Don't ask, Don't tell?

I ran across this article on yahoo talking about the "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy. The U.S military is considering lifting this ban that was in effect since 1933. I feel that this is not a reasonable move.. The military is more just a branch of the government that protects us; it's a symbol of strength also. I believe it's more of an iron clothe that protects us, provides an image to other countries and our enemies that we are a strong, fearless, nation that is not weak by any means. Lifting this ban will weaken that image of a strong force. I do not believe that allowing gays in the military secretly much less openly gives a fierce and strong positive image. When people think of gays, they do not think of tough stand up men. The most portrayed image of gays are feminine, scare, guys who run around in tights and play grab ass. How in the world can an image like that put any kind of fear into an enemy that we are opposing? If anything, they will look at us and laugh and probably make it more likely that we will be attacked. This is just my personal thought and I know that this is not politically correct or maybe not even ethically right. This is just how I was raised and I highly doubt that my thought on this issue will ever change...