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    > To some extent, this is a choice many Americans
    > intentionally make.

Uhm, to what extent do they have a choice? Be super poor or work hard. Hmm..yes those are delightful "options" to get to "select".

But seriously, I don't see a realistic choice for most people. To have any decent level of security and stability in our lives, most of us have to work our asses off!