Customer Reviews

One Nation, Under Surveillance -- Privacy From the Watchful Eye

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I wanted this since it was pre-anounced, and got it as soon as it came out. It's an excellent guide for staying "off the grid" while still living "in the grid."

"One Nation, Under Surveillance" explains how you don't have to live on the woods to minimize the amount of government/corporate/marketing/nosy neighbor intrusion, and the book lays out how. And does so in a "friend sitting next to you explaining things" voice.

In typical Boston T. Party style, the book covers everything promised in the book title AND THEN SOME. The "then some" in this case is the chapter on spotting and blocking sociopaths (who hide in society masquerading as "nice, normal folks".)

Some would say "What the heck does that have to do with avoiding having your bank information stolen and keeping your computer information and phone calls private?" The answer is, well, EVERYTHING. First, those people are the most likely to steal your info/money/checks/etc. But second of all, they are the most likely to steal your SERENITY. And what is the goal in increasing personal privacy if not to INCREASE SERENITY?!!

Another great thing about this book is that, while it does explain the ever-increasing intrusions on privacy in modern society, and extensive details on how to avoid them, it is not a "paranoid" book. It is realistic. It's less "Dale Gribble" and more just "How to quietly have your life together."

I really like "One Nation, Under Surveillance", find it VERY useful, and I'm giving a copy to a close friend.

Michael W. Dean

...this one delivers. A much needed update of an older privacy book, this one covers all the bases. I found myself reading it through once for the general drift and then again slowly to absorb the detail.

The Linux chapter alone is worth the price of admission but by far the most surprising chapter deals with sociopathic behavior. Reading and coming to grips with what the author is saying about this sick cross section of so called humanity will shine a light on the previously obscured.

Chock full of useful information it belongs in the hands of all privacy lovers and, most especially, in the hands of those who think privacy isn't important.

I couldn't put this book down. Boston T. Party does an excellent job like always. The thing I love about all his books is he provides levels...

What I mean by that is yes, you could take this as a paranoid craziness tinfoil hat mania. Perhaps, if you take every suggestion, tactic, strategy and tip to it's most extreme level, you might be a total recluse. But even Boston doesn't suggest that. Some of the chapters you'll want to take to the extreme, some you'll glance over, and others you'll find some middle ground. Use what fits into your life and what you're willing to do, as much or as little as you want. The end result will certainly be a more private, more aware and safer you, no matter how far you take things.

In case you haven't gotten it so far, I highly recommend this, and all, of Boston's books.

"One Nation Under Surveillance: Privacy From The Watchful Eye" by Boston T. Party is an interesting and eye opening book full of strategies and techniques to keep you, your belongings, and your activities private. It's obvious that the author is sick and tired of Big Brother's ever increasing invasion into every aspect of our lives. You don't have to agree with him on everything, nor do you have to take all the measures outlined in this text, to gain some valuable information regarding privacy and to have your eyes opened to things you probably didn't know were going on.

I'm not personally looking to drop off the grid right now, nor do I plan to implement a lot of the privacy strategies outlined in this book. However, I am still very glad I read it. It opened my eyes to things, and there are things in the book that I'll be using personally.

Right at the beginning, the author discusses why a person might want more privacy, and his number one reason is oppressive government, high taxes, and war. Like I said, the author is not too fond of the government, but then who is these days? Learning about how information is collected on us, and by whom, is a good wake up call. There's some Interesting and scary stuff here. He then does a good job of describing privacy vs. paranoia, though some may think the line is not quite where the author draws it.

There are chapters on a variety of topics ranging from interesting, to a bit complex, to things that were beyond my personal lifestyle goals, but interesting to read nonetheless. I found the chapter on people, and who you trust to be very interesting, and did not expect to find a segment on sociopaths when I first got the book. Chapters on I.D., Financial Privacy, and Mail provide ways and steps you can take to live more anonymously. The chapters on telecommunications and passphrases really interested me, and anyone that secures data and other information with pass words or passphrases would learn a thing or two from this section. Some very good info here.

The author also writes quite a bit about computers and operating systems. He has no
use for Windows, and suggests Puppy Linux as the most privacy orientated operating system, and explains why and how to set your computer up with it.

As someone concerned with Big Brother and all of the information gathering done by our government, it is not surprising that this book contains a chapter on the Census and ACS. If you have concerns with either of these, and want to know a bit more about them, this chapter will fill you in. The gun chapter was pretty basic. Buy from individuals and gun shows that don't do paperwork if you don't want people to know you have them. That and keep your mouth shut. Sure, there's a little more than that, but not much, because basically that's it to keep private.

There are also short chapters on living quietly, keeping your car private, traveling private, and using private entities. Regarding these chapters, the author provides a little basic information, but one must do more research. On one note, Montana is also a state that you don't have to show proof of insurance upon registration. A vehicle can also be registered in the country where an entity has it's registered agent too. That gets to the chapter on entities, such as trusts, corporations, and LLCs. The author provides some bare bones information that might or might not work for certain situations. As someone who has formed thousands of business entities for others and has studied a lot of asset protection strategies, I'd suggest you follow the advice the author provides on page 21/8 - become your own expert. You really need to learn a lot more than the author put in this eight-page chapter if you wish to use entities as part of your overall privacy and asset protection plan.

The final chapter provides some of the author's thoughts on privacy's future. I should also note, that the book is not just the author's thoughts. The book contains many quotes and passages from other sources, and the author does a great job of providing those sources. It's an extremely researched book with a lot of places to go look for additional information on the topics covered.

I think this is a valuable book for several reasons. First, it's eye opening and provides information that many people are unaware of. Increasing awareness of some of the ways people are losing their privacy is important. Second, for some individuals who would rather live privately off the grid, so to speak, this book offers a lot of practical strategies and resources for doing so. And lastly, for many others who don't want to completely disappear or take the extravagant position of privacy, this book provides information that can be used to the degree the person wishes to keep certain information secure from others, even if it's just using better pass words and being more aware of how information is being collected. I'm glad I read this book, and it's one I'll keep on the shelf as a resource.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks.

Boston says this may be his last book under that pen name. I am going to miss him, but this book is a nice way for him to put that persona to bed. This book is a greatly expanded and updated version of his original 'Bulletproof Privacy' book I reviewed way back when.

The book is worth double its price just for the expanded and updated sections entitled 'Telecommunications/Passphrases/Computer Data and Internet Privacy. (That's really all your getting - much of Bulletproof Privacy is repeated in this book ) There is also a chapter on the Linux system. I have gotten too old and too busy to sit down and learn about new technology from conventional sources and I really have come to despise new technologies but I must still be somewhat familiar with them.

This is where Boston really really shines for someone like me. He distills internet protocol, encryption, and the current state and availability of governmnet and civilian technology into several chapters so that you will have good familiarity with the spectrum of information and equipment in little time.

You will learn "how secure is 'secure' - when implemented security is 'enough' - How many characters should your passphrase be? - Are there surveillance backdoors into the Windows operation system? - Can data be mined off computer hard disks that have been 'wiped'? What do government agencies do with old computer hard-drives - (they don't wipe 'em) - How is data recorded on hard drives? - What about the new electronic surveillance warrants and keystroke monitoring software? You mean they can put that into your mainframe box itself AS hardware?? What other data is transferred by your computer over the internet without your knowledge - how do companies track and mine your data - What are some examples of FBI efforts to track down hackers that show just how vulnerable your computer really is? Operating systems/proxy services/what can happen when crossing the U.S. border with your laptop computer/wireless router encryption/offshore internet and mail servers. <- These are just a sample of the topics touched upon by Boston in good, distilled, form.

Also valuable - the book discusses the current state (and fate in one example) of the electronic/digital gold and currency companies - I learned of new companies now offering this service and found out what happened to the first company that tried it 'e-gold.'

Boston touches on the 'Real Id' farce that has come along - biometric identification - and the new TSA 'no-fly' list and other airport travel hyjinx.

What is most curious is an extensive new subchapter on sociopaths. Boston defines them and uses some analysis from pschologists about them - how they lie - how their mind works - how they operate - and protecting yourself from them. It looks like Boston was the victim of one. The concept will be a new one for a lot of people and this chapter is interesting although I do not think you can 'teach' people to spot them.

One of Boston's tips for discerning a sociopath is that one has the "uncanny ability to spot decent and trusting people, the fertile soil of a sociopathic weed." My God is that 100% true. Midwestern 'Mom and Apple pie' types are taken by sociopaths routinely - they just don't have the mental experience to deal with it. Think of a sleazy appliance salesman - Boston tries to explain to the reader how the sociopath is attacking your mind.

In my opinion 'Training' in dealing with sociopaths is simply to have the student move and live and work in a metro East Coast City for a year - that will train him. For most people though - if you are a high school graduate (or less) and pride yourself for never having taken a dime from anyone - buy this book and then do some SERIOUS reflection on what Boston has to say in that chapter. The old adage - "if you look like food you are going to be eaten" - well one of the people out eating you and your mother and father and robbing them is the sociopath. (Boston could probably do a video series on this - that might be a great idea)

I'll miss BTP if he does not write again - but I've enjoyed his material immensely and put more than a few of his ideas into practice. Until we meet again . . .

Fantastic book! Detailed, up-to-date, and does a great job of showing you not just HOW to protect your privacy, but WHY you should. (Frankly, if you aren't convinced as to the "why", you will never make the sacrifices the "how" requires to maintain privacy). Buy this book and starts applying what it teaches NOW while you can still do so, the information is perishable and the few loopholes that are left will continue to be closed.

If you thought the battle for privacy was over after watching "Enemy of the State" Boston would ask why everyone still wants your data with every transaction or activity. The authors' short answer to that question is that privacy still works!

In this most up-to-date and comprehensive book on the subject the author accomplishes three feats for those of us interested in state-of-the-art privacy:

1. A complete analysis of why privacy is more crucial than ever, still possible and still works!
2. A detailed description of who and what to protect our privacy against.
3. An exhaustive and up-to-date implementation guide for achieving our own "sweet spot" of insulation.

Those familiar with the subject know that privacy cascades into multiple areas and down many rabbit trails of implementation. Because of its completeness and the inclusion of the three elements above it's quite possible to implement a complete privacy plan using only this 480-page book as a companion.

The author has become quite brilliant at improvising privacy solutions as new exposures present. I believe the most valuable contribution of the book is that it tends to impart such improvisational skills to the reader.

"Do not confront, but learn to mask yourself and circumvent." (ch. 22, pg. 17)

My overall take on ONUS is that it is so thorough, comprehensive and actionable on such a complex (And urgent) subject that it was a practical sacrificial effort to get it all current and in one book. Apparently, this parting gift of liberty is no accident as it is the authors last "Boston T. Party" book.

It would be a shame not to have this privacy tool available now that it's needed most. But, it is available. All the mistakes have been made, we know the insulation is crucial and possible, we know what the enemy looks like and have a detailed roadmap to get to a safe place.

Now the only shame would be in not taking privacy and shelter from the psychopathic storm.

Terence Gillespie
youroptimal . com

BTP strikes again in another solidly researched how-to book. Every chapter is worthy of multiple readings, especially the computer and internet chapters. Unfortunately the proofreading is lacking, so grammar and spelling fall apart at times, much as with his other books.

Unfortunately, BTP has said this will be his last practical book as he's burned out. There's also a subtle rivalry as BTP obliquely refers to J.J. Luna's "How to be Invisible." For computer privacy BTP's book is far more useful, unless you have all your time free to check Luna's forum. I only wish BTP had gone into more "detail for dummies" on the SSH and VPN topics.

This is a great book for both the hardcore survivalist and the everyday person worried about privacy. Full of practical and useful tips I highly recommend this book to anyone. If anything, this book has too much useful information! I know I will be re - reading it for years to come.

BTP has really outdone himself here, putting out a book that is a treasure trove of valuable information for those who truly care about privacy (there obviously aren't many of us left). What I love about his approach is that he looks at privacy from the point of view of a patriotic American who wants to live his life free of big brother's ever more watchful eye. This is not a book about how to live as a fugitive or how to survive as a sophisticated criminal (though I'm sure it could be useful to either). It is a book about how to live your life as an American without the government having access to personal information about you that it can use to your detriment.

Unfortunately in this cyber age, material like this dates very quickly. Read it now. Once you understand the concepts and breadth of the surveillance that is out there, you will be on the right path and can figure out how to stay current. It is not easy, and at first I thought the author was paranoid. However, almost every day (now that I am looking for it) I see evidence in the news of how government misuses this information it gathers against its own citizens. Buy this book and be one step ahead.