Mike Moon

Moon Farms
Ash Grove Billings
Missouri
December 9, 2015
Members
Missouri House of Representatives
State Capitol
Jefferson City, MO 65101
SYRIAN REFUGEE REBUTTAL
Since the writing of my letter to Speaker Richardson urging the call of a special session,
the interpretation of my mention that refugees should be placed in camps has been so
far off base that even Lou Brock could have been picked off (and, its a fact that Brock
was seldom thrown out).
Only a handful (including two representatives) contacted me about the letter and only
one of the lot asked about the camps.
Following the tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean coast the day after Christmas in 2004, a
doctor and I traveled to Sri Lanka to provide aid to the victims. Nearly every coastal
region I visited had refugee camps. Most often, these were tent camps where
homeless victims could sleep and recuperate. At time, we used these tents to set up
our make-shift health clinic. It was at these camps the refugees received clothing, food,
and, of course, much needed shelter.
My vision of refugee camps for Syrian refugees came from my firsthand experience with
the Sri Lankan people. Following the tsunami, when it was safe to do so, those who
lost nearly everything returned to their villages and started over.
The Syrians are already sheltered in camps provided by the United Nations (in a
relatively safe place). They are afforded the opportunity to remain in a region which has
a similar culture.
Like the Sri Lankan people, when it is safe to do so, the Syrian people will have the
opportunity to return to their cities and towns. If they are relocated to another country, it
is likely they will never return to their homeland.
For the record, a great amount of liberty has been taken to reach the conclusion that my
use of the word camp is in any way connected to word internment. This matter could
have been settled quickly, if only those who had an interest would have asked me.
No matter the names I am called, I will not be deterred from my desire to protect the
safety of my family, Missourians, and the citizens of the United States.

Mike