What democracy? In letter or spirit or both or neither? Politicians are borne of the people who let them come to power, stay in power and get away with mostly

What democracy? In letter or spirit or both or neither? Politicians are borne of the people who let them come to power, stay in power and get away with mostly acting in their (politician's) best interest. Over time, power concentrates in the hands of those who have have it and can muster the resources to keep growing it. Eventually becoming the face of the people and the country. That's my cynic's view of democracy. Not that I know of a better system. Yet.