You need to know this. Progressives and defenders of civil rights celebrated over the weekend when the US Senate succeeded in passing “Don’t Ask, Don’t tell” repeal legislation. 8 Republicans ended up voting in support of the measure after weeks of a near unified filibuster – showing politics not policy was the main reason for opposition. The President is expected to sign the bill this week. Still though – “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will remain the official policy in the military until the Pentagon, the President and the Joint Chiefs of Staff issue a certification that repeal will not negatively affect the readiness or effectiveness of the armed forces. Even after certification – it could be as long as 60 days before repeal actually takes place. Still – this is a major civil rights victory – and history will judge those Republicans who stood in the way.