Grim resonances

Billmon at Whiskey bar has a series of posts from the last week or so that demonstrate disturbing historical parallels between current events and, um, crazy past leaders and literary characters... (and a couple of internal paradoxes too, just for fun)

In reckless extravagance he outdid the prodigals of all times in ingenuity . . . and set before his guests loaves and meats of gold, declaring that a man ought either to be frugal or be Caesar.

Suetonius
Life of Caligula
110 AD

The quotes are short and to the point.