[Obi-Wan certainly could choose not to be a Jedi. They weren't jailers after all, and there have been those who have left the Order. But as Usagi suspected, it did mean a lot to him. Especially considering he nearly missed out on the chance to be a knight when he was young and no one had chosen him as an apprentice.]

I suppose that depends on your definition. Politicians help the galaxy, law enforcement as well, but what distinguishes a Jedi is our ability to use the Force.

We had been the peacekeepers of our galaxy for millennia. Up until our destruction that is.