This is the classic argument against anyone trying to avoid slogans:

Yes, I stand, just like the drude, for a battle against religion or any other system used as a tool for suppression of individual rights by a select group of power hungry (though that group is probably larger than you think). What I shall never do however, is vaguely condemn a society or make insinuations of a general kind which tend to focus on the general culture of the people involved, rather than on the act, which does rarely *result* automatically from the culture. Child marriage does not "rusult from islam", just as women's circumcision does not "result from islam" - which is however the general tenure in many of Cope's drudions. And, as I said, it not only weakens his argument, but immediately puts a stamp on any member of that society.

Now I know, we all know Cope is a goody. We all know we're on the left, ey? But does that mean we can throw our own principles overboard?

Arf!