"It is difficult for the common good to prevail against the intense concentration of those who have a special interest, especially if the decisions are made behind locked doors"

This quote by Jimmy Carter talks to the power of special interests and the difficulty of attaining the typical excellent when choices are made in private. It recommends that when decisions are made in secret, those with a vested interest in the result can utilize their influence to sway the choice in their favor. This can be seen in the way that effective corporations and wealthy people are able to use their resources to affect policy decisions, typically to the hinderance of the public. The quote indicates that the only method to ensure that the common good is served is to make choices in the open, where the public can hold those in power liable. This is why openness and public involvement are so crucial in the democratic process.