost may show up: (1) Revenues; (2) Expenditures: and (3) Profits.
"If a company decides to take the extra money from expenditures, that
may result in lost jobs, since employees are paid a set number of
dollars. It also may result in inferior products, using cheaper
parts/ingredients/whatever.
"If a company decides to take the extra money out of profits, that may
result in lower salaries for higher-level employees.
"However, the third option, taking the extra money from revenues is
something that I never see discussed. Specifically, that would result
in raising prices. If the inflation is large enough, *the value of the
new minimum wage is decreased*. What this means is that at some point
in the future, the wage will have to be raised yet again, resulting in
more inflation...
"For me, this vicious circle is the most compelling reason not to have
a minimum wage in America. Aside from the moral question, that is." --
Andrew A. Gill.
My short answer:
"Great points! I normally focus on the loss of jobs by the
disadvantaged because that's where questioners' concerns usually are.
However, I appreciate the reminder to broaden their horizons. Thanks
for your input!"
* * *
Dr. Ruwart's book "Healing Our World" features persuasive arguments
for liberty, backed with *over 500 references* showing how liberty
works. You can browse the entire book online at:
http://www.cyberpop.com/ebooks
You can order it at a special reduced price of only $12.95 (plus
shipping) from the Advocates. Check out our online catalog at:
http://www.reliablehost.com/self-gov/opp.html
Dr. Ruwart's newest book is "Short Answers to the Tough Questions,"
also available from the Advocates for $12.00 (plus shipping).
_________________________________________________________________
PERSUASION POWER POINT #83
The Six-Step Recipe For Cooking Big Government
by Michael Cloud
"There are over 40 million Americans without adequate health care
insurance. Shouldn't the government do something?" asks the
questioner.
"Fifteen years from now, we'll have another 60 million Americans ready
to retire. Social Security needs more funds. Shouldn't government do
something?" asks another.
"Public schools are failing. We need more money to educate our kids.
Shouldn't the federal government do something?" asks a third.
You've heard these questions. And dozens like them.
Responding directly often makes it look like libertarians are against
the positive intentions behind the programs - or against the people
who depend on the programs.
We may look like the Grinch who stole kindness.
We don't have to stand there and look bad.
Because I have a six-step recipe that cooks the Big Government
approach -- and sets the table for freedom.
Let's use the first question to illustrate the six steps.
"There are over 40 million Americans without adequate health care
insurance. Shouldn't the government do something?" asks the
questioner.
STEP 1: Empathize with his positive intentions:
"It's awful when Americans who are sick or injured find themselves
without medical care. We don't want to stand by while others suffer.
We need to do something positive. Something that makes things
better..." (Even though the question says "health insurance", the
person's intention is that these people get health _care_.)
As sales trainer Cavett Robert wrote in 1962,
"No one cares how much you know -- until they know how much you care."
STEP 2: "Big Government Programs don't work."
Give examples of program failures from Healing Our World by Mary
Ruwart, or Losing Ground by Charles Murray, or Why Government Doesn't
Work by Harry Browne.
STEP 3: "Big Government Programs often make things worse for the very
people they're intended to help."
Offer examples of things that were made worse from the books above or
from James Bovard's books or from any one of dozens listed in Laissez
Faire Books' catalog.
STEP 4: "Big Government Programs create new problems."
Use examples of the new problems from the books above or from The
Tragedy of American Compassion by Olasky or Reclaiming the American
Dream by Corneulle.
STEP 5: "Big Government Programs are wasteful and costly."
Offer examples from James Bovard or the books above or "Talking
Points" in Libertarian Party News or from one of John Stossel's
reports on 20/20 -- or from the Liberator On-Line's "Good News, Bad
News, and Unbelievable News" by James Harris.
STEP 6: "Big Government Programs divert money and energy from positive
and productive uses."
You may want to use free market success stories, or refer to one of
the many fine articles in Reason Magazine.
Or you may want to ask your questioner, "How do you think you and I,
working with our churches or service organizations like the Lions Club
or the Rotary Club or local businesses, might help solve this problem
in our community? If the government didn't take all of that money from
us in high taxes, if the government didn't get in the way, how could
we solve this problem locally?"
This six-step recipe cooks the Big Government Approach to dealing with
social problems. And it clears the way for discussing Libertarian
solutions to social problems.
1. Empathy
2. Government programs don't work.
3. Government programs often make things worse for those they intend
to help.
4. Government programs create new problems
5. Government programs are wasteful and costly.
6. Government programs divert money from more positive and productive
uses.
This approach requires that we become well-informed about the harms of
Big Government -- and the benefits and blessings of individual
liberty, personal responsibility, and small government.
This is the recipe, not the dinner. You need to shop for the
ingredients yourself. You need to familiarize yourself with
libertarian and free market magazines, newsletters, books, and tapes.
This approach does not show how and why a free society will solve
these problems.
This approach shows how and why Big Government programs have not, do
not, and cannot solve our problems.
When we're moving in the wrong direction, we don't want to go further
or faster.
We must turn around.
And head toward blue skies and open roads. Toward freedom.
**********************
Michael Cloud was the Keynote Speaker at the 1998 Libertarian National
Convention. In 1999, Libertarian state Chairs voted Michael Cloud the
best speaker in the Libertarian Party. His speeches have been called
"electrifying" and "unforgettable". The Art of Libertarian Persuasion
by Michael Cloud will be published by LiamWorks this year.
His acclaimed 3-tape tape set "The Essence of Political Persuasion" is
available from the Advocates at the give-away price of only $7.50
postpaid; see "What's Happening" in this issue.
_________________________________________________________________
PRODUCT REVIEW:
"Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do: The Absurdity of Consensual Crimes
in a Free Society" by Peter McWilliams (815 page quality paperback,
Prelude Press,1993.)
A remarkable, witty, fact-filled and highly readable book that makes
the definitive case for ending "victimless crime" laws, written by
best-selling author - and medical marijuana freedom fighter - Peter
McWilliams!
We are delighted to offer you this wonderful book, by a man who has
literally put his life on the line to fight in the courts for our
freedom.
First, some rave reviews from prominent folks of all political
persuasions:
"Brilliant!" - Sting.
"Mr. McWilliams is an expert on the subject of consensual crimes
and the damage that fighting such non-crimes has on society, on the
economy, and on our collective states of mind." --Hugh Downs
"The best and liveliest book I've ever read on consensual crimes.
It is a gallant effort everyone should read." --Larry King
"Peter McWilliams is serious about individual liberty. In the
introduction he declares simply: 'This is a book about freedom.'
More specifically, it is about the right of people to run their own
lives without the interference of government so long as they do not
violate the rights of others.... A unique and enjoyable, if at
times uneven, text for keeping the state out of our personal
affairs... McWilliams, obviously a free spirit when it comes to
organizing books, goes on to add sundry observations on, among
other things, the Age of Enlightenment, failures of alcohol
prohibition, and hypocrisy of today's would-be prohibitionists of
just about everything." --Doug Bandow, syndicated columnist
"Peter McWilliams has come up with a "reinvention" of government
that would brig us closer to the ideals of the Founding Fathers,
increase our personal liberties and save an impressive amount of
money in the process." --"USA Today"
"I found this book hugely entertaining and therefore dangerously
instructive." --Archbishop Desmond Tutu
From a review by Jim Powell of Laissez Faire Books:
Today, intolerance is wrecking human lives across America. In the name
of doing good, conservatives as well as so-called "liberals" support
federal, state and local governments for escalating violent attacks on
private individuals because of "consensual crimes" which don't harm
anyone else or their property. Each year, more than 4 million people
are arrested and 350,000 are jailed. Increasingly, governments seize
assets, even murder the accused before they've gone to trial.
It's past time, says author Peter McWilliams, to reassert the
fundamental principles of tolerance. "All we need to remember," he
declares in this passionate, witty and comprehensive book, "is what we
were probably told when we were five: 'If it's not yours, leave it
alone.' To which we might add, 'If it is yours, you can do what you
like with it, as long as you don't harm the person or property of
another.'"
McWilliams covers all the issues, showing why laws against consensual
crime are un-American... why they violate the separation of church and
state... go against sacred principles of private property, free
enterprise and free market capitalism... why these laws are costly...
undermine freedom of the press... teach people irresponsibility...
discriminate against the poor and minorities... seriously distract
people from addressing real social problems... destroy careers and
lives... promote theft, robbery, murder and organized crime... corrupt
law enforcement officials... overload our court system.
McWilliams amasses dramatic facts to expose the idiocy of moral
crusades. He provides a lively chronicle of alcohol prohibition...
32,000 to 100,000 speakeasies in New York City alone... McWilliams
recounts the generally-forgotten episode of attempted cigarette
prohibition during the 1920s, when cigarette consumption nearly
tripled. He shows why the Food & Drug Administration is responsible
for much human misery and death.
McWilliams deftly ridicules the bizarre logic of those who insist
government should protect people against themselves. "Let's assume we
are our brothers' keeper -- whether our brothers like it or not. Is
the best way to protect a wayward brother by seizing all his property
and putting him in jail? Is this helping either the 'criminal' or the
people who love him? Would a wife really feel more secure knowing that
her husband is safe in jail and not running around with gamblers?
Would a husband truly be happier living on the street, penniless,
because the state accused his wife of selling marijuana, and tossed
her in jail while seizing the house, car, and all their joint assets?"
McWilliams' commitment to tolerance remains rock-solid, inspiring. He
affirms John Locke's defense of natural rights, Adam Smith's defense
of private property and John Stuart Mill's defense of individuality.
McWilliams reviews the Bible, U.S. Constitution and other historic
documents which relate to tolerance.
He enlivens the book with great quotations about tolerance. For
example, macho movie star John Wayne: "It rankles me when somebody
tries to force somebody to do something." Or legendary comedian Jimmy
Durante: "Why doesn't everybody leave everybody else the hell alone?"
Again and again, McWilliams denounces the idea of trying to improve
the world with laws, regulations, bureaucrats and police. "It's
education, not prohibition that makes constructive change," he says.
Bravo!
* * *
SPECIAL DISCOUNT PRICE AND FREE GIFT
We are pleased to offer "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do" to our
readers for only $9.95 (plus shipping).
Plus...
FREE BONUS GIFT: Handsome facsimile $500 gold certificate bookmark.
This laminated bookmark recalls the days when the U.S. dollar was
backed by gold, there wasn't any Federal Reserve System, nobody
worried about inflation, and total taxes were under 10%. It's a
carefully-crafted facsimile capturing all the detail of a now-rare
$500 gold certificate. And it's yours FREE with your order! (If we run
out, we'll substitute a gift of equivalent value.)
To order on the Web, via credit card, simply click here:
http://laissezfaire.org/py7893.cfm?AssociateID=SG
This will take you to a site at the Laissez Faire Books online
catalog. Laissez Faire Books is the world's largest seller of books on
liberty, and we are pleased to be able to offer this book in
partnership with them.
Fast shipping - most orders sent within 24 hours of receipt. And FREE
shipping on orders of $100 or more.
While placing your order for "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do," be
sure to browse Laissez-Faire's wonderful selection of other essential
libertarian books.
The site is credit-card secure -- you can order with the same
confidence you'd feel at your local department store.
You can also, of course, place your order to the Advocates by phone,
mail or fax. Call us at 1-800-932-1776, or see below for further
contact information.
This offer is good through January 27, 2000.
Thank you!
_________________________________________________________________
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"May it be to the world... to assume the blessings and security of
self-government." -- Thomas Jefferson
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