Dear Mr. Obama, My name is Aditya Mahadevan. I am a sophomore at Palo Alto Senior high school in Mr. Yonkers U.S.

Government class . I would like to encourage you to renew the Patriot Act. Despite the Patriot Act's opposition, it is a valuable tool when fighting domestic crime as well as international terrorism. In normal court cases, the exclusionary clause prevents information obtained illegally from being used as evidence. However, the Patriot Act voids the exclusionary clause in cases of criminal or terrorist involvement, allowing authorities to crack down on crime and use whatever methods are necessary to ensure justice. Terrorists and criminals are willing to use whatever methods are necessary to achieve their ends, and the authorities should not be stopped from ensuring justice. However, the Patriot Act has been misunderstood. Cases including the arrest of Ashton Lundeby in 2009 have detracted from the image of the Patriot Act. To reassure the American public, it might be wise to revise the Patriot Act by adding that the Patriot Act must be used at the discretion of any officer, and misuse of the Patriot Act will result in severe consequences. This revision would prevent criticism from the media as well. In the right hands, the Patriot Act can strike fear into the hearts of criminals and terrorists while still protecting civilian rights. I understand that you are a busy man. Thank you for hearing my opinions on this issue. Best of luck in the upcoming 2012 election. SIncerely, Aditya Mahadeva