Voice of The Simpsons Harry Shearer: New Orleans flooding was not a natural disaster

Harry Shearer, a creator of "The Simpsons" and known for his comedic voice work of Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders, Rev. Lovejoy and Scratchy, recently came out with a new film about Hurricane Katrina and Louisiana called "The Big Uneasy."

The film examines what caused New Orleans to flood after the hurricane in 2005, seeking to make the case that the flooding was fault of the Army Corps of Engineers and the failure of the structures that were supposed to protect the city.

"The hurricane was a natural disaster. The flooding of New Orleans was not," Shearer told Plante. "What I do is put in front of the camera people who really did the investigative work."

Shearer said the investigations were ignored by the national media.

"Everybody covered the emotional part. But the 'why did these people have to suffer part' was left to a guy from the Simpsons to come in and cover," he said.

Watch the full interview above.

[James93x]

Floods are a serious problem in America. Over last weekend, Pennsylvania had river and creek water at least three feet above flood stage in a number of counties. State EM Director Glenn Cannon has not yet spoken about this damage. What if buildings should be relocated to avoid zones of flooding? Glenn better get to work.

[PatriotPaul]

I had the honor of seeing this film on the 5th Anniversary of Katrina and the levee failures. Harry was there for a Q & A, and as a tourist stuck in the dank Superdome I found the movie incredibly informative, frightening, and moving.

I see the Army Corps of Engineers as "Mr. Burns" and the Congresspersons and private contractors as "Smithers", in a nutshell. Do see this important documentary as it may save your life.

Paul Harris
Author, "Diary From the Dome, Reflections on Fear and Privilege During Katrina"

[Jolie2u]

Thank you Paul, from one Harris to another, for your tireless fight for my hometown of New Orleans. I would love to meet you one day.

[sjc_1]

The Army Corp told Bush in 2001 that the levies and outer islands needed repair, he told them to forget it. Government agencies went to simulation events years before Katrina and they all said "have a nice day". He ignored Al Qaeda, he ignored the levies, he ignored sub prime...I guess you could say W was ignorant.

[Jolie2u]

It was at this time when I lost all faith in what it meant to be an American. The goverment failed us; the media failed us. We are left with Mr. Burns and the other peope that love New Oleans to get the truth out. Are you listening U.S.A??? I don't think so. You have the attention span of a gnat. It is what it is. And still I fight to get the word out. I guess I am a fool like Mr. Burns.