In a recent interview with Katie Couric, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg weighed in on the recent National Anthem protests that have been spearheaded by Colin Kaepernick and other NFL players. Simply put, she’s not a fan of the protests.
While she was careful to maintain that she wouldn’t seek to legally prevent the players from engaging in the display, she did use some pretty strong language in conveying that she found it distasteful. In fact, she used many evocative words to express her thoughts on the matter.
She led with:
“I think it’s really dumb of them. Would I arrest them for doing it? No. I think it’s dumb and disrespectful. I would have the same answer if you asked me about flag burning.”
She then took a more measured response in the context of her being a Supreme Court Justice and, thus, an extremely influential policymaker. Ginsburg stated that she found no good reason to seek legal recourse in response to the actions of the kneeling players.
“I think it’s a terrible thing to do, but I wouldn’t lock a person up for doing it. I would point out how ridiculous it seems to me to do such an act. But it’s dangerous to arrest people for conduct that doesn’t jeopardize the health or well-being of other people.”
But as quickly as she reverted to speaking as a restrained civil servant, she fell back to her personal feelings on the matter, letting fly with:
If they want to be stupid, there’s no law that should be preventive. If they want to be arrogant, there’s no law that prevents them from that. What I would do is strongly take issue with the point of view that they are expressing when they do that.”
Since Kaepernick first engaged in this form of protest almost two months ago, many other football players at all levels and athletes in other sports have adopted it to speak against civil injustice in the United States. It’s unlikely that her comments will do anything to quell the uproar around the act, but that probably isn’t her chief motivation, given her stance on the matter.
UPDATE:Later in the week Ginsburg backtracked from her condemnation of Kaepernick’s protest, describing her previous comments as being “inappropriately dismissive and harsh.”
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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.