In article .com>,
"Behind Blue Eyes" > wrote:

> I work in Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and on
> occasion, I am required to go on base in Arifjan. I noticed a new fast
> food vendor recently: Taco Bell. This fast food restaurant chain is a
> favorite among U.S. soldiers throughout the world. AAFES (Army and Air
> Force Exchange Service) recognized this fact, and made it possible for
> the soldiers assigned to Kuwait to indulge themselves, for a price...
>
> In the U.S. Taco Bell's price for 1 taco is $0.69. In Arifjan, Kuwait,
> you will pay $1.25 per hard taco and $1.45 per soft taco. A soldier can
> buy a 10-taco value pack (hard tacos) for $11.50. If you want soft
> tacos, tack on another $1.25 bringing the 10-taco tally to $12.75. This
> only details the cost of tacos, but I can assure that every item on
> their menu is as overpriced as the tacos.
>
> This franchise is not a nice new air-conditioned Taco Bell franchise
> restaurant. It is a trailer with a window out of which hungry
> overcharged soldiers are served while standing in 130-degree heat. They
> are served by Filipino "workers", who are nothing more than indentured
> servants raking in an average salary of 150-300 dollars per month.
>
> Other chain restaurants available to soldiers such as Hardee's,
> Subway, Baskin Robbins, Pizza Inn, etc charge roughly the same as if
> the soldiers were eating in the states. In some cases, the prices are
> lower. What makes Taco Bell treat our soldiers in this manner?

If this issue concerns you, contact the owner of the Taco Bell in
question and ask.