63.        At first glance, it would seem that increased bureaucracy creates obstacles
between the citizens and those who govern, thereby separating the two groups. Closer
examination reveals, however, that in many ways government bureaucracy actually
bridges this gap, and that new technologies now allow for ways around the gap.
      First of all, many government bureaucracies are established as a response to the
needs of the citizenry. In a sense, they manifest a nexus between citizens and
government, providing a means of communication and redress for grievances that would
not otherwise be available. For example, does the FDA, by virtue of its ensuring the
safety of our food and drugs, separate us from the government? Or does the FHA, by
helping to make home ownership more viable to ordinary citizens, thereby increase the
gap between citizens and the government? No; these agencies serve our interests and
enhance the accessibility of government resources to citizens.
      Admittedly, agencies such as these are necessary proxies for direct participation in
government, since our societal problems are too large and complex for individuals to
solve. However, technology is coming forward to bridge some of the larger gaps. For
example, we can now communicate directly with our legislators by e-mail, visit our
lawmakers on the Web, and engage in electronic town hall meetings. In addition, the
fact that government bureaucracies are the largest employers of citizens should not be
overlooked. In this sense, bureaucracies bridge the gap by enabling more citizens to
become part of the government..
      In the final analysis, one can view bureaucracies as surrogates for individual
participation in government; however, they are more accurately viewed as a
manifestation of the symbiotic relationship between citizens and the government.