In a fiery speech on the House floor Thursday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned Republican Rep. Ted Yoho's sexist attack on her in front of the U.S. Capitol Building earlier this week as the product of a culture and "entire power structure" that excuses and enables dehumanizing abuse of women.
"I am here because I have to show my parents that I am their daughter, and that they did not raise me to accept abuse from men." Ocasio-Cortez said on the House floor.
"This issue is not about one incident," said the New York Democrat. "It is cultural. It is a culture of... impunity, of accepting violence and violent language against women."
Ocasio-Cortez tore into Yoho for invoking his wife and two daughters "as shields and excuses for poor behavior" in his floor speech addressing the incident Wednesday. Yoho, who called Ocasio-Cortez "disgusting" and a "fucking bitch" on the steps of the Capitol Monday, said he "cannot apologize for my passion."
The New York Democrat said Yoho's remarks show he has "no remorse" for using abusive language against a fellow human being and member of Congress.
"I am two years younger than Mr. Yoho's youngest daughter," said Ocasio-Cortez. "I am someone's daughter, too. My father, thankfully, is not alive to see how Mr. Yoho treated his daughter... I am here because I have to show my parents that I am their daughter, and that they did not raise me to accept abuse from men."
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Following Ocasio-Cortez's speech, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) thanked the New York Democrat for showing such "grace" and "dignity" in response to the vile abuse hurled at her by Yoho and other Republican lawmakers.
"And to everybody that is out there watching us, and to our colleagues across the aisle, let me say this: We are not going away," said Jayapal, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. "There are going to be more of us here. There is going to be more power in the hands of women across this country. And we are going to continue to speak up."
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This article was originally published by Common Dreams. You can read it here.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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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.