I just finished watching a *Nova* episode on emerging science around Neanderthals:

And, I think I figured something out: The supposed "Special trait" that separates Modern Homo Sapiens from all other species of human, and non-human animals?

It's an obsessive psychological need to be separate from all other species of humans, and non-human animals. ...In other words, it's our bigotry. :-/

On the other hand, the conclusion voiced at the end of the episode (from one of the scientists interviewed) is that Neanderthals "disappeared" because they interbred with the Homo Sapiens who migrated into Europe, and got genetically absorbed (and the Neanderthal genes we [Europeans] inherited are the ones that control our immune systems). So that offers some hope that we really can "Make Love, Not War."

Peace forever, Baby!