You're right that the US's democracy is deeply flawed. Criticising and discussing how politicians are influenced, and the systems that allow it is great and valuable, especially when those systems are used to influence both major parties.

But to pretend that every single politician is part of some hive mind run by a shadowy cabal, rather than a set of individuals with their own beliefs and aspirations is not only falling prey to conspiracy theories, but also massively damages your ability to actually understand how the systems work, and how its flaws can be mitigated. At the end of the day, regardless of what else may be influencing them, politicians still have to be elected by the citizens.

Opting out of being involved in politics, not voting and just letting the universe run its course doesn't solve the problems or stick it to the man, it only takes away your small piece of influence.

If you don't vote, politicians don't care about you

So vote, protest, have conversations with people about your views and listen to theirs. That's the only way the system will work better for the people.