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Category: commentary

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Commentary

Science is political

For centuries, science has been romanticized as an impartial pursuit, a process that stands above politics and social conflict. We are told that the scientific method is designed to remove bias and that data simply “speaks for itself.” Yet anyone who has watched science operate in the real world knows this is an incomplete picture. […]

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AI

AI Cannot Stop Misinformation Alone

You’re scrolling through your feed. A friend posts a study showing the safety of vaccines. Right below it, another post claims vaccines cause long-term harm, backed by a slick video and emotional testimonials. (I was actually doing this on an HHS post a few days ago) You click on the study. It’s full of stats, […]

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Commentary

Why the World is Losing the Fight Against Measles

The global fight against measles, once on the verge of being won, is witnessing alarming setbacks. Recent data and reports highlight a disturbing trend: the resurgence of measles outbreaks, driven by vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. This article explores why the world is struggling to keep measles in check and what it means for public health. […]

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Commentary

Requiem for the Memory of a Teacher.

On June 1st, a high school friend forwarded me a letter to the editor that had recently been published in our local paper. The author criticized the paper’s recent treatment of President Trump, contrasting it to how it treated Joe Biden in the 2024 election. It was a fairly typical opinion piece, nothing especially surprising […]

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Commentary

Vaccine Roll-Outs = 60% Mortality Decline

Recent studies have highlighted the incredible impact of vaccination programs in reducing mortality globally. Specifically, these programs have been shown to cut deaths by 60%. Linger on that for a second. Vaccination is really one of the triumphs of public health. This piece takes a deeper look into how vaccine roll-outs have managed to achieve […]

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Commentary

Why Are American Kids Getting Sicker?

Edit: June 2, 2025. And now we learn that many of the citations in this report are fabricated. That is, they don’t exist. Of course. Why RFK is a Broken Clock. More than 40% of kids in the U.S. now have at least one chronic illness. That’s not a typo. According to the “Make Our […]

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Commentary

How Attacks on Inclusive Science Harm Us All

What happens when politics targets science? A new congressional report lays bare the consequences—and it’s far more than just budget line items or bureaucratic shifts. It’s about silencing entire communities, threatening national security, and stalling our collective progress. In response to a politically motivated document known as the Cruz Report, the House Committee on Science, […]

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Commentary

Dilemma Actions for a Time of Federal Injustice

In 2025, working within the federal system—whether as a researcher, contractor, or civil servant—has never felt more fraught. Programs supporting veterans, mental health, and suicide prevention are being gutted. Equity-focused initiatives are under political siege. The chilling rise of online “watchlists” targeting DEI professionals sends an unmistakable message: dissent will be punished, and even neutrality […]

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Commentary

Navigating DEIA Language Mandates: A Practical Guide for Public Health Policy Professionals

In our previous post, we explored how researchers can adapt to new federal restrictions on using Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) language in grant proposals. Now, we turn to public health practitioners in policy, government, and contracting roles. These professionals are on the front lines of implementing programs and writing policy briefs under evolving […]

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Commentary

Reflections on the Next Week in Public Health

Every day is like some horrible day of roulette. Some outcomes are a loss. Some are neutral. Some seems okay, until you realized that you’re already in the hole and are just trying to get back to neutral. It gets fatiguing. We want to plug the data rescue project, who are doing yeoman’s work trying […]

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Commentary

Trump Speech Recap: Public Health in the Crosshairs

Trump’s address to Congress made it abundantly clear that federal public health efforts are being dismantled under the guise of “efficiency” and “common sense.” The newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is tasked with eliminating waste, but as Trump noted, this includes funding for programs that address structural inequities. He […]

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