However, now that I know more about the two sided feature I am leaning toward the redesign. It is important to take into consideration how the flag appears when flying from a pole. Most of the time people will view the flag from some distance. If the graphics featured on the flag are small, they will not be seen at all when the flag is flying (current beaver, case in point).

Additionally, the state seal is used as a “logo” primarily on writtern documents, stationary, etc. It is displayed in bronze form in the capital and other government buildings. I question whether it needs to be on the flag as the detail is difficult to see when viewing the flag flying as stated above.

My vote would be a flag that is simple in design, represents the state colors, and primary symbols such as the beaver, and looks distinctive when flying. I like the idea of displaying the date when Oregon became a part of the union.

Just wanted to let you know that we approved this comment because we make a policy to only filter comments for inappropriate language (and spam, of course). However, there is so much wrong with your comment with respect to socialism and “Muslim Extremists” I couldn’t even begin to address it. I would highly recommend that you do some research in an unbiased venue before you continue to push that agenda here or anywhere else.

-jm

HOOrah for the Beavers!

It is interesting that your screed leaves out many details. Such as the sad fact that the high price of the current flag discourages citizens from buying it. Such as the fact that the weight of the two-sided flag (basically two flags sewn together) makes the beaver impossible to see much of the time because it doesn’t fly very well. Such as the fact that it was designed by politicians in Salem in 1925 with no input from the public.

Nobody hates the current flag. Without a doubt, the beaver is the best part because it’s unique, even if it looks from a distance like an overweight cat. That doesn’t mean Oregonians can’t possibly improve it. In fact, many of the best new ideas we’ve received so far enlarge the beaver (you’ll be happy to know!) so it is much more prominent and easier to distinguish.

The idea was to get Oregonians thinking about what makes the state special to them and how they would symbolize it, given that next year is the state’s 150th birthday. It has. We care about getting people interested in their state, not so much whether there’s a new flag or not.

It is curious that the reactions we’ve received fall basically into two categories:

1. How dare you contemplate any new ideas.

2. This sounds fun. It will be interesting to see what ideas people come up with.

But like institutions of higher learning, we just want to foster new ideas, not be threatened by them.

Yeah, but going back and looking at your blog, you think the U.S. flag is terrible because it’s too complicated.

You have to understand…Aesthetic principles exist as a guideline, not to rule your existence. Sometimes the symbolism and meaning overrides the “vexillographic” sensibilities.

The original State of Oregon flag hangs in the library on the campus of Eastern Oregon University.

Oregon has the only two sided flag amongst the 50 states. Does that really qualify as “indistinguishable”?