Remarks lack compassion

I am outraged at the remarks of Speaker Tilley regarding the flooding of Cairo. With a smirk on his face, Tilley said he had visited Cairo and couldn't understand why it shouldn't be flooded.

Although I have lived in Jackson for 26 years, I spent the first 24 years of my life in Cairo, Ill. Cairo is where I grew up, went to school and attended church as a young man. Although a less affluent community than Mr. Tilley is used to, it was a wonderful place to grow up because the people are so special. Like most small towns, neighbors were always willing to help and we all cared for one another.

Many of us who grew up in Cairo have made new lives in Cape Girardeau County. However, we all have family and friends still living in Cairo. Clearly, Mr. Tilley did not stop to think about the families who would lose their homes, businesses and churches as he so sarcastically suggested that the town be flooded.

Either Mr. Tilley did not think before he opened his mouth or his comments were calculated for political gain. His remarks demonstrate a lack of compassion that one would expect from a public servant.

I doubt that Mr. Tilley has ever been to Cairo, but I would be happy to give him a tour of the churches and homes that would be destroyed.

We should keep all concerned in our prayers, including the Missouri farm families that will be affected.

ALLEN MOSS JR., Jackson