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"I don't believe that anybody in there really wants their kids to be taught that their great-grandfather was an ape," Buttars said.

This kind of comment really shows the true underpinnings of the debate. It's not about science, and maybe not even religion. It's about ego. A lot of people feel truly insulted at the suggestion that there is some kind of connection between humans and "lower" species. You don't get that kind of response from a simple intellectual debate. There's a certain amount of hurt pride involved.

It's not simply a case of narcisism or a superiority complex, either. Evolution is a true challenge to an entire worldview: one that positions man as privileged and special instead of just another one of those stupid things crawling around in the muck. The thing is, we are privileged, even if we came from what we perceive to be rather humble beginnings. Acknowleging our connection to the rest of Earth's creepy-crawlies does not diminish the accomplishments of the human species or make Mr. Buttars any less a man.

It's not about science, and maybe not even religion. It's about ego. A lot of people feel truly insulted at the suggestion that there is some kind of connection between humans and "lower" species.

What a bunch of specists! :)