Obama asks for more money, Marines to protect embassies

Obama called on Congress Thursday, asking them to give him more money so he can improve security at embassies around the world. This call to action comes amid congressional investigations into what happened in Benghazi and if Obama was remiss in taking steps that could have saved American lives.

WASHINGTON, DC (Catholic Online) - Obama made his request during a conference in the White House Rose Garden. The day before, the White House made its case, releasing more than 100 pages of emails to reinforce Obama's claims that he did not know what was happening in Benghazi and could not have prevented it.

"I'm calling on Congress to work with us and support and fully fund our budget request. We need to come together and truly honor the sacrifices."

He also asked for Congress to increase the number of Marines posted to guard the embassies.

Oddly, one would think this is his duty as commander in chief, to assign additional security to U.S. missions in troubled spots.

Obama made his call for more money and more Marines during a Rose Garden meeting with Turkey's Prime Minister,  Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Obama and Edrogan discussed the situation in Syria and the importance of taking more action to prevent the spillover of violence into Turkey and to resolve the conflict that has claimed nearly 100,000 lives.

Obama also talked about his aggressive pursuit of an internal leak. Last week, his administration seized two months of phone records covering more than 100 Associated Press journalists. The move has been criticized as overbroad and scandalous.

Obama claimed his actions were only to protect national security and American lives.

"I make no apologies" Obama said about the investigation. "Leaks related to national security can put people at risk. They can put men and women that I have sent into the battlefield at risk."

At least he now acknowledges that he's the one putting those lives at risk.

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