We've been monitoring the NEA since Big Hollywood's Patrick Courrielche reported on a "fishy" August 10th conference call hosted by the White House Office of Public Engagement, the NEA and United We Serve, during which artists were encouraged to push the Obama agenda through various art projects. The Huffington Post (blaming Glenn Beck of course) is now reporting that Yosi Sergant has been asked to resign as NEA's communications director:
Beck attacked Sergant and the NEA on his Fox News talk show, accusing the agency of propaganda efforts similar to those used by Nazi Germany. And now Sergant has been tossed overboard, making him Beck's second victim in his campaign to rid the administration of perceived radicals, socialists, communists, fascists, anarchists and all other manner of nefarious influences.
Perhaps not coincidentally, both Sergant and Van Jones - Beck's first takedown - have roots in on-the-ground organizing and were tightly connected with the grassroots progressive community.
The NEA wouldn't comment on Sergant's situation specifically, saying that it was a confidential personnel matter.
Why do liberals insist that these people are being plucked out of their respective offices because of Glenn Beck--someone they themselves denounce as a lunatic nut-job? If he were so nutty, wouldn't they just ignore his allegations?
Hm.. could it be that the administration isn't standing behind these individuals because what Beck is saying is correct? And the administration has no defense against these allegations?
In fact, Sergant has had a long history with the Obama administration and his preceding campaign. Sergant led the media efforts for Shepard Fairey, the artist who created the infamous "Hope" portrait that Obama himself credited with helping him win.
You would think if any allegations from Beck about Sergant were false, the Obama administration would be quick to defend this long-time loyalist. But instead, Sergant joins Van Jones in being quietly swept under the White House rug.