This is not about nicknames...but it is about exclusion of language, and unfortunately it is based in Oklahoma's great White male political leaders.



>>> Daryl Baldwin <[log in to unmask]> 02/08/07 1:51 PM >>>
[1]

“American Indians Oppose English-Only 
Legislation,” Tim Talley, The Associated Press 
State & Local Wire, February 7, 2007. Copyright 
2007 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

[“Legislation declaring English as Oklahoma's 
official language was narrowly approved by a 
House committee Wednesday over the objections of 
American Indians who said the bill demeans their 
native languages and cultures.  The General 
Government and Transportation Committee voted 9-7 
to send the measure to the House floor after 
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith said 
lawmakers were ‘branding Oklahoma with the badge 
of intolerance.’ .... The bill's author, Rep. 
George Faught, R-Muskogee, told reporters 
following the vote the intent of the bill is to 
encourage Latino immigrants to learn English. 
Faught said the bill could eventually end 
bilingual driver's license tests and other state 
government documents.  ‘It's difficult for 
someone to participate in society if they can't 
communicate,’ Faught said.  But the immigration 
issue was never raised during debate on the bill. 
Instead, American Indian members of the committee 
and others raised objections over the message the 
bill would send to tribes that were relocated 
from their native lands to Oklahoma when it was 
known as Indian Territory more than 100 years 
ago.”]

--
Daryl Baldwin, Director
Myaamia Project
Miami University
105 MacMillan Hall
Oxford, OH 45056
(513) 529-5648 office
513) 529-5896 fax
[log in to unmask] 
www.myaamiaproject.org