Hi Bex

I agree, quotes are normal, acceptable and useful in debates, discussions even books. I have no problems with quotes but there are a few rules that must be adhered to when quoting and Russ T has failed to do so even once it has been pointed out to him. When quoting someone you must:-

Ensure that the quoted person’s intent is conveyed in the passage you quote.
Correctly cite the original source wherever possible.

Now Russ T has cited a passage as Darwin without citing the original source and, when tracked down, it turned out that Darwin did not actually say the words cited rather a YEC author did.

Russ T has incorrectly cited several sentences from separate parts of a book as if they came from one chapter.

Russ T has deceptively implied by his quotes that an author believed something that he clearly and explicitly did not. Russ did this by selecting a quote that was, typical of the author, self challenging a quote which he then spent a full chapter refuting.

Quoting is often a good way to convey what an author thinks on a topic, it is a very useful tool if used correctly.

It is also a very common YEC tactic to reference one of the many YEC quote mine sites or books to find quotes that seem to support the YEC position with words from important or well credentialed authors. In most cases, and I have only pointed out a few of Russ’s, these quotes misrepresent the authors feelings and intentions. This tactic is common in YEC circles and it is dishonest. I believe that Russ T should stop deceptively using out of context, quote mined quotes in his posts and should stick to honest, correctly cited quotes presented in their correct context.

Isn’t honesty the best policy?

So what you've stated here doesn't really apply in every instance. You obviously failed to make that clear...

I thought I made it perfectly clear when I said “And we have, again, the false Darwin quotes Russ.”

To me that seems to make it clear that I was referring to Russ T and his latest false quote in particular with reference to his earlier transgressions in this area.

In reason

Russell