It's not just about being out of touch. It's about narcissism, delusions of grandeur, and the attitude that it's a competition and they just have to ‘win’. They truly believe they are ‘special people’ and that the rest of us should just shut up and let them control our lives. The primary motivation of most of those who currently seek or hold public office is ego. Not all, but most. This isn't conjecture or hyperbole. It's just true.
I would propose the following to remind elected office holders that they are servants of the people. I would make it a law that whenever addressing a US citizen all elected officials must address that citizen as “Honorable Sir or Honorable Madame”, no exceptions. On the other hand, I would make it customary for all US citizens to refer to each and every elected official publicly by their first name, even the president. I would retain the titles “Senator”, “Congressman”. and “Mr/Madame President” as customary and expected designations only when addressed by non-citizens.
On this basis, a typical ‘testimony’ to Congress, in which say Barney Frank was asking the questions, would go something like this: “
Frank: “Honorable Sir, in your opinion why did the housing sector collapse?”
Citizen testifying: Well, Barney, I believe it was precipitated in part by government involvement in determining who should receive bank loans.”
Piece: I like your idea. These people have become arrogant to the point of being imperious. We need something like this to remind them of who they serve...and it’s not us serving them or at least shouldn’t be.