Saw that Salem News Reel—immigrant straight-up admits: “Better vibes, music, food, culture, history back home… but America’s got the money.” Unappreciative? Damn right. But here’s the real kicker: I wrote this same truth six years ago.
In “USA – Just A Cash Cow For Many Who Live Here!” (early 2020), I called it out plain: some folks treat America like a payday loan—grab the cash, the safety, the jobs, then vanish when it suits ’em. No roots. No gratitude. Just “show me the money.”
Then in “American Way Of Life” (July 20, 2020), I went harder: “Whether you’re here just for a paycheck… the time has come to defend her again.” Because if you’re only here for the payout, you’re not building—you’re bleeding us dry.
Fast-forward to my February 19 post, “Show Me the Money!”: “They sit at our table—like they’re playing poker. They want the pot.” Same bluff. Same gut punch.
That Reel? Just proof the problem’s still alive. Gratitude isn’t “thanks for the check.” It’s sweat. Spine. Staying. Learning the language. Following the rules. Defending what we love. America isn’t a cash cow—it’s home. If you’re here, act like it.
(Links: https://thegratefulimmigrant.com/2020/07/20/american-way-of-life https://thegratefulimmigrant.com/2026/02/19/show-me-the-money/)
P.S. If it was so much better back home—vibes, food, culture, all of it—then why’d your shithole countries crash so hard you had to run?
– The Grateful Immigrant from St. Paul, Minnesota
February 21, 2026
LIVE GRATEFUL 🇺🇸 (It starts in The Spine NOT on your Knees)
Grateful Immigrant 