Indeed, it's a good general principle: Defensiveness never works. What does work? Counterattack.

With this post, the foundation has been laid for a counterattack. One way to do it would be to publicly name and shame any credentialed journalist who uses the quote out of context. Don't just be "curious how fixable this sort of bogus meme is"—use your formidable influence and numerous supporters to attack those who attack you.