Who Has the Power?

When I take a look at Democracy and the riches and freedoms it has brought America I feel proud. Democracy breeds capitalism and at the heart of capitalism is every man for himself...a dog eat dog scenario. In no other government and economy can someone rise up out of poverty to become wealthy. We've learned of course that this is not typical and most people tend to stay in the classes to which they were born into. This trend tends to keep the small wealthy group rich, the middle class stuck being "average" and the poor destined to live in poverty.  I firmly believe in C. Wright Mill's "power elite" theory where a small group of people (more than likely white males) run the economy, the government and international influence. These business and political  leaders all work together to find solutions to problems that mainly benefit them and then the people that support the infrastructure last. In theory Democracy should give power to the people but in reality the people ARE given the right to choose but usually have to choose between two people who both already reside within the power elite.