ABSTRACT
Dogma and skepticism are not necessarily universal tendencies to be applied regardless of subject. Indeed, unless dogma is to become utter rigidity, and skepticism sheer disbelief, there must be some combination that varies by object and degree — one trusts science more than astrology, family more than statesmen. President Jimmy Carter, according to our hypothesis, is skeptical about the contents of public policies but dogmatic about the administrative procedures for arriving at those policies. If faith in intellectual ability to put it all together is any sign, Carter on public policy is more of a planner than a politician. Incremental efforts to make basic changes are often foredoomed to failure because the special interest groups can benefit from the status quo, can focus their attention on the increments that most affect themselves, and the general public can't be made either interested or aware.
