There is insufficient communication between the grassroots and policy makers, local individuals and groups being unable to pass information to established powers or receive it back. The inaccessibility of decision-makers and the time required for letter-writing and petitions both point to the inadequacy of existing channels to meet present-day needs. The result is a lack of the on-going common basis necessary for consensus. Without accountability for continuous exchange of information, long-range planning becomes warped and misdirected.