Why is PHP not a "real" language?

[techlists at phpcoderusa.com]

Just in time to add another thread that might be as intense as the 
sysd...etc thread.

For years I have heard that people say PHP is not a real language.

One guy says interpreted languages are not real programming languages, 
they are scripting languages.  I guess way back when I was an xBase 
developer I must have not been a real programmer.  Back in the day The 
only compiled xBase was Clipper Summer 87 by Nantucket Corp.  I think it 
was possible to compile xBase code but I never did except with Clipper 
Summer 87.  I think Visual Fox was compiled...

Another says the barrier to entry makes it possible for non-professional 
programmers to get hired and to mess up the code base.  Isn't that a 
hiring manager's issue?

I think PHP is a great language and a lot of others must think so too.

I really liked the decade long ride with PHP 5. I think 7 brought some 
good changes in the area of speed and the removal of Register globals.

PHP must be doing something right because it is run by upwards of 80% of 
the websites on the Internet.

I do think the PHP team is moving too fast.  We now have version 8.

So what is wrong with PHP and where are we going in such a hurry?

And finally why does PHP have to be anything but simple stupid?