why is there a cavernous gap between the American people and our elected representatives in Congress?

Deal Close on Wiretap Law, a Top Democrat Tells CNN

and it contains immunity for the telecoms.

WASHINGTON — The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee hinted Sunday that a battle over an expired eavesdropping law might be moving toward a conclusion that gave phone companies the retroactive legal protections long sought by President Bush.

New York Times, 3 March 2008

Is it because the telecoms have stopped making campaign contributions? or, at the least, may be threatening to do so?

just asking...