Yes, the numbers are pretty staggering—last year, the man made more money in 13 hours than the average American made in a year. But as we learned from Warren Buffett and the We Stand With the 99 Percent Tumblr, some rich people want a fair distribution of income, too. Lyndon B. Johnson, the president who launched the War on Poverty, was one of the richest presidents ever, with an adjusted net worth of $80 million. John Kerry's tax rate was even lower than Mitt Romney's, but he promised to raise his own taxes if he were to become president.
This year, every candidate is a millionaire. So let's focus on what policies they're pushing for people like them, not just their annual income. If Mitt Romney became president, his own unbelievably low tax rate would be cut in half, while millions of middle-class families would have to pay more. He's pledged to allow "job creators," i.e. rich people, to get even richer. Frankly, we should be more worried about that plan than any individual bank account.
An earlier version of this piece stated that Romney made the average American salary in 13 minutes, not 13 hours.
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.