Category Archives: General

An interesting discussion on intelligence

Neil deGrasse Tyson and the Startalk folks have an interesting discussion with David Krakauer.

One thing that jumped out to me is the idea that consciousness is the ability to sense the exterior world, This leads to the realization that all matter is the universe senses that gravitational influence of every other particle in the universe and that goes down a very long rabbit hole.

Also, do you know how to use a sextant, a slide rule, an abacus? Are you dumber if you don’t? What happens when we move away from understanding why things work and just depend on the output of the work?

Another note to Crank

Mr. Crank,

I am distressed to hear that the United States has invaded a foreign country and has kidnapped its leader and their First Lady. I understand a number of citizens were killed or wounded in this operation. Can you explain to me why you approved this egregious act of war?

If you, and your fellow representatives, did not approve this act of war, then we have a rogue President who is employing the US military to resolve personal grudges and vendettas. This should fall under the umbrella of “high crimes and misdemeanors” and qualify for impeachment.

I hope you will take the lead to begin impeachment proceedings in the House.

Jack Heneghan

MAGAT

So we start with our basic MAGA, then we need to finish it up:

Which is Better?
MAGATrumper
MAGATrumpette
MAGATrumpeteer
MAGATwat

Possibly all of them, depending on the circumstances.

A Query to my Rep

Mr Crank;

I see that the Republican Administration has signed an Executive Order to start training National Guard Units across the country to quell civil disturbances, and establishing a “Quick Reaction Force”. Again, this seems to be Executive overreach.

Has Congress authorized the expenditure of funds to cover this activity? If so,why? I have not seen or heard of any civil disturbances that would warrant such actions. Indeed, such actions seem to be most un-American.

Jack Heneghan

Response to Response

Mr Crank;

Looking at the aspects of the Trade Promotion Authority Act you referenced in your response of August 11, 2025, as a defense of the Congress not doing anything about the Administration’s unilateral tariffs, I notice that Congress is supposed to have a final say on how these Trade Promotions are implemented.

Key elements of TPA—

(1) TPA outlines Congressional guidance to the President on trade policy priorities and negotiating objectives.

(2) TPA establishes Congressional requirements for the Administration to notify and consult with Congress, with the private sector and other stakeholders and with the public during the negotiations of trade agreements.

(3) TPA defines the terms, conditions and procedures under which Congress allows the Administration to enter into trade agreements, and sets the procedures for Congressional consideration of bills to implement the agreements.

I also saw at the Congressional website that the TPA expired in 2021. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF10038

Jack Heneghan

A response from Mr Crank

August 11, 2025
Hello Jack,
Thank you for contacting me regarding tariffs. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.

As you may know, tariffs are taxes that are imposed on goods that are imported from other countries. Over time, Congress has passed legislation like the Presidential Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) Act to grant the President the authority to set tariffs and regulate trade with other countries. This provides the President the ability to react to changes in the global market to promote fair trade arrangements for the benefit of the American economy. Please know that I am tracking the tariffs announced by the President in April and will keep your views in mind should legislation related to this topic come to the House floor for a vote.

Again, thank you for contacting me. If you would like more information, or to request help with a federal agency, please visit my website at crank.house.gov. There you can sign up for my newsletter or keep in touch with me through my social media.

Sincerely,
Jeff Crank Signature.
Jeff Crank
Member of Congress

JCH Addendum: I looked up the Trade Promotions Authority act. It doesn’t seem to say what Mr Crank thinks it says.

Yet another Post to Mr. Crank

Mr. Crank;

I see, today, that the President has taken on the responsibility of managing the District of Columbia. Once again this seems to be Executive overreach, since the oversight of the District falls under the purview of the Congress, per Article I, section 8, of the Constitution.

I would call upon you, and your colleagues, to slap the Presidents wrist and tell him to keep out of matters that don’t concern him. That would include setting tariffs.

Jack Heneghan