You made some valid points about our countries voting system, however I am forced to disagree with you. I do believe our system is a democracy.
Democracy is defined as a form of government in which the citizens participate in government, characterized by competition for office, public officials being responsive to public opinion, and the citizenry having access to reliable information on which to make their electoral choices.
In the U.S. competition for political office runs very high and although sometimes it is dirty it is still the definition of competition. And access to reliable information on which to make our electoral choices is more available then some might think. About a year ago I did a report on the availability of information and found that you can pick up a candidates full platform at any state or federal office.
Although our Democracy is not perfect I believe we are indeed that, I democracy.