I edited out the lame AP Socialista propganda so the story reflects the title / topic and makes sense.MEXICO CITY - Mexico's new president pledged Saturday to substantially raise the wages of the armed forces, calling them a crucial weapon against heavily armed drug gangs terrorizing the nation.
At a breakfast with the military's top brass, Calderon praised the army for defending the nation and battling organized crime. "I will propose a substantial increase in troops' wages in recognition of the unquestionable effort and loyalty of our armed forces," he said.
Mexico's military plays little role in international conflicts and instead is used mainly in the fight against drug traffickers and leftist guerrilla groups and in recovery efforts after natural disasters.
The new president has vowed security will be among his top priorities, acknowledging the nation is wracked by violent crime, killings and kidnappings. "Today, crime is trying to terrify and immobilize the public and the government," Calderon said in a Friday speech before invited guests at a Mexico City concert hall. "The lack of public safety threatens everybody and has become the main problem of whole states, cities and regions."
Calderon said Friday he will cut his own salary and that of top officials, one of the central campaign platforms of Lopez Obrador. Mexico's politicians are among the highest paid in the world; Fox's pay was about $245,000 in 2006.
Wowsers. Heh.