Dornan Says an Apology Is in Order

* The Times has struck again--this time by embellishing a simple exchange between myself and a Times reporter and elevating it to something it was not (“Dornan Feels Reagans’ Pain at Naked Aggression Shown by Daughter Patti,” June 12).

It is true I am disturbed that President Reagan’s daughter at 42 years of age posed for Playboy magazine. I am disturbed not only as a critic of stupid, soft- and hard-core pornography but also as a father of five and grandfather of nine who empathizes with a truly great former President over the embarrassing actions of his daughter.

However, I was not, as reported by The Times, “waving around the nude photographs of Davis and making a tizzy about it to anyone who would listen.” First, I have not seen nor did I have in my possession the Playboy pictures. I have always opposed Hugh Hefner and his financial empire built on the degradation of women. The object in question was a Washington newspaper article about Ms. Davis’ expose, which was handed to me rather gleefully by a Democrat. The one photograph with the article showed little of Ms. Davis but a lot of Hefner’s dog. The Times’ implication at best was that I had a Playboy in hand.

Second, the exchange took place during a conversation between myself and one female Times reporter. As far as “waving” is concerned, I was seated during the brief exchange concluding a long interview on another subject. Only one other person, a member of my staff, was present. This does not constitute “waving around” or “making a tizzy to anyone who would listen.” In fact, I threw the article away within minutes.

I do not fault The Times for reporting my opinion about Ms. Davis’ incessant and vicious posturing against her wonderful parents. I do, however, fault The Times for sensationalism and mean-spirited disregard for simple facts.

REP. ROBERT K. DORNAN

R-Garden Grove