"In the months and years since 9/11, the Bush administration took many steps that were excessive and unlawful," Holder continued. "We authorized torture and we let fear take precedence over the rule of law, as we overreacted to perceived danger."
And...
"There is evil in the world and we face grave threats to our national security," Holder admitted, "but we must reclaim our moral leadership by no longer letting fear rule our reactions."
I wrote something -- a book, I think -- in which I make a similar point.