Betcha a dollar the court will not certify it as RICO. He's got a tort, but there is no clear pattern of criminal behavior.
Unless he has big money to bring in some heavy artillery, I bet it wont go anywhere.
alex
Civil RICO cases are extremely difficult, even in cases where the finances aren't as lopsided as a private citizen vs. a billion-dollar cult with a history of secrecy and paranoia and corruption.
And, the reason for that is that private citizens just don't have the access to investigation and discovery that's necessary, nor do they have the means to manipulate the courts and witnesses that money and unscrupulousness grant.
Which is why the real necessity is for a *criminal* RICO prosecution, because, there is little doubt that the 'Church' of Scientology qualifies for practically every aspect of racketeering and corrupt organization, but, proving so in a court of law is something that would require actual investigation, subpoena and contempt of court powers.
So, the purpose of *all* anti-Scientology activity is to help Scientology crawl out from under its comfy rock into the light of day; be seen and recognized for the malicious and criminal entity it is to the point where the agencies entrusted with watchdogging such activities can no longer turn a convenient blind eye. Face it, even taking on the mafia was something law enforcement avoided for decades, and, Scientology is both less influential and more difficult to penetrate.
But, all that said, civil actions by private citizens, although almost certainly futile are welcome, because, every little bit helps. Much of the exposure of the Cult is a direct result of such private actions, which, while not ultimately 'successful' (The Cult is still there) have brought out the kind of information that is now snowballing and creating the broad public awareness that's necessary, and, I for one welcome every little bit more.
The camel's carrying a heavy load and none of us can predict which straw it will be that finally hits critical mass.
Zinj