Just to inject a note of sanity, Dr. Dao deserves compensation - but not in the millions of dollars. Yes he was treated badly and injured in the process. But, like it or not, he shares some responsibility for his own plight. As did the other passengers ordered to give up their seats, he could have registered his protest and then left quietly. He would still be entitled to compensation and, if necessary, to take United to court. The rest of that whole ugly scene comes down to bad judgement by airline officials, airport security and Dr. Dao himself.

Only in America can one become an instant millionaire from a minor injury in an upsetting, if avoidable, confrontation with authority. The $10 million some people toss around is absurd. Ridiculous court awards in that highly litigious system make it tough for business but it's the consumer that ultimately bears the cost. It also encourages unnecessarily hostile and aggressive behaviour all around. Canadian courts might award Dao $25,000.