Planned Parenthood is one of the socially conservative set’s favorite targets. Ted Cruz tried to use PP as a weapon to discredit the Republican credentials of Marco Rubio—despite the fact that both men have voted to defund the organization that exists to provide reproductive health care for women. And Ohio Governor John Kasich did his “I wanna be a presidential candidate!” due diligence earlier this year by signing a bill that would block government funds to Planned Parenthood in his state.
In a somewhat hilarious twist, the actual future GOP nominee, Donald Trump, has been the one to speak out in defense of Planned Parenthood! At one press event in February he said, “Planned Parenthood has done very good work for many, many—for millions of women… I’m a conservative, but I’m a common-sense conservative.” And then later on Meet The Press he defended the organization again by saying, “I have many, many friends who are women who understand Planned Parenthood better than you or I will ever understand it. And they do some very good work. Cervical cancer, lots of women’s issue, women’s health issues are taken care of.”
Hey, even a broken clock is wrong twice a day! (And before you get all excited, Trump did also manage to say that as president he would not fund Planned Parenthood if “it’s doing the abortion.”) But what are these services he speaks of? These “women’s health issues” that Planned Parenthood is addressing? Because according to pro-life camps, the government is just throwing money at “the nation’s biggest abortion conglomerate.”
The video above outlines how much funding Planned Parenthood actually receives and where the money comes from. It also details some of the other services the organization provides—and by other we mean the “vast majority of”—like cancer screenings and contraception services. So if conservative voters really don’t care that much, which they proved by voting for the candidate who speaks out in defense of Planned Parenthood (mostly), and liberals are on board with the pro-choice/pro-affordable reproductive care movement, then why the hell are even still fighting about this?
From where we’re sitting it seems like we should just chuck “defund Planned Parenthood” in a pile with the “the Benghazi e mails” and set the whole thing on fire. Maybe then we could spend the rest of the presidential election season talking about things that resemble actual issues intead of policy smokescreens, and women could keep their access to cervical cancer tests. Just a thought.
Music: Marta by il:lo
Source: Planned Parenthood (https://issuu.com/actionfund/docs/annual_report_final_proof_12.16.14_/0)
Written and Produced by Gabriel Reilich
Graphics by Jake Infusino
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
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.