You left out that any powers he establishes in the Justice Dept will carry over to his successor, who may not be a "deeply religious, patriotic American". 
You left out that he is a deeply religious, patriotic American.
You're right. That definitely excuses the crap he's pulling right now. All Hail Ashcroft! How do you define patriotic anyway? Someone who's willing to strip away the rights of Americans in the name of security?
You left out that any powers he establishes in the Justice Dept will carry over to his successor, who may not be a "deeply religious, patriotic American".
Yes.
Does that make what he's doing more, or less, despicable?