So true. Hubbard called it “safe pointing”.

So true. Hubbard called it “safe pointing”.

Some of these Mighty MenaGAWD make sure ALL the high-priced law firms in their sphere of influence are on long-term standby retainers. This means they cannot take any case against the ManaGAWD or his church. Any victim would be limited to second- and third-string lawyers while the church has the best lawyers (and thus verdicts) money can buy.

A lot of MenaGAWD in such positions first get the local authorities on their side. Whether by getting the authorities to join their church, recruiting off-duty cops for their security detail or becoming police chaplains themselves. All to move themselves and their church onto the “Cop” side of the “Code of Blue”, where Cop will always side with Cop against Not-Cop.

“There are those who will say what we do is illegal. Before that can happen, make sure WE are the ones who define what is legal and what is not.”
— L Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology

Sunk Cost Fallacy, the con man’s greatest friend.

Get the suckers so emotionally invested in the scam that they CAN’T back out, because they would have to admit to themselves (and those around them) that they were suckered. To prevent that, they will instead fanatically defend the con man even as the takes them to the cleaners.