The mayor of Taiji, in Japan, feels obligated to defend dolphin slaughter, after The Cove wins the Oscar.  He uses the popular justification for killing animals: Cultural tradition.

It is important to respect and understand regional food cultures, which are based on traditions with long histories

The Fisheries Director continues,

There are some countries that eat cows, and there are other countries that eat whales or dolphins

Just the fact of being tradition doesn’t excuse reprehensible behavior.  There’s a long tradition of slavery on the planet.  An arguable majority of women in this world are condemned to traditional roles, to the detriment of themselves and society.

Tradition does not excuse selfish, gluttonous acts.  Not Japanese fishing tradition, nor American fast food hamburger tradition.

via tvguide.com