When we covered Rep. Luis Gutiérrez' most recent interview on Univision's Al Punto, we suggested that the radical Chicago congressman was playing news director when he affirmed that Univision's cameras would definitely be present at the May Day marches. It turns out that Gutierrez was also playing restaurant scheduler, apparently giving out some false information in the process:
So as to refresh your memories, here's the segment in question:
CONGRESSMAN LUIS GUTIERREZ: On May 1st, I know where your camaras are going to be. I know what you are going to be talking about that Monday, May 1st. Because we've already organized, in 33 states, 44 distinct activities. On May 1st, don't make plans in José Andrés' restaurant, because it is going to be closed, as are many others. And we are going to demand justice throughout this community, saying 'No more' to fear, 'No more' to terror in our community. It's a day for us to say 'We're here, and we're not leaving' and we are going to raise our voice throughout this country.
JORGE RAMOS, HOST, AL PUNTO: That's May 1st.
But Gutiérrez seems to have disseminated false information on national TV. In an e-mail sent to Newsbusters, a spokesperson for Chef José Andrés indicated that these announcements of May Day restaurant closings are "not true".
It appears that Gutiérrez assumed that all the same businesses that closed for the first march would also close for May Day, and pushed that on Al Punto without first checking with Chef José Andrés. If Gutiérrez weren't so shameless, I'd say he had major egg on his face...but this is Luis Gutiérrez we're talking about. Shamelessness is critical if you're going to be an apologist for convicted terrorists. A dishonorable mention also goes to Al Punto host Jorge Ramos, who allowed Gutiérrez to prattle on about the May Day marches unchecked, on his show.
As for Chef José Andrés; so goes the world-renowned chef's first major lesson in American partisan politics. There will always be someone ready to co-opt your agenda into their own, and grandstand with no regard as to what that might cost you or your reputation.
