| Say no to Tyson fight in D.C. BY ALPHA ESTES BROWN I am a garden-variety sinner, so I understand when people say, Let you who is without sin, cast the first stone. Although the issue of the Tyson-Lennox fight being held in Washington, D.C., has been settled, it raises long-lasting social justice questions. When I heard about the fight, I became enraged and quickly started a petition drive to encourage officials in our nations capital to rethink licensing Tyson. Any person with an utter disregard for the safety of another should not be allowed to fight professionally. I also opposed the fight because, from all news reports, our municipal government was driven solely by potential economic gains without any apparent counter balancing of public safety and morality. When I began the campaign, I took a number of factors into account. For example, Tyson was convicted of a rape and I had some questions about the evidence used to convict him. Some people really do get set up. But that conviction aside, Tyson has continually shown his propensity to violence at traffic lights, in his marriages, at press conferences, in the ring and in his and other peoples hotel rooms. I have prayed for Tysons well-being. I believe in redemption, change and second chances. The Lord knows I have my share. But chances should be given where there is positive change in the individual a turning back to God and away from evil. If Tyson hasnt changed why should he be allowed, with his consistent non-sportsman-like conduct, to endanger others? Why should a repentant and changed priest be ousted from his parish while we give our tacit approval upon an unrepentant man who desires to make mega-bucks that we partially underwrite? I believe in economic prosperity and business stimulation; and I understand compromise, but not to this extent of risking adverse impact on our children for a dollar. I promote non-violence and am against bullies. We send very mixed messages to our children and teenagers when we put economic opportunities ahead of what is correct, moral and ethical. If cash-grabbing Las Vegas allows legal prostitution and denies Tyson, why did our great image-sensitive nations capital ever consider licensing him? Tyson seems to communicate with his fists and not his mouth and mind. He is a hero to many of the drug dealers in our neighborhood. I even wonder about the dozen or so recent murders here and if any of the victors or victims were inspired by the rags to riches mystique of the iron man who talks with violence. We may never know, yet we should never doubt the message that supporting the fight sent to people who think and live differently than some of us. We all must take stands on issues that affect children and women or that promote violence. Some say that this is not my fight. Based on the Bible, I say it is mine and yours too. The Rev. Alpha Estes Brown is pastor of Community UMC, Washington, D.C. | 
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