Does he know something?

U.S. Senator David Vitter said today he believes the death toll from Katrina in Louisiana will top 10,000, perhaps even well more, according to the French press agency AFP.

Their question, and ours, is whether Vitter is speaking from some knowledge that he has been given, or if he is simply guessing (which is only what he claims).

While no actual death totals have been given in Louisiana, various officials are starting to give us hints that we should expect the number of deaths to be high. Pardon us for saying that it feels like we are being "prepped" for harsh truths, as if there are those who do not think we can handle the whole truth right now.

Incidentally Vitter also gives the federal government an "F" grade for its relief response up until today, specifically that the buildup of the National Guard was to slow to restore order.
That might be a little harsh -- but not much.

Vitter is a Louisiana Republican.