It is no surprise to me...after all, when each new Ceasar came to power many were the sycophants who hearlded his coming with august laurels that had yet to be earned.
In those times it was generally necessary to supply plenty of praise for the new Caesar. Failing to do so could be hazardous to your health.
It seems those times just may be coming back.
"A casual stroll through the lunatic asylum shows that faith does not prove anything." - Friedrich Nietzsche