The usual suspects focus on Bush’s differences with European leaders this morning. Granted, the second half of the president’s European trip is likely to be less cordial than the first half, with its focus on the future of NATO, Iran and arms sales to China.

I have been contributing a series of articles on U.S.-Chinese relations to the Beijing Review, for anyone interested in having a look.

Domestically, much coverage is being given to Ahmed Omar Abu Ali, who was accused in a federal court of plotting to assassinate President Bush. Even liberal outlets like the Los Angeles Times have done a good job of focusing on the charges and Ali’s shadowy background before paying credence to his alleged grievances with the U.S. government.

Being a native Oregonian, I have followed the physician assisted suicide debate for years. Today’s Oregonian newspaper devotes its front-page, above-the-fold story to the Supreme Court’s decision to consider the case. On social issues and taxes, most Oregonians tend to have a strong libertarian streak – so I don’t expect the court’s decision to get much positive coverage here. Since the law went into effect, 171 terminally ill patients, with doctor cooperation, have chosen to end their own lives.

Democratic Senator Ron Wyden is quoted in the story as saying, “Some people confuse this question of social values and cultural values with what’s really at question here … whether citizens, on a medical practice, that has been historically left to the states, should have a bunch of people from Washington D.C. push them around.” Wyden’s language makes use of some nice libertarian flourishes, but it’s dishonest language nonetheless. How can any issue have been “historically left to the states” when it is the first and only such law in practice and one which is less than a decade old? Secondly, Wyden’s record on other issues such as taxes, Social Security, Medicare and firearms shows he normally has no problem with Washington deciding what’s best for the people he represents.

Meanwhile, Newsday reports that liberal activists are targeting New York Republicans. The activists want all elected NY officials to sign a pledge opposing Social Security reform before the details of the White House plan are even presented. Congressman Peter King isn’t biting, “I think everything should be on the table," said King. "To rule anything out before the debate begins is the height of irresponsibility. This issue is too important to be determined by applause meters or by giving into pressure groups on either side.”