In the first presidential debate, President Obama relentlessly tried and failed to convince the audience that Mitt Romney's fiscal policies would only benefit wealthy individuals. He would have succeeded if he had made the point that Romney's super PAC has raised four times as much as his with the help of hedge fund managers and CEOs, or if he'd mentioned that the top five funders to Romney's campaign are all notorious big banks. Money speaks louder than rhetoric, especially to the 87 percent of Americans who think government corruption should be the next president's priority, but neither candidate brought it up.
So Rootstrikers decided to do it for them. Our third infographic in the "Capital in the Capitol" series is a startling comparison of the candidates' fundraising strategies in their race to the oval office, and a crucial reminder that the candidates don’t have to talk about money this election—the money talks for them.
Perhaps neither Barack Obama nor Mitt Romney want to speak out about our government’s crippling dependence on special interest cash because both of their campaigns hinge on it. Contrary to what some might suspect, Obama’s campaign has raised more money than Romney’s campaign. However, Romney’s super PAC has collected nearly four times as much money as Obama, whose primary source of election money is direct contributions.
While the candidates talk about their stand on various issues of domestic policy, their campaigns will tell a different story: As long as politicians need tons of money to run for office, they’ll be indebted to the few who can afford to give it to them. We all need to think about how these political "favors" influence the passage of laws that affect all of us as citizens.
We know who'spaying for the president. Do you?
Say goodbye or make amends.Image via Canva - Photo by Inna Postnikova
Friends recording on a camcorder.Image via Canva - Photo by capturenow
This is an AI-generated image using the language "A beautiful woman with long eyelashes and red lips surrounded by swirls of colorful makeup." AI/Canva/Elyssa Goodman 
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
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Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.