Now and then

Now:

"U.S. Military Struggles to Maintain Adequate Troop Levels"--headline, ABC News, Jun. 4, 2004, commenting on the U.S. occupation of Iraq

Then:

MacArthur is having his troubles. He is short of competent personnel because Americans won't leave home these days even for a good cause.--editorial, Life magazine, Feb. 19, 1946 (p. 32), commenting on the U.S. occupation of Japan


Update: Thanks for the link, Prof. Reynolds.