The difference now is that most people seem weaker. Everyone becoming offended at every little thing (on both sides), complaining about the tiniest hardships, and not planning long term. Can you imagine if people today were asked to ration or plant victory gardens like during WWII? You are right, the issues we face today are not greater, the people however, are weaker.
I had dinner last Christmas with my visiting niece and her husband. She spent 10 years in the Air Force and he spent a few years in the Army including combat in Iraq. Both have some kind of PTSD.
During our talks, he said what you said. Namely that his generation was not "as good" as our WWII generation. It came without prompting.
I sense that generally, in our society. Maybe it is a sign of my own age, with father and father-in-law serving in WWII combat, surviving, having big families, working hard.
About the very last topic at the family dinner table was about how horrible things were in the USA.
I feel many in our society take for granted things which our parents worked hard for, sacrificed for, fought wars for, and we merely expect to come automatically.
We ought to admit WE have done a poor job of passing along the history and stories of what makes America great.
And we ought to admit WE have done a poor job of educating people about why conservative political philosophy is the best.
I understand that Trump is winning because he remains optimistic, energetic, positive, hard working, etc.
