The most responsible thing to be done by Americans is to support Mexico's struggle for a genuine democracy, and to demand a political resolution to the conflict. Despite the economic crisis which the country suffered during the 1980s, the Mexican Army not only did not have any financial restrictions on its modernization, but in fact, from the mid-80s through 1993, almost doubled its number of soldiers. During the six-year term of Salinas, on top of getting new responsibilities related to national security, the Army received considerable increases in its budget. This has led Mexico to a greater dependence upon the United States, as the US has become Mexico's principal supplier. In the 70s the number grew from 71,000 to 80,000, and from 94,500 to 175,000 between the mid-80s and 1993.
Military leaders can spend their budget as they see fit.
They are not accountable to any civil authority.