But I think you got it backward, Phil.

Appeal to authority is an appeal to support an argument based on the authority of the individual. For example:

"Joe Blow, Ph.D., states that proximity to nuclear plants causes an increase in Parkinson's Disease" is an example of this fallacy when Dr. Blow's Ph.D. is in, say, geography rather than a pertinent branch of medicine.

I cited Mr. Steyn's specialty to point out that, while he is surely qualified professionally to comment on drama and comedy, he is no more qualified to comment on politics than I am. I'm not using his professional authority to support anything.

In fact, in view of my life experiences and my family's involvement in local politics, I may be marginally more qualified to speak to political issues than Mr. Steyn is. But perhaps he's been politically active. That would be the kind of authority to invoke.

In view of his (felonious) involvement on the periphery of State Department activities, Oliver North is more qualified to speak to international political issues than either Mr. Steyn or myself. And Bill Clinton is more qualified to speak to American political issues of all kinds than any of us. ;)

We all persist in citing things because they're in print. Just 'cause it's in print, that don't make it true, correct, right, or beautiful.

To be fair, I think Tom does a better job than almost anybody here (except Dan) in ferreting out primary sources, though what Tom leaves out in his research is just as significant as what he includes. This is, however, a fair tactic in debate, which is supposed to be one-sided. It's also an admirable trait in an attorney, a profession in which objectivity is neither prized nor rewarded.

I'd post more often if I could do the research up front so I could defend my arguments quickly in the give and take of debate. But without homework, I can't contribute intelligently, expecially in an adversarial [ahem] forum. ;) That's why debate, though driven by wit, is founded on research.

Splendid try, though! Let's see some more of this! With enough practice, we'll all be absolute berserkers!

Cheers!
Mary Anne