Nations says Oklahoma will stay on flag

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- State Rep. Bill Nations is waving a white flag after being bombarded with public opposition to his proposal to take the word "Oklahoma" off the state flag. "I said I'd listen

Wednesday, February 2nd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- State Rep. Bill Nations is waving a white flag after being bombarded with public opposition to his proposal to take the word "Oklahoma" off the state flag. "I said I'd listen to what the people say and if 90 per cent of them say to leave it alone, I can't argue with that," Nations said Tuesday. "There is no apathy among our citizens. People really do care about our state and our flag. If I managed to stimulate interest and pride in our flag, that's a good thing to do and I'm glad of it."

Nations, D-Norman, said he learned people were proud of the flag and the state. "And we're going to keep `Oklahoma' on the flag for that reason," he said. Nations had introduced House Bill 2409 to take the name from the flag, saying it detracted from the banner and was a sign of insecurity.

Of the many letters received by his office, Nations said the 10 per cent support came from artists who agreed that the writing detracted from the flag's artwork, and historians wanting to restore the flag to its earlier version. "I've taken a pretty good beating the last couple weeks about that bill, but think the history and artistry of it were questions worth raising," Nations said. "However, those things must take a back seat to the intensity with which Oklahomans care about their flag and their state."

Nations' bill has been assigned to the House Rules Committee, which he called a "cemetery" for proposed legislation. He doesn't expect the flap to be raised again.