Serious question re this explosion of crime [View All]

What could have passed between them that it would be safe?

Premise: I believe a fertile and secure environment was promised all these people to cheat, betray, take - what is the one thing that would make them think they wouldn't get caught?

It has to be based on an underlying belief - that they would not get caught? Why?

Is THE RATIONAL something like this?

We are Republicans and we're protected. We're protected because we will remain in power. We will remain in power because we will own power - judges, courts, media, and vote outcomes and a receptive WH with all their partners in the Departments and Agencies and the barons?

If a promise of perpetual power, it means they have communicated with each other. Some way or another the word passed from one to another that they could get away with this (whichever crime they're particpating in).

Though the crimes are varied (- the Justice Dept, highly revered military, smeared and hated CIA, WH, elected leaders, foundations-think tanks -), there is a commanality - a 'knowledge' that it would be OK and safe.

This is my question -

What was at the core of belief that there was safety in the deals/agreements/acts and gathering in of the rewards? What could have passed between them that it would be safe?