A few years ago (late 90's), there was a public service announcement
that appeared on television about the federal budget deficit.

It featured a bunch of kids (6-10 years old, etc.) sweeping the
streets, working on assembly lines, and so forth, to communicate the
idea that the budget deficit needs to be ultimately paid for by
American children.

I have no idea who made it.

People have emailed me this before, but I have misplaced it.  It
should probably be available for download somewhere on the Internet,
but where?

Hi gnossie,

I believe the video you remember was not a public service
announcement, but was the winner of the Bush in 30 Seconds political
advertising contest sponsored by the MoveOn.org Voter Fund in
2003-2004.  The title is "Child's Pay" and it was made by Charlie
Fisher of Denver, Colorado.

It is indeed available on the Internet.

You should be able to see it on the Bush in 30 Seconds website, but at
the moment, it is not working there.  There is a page for the video,
but it doesn't show.  I will include links in case it works when you
read this.

High-bandwidth version
http://www.bushin30seconds.org/view/01_large.shtml

Low-bandwidth version
http://www.bushin30seconds.org/view/01_small.shtml

Strangely enough, this link on the same site, which I found with a
Google search, does work:

http://www.bushin30seconds.org/150/view.html?ad_id=1911

You can also see the video on the IFILM website if you let them show
you a commercial first.

http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2528449

The Internet Archive website has a video that contains "Child's Pay"
preceded by a longer statement by Charlie Fisher.

http://www.archive.org/details/childs_pay


Additional Links

Home page for the Bush in 30 Seconds contest
http://www.bushin30seconds.org/

Press release about the winner, January 12, 2004
http://www.moveon.org/bushin30seconds/release-winner.html


Search Strategy

I had seen the video in 2004 and recognized it from your description.


I hope this is a satisfactory answer to your question.  If you need
any further information, please ask for a clarification.

Regards,

--efn

That was indeed massively helpful.  Thanks.