>Would it in fact be appropriate
>for an elected official to
>turn against the interests of
>the very people who elected
>him/her?

Define appropriate?

Have we not had many officials that have turned their backs on their constituency? Are there not instances in recent congressional sessions of elected officials changing party?

Really, now, would
>it? Isn't the whole
>idea of a representative government
>that we elect people who
>as closely as possible align
>with our viewpoints?

We elect representatives to office. But how closely they mirror our own thoughts is suspect, particularly in the light of PAC's, special interests, and lobby groups.

And
>don't we get really angry
>with elected officials who don't
>follow through

So we are angry all the time.

-- or don't
>follow through vehemently enough --
>on their campaign promises?

We don't re-elect them.

>Really, this is a serious question.
> Is it ever justifiable
>for an individual to accept
>public office and then turn
>his back on the very
>people that put him there?

It might not be justifiable, but it is common. Just like speeding. As voters our only check is to elect someone else.

As a politician practically the only responsibility you have is to yourself. If you decided not to be come a career politician, then your interests change.

hotep,
k. orr