To those who know me, it’s no secret that I have very strong political views and my political identity is anything but “undecided.” Not to be unfair, though, I have always tried to keep an open mind. But keeping an open mind to me entails questioning intentions, effects, the conspiracy theory behind all decisions.

So when news hit earlier this month that President Obama appointed New York painter Chuck Close to the Committee on the Arts and Humanities, I have to ask: we have a committee on what? Why do we have a that committee and what does it do?

First, despite proposing funding cuts in his2011 budget, President Obama somehow found the funding for Chuck Closes’position. Interesting. But, I'll leave that issue alone for now.

So, more importantly, what does this committee actually do? Well, heading to the source gives us little in terms of an answer. In fact, its own mission statement is vague at best: “focuses on arts and humanities education, cultural diplomacy, economic revitalization through the arts and humanities and special events dedicated to recognizing excellence in these areas. Since our members include government agencies and private individuals, we provide a dynamic link between the public and private sectors.”

Michelle Obama serves as the honorary chairwoman of the committee. For the life of me, I cannot think of what she offers this arts and humanities group.

Why haven’t we heard about this committee in the news? Why don’t the news agencies question the funding for this group? Or, how about questioning its member roster?

Interestingly enough, other that Close, there are no other painters, not a single sculptor, not one photographer serving on the committee. If this group is truly to represent the interests of arts and humanities in the United States,it should at least be representative of the all the art forms--shouldn't it?

Forgive my ignorance but should we be worried about arts and the humanities when we are in such a recession? How about instituting a committee on Finding Americans Jobs? Or, Let’s Prevent Bank Bailouts Committee. Those sound like more appropriate committee ideas.

If you’re curious, here's some more people serving on the committee: Sarah Jessica Parker, Edward Norton, Yo Yo Ma, Teresa Heinz Kerry, Kerry Washington, Forest Whitaker, and Anna Wintour, to name a few.

This all smells political to little old me.