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Quote mining is a term used primarily by defenders of the theory of evolution to oppose quoting evolutionists' own criticisms of the theory.  Quote mining does not refer simply to taking a quote out of context, as there is already a well-understood phrase for that.  Rather, quote mining reflects an objection to quoting someone for criticizing his own belief system, on the theory that if he still believes in the system then it is somehow unfair to quote his criticism of it.

Quote mining is a term used primarily by defenders of the theory of evolution to oppose the creationist practice of arguing by quotation.  Quote mining refers to several practices including taking a portion of a quotation out of context, presenting out-of-date material as current, removing an intervening passage from a quotation without an ellipsis, improper citation, or otherwise manipulating the text.  The effect of quote mining is to make it appear that the speaker is making a point contrary to his actual intent when the speaker may be employing rhetoric or explaining his opponents' arguments.

 

Aside from the fact that quote mining in and of itself is a disingenuous practice, it also commits the logical fallacy of appeal to authority.  Even if the mined quote were factual, the opinion of a single individual, or group of individuals would not affect the actual validity of a scientific theory.  Theories are decided on their merit and correspondance to the evidence, not the opinions of "authorities."

==Examples==

==Examples==

<blockquote>"'''''Al Qaeda is on the run. That group of terrorists who attacked our country is slowly, but surely being decimated.''' Right now, about half of all the top al Qaeda operatives are either jailed or dead. In either case, '''they're not a problem anymore.''' And we'll stay on the hunt. To make sure America is a secure country, the al Qaeda terrorists have got to understand it doesn't matter how long it's going to take, they will be brought to justice.''" -- [[George W. Bush]], May 5, 2003. </blockquote>

<blockquote>"'''''Al Qaeda is on the run. That group of terrorists who attacked our country is slowly, but surely being decimated.''' Right now, about half of all the top al Qaeda operatives are either jailed or dead. In either case, '''they're not a problem anymore.''' And we'll stay on the hunt. To make sure America is a secure country, the al Qaeda terrorists have got to understand it doesn't matter how long it's going to take, they will be brought to justice.''" -- [[George W. Bush]], May 5, 2003. </blockquote>

==References==

==References==