Ringgold City Council has appointed a three­member committee to study a proposal that the city adopt the old Georgia flag as its official flag. Last week, resident James Rogers, a member of the upstart Southern Party, went before the council to voice his anger and displeasure concerning the recent state flag change, and proposed that the city adopt the old state flag. "A couple of weeks ago Gov. Roy Barnes stormed into the (Georgia) House of Representatives, proposed an ugly, un­look­alike state flag and rammed it through the House in five hours," Rogers told the council. "Think about that a minute … five hours. How could anyone except people in Atlanta have a chance to even know what was going on, much less voice their opinions." Rogers commended state Rep. Ron Forster, R­Ringgold, and state Sen. Jeff Mullis, R­Chickamauga, for listening to the opinions of their constituents. Both lawmakers, who represent Catoosa County, voted against the flag change. The Southern Party, now in existence for about eight months as a legitimate registered party, is already active in 28 of 159 counties across Georgia, Rogers said. "We are a constitutionalist, grass­roots party and are registered just like the Democrats or Republicans," Rogers said. "In 2002, the party will run candidates against those who are not holding up the con­stitution." Representatives from the Southern Party have already presented the same proposal to 18 city councils and county commissions across the state. Rogers plans to present the same proposal before the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners. Ringgold councilman Bill McMillon, Vice Mayor J.B. Petty and Mayor Joe Barger are on the committee that will study Rogers' proposal to adopt Georgia's old flag as the city's official flag. Rogers said the adoption, if approved by the city, would be legal. "Our counsel studied the legalities extensively," he said. "There is no law prohibiting any governing entity within the state of Georgia from adopting an official flag." Ringgold City Council will meet again Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at City Hall