Can art go too far? Obviously the definition of art can be a little strained.

Finger-painting is to art as Curling is to the Olympics. Some might remember Muslims declaring a fatwa against a Dutch cartoonist who depicted the Prophet Mohammed, and the controversy surrounding the creators of South Park who did the same.

The newest controversy  in the art world  is now at the venerable Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC.

The eye  of the artistic storm is a video on display at an exhibition about the suffering caused by AIDS.

The video, made by the late David Wojnarowicz, featured a clip of a crucifix covered with ants. The video has since been pulled by the Smithsonian.

Many prominent Republicans including Minority Wip Eric Cantor and Minority leader John Boehner have condemned the artwork as offensive to Christians and an attack on Christmas. Many on the right are now suggesting defunding the Smithsonian.

It is obvious to see the video “Fire In My Belly”, which harms no one, can be unsettling. It is definitely very creepy, so we won’t post it here but if you want to see it to make up your own mind click here.

The image of a crucifix swarmed with ants makes up about 25 seconds of a four minute video. To be honest whether or not this video is legitimately offensive to Christians is seriously up for debate.

Ultimately the debate will come down to federal funding for the Smithsonian. While Mr. Wojnarowicz was certainly within his rights to create the film, the question is whether or not a federally funded entity can display something that may or may not be offensive.

Is this big government censoring free speech? Or do federally funded agencies have an obligation to uphold “common decency”?