Congressman Gene Green Sells Out Constituents
Meet Congressman Gene Green. Congressman Green is a Democrat representing the 29th district in Texas. Congressman green has been representing Texas since 1993. Congressman Green, as a Democrat, has sworn to uphold the democratic values, and is expected to vote as his liberal constituents expect. Congressman Green, however, is a sell out.
On April 26th, 2006, the Markey Amendment to the COPE Act went for a vote before the House Energy & Commerce Committee, of which Congressman Green is a member. The Markey Amendment - if passed - would ensure network neutrality across the Internet - in essence saving the Internet from (telecom/cable) big business. Congressman Green - directly opposite of Democratic party lines, and values - voted against the Markey Amendment.
I have spent the past several hours attempting to determine why Congressman Green voted to support big business. I believe I have come up with the answer. Congressman Green has sold out to the big telecommunications and cable companies. I do not make these comments lightly, and below I will provide the data, and links, to back it up.
First, the data…
Since 2000, Congressman Green has received the following campaign contributions, from the following companies and groups:
- Communication Workers of America: $30,000
- AT&T (formerly SBC Communications): $31,500
- Verizon Communications: $9,000
- TXU Corp: $10,500 (this contribution came in 2002 when TXU still had a communications arm)
- National Cable & Telecommunications Association: $19,999
GRAND TOTAL: $100,999 since 2000.
(Links to campaign data: 2000, 2002, 2004)
That’s not all. Let’s look at Congressman Green’s career contributions* (data since 1989):
- Communications Workers of America: $90,500 (TOP contributor throughout career!)
- AT&T (formerly SBC Communications): $46,210 (#13, career)
- TXU Corp: $45,508 (#15, career)
- Verizon Communications: $9,000
- National Cable & Telecommunications Association: $19,999
Grand Total: $211,217.
(* Career contributions information available listed only the top contributors to Green. Other data was added from the 2000,2002,2004 elections from smaller contributors.)
That’s not all. In looking over Green’s personal financial disclosure filings for 2003 (pdf) and 2004 (pdf), it appears that Green attended a National Cable & Telecommunications Association event in both years. That event was entirely funded (food and lodging for both Green and his spouse) by the Association.
The most amusing thing is this quote, located on Congressman Green’s house.gov about page:
During his terms in the House of Representatives, Congressman Green has been a champion of education, labor, and health issues. He has worked hard to increase the minimum wage, job training services, access to technology and to reform managed care and provide affordable prescription drug benefits to seniors.
Note the bold phrases. By voting against network neutrality, Congressman Green is helping big business restrict access to technology, across the entire Internet.
Congressman Green has sold out his constituents, sold out his party, and sold out the Internet to big business, big telecommunications, and big cable.
Technorati Tags: Gene Green, Congressman Green, Texas 29th, 29th congressional district, Markey Amendment, selling out, Internet neutrality, network neutrality, net neutrality
7 Comments so far
1. For shame at Common Sense wrote on April 27th, 2006 at 10:11 am
[…] And Eric over at Mind Speak tells us about another Texas Democrat who has sold out his constituents. On April 26th, 2006, the Markey Amendment to the COPE Act went for a vote before the House Energy & Commerce Committee, of which Congressman Green is a member. The Markey Amendment - if passed - would ensure network neutrality across the Internet - in essence saving the Internet from (telecom/cable) big business. Congressman Green - directly opposite of Democratic party lines, and values - voted against the Markey Amendment. […]
2. Eric Story wrote on May 13th, 2006 at 9:32 pm
While I agree that this is a sell out to Green’s constituents, I do not agree that it is necessarily a sell out to his party. Democrat leaders have a habit of supporting big business over the people. While this is not the desire of most Democrats, their leadership often votes against them.
Mr. Green does vote quite often against his constituency, so this should not come as a surprise. His familiy values votes are constantly votes against the beliefs of his district which was 60% Hispanic at the last census. His votes for higher taxes and against tax cuts are votes against his constituency. His vote against education vouchers, allowing students a choice for a better education is a vote against his constituency. I could go on with examples of how District 29 is not being properly represented.
I care about people, not politics or big business. This is why I have chosen to run against Mr. Green this November. Maybe next year, the people of CD 29 will have a Representative that believes and votes the way they do. This year, they have a choice.
3. Mark Townsend wrote on May 19th, 2006 at 10:59 am
It appears that the going price for a congressman is around $100k. Not a lot of money compared to the profits big business stands to make off this type of policy.
Mr. Greens low price tag reminds me of the old movie that “Indecent Proposal” was based on. The wealthy man propositions the woman to sleep with him for $100k. After much travail, the woman agrees. The man then proceeds to ask if she will sleep with him for $20. She indignantly replies - absolutely not! What do you think I am?!!! His reply is priceless -
“We have already established what you are - now we’re just dickering over the price.”
4. Jade wrote on May 26th, 2006 at 12:57 pm
Help with Federal Agencies
Dealing with the federal bureaucracy can be frustrating at times and my office is available to help you through the process when needed. We can help if you are having problems associated with programs administered by federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, the Veterans Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service. Although we do not have the authority to circumvent the policies and regulations governing these agencies, we will do our best to see that you receive a fair hearing and timely consideration on your case.
If you are experiencing a problem with a federal agency and feel that we can assist, please contact one of our district offices. A written explanation of your problem will help us to expedite your request. You should also include any other documents or correspondence that you think may be helpful to my office in pursuing your case. We will contact you after receiving your letter, so please be sure to include your return address and a daytime telephone number. The above are Gene Green’s own words which he could not care less about fulfilling unless it makes him look good or benefits him in some way.
I submitted official evidence to the 29th congressional office which proved that I am having severe problems with the Houston VA. I did not ask that anyone circumvent anything, rather just to follow these policies. I was unaware that Rep Green had replaced Ken Bentsen in this office, who my correspondence was addressed to. Rep Green illegally opened this mail (I have proof), read it and returned the envelope with a stamp stating he was now my congressman. Rather than providing ANY assistance or even a response which he states he will, Gene Green got angry that I was unaware of Mr. Bentsen’s new address.
Gene Green’s practice is deceit rather than truth, Gene Green is in office to help himself rather than his constituents as evidenced by his voting record, especially his vote on neutrality, his failure to follow his own promises, and by his avoidance of real problems and issues that are not in line with HIS ambitions and desires. It is time to vote for a new rep that will actually represent the people who elect him or her.
5. Eric Story wrote on May 29th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
You will actually have a choice this year. It is because of Mr. Green’s record for not representing the people of CD 29 that I have chosen to run against him.
Jade, Mr. Green does not show concern to any veteran. Recently he voted against House Bill 4297.
Sec 315 authorized additional appropriations for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs for medical services, compensation, and pension benefits.
It establishes within the Treasury, the Veterans Hospital Improvement Fund, to improve health facilities that are treating veterans. It provides an initial funding of such Fund of $1 Billion.
Remember, he voted against the veterans and your health care when he voted against this bill.
6. Chuck wrote on June 8th, 2007 at 5:54 am
This not the only thing that he has sold you out on.
About three years ago I was on my way to Freeport Tx. From Houston Tx. ,while doing so I was listening to a talk show which included him taking questions from listeners.
A man called in wanting to know about the big problem with the boarder security along the Tx. and Mx. boarder. The man stated that his family has a farm along this boarder. He said that the vandals and theves have caused many problems for him and his family. He said the boarder patrol was not doing much to stop things. He asked Mr. Green what he will do stop the illegal activity , including drugs and the posability of a terrorist just walking across. Mr. Green said that this is a state issue and did not involve him. He promtly hung up and the interveiw was over. From what I understand he has never done a follow up or another interveiw concerning this.
Mr. Green this is a federal boarder and a national security concern, not a state to state issue. Federal bourders are your job. If you cannot do the job you were hired to do you should either quit your job or be fired for not doing the job you were hired to do.
Thank You
Chuck
Houston Tx.
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