<p>Barack Obama could have chosen to become independently wealthy as an attorney, but he chose to pursue political involvement instead. I have no doubt that he could have become wealthy had he stayed home and attended the U. of Illinois at Chicago. Could he have become a Presidential nominee? It’s hard to say. I would argue that unless you’re struggling to meet the bare necessities of life, having choices and opportunities is far better than having a high income. Few people are as miserable as those who earn a substantial income doing something that they hate, and feel trapped by the reality that they cannot change their life without forfeiting their earning potential.</p>