Where the money goes tells whom we value most. If you ask a child or teen who makes the most money, the President of the United States or the owner of Walmart, he is likely to say the President, reflecting the importance of the position.

Not so, as we well know. The Walton family's worth rivals that of many sovereign nations, and the President's paltry salary and royalties don't even show on the radar by comparison. So if money equals power and worth, who do you think can wield the most influence?

In academia, one would think that professors and university presidents are the most important, the most valuable staff and their salaries would reflect that worth. If you thought so, you would be wrong. College sports coaches are the highest paid public employees in 41 of the 50 states' higher education systems, surpassing the salaries of governors, university presidents, and professionals (doctors and lawyers) working in state agencies.

Money talks, in this case quite loudly.