Stories like this one worry Peacenik. Neo-liberal, neo-conservative, right wing economic policies have created the world financial crisis. These economic policies were put in place by so-called socialist and liberal governments and in some cases conservative governments. So as everything comes crashing down, who benefits at the polls? Who do the people turn to to fix the problems? Right wing politicians.
Anti-immigration policies are finding support. Racist policies are finding support. Blaming the victims is finding support. Sarah Palin drew a crowd of 20,000 to a speech in New York over the weekend. Dick Cheney's daughter is all over the TV. Joe the Plumber is viewed as a legitimate leader of the right wing. Peacenik has said it before. There is no solution. But voting fascist is not going to help anything. Peacenik has shelf-loaded some supplies. Peacenik hopes Peacenik doesn't need to shelf-load ammo too.
Centre-right parties have done well in elections to the European Parliament at the expense of the left.
Far-right and anti-immigration parties also made gains, as turnout figures plunged to 43% - the lowest since direct elections began 30 years ago.
The UK Labour Party, Germany's Social Democrats and France's Socialist Party were heading for historic defeats.
The centre-right European People's Party (EPP) looks set to continue to hold power in the parliament.
