While Rome Burns

Jazz has a post on Bob Herbert's commentary on the coronation of Emperor George over at Running Scared this morning that's worth a read. Bilmon, who has opened the Whiskey Bar again, has some comparisons with the past.

With an estimated price tag of $40 million, the three-day celebration that is President Bush's second inauguration will be the most expensive ever. The lavish dinners, parties and fireworks began on Tuesday and will continue through his swearing-in on Thursday, followed by a parade and nine official inaugural balls . . . The cost will be paid by individual and corporate donations, while the city of Washington is being asked to pay for an estimated $17 million in security costs.
BBC News
No expense spared at inauguration
January 19, 2005
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He thought that there was no other way of enjoying riches and money than by riotous extravagance, declaring that only stingy and niggardly fellows kept a correct account of what they spent, while fine and genuinely magnificent gentlemen wasted and squandered . . . Accordingly he made presents and wasted money without stint.
Suetonius
Life of Nero
110 AD