I know people will cringe when I say this, but, at least theoretically, the men and women we elect represent us. They represent our beliefs, our mores, our ideals. They fight our fights, push our projects, look out for our interests. They pass the right kind of laws. And if they don't, there's something wrong.
Government exists for a pretty basic reason.
It's because as a whole we're a lot more powerful than we are as individuals. I have no problem with Ashcroft's theory of personal responsibility. I believe people ought to own their actions and own the direction of their lives. But I don't like to think of the government shirking its responsibility, either. While in and of itself, there is no problem with government devolving its duties to its citizens, I worry that it's an excuse for disengagement, a baby step away from responsibility.