So the baseline lib response is "Iran deserves it BUT we should have followed procedure"

I disagree that Americans aren't bloodthirsty war pigs. They're just extremely steeped in it, to the extent that they can't see it. Fish in water. The government commits all these heinous crimes and they don't give a fuck. Just please, we beg you, next time fill out the proper forms.

I also think Hegseth is repulsive even by American standards, though he does serve to shift the Overton window. The American norm is to enjoy the spoils of wanton depravity but maybe, should the uncomfortable need for introspection arise, to feel bad about it. Yes it's so sad, but let's talk about happier topics.

Hegseth painting himself from head to tail in blood is off-putting not because of a disagreement on the MORALITY of war, but because it breaks the kayfabe.