Edward Tufte has been appointed to “help track and explain $787 billion in recovery stimulus funds” as part of the Recovery Independent Advisory Panel.

I’m doing this because I like accountability and transparency, and I believe in public service. And it is the complete opposite of everything else I do. Maybe I’ll learn something. The practical consequence is that I will probably go to Washington several days each month, in addition to whatever homework and phone meetings are necessary.

Edward Tufte, March 7, 2010