Democracy!?

Can I get serious for a minute? Thanks. Since we're discussing freedom of speech and it's election time, I'd like to pose this question...

Is Democracy all that great?

Sure, in theory it sounds wonderful that everyone gets a "say" in their government. But is that reality? Does it really translate into one person, one vote? Aren't the educated and the rich at a great advantage, both in terms of a greater tendency to vote, and also in being more informed?

And, more importantly, what about the concept of the Tyranny of the Masses?!? Should the mob mentality rule? Just because a majority want things one way doesn't make it right. One could argue that some of the world's great historical evils (such as slavery, war, genocide) enjoyed popular support during their day before a few bold individuals devoted themselves to overturning the consensus.

Finally, I go back to the dilemma that we have only two (lame) options for President but 20 different kinds of coffee at Starbucks. Really, American Democracy may be better than many other systems out there, but it isn't perfect either.