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 any powers he establishes in the Justice Dept will carry over to his successor, who may not be a "deeply religious, patriotic American".
In the context of the articles, what powers did Ashcroft establish? That Lindh, captured by military action in a foreign country while bearing arms, was given any semblence of a civil trial is extraordinary.