Dornan Plight Fails to Win Sympathy Vote

Oh, the poor “little waif.”

It is difficult to visualize the stentorian Mr. (Robert K.) Dornan in that role (“Skies Anything but Friendly, Says Dornan’s Lawsuit,” April 25).

Yet, as such, he could not be expected to know that a written stipulation from his doctor, presented at the time the reservation was made, might have made it possible for the airline to bend the upright-seat regulation to accommodate him. If not, it was up to his doctor to restrict Rep. Dornan’s air travel for a specified time, saving him from this painful encounter that he now must live with for his “entire life.”

However, if the pain can be assuaged by a suit, why not add to the burden of overcrowded court schedules? Most of us like myself, had probably assigned the incident to that limbo where good little news items go.

Now, however, I am presented with a new image of the Honorable Mr. Dornan--a pathetic little waif, all alone with his crutches on an airport bench, waiting for Mommy to come pick him up. An image I will remember, if not for my entire life, at least for the duration of his Washington tenure.

FAY CHENEY, Santa Ana