def METHOD_NAME(element, values=None):
    """Deep copy the given element, removing annotations."""
    cloned = util.column_dict()
    def clone(elem):
        # if a values dict is given,
        # the elem must be cloned each time it appears,
        # as there may be different annotations in source
        # elements that are remaining.  if totally
        # removing all annotations, can assume the same
        # slate...
        if values or elem not in cloned:
            newelem = elem._deannotate(values=values, clone=True)
            newelem._copy_internals(clone=clone)
            if not values:
                cloned[elem] = newelem
            return newelem
        else:
            return cloned[elem]
    if element is not None:
        element = clone(element)
    return element