python ez_setup.py --install --prefix=~/lib                         
Downloading http://cheeseshop.python.org/packages/2.3/s/setuptools/setuptools-0.6c6-py2.3.egg
error: can't create or remove files in install directory

The following error occurred while trying to add or remove files in the
installation directory:

    [Errno 2] No such file or directory: '--prefix=~/lib/test-easy-install-27205.pth'

The installation directory you specified (via --install-dir, --prefix, or
the distutils default setting) was:

    --prefix=~/lib

This directory does not currently exist.  Please create it and try again, or
choose a different installation directory (using the -d or --install-dir
option).