I’m going to give you my perspective as an outsider, you can choose what to make of it.
America is a remarkably free society as you well know, and with that comes a political system which is remarkably open. Think about the fact that for instance you have multiple dual citizens in your congress. That’s not normal I promise you. DC is an international pin cushion where countless actors come to try to pin in their money and win influence. Because the quality of your modern congressmen leave a lot to be desired, your political system has basically become one big free for all auction.
Well, there exists one group of people with their lobby and their influence peddling that have managed to take advantage of your free society and your open politics to buy your politicians, influence your government, humiliate your country, control your foreign policy and erode your freedoms.
You should pay attention to these people and take note of their actions so that you can learn about the type of things that lead to the downfall of freedom and open politics. You can only defend yourself with a full and rich understanding of the problem. And if you don’t defend yourself the world will take note and all the snakes will come to take a bite.