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I am slightly surprised that the Crescent would air Daniel Gray’s unfounded and
unsubstantiated claims, all of which appear to be incorrect. As I have said before, it would be
worth a slander suit, if Gray rose to the level where he could actually cause me provable
financial damages.

Rather than rebutting his banal excuses disguised as fact checking, let us come right to the
point. Attempting to throw shade for a political ally shouldn’t an objective. If one is concerned
about mental fitness to hold the highest office, they should probably be critical of the current
occupant of said office. One who, even four years ago, claimed to have aced the MCT (Montreal
Cognitive Test). The test in question is designed to be passed; those who do not pass it are
showing signs of cognitive decline. Those who brag about having passed it are clearly showing
dubious judgment. Those who elect to carry water for said individuals, well, to quote the
president, let’s just say they aren’t the sharpest bulbs.

There is one specific claim that I do want to address, namely deportation. There are several
aspects worthy of examination. While Daniel is correct that the government does have a right
to deport those here illegally, the matter is more complicated than his simplistic analysis. Most
issues are more complicated than his take on them.

First and foremost, deportation is expensive. DHS places the cost at around $17K per person, as
of this May 5 article. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/05/05/dhs-announces-historic-travel-
assistance-and-stipend-voluntary-self-deportation. It is possible to offer concrete proof of one’s
assertions. Mr. Gray should try it.

Secondly, those subject to deportation have a right to due process, which is to say they can go
into court, receive legal advice and representation (even if they can’t afford it), and challenge
the deportation. That is the place where the administration has fundamentally erred and
violated the constitution.

Brian Barnett
Glendale, Mass.