John Raisin, Director of the Hoover Institution and advisor to the International Freedom Center, was kind enough to reply to my inquiry. First, look at the list of the IFC's advisors to get some perspective on the part any one of them might play in this process. The size of this panel is not atypical for such a governmental project and indicates that, while the advisors will certainly have a consultative role, execution (what really matters) will rest with the board of directors and staff.

Mr. Raisian essentially confirmed this: he is one of many advisors (it should be noted that he is acting as an individual and not representing Hoover) and the implementation of the various ideas will be driven by the board and staff. It is that implementation that should be of concern to people worried by Debra Burlingame's op-ed piece.

Again, the key individuals to contact are IFC Chairman Tom Bernstein (212-336-6200 is the number for Chelsea Piers, the sports complex he runs in New York) and IFC President Richard Tofel (dtofel@ifcwtc.org).