Don't Ask, Don't Tell

President Obama promised in his campaign, as well as in his January State of the Union address, to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy banning gays, lesbians, and transgenders from openly serving in the military by the end of this year. Until recently, little had been done to move this promise forward, but now it seems this is going to be the "hot topic" until at least mid-term elections. A Senate vote is scheduled for 2:15 this afternoon (September 21), but without enough support, Republicans may be able to filibuster and prevent any actual progress on the issue.
And I must ask, what harm could come from this passage? It is archaic thinking that any person whose sexual preferences differ from yours is in any way less capable, less patriotic, or more disruptive to society. Now, we can't magically change everyone's feelings on this subject, so due to people who already have these prejudices and serve in the military, this may prove to be a problem because LGBT individuals looking to serve may be singled out and acted out against. But, over time, and with the proper training, this increase in available members for the armed forces should prove to be a positive affect for the gay community, and America overall.