Claptrap

It is very sad and horrible to read about the 55 dead due to tornadoes.

Then I get mad and disgusted with the usual claptrap in the news reports

claptrap
n : pompous or pretentious talk or writing [syn: bombast, fustian,
rant, blah]
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) Claptrap \Clap"trap`\, n.
1. A contrivance for clapping in theaters. [Obs.]
2. A trick or device to gain applause; humbug.Claptrap \Clap"trap`\, a.
Contrived for the purpose of making a show, or gaining
applause; deceptive; unreal.

1. "It looks like the Lord took a Brillo pad and scrubbed the ground,” said Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, who surveyed the damage from a helicopter.

Is Phil saying God did this? and why?

2. President Bush gave assurances his administration stood ready to help. Teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency were sent to the region and activated an emergency center in Georgia.“Loss of life, loss of property; prayers can help, and so can the government,” Bush said. “I do want the people in those states to know the American people are standing with them.”

Ok, George! which God? again why? for whom? The dead? the injured? to ask God to stop it!? To ask for forgivness for whatever they the victoms did to deserve this? "prayers can help"? What does that mean? Help who? More claptrap from our pious president.

3. Near St. Vincent, Ark., Shannon Barnes said he, his mother and her husband took shelter in her basement. But the wind pulled the door open and nearly sucked them out.“We prayed to Jesus. We prayed. That’s why we’re here,” Barnes said. “There ain’t much more to say than that.”

This bugs me the most. Is Shannon is implying God did not hear or ignored those who prayed and died anyway?