Politicians aren't the problem. They don't exist in a vaccuum. They're a symptom.

Democracy is only the problem insofar as we (here in the US) do not have one, we just pretend we do. Democracy and Republic both mean a government by the public. Voting once a year, donating money, and writing stuff on the net are utterly inadequate for that end.

Public government needs educated and involved citizenry. It means putting in quite a bit of time.