The Smithsonian Video Controversy

Last week the Smithsonian Institution removed David Wojnarowicz's video titled "Fire in My Belly" from a privately funded exhibit entitled Hide/Seek at the National Portrait Gallery. The video can be viewed online at YouTube but is only open to those who have an account they can sign into on the site.

The video begins with a crucifix with the figure of Jesus on it lying on the ground and covered with crawling ants. A beginning that upset the Catholic League, a group which does not receive funding from the Catholic Church. The video also contains other potentially disturbing images such as a representation of a mouth being sewn shut. The image of the ant-covered Christ appears periodically throughout the clip. The video, which was posted to YouTube in 2007, but has recently been receiving many views and comments, was created in 1987 while Mr. Wohnarowicz was dying of AIDS. John Boehner, the incoming House Speaker who is from Ohio, speaking through a representative, requested that the Smithsonian remove the video from the exhbit. The Smithsonian may have felt threatened by a cut to funding if they failed to comply due to his wording which included the phrase "be prepared to face tough scrutiny. The rest of the video will remain up until February 13th, as previously planned.

Carter Discusses His Term as President

Former President and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Jimmy Carter spoke about his new book, White House Diaries, Monday evening at the Lincoln Theatre on U Street. The event, sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution, was originally scheduled to occur on September 29^th at Lisner Auditorium, but Carter fell ill and postponed the trip.

Carter discussed his opinions on domestic and global events including the construction of the Panama Canal, the Iranian hostage crisis, and the Camp David negotiations. Carter stated he does not regret any decisions he made as president. Carter also explained his opinions on Obama’s presidency, the ongoing talks to ratify the START treaty, and the ongoing energy crisis.

Speaking about the current polarization of political parties, Carter said he feels the divide has led to policy gridlock among other policy-halting schemes. Carter expressed that he was fortunate to have a Republican leadership in Congress during his presidency that was willing to work toward bipartisanship. Obama, Carter claims, does not have this luxury.

Following the event, Carter signed copies of his new book. On Tuesday morning, Carter continued his D.C. trip with a book signing event at the bookstore Politics and Prose.