When Mark Sanford compared Obama’s stimulus package to Zimbabwe’s banana republic, grievance-monger and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-victim) was up in arms, describing the comment as “beyond the pale.”  Why, he asked, did he pick Zimbabwe?

Now you know why, Mr. Clyburn:

The Federal Reserve yesterday escalated its massive campaign to stabilize the economy, saying it would flood the financial system with an additional $1.2 trillion.

The decision by the Fed to buy government bonds and mortgage-related securities is designed to lower borrowing costs for home mortgages and other types of loans, thereby stimulating economic activity. The central bank, effectively, will print more money to pay for the purchases.

Sound familiar?

Zimbabwe’s Leader Says He’ll Print More Cash

President Robert Mugabe has promised to print more money to fund municipal projects, a government newspaper reported Saturday. The pledge came despite hyperinflation that has created severe shortages of cornmeal, meat, milk and other staples.

So, how’s that working out for Zimbabwe?