File this under “nothing in this world is free”. Batanga internet radio has teamed up with the U.S. Air Force to create a cd featuring some big names in the rock en Español scene including Peruanos Libido. All visitors to the Batanga website need to do is take a little quiz about the U.S. Air Force and enter all their personal information and they will get their “free” cd but also loads of information and probably some phone calls on how to join the U.S. Air Force.

Does this strike anyone else as shady? I know the U.S. military has had trouble getting recruits to fight their wars lately, but given that the Batanga’s target demographic is Latinos ages 14-34, this match up makes me uncomfortable. Isn’t it bad enough that our young people are targeted as soon as they enter high school by the armed forces? Given the growing lack of educational and career opportunities for Latino youth doesn’t this rock cd “giveaway” exploit our young people and lead them straight to the front lines? Somehow getting harassed to join the U.S. military via the mail and telephone in exchange for a cd of canciones people can get by other means doesn’t seem like a fair deal.

Batanga Air Force Rocks