Pay equates to value in America.
Plumbers make more money (are more valuable) than teachers.
Bankers make more money (are more valuable) than nurses.
Pop stars make more money (are more valuable) than medical physicians.
And professional athletes make more money (are more valuable) than scientists.
No one cares when a teacher, nurse, medical physician or scientist decides to work for another employer.
But America goes ballistic when a tatooed, egomanic, blinged, overpaid superjock changes uniforms.
One hour of cable primetime drew millions of viewers as "King" LeBron James announced he would accept megamillions to play basketball for the Miami Heat rather than remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
So much more important then the anemic economy, job losses, illegal immigration, oil spills, bankrupt states, lost public services and plastic surgery on Madonna's aging hands. (11 JULY 2010)