While acknowledging that the important work of ridding Congress of racist lawmakers is far from finished, progressives celebrated the ouster of white supremacist Rep. Steve King in Iowa's Republican primary Tuesday as a significant victory and a step in the right direction.
King's defeat at the hands of conservative Iowa state Sen. Randy Feenstra—which came amid a backdrop of a nationwide uprising against police brutality and racial injustice—brings to an end an 18-year congressional career during which King compiled a long record of bigoted remarks and policy proposals.
But it wasn't until last year, when King openly questioned why white supremacy is considered offensive, that the House Republican leadership finally stripped him of his committee assignments.
"Goodbye, Rep. Steve King. You are certainly not the only white supremacist in federal government, but you were among the most prominent," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). "It's a shame Republicans held you up as long as they did."
Progressive radio host Benjamin Dixon echoed that sentiment, tweeting: "One racist down. Hundreds in office to go."
Rep. Steve King, the racist from Iowa,
who consistently attacked immigrants,
who defended white supremacy,
who sued to oppress the vote of Spanish speakers,
has lost his primary and is out of Congress.
https://t.co/qvYrVGUIVG
— Voto Latino (@votolatino) June 3, 2020
To complete the shift of Iowa's 4th congressional district away from racism and xenophobia, progressives stressed that Feenstra must also be defeated in November.
As Vox's Li Zhou noted, "Feenstra's policy platform isn't significantly different from King's: Much like Trump, he's anti-abortion and supports hardline immigration policies including building a border wall."
J.D. Scholten, the Democratic nominee who will face Feenstra in the general election, tweeted late Tuesday that "not-Steve King isn't good enough."
"Steve King set a low bar. And it was our campaign that defeated him," said Scholten. "We need leadership and vision and not another corporate-backed career politician."
This article was originally published by Common Dreams.
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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.