During Baker’s leadership, the NCAA not only surrendered to the extreme transgender movement but also became a political entity that further supported it. This caused female athletes to face a tough decision between continuing their sports careers or having to share locker rooms and compete against male athletes. In the name of promoting “diversity,” the NCAA silenced the voices of women. However, Baker didn’t stop there. He utilized the financial power of the NCAA to push states that implemented laws protecting women from being marginalized and harmed by the transgender agenda. This led to Senator John Kennedy delivering a strong criticism during Baker’s testimony on the SAFE Act.
In the exchange, Kennedy asked if Baker believes that men claiming to be “transgender women” have a physical advantage over women.
When questioned, Baker tried to dodge the issue by stating he hadn’t come across any relevant research. Progressives consider left-wing research as unquestionable authority, almost like religious doctrine. One of their tactics in debates is demanding scientific evidence for things that were previously considered obvious. For example, if you state that men are biologically male, they demand studies to confirm what has historically been widely accepted. Senator Kennedy promptly thwarted Baker’s attempt to avoid the question, highlighting a broader issue that extends beyond just the head of the NCAA.
“Why don’t you go to Amazon and buy a spine online and take a stand?”
READ MORE: ‘Buy a Spine’: Sen. Kennedy Gets NCAA Prez to Bend Knee on Key Point in Heated Exchange on Trans Athletes
I often ponder on where one can find courage. Throughout my experiences, particularly in the military, I encountered individuals who admired my boldness in expressing my opinions, especially in writing. Many of these individuals shared similar values that reject the prevailing progressive and humanistic cultural agenda. Yet, they often make excuses, citing the risk factor associated with taking a stand. Their common refrain is along the lines of: “I appreciate your content, but I can’t risk being associated with it or engaging with you publicly.” While there are valid reasons for some to maintain a low profile for strategic purposes, those I refer to are not comparable to undercover agents who need to safeguard their identity for future operations. Rather, they fall into the category described by the British poet Charles Mackay as combat-averse individuals.
Scripture warns us that faith without works is dead. The same is true for conviction without action—it means nothing. It only takes one brave person to take a stand. The cultural tide is beginning to shift. Satanic statues no longer stand in state capitols. Abortion is illegal across much of the nation. People fired for holding Christian views are winning lawsuits. No one can now be forced to take a COVID shot. In England, hospitals no longer perform surgeries that butcher young people in the name of gender identity. Donald Trump won the popular vote just a month ago. Disney just pulled the transgender storyline from an upcoming kids’ show. Major American companies are scrapping DEI programs. Military webpages promoting the sexual revolution in the ranks are disappearing. Kroger just stopped selling abortion drugs. The good guys are on the offense. None of these things are happening because good Americans played it safe. One person stood, then another, and then another. A few voices in the wilderness are becoming many, and they grow louder. We are witnessing the truth of Winston Churchill’s proverb that courage is contagious. Those who have spines are using them, thus laying the ground for cultural reformation.
There is a difference between being sane and being brave, between having conviction and having a spine. Knowing the truth doesn’t automatically lead to acting on it. So, to those still sitting on the sidelines, cheering on those who took the arrows and yet advanced into the fight, I ask: What would it take for you to show your face, to take the simplest stand, to come out of hiding, and to find your spine?
