Never a dull moment with these three favorite Firing Line grillers back at the old

stand. Specifics range from abortion to taxes to human rights in China to the "shopworn" topic WFB would have preferred to "just agree not to mention," Iran-Contra. One sample: MG: "You're a tough critic of government. Awkwardly, a close friend, a man you respect, is the head of government. Aren't you going to be relieved, as a journalist, when your friend leaves Washington, so you won't feel inhibited by friendship to defend what's indefensible?" WFB: "You as a lawyer know what it's like to defend the indefensible, I suppose. But I ask myself: What would be the alternative? If Pericles were waiting to take office I would then say, 'Well, Mr. Reagan, let's go back to the farm.' "