Blast From the Past, 2005: Local Racist Gets Pied

Pie in the Face
Local political agitator who tossed a pie at an anti-immigration activist talks to theAdvocate
Adam Bulger

October 13, 2005

During a sparsely attended Sept. 28 Connecticut Citizens for Immigration Control press conference at the West Hartford public library, controversial CTCIC head Paul Streitz was the target of a pie-throwing protester. CTCIC, formed by Streitz, seeks tougher immigration laws. At the press conference, Streitz intended to present a study about Connecticut McDonald’s where he concluded that Hispanics and undocumented workers take jobs away from whites and African-Americans. In an exclusive interview with the Advocate, the pie-tosser, who calls himself “La Pastelista,” explained his actions and future plans.

Advocate: Why did you do it?

LP: I’ve been kind of itching to do something like this for a while. It’s a fairly popular tactic. Ann Coulter got pied a while ago. I’m all about fostering playful rebelliousness and creating that kind of culture.

A: Why Paul Streitz?

LP: I figured that if this guy thinks he can make a public appearance without any opposition, that’s just wrong. It’s important for guys who spout unbelievable bullshit to face some sort of opposition at every step of the way. The thing that burns me the most is how guys like him use the language of labor rights. He’s what’s known as a grass-roots fascist.

A: The last time Streitz spoke in West Hartford more protesters showed up than people who attended the talk. Don’t you think Streitz’s inability to attract audiences indicates his lack of success?

LP: I get the feeling that there’s an undercurrent of support for what he’s doing. Also, there are a couple of really scary things about him. He’s trying to build a movement. People like him do pose a threat to people. He empowers people more extreme than he is by giving a moderate, rational face to his agenda. His rhetoric and scapegoating stirs up a lot more hatred. That unquestionably leads to violence.

A: What was the genesis of the pie idea?

LP: First, I justified it to myself as something constructive. I thought there wouldn’t be any backlash because there wouldn’t be anybody at risk. I thought it would be outdoors and have lots of people. But he did that press conference in the basement of the West Hartford Public Library and almost nobody showed up. But I figured, well, I already bought the pie.

A: You waited until his back was turned.

LP: I was just afraid that if I got up and motioned that I was going to throw the pie, he’d duck or something. I was hoping, if the venue permitted, that I could get him from the side. When I did it, I wasn’t in the state of mind that I wanted to be in. But I knew that if I didn’t do it, I was going to be pissed off later on. I was nervous and anxious about potential consequences. Then I was like “just do it.”

A: Did you do it on your own? Are you part of a pie-tossing conspiracy?

LP: I’m part of a loose-knit group called the Coalition for Immigrant Rights. But just so I don’t get yelled at, what I did was not endorsed by that group.

A: Any plans at tossing pies at any other controversial local figures?

LP: I’m always thinking. I’m not giving names but I’m thinking of people who need it.

We want your feedback.
Emailabulger@hartfordadvocate.com