One thing you can say about the current slimmed-down version of the Rev. Al Sharpton whether you like him or not, he knows how to play the game.

The Reverend announced Wednesday that he and the National Action Network are prepared to mobilize “peaceful demonstrations” like those in Ferguson in 25 cities around the country when the grand jury decision in the Michael Brown case finally comes down.  Adding additional tension to the press conference held at NAN headquarters in Harlem, NY, he announced that he and his followers were on “high alert” for the grand jury announcement, which is expected any day.

The concept of “high alert” or “mobilizing” sounds more like a military tactic than a preparation for a peaceful protest as many observers have pointed out.

Then the natural next question should probably be:  Who exactly will profit from the expansion of the problems in Ferguson to 25 additional cities?

According to Sharpton and other leaders of black rights action groups, CEOs write checks to those who brandish the buying power of African-American consumers. In some cases, they hire them as consultants.

Sharpton and the Michael Brown case in Ferguson have been big news in the last three months and that means big publicity for Sharpton.

On Wednesday, the Reverand Al responded angrily to a New York Times report showing that he faces personal federal tax liens of some $3,000,000 and more than $700,000 in state tax liens.  His for-profit companies Raw Talent and Revals Communications owe another $717,329 on state and federal tax liens.

“These are all on back taxes pre-2006 that you’ve covered over and over again. Every time there’s a Sean Bell or a Ferguson or a Trayvon Martin, we go through my taxes,” Mr. Sharpton said. “It’s the same agreement, y’all.”

Sharpton then proceed to explain that his not-for-profit, NAN, was up to date on paying their back taxes and emphasized that “not one dime” had been used by NAN to pay the expensive private school tuition of his children.

Last month at a fundraiser to celebrate Sharpton’s 60th birthday netted over $1,000,000 in “contributions” from companies like Verizon, ATT, GE, and McDonalds bought high price “ads” in a glossy magazine that was distributed at a gala held at The Four Seasons attended by politicians, celebrities, business tycoons and dignitaries.