But that's being caused by anti democratic forces.

Democratic countries need to keep progressing.

Concentrated power isn't democratic, there needs to be an always on equalizer.

If we define democracy as voting, then you’re right. However, to understand what I’m saying it’s important to understand what I mean by democracy. I’m using democracy to mean inclusive institutions that invest in their citizens to increase their capabilities and therefore their freedoms.

And you’re right: America is exceptionally un-democratic. You’re actually doubly right: there are democratic backsliding pressures around the world.

It’s a matter of time to see what the more powerful pressures will be: democracy or authoritarian populism.

The evidence powerfully suggests one answer. If you want to know more about this, check out Christian Welzel’s articles on democracy!

often people vote to restrict their own freedoms.

Yeah, but usually in trade for something else. Gun laws, building code, mandatory driver licensing, having to pay for that soda pop; these are good restrictions we trade for safety, health, and reliable commerce.

I have no idea what Americans are getting out of the restrictions on freedom they've voted into effect recently.

America is ranked dead-last on most global lists of western functioning democracies, and for good reason.

Americans vote within a republic not a democracy. Republics are famously corrupt

Small flaw in your reasoning here. The USA was never a democracy and, indeed, was designed not to be one. Your Founding Fathers held the masses in contempt and deliberately designed a system that would minimize the masses' voice.