IN his July 4th letter, “Arnold Chance” like “Justin de Freitas” continues to believe that “Ida” is the missing link between lower and higher primates even though ‘Ida” emerged from the analysis overwhelmingly as a member of the lower primate group and was classified as such by the “Dream Team” including John Hurum, the guy who orchestrated the whole ‘Ida” splash. However, he plays on the word “transitional” when in reality 95% of all humans are “transitional” in the sense of having characteristics of both parents.   ‘Ida” was transitional in that it was a cross between lemurs and another member of the lemur group, having characteristics of both.   The analysis indicated its facial structure was typical of young primates and its anklebone was typical of other mammals.

“Arnold Chance” continues to bury his head in the sand like an ostrich by down playing Ian Tattersall’s report.   However, Ian Tattersall who disclosed the “Ida” analysis is head of the museum where ‘Ida” is on display.   The irony is Ian Tattersall is supposedly an atheist just like the others involved in the “Ida” analysis, but “Arnold Chance” calls it a right-wing conspiracy.  

In so doing, he has shown his true colors:  disregard the facts and cover it up to deceive the gullible and the naïve.  However, there is a higher ethical standard among professionals that “Arnold Chance” is learning.   My advice to him would be to accept the ‘Ida” analysis and move on.  A house divided cannot stand and will crumble like a house of cards.