Published 9:58 am Friday, May 8, 2026 The political season is upon us. “All politics is local,” so they say — and much to my consternation, public health policy continues to make news, and rarely in an encouraging way. As a former Navy Medical Corps officer, I was stunned to read in the Washington Post (April 21) that Secretary Pete Hegseth has made influenza vaccination optional for active-duty military personnel. When I was a young Navy physician, we were taught that the mission of Navy Medicine was to conserve the fighting strength — to keep our sailors and Marines healthy and fit for duty. Mr. Hegseth’s decision is precisely what happens when the most anti-scientific administration in the history of this Republic is permitted to make consequential public health decisions. The results are predictable, and they are dangerous. Closer to home, Deschutes County is fortunate to have a capable Public Health Department.…