I find it strange that history has pushed people with the same/similar names into the limelight at the same time.

First example: Tony Blair (UK Prime Minister) and Ian Blair (Metropolitan Chief Police Commissioner)
Second example: Hank Paulson (US Treasury Secretary) and John Paulson (US Hedge Fund Chief who predicted last year that the economy would go belly up).

All of them, to my mind, have been far too influential in changing our lives, and not for the better.

Tony Blair brought in New Labour, and ruined the political/social framework whilst in office. Ian Blair did the same to the British Police Service. Both are involved with the law in some form.

Hank Paulson is the one making the decisions as to which major finance company can be saved and which can't ruining everyone's lives financially. John Paulson has done the same by betting on the possible demise of the global currency market (increasing his own wealth in to the bargain), and has been a major factor in the way companies had their debts restructured and with the other hedge companies has left all companies in a far worse position than when they started and hedge fund companies generally a lot richer. Both are involved with the financial sector.

One small incident on a much more personal scale: I am linked to the North Pennines Heritage Trust via my boss who happens to have not only a "day job" but is also Chairman of the Trust. Recently they appointed a Development Officer, whose first name is Carol Robinson whose wedding anniversary is on 9th October. My husband's first name is Robert (often shortened to Robin) and his birthday is on 9th October, and of course my first name is Carol. Both of us are connected to this Registered Charity.

How many other people can suggest similar links?