> Teachers, social workers, public defenders, armed service people.

I don't agree with that in all cases. I have a friend who is a teacher and admits teaching is a great job for him (2nd grade) and he doesn't know what he would do otherwise. Probably some type of physical work. He is a great guy, but just isn't that sharp. He is punctual and dependable, but not real good at thinking on his feet. He makes about $82k teaching (20+ years experience in a reasonably affordable area) and I can't think of another job that would pay him that well, give him the summer off, great healthcare and a pension.

I know a few more teachers and perhaps it is the group of people I hang out with, but they all are closer to him than to some person making a sacrifice for the good of society.