The White House announced late Thursday that it has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the president's executive orders mandating a ban on travel from seven countries to take effect by overturning lower court rulings blocking it. The request has been expected for months, as liberal appeals courts have stymied the travel ban at every turn. The court's decision could be an indication of how much constitutional leeway the executive will be granted in trying to protect American citizens in the age of terrorism.  Or it could be decided on narrower grounds, dealing exclusively with the wording and intent of the travel orders themselves. NBC News: The Justice Department urged the Supreme Court to allow it to enforce the executive order now, while the justices consider whether to hear the appeal. It also asked the court to fast-track the case, which could result in the justices hearing it before its new term begins in the fall. The court normally disposes of...(Read Full Post)