Reflections

Allen, a TV personality, musician and writer ( Meeting of Minds ), here collects his observations, organized alphabetically, on topics ranging from abortion to world government. Brought up as a Roman Catholic, Allen, who was born in 1921, continues to support the faith. In his comments on poverty, crime and capital punishment (all areas where Catholic belief and secular humanism can find accord), Allen clearly identifies with liberal politics. But he also notes his respect for the conservatism of William F. Buckley's National Review . Allen's emphasis on serious topics is relieved by flashes of wit: ``Whenever I have my car washed, I have the illusion that the motor runs more smoothly.'' Author tour. (July)