Let's hope it's not another false start: In what gay-rights activists have touted as a “dramatic breakthrough,” President Obama agreed to a compromise between lawmakers and the Defense Department Monday that removes a key barrier to repealing the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The agreement clears the way for a change in policy that could allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the armed forces. Over the next several days, lawmakers will vote on amendments to repeal the Clinton-era policy, though the action will not be take effect until the Pentagon completes a study examining the effects of changing the policy.