I didn’t mean to say that there wasn’t manipulation involved in this case or in other cases of strangers extracting money from vulnerable old people. That happens often, and in clear cut cases people can be prosecuted under the law. What I mean to say is that sometimes older people do things with their money that their children disapprove and in some cases this is motivated by the fact the children think the money would be better spent on them. This can include donating to Watchtower. If older people and parents want to give their money to Watchtower that’s their choice even if you think it’s a poor choice. You might argue, “if they knew what I know they wouldn’t give the money”, therefore Watchtower are getting the money under false pretences. Maybe, but maybe not. Some JWs continue to believe in the religion despite listening to information against their religion. Others refuse to listen to any such information. That’s a choice too. We don’t need to like a choice in order to recognise they have a right to make their own choice.
As the baby boomers steadily die off there commences an almighty tussle over the accumulated capital gains of the most financially fortunate generation in history. Watchtower is making a case for getting some of that money and their children reasonably believe they have a claim on the money too. Ultimately, under most legal and moral frameworks it’s up to the individual how they dispose of their assets regardless of the wishes and views of others.