human/nonhuman animals

I do not think there is such a great disparity between human animals and non-human animals as most would assume. The "Origins" essay preaches too much about our status and elevation above all animals. I agree that humans are intellectual and rational creatures, but I also think we are very narcissistic in regard to our 'nobility.' If you look at how desolate human kind is, and then look at the thriving communities between animals, is that not proof enough to say that perhaps animals are just as rational as we are? Take dogs, for instance. Dogs, in a pack, have a leader and his queen, if you will, and tribe members. The leader is always in control and also instinctually knows that if he protects his pack, then they in turn will protect him. Look at our country: we have leaders who are constantly oppressing their people and in turn are being attacked by other governmental systems and in consequence our country takes 'the hit' such as bomb threats and etc. That may be a bit extreme without contemplating the complexities of feuds between nations, but it is true. That leads into morality. Let's be honest and frank, are humans really all that moral? A small percentage of us are. But for the most part, no. A term that has arisen recently is the term 'moral posture.' Moral posture is a term that id currently used to describe how our great country America is the picture of morality. Well, if that is indeed truthful, then this world really needs to re-evaluate the magnitude of our grim society. In the animal kingdom in each species, fights break out but are neutralized. There may be some public shame, but nothing like Jerry Springer in which the shame comes from the ignorance in these people which reflects our image to the world. Largely and in conclusion, animals have much more gratitude, responsibility, and morality than most humans.