Darris McNeely asked me to send you the update this week. In the two weeks since I returned to the United States from a family visit to the United Kingdom, I've seen nothing on the news here about the scandals plaguing the British government or about the European elections. I have, however, seen Susan Boyle almost every evening (on the news, that is). At least there's some news from the other side of the Atlantic!

European elections Regardless of the lack of perception of television companies, the European elections held simultaneously across the 27-member European Union were potentially of great significance. As the results came in on Sunday, June 7, it was clear that Europeans are deeply dissatisfied with their national governments. The center-right parties were the victors while the so-called "extreme right" made substantial gains. It's interesting that while the United States moves to the left, Europe is moving decidedly to the right of the political spectrum.

Actually, turnout across Europe was very low, again reflecting disillusionment and apathy in the middle of a financial crisis that is really hurting.

Although, in theory, the European elections for members of the European Parliament are supposed to be above national politics, people vote primarily on how they feel about their own government. Following a month of financial scandals in the upper echelons of power, it was no surprise that the Labour government of Prime Minister Gordon Brown slipped to fourth place in the European elections, after the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and UKIP (the United Kingdom Independence Party, whose platform advocates withdrawal from the European Union). Labour received only 15 percent support from the British electorate. In traditionally socialist Wales, the Conservatives beat Labour for the first time in 90 years.

The "extreme right" parties across Europe vary widely. All are nationalistic and against third world immigration, but some are more extreme than others. Fear of rising numbers of Muslims is partly behind their gains. Unemployment is another factor, as many Europeans feel they are losing jobs to (cheaper) immigrants. But there's also a feeling that the traditional German, Austrian, English or French way of life is increasingly under threat in this age of multiculturalism. The European elections may just be the start of a reaction to what people feel has been forced on them by arrogant intellectuals at the top who are totally out of touch with reality.

Further change is likely in the not too distant future. German writer Wolfgang Munchau, a regular columnist in the Financial Times, wrote the same weekend that Germany and Japan are soon to face a "perfect economic storm," an upheaval that could affect government as well as the economy.

In fact, it's starting to look like déjà vu all over again. Or, I should say, the 1930s. History seems set to repeat itself, though it will never repeat itself exactly. Europeans are once again turning to the right as they did during the Great Depression of the 1930s. It was then that dictators like Hitler, Franco and Mussolini enjoyed power. Will democracy survive this time?

Perhaps, because the countries of the EU have to be democracies in order to be members. And there are no serious voices calling for withdrawal, other than in the United Kingdom, which has always been a weak supporter anyway.

The Bible shows that a coalition of 10 European rulers will come together to form the final resurrected Roman Empire. Revelation chapters 13 and 17 prophesy this, along with Daniel chapters 2 and 7.

What's happening in Europe now could be of great significance. Certainly, it could be the beginning of a nationalist trend. Who knows? Maybe one day it could even push Susan Boyle off the "international news"!

Keep watching,
Melvin Rhodes
Senior editor
World News & Prophecy

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