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Definitely all about expressing opinions in exactly that manner, it's just quotes that grind my gears. The way you described it, I pictured you grabbing your phone, quoting Snowden and dropping the mic :) Quotes always seem like an appeal to authority, are usually taken out of context and rarely say anything truly useful.

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Good point, although in this instance of "argumentum ad verecundiam" Snowden has the credibility and has stated a common objection in such a succinct way that I think it bears repeating provided it is stated accurately.

Appealing to authority can be a fallacious way to reason, however it can also be done correctly, and is a powerful way to influence people. I love your visual of phone/quote/mic drop - that'd definitely be the wrong way to do it :)

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