Feniks
1 day ago
Off-Topic / Music Thread - part 2 [973]
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Feniks
1 day ago
Life / All Things Christmassy in Poland [344]
Still hoping that Atch will stop by to contribute to her Christmas thread, but in her absence, here is a link to the winners of the annual szopki competition which took place in Krakow on December 7th.
I'm sure that most of you here will know what this is but for those who don't, szopki are miniature nativity scenes of historical places in Kraków such as Wawel castle. More information here:
culture.pl/en/article/the-marvellous-christmas-tradition-of-polands-szopki
This link gives a list of the winning entries complete with photos of these amazing creations:
radiokrakow.pl/aktualnosci/krakow/kto-wygra-dzis-poznamy-wyniki-konkursu-szopek-krakowskich/
They are also on display till March 1st in the Museum of History (Krzysztofory Palace),
Hopefully, one day I will get to see them!
Still hoping that Atch will stop by to contribute to her Christmas thread, but in her absence, here is a link to the winners of the annual szopki competition which took place in Krakow on December 7th.
I'm sure that most of you here will know what this is but for those who don't, szopki are miniature nativity scenes of historical places in Kraków such as Wawel castle. More information here:
culture.pl/en/article/the-marvellous-christmas-tradition-of-polands-szopki
This link gives a list of the winning entries complete with photos of these amazing creations:
radiokrakow.pl/aktualnosci/krakow/kto-wygra-dzis-poznamy-wyniki-konkursu-szopek-krakowskich/
They are also on display till March 1st in the Museum of History (Krzysztofory Palace),
Hopefully, one day I will get to see them!
Szopka example in Krakow
Feniks
14 Dec 2025
News / Was Charlie Kirk popular in Poland? [601]
Not sure what a murderer is meant to look like. Apparently Ted Bundy was a very affable chap.
He isn't. The suspect is Tyler James Robinson, the actor is Tyler Mackay Robinson. This Tyler Robinson was a student on an electrical apprenticeship programme at Dixie Technical College.
That's lighting. Look at the difference in colour of her jacket/top in these two links:
telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/12/11/charlie-kirk-alleged-assassin-tyler-robinson-court/
hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/tyler-robinson-wore-pro-trans-tie-to-charlie-kirk-hearing-in-court-viral-buzz-amid-bizarre-trump-claim-101765667354719.html
All of those clips, including in the video, came from his court appearance.
I watched the link and I'm not convinced. There is an assumption as to the gun being a modern version of a palm pistol. There is no actual sighting of it. Of course there would have been coordination between all members of Kirk's security team.
The 2 shooters scenario for me is beyond belief. Robinson wasn't catching some rays up on that roof and for it to be a set-up he would have to be convinced that he wouldn't be getting the death penalty if he was going to take the fall.
To me, Kirk is simply another sad statistic of America's nut jobs with access to guns.
Does he look like a murderer to you?
Not sure what a murderer is meant to look like. Apparently Ted Bundy was a very affable chap.
He's an actor,
He isn't. The suspect is Tyler James Robinson, the actor is Tyler Mackay Robinson. This Tyler Robinson was a student on an electrical apprenticeship programme at Dixie Technical College.
In the screenshot, the attorney wears a light-blue uniform, but in the actual video, she wears a dark blue (completely different) uniform
That's lighting. Look at the difference in colour of her jacket/top in these two links:
telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/12/11/charlie-kirk-alleged-assassin-tyler-robinson-court/
hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/tyler-robinson-wore-pro-trans-tie-to-charlie-kirk-hearing-in-court-viral-buzz-amid-bizarre-trump-claim-101765667354719.html
All of those clips, including in the video, came from his court appearance.
Read about the gun type involved, examine the pictures, and coordination between the shooter and the other security members.
I watched the link and I'm not convinced. There is an assumption as to the gun being a modern version of a palm pistol. There is no actual sighting of it. Of course there would have been coordination between all members of Kirk's security team.
The 2 shooters scenario for me is beyond belief. Robinson wasn't catching some rays up on that roof and for it to be a set-up he would have to be convinced that he wouldn't be getting the death penalty if he was going to take the fall.
To me, Kirk is simply another sad statistic of America's nut jobs with access to guns.
Feniks
13 Dec 2025
News / Was Charlie Kirk popular in Poland? [601]
If that's the case then what you're saying is that the whole thing was a set-up.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. No-one's stupid enough to take the fall and gamble with their life.
They have a patsy:
If that's the case then what you're saying is that the whole thing was a set-up.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. No-one's stupid enough to take the fall and gamble with their life.
Feniks
13 Dec 2025
Off-Topic / FIFA World Cup 2026 [70]
Not at all. Read it and weep:
theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/10/tourists-social-media-trump
Just one more reason why I won't be visiting my family in the US.
Nie dziel skóry na niedźwiedziu.
So this is not just for the World Cup?
Not at all. Read it and weep:
theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/10/tourists-social-media-trump
Just one more reason why I won't be visiting my family in the US.
You'll be eating crow come July as the mighty and powerful USMNT conquer the soccer world.
Nie dziel skóry na niedźwiedziu.
Feniks
11 Dec 2025
Off-Topic / FIFA World Cup 2026 [70]
Except the prize was awarded a few days before the Trump administration announced these new plans. Infantino should have waited before all that arse-licking! Actually, it shouldn't have been awarded at all because it flouted FIFA'S rules, but there you go.
Personally, I don't think it will come to anything like many of Trump's plans, but if he's serious about safety and security, then the World Cup is an event that would certainly demand heightened security.
The best hope is that it will take time to fully implement it and it will happen after the World Cup.
maybe this prize was FIFA's way and hope to gain some influence with Trump, so that he at least leaves the World Cup (and its fans) alone???
Except the prize was awarded a few days before the Trump administration announced these new plans. Infantino should have waited before all that arse-licking! Actually, it shouldn't have been awarded at all because it flouted FIFA'S rules, but there you go.
Personally, I don't think it will come to anything like many of Trump's plans, but if he's serious about safety and security, then the World Cup is an event that would certainly demand heightened security.
The best hope is that it will take time to fully implement it and it will happen after the World Cup.
Feniks
11 Dec 2025
Off-Topic / FIFA World Cup 2026 [70]
One would think so but this is supposedly being implemented on the grounds of safety and security.
My guess is that football fans will be filling stadiums in Canada and Mexico....
It's going to cost billions in lost tourist revenue.
its hard to believe he will go through with that for such an occasion....
One would think so but this is supposedly being implemented on the grounds of safety and security.
My guess is that football fans will be filling stadiums in Canada and Mexico....
It's going to cost billions in lost tourist revenue.
Feniks
11 Dec 2025
Off-Topic / FIFA World Cup 2026 [70]
If Trumps new US entry requirements means tourists will have to provide 5 years of social media history, 10 years of email history, phone numbers for last 5 years and information on family members, then people may well not bother buying tickets. Why risk being turned away after paying a fortune to go.
If it goes ahead it will be a logistical nightmare and too difficult to enforce.
I guess the stadiums will be full and the people happy? :)
If Trumps new US entry requirements means tourists will have to provide 5 years of social media history, 10 years of email history, phone numbers for last 5 years and information on family members, then people may well not bother buying tickets. Why risk being turned away after paying a fortune to go.
If it goes ahead it will be a logistical nightmare and too difficult to enforce.
Feniks
9 Dec 2025
Off-Topic / USA News and Poland - part 17 [940]
Here you go again! Clearly you have no shame. You acquired money by stealing it from others and you weren't even successful at that given your criminal record.
Plenty of people work hard their whole lives at multiple jobs. If it were that simple to make money we'd all be millionaires. You talk utter sh!te.
Easy answer. Work more than one job. Stop playing video games, get an education, learn a trade, and work harder.
Here you go again! Clearly you have no shame. You acquired money by stealing it from others and you weren't even successful at that given your criminal record.
Plenty of people work hard their whole lives at multiple jobs. If it were that simple to make money we'd all be millionaires. You talk utter sh!te.
Feniks
8 Dec 2025
Off-Topic / THE POLISH FORUMS CHRISTMAS TREE! [54]
It's that time of year again and so in the absence of Atch, I am reviving this thread. Maybe she will come back to give us her tree of choice but for this year, this is mine. Hopefully someone else will post.
It's that time of year again and so in the absence of Atch, I am reviving this thread. Maybe she will come back to give us her tree of choice but for this year, this is mine. Hopefully someone else will post.
IMG_2089.jpeg
Feniks
8 Dec 2025
Off-Topic / USA News and Poland - part 17 [940]
It peaked at 8% in 2022 due to fall out from the pandemic, energy price hikes resulting from the war in Ukraine and supply chain issues. The UK and Europe had exactly the same problem as I've explained before. I doubt Trump would have done any better had he been in power at that time.
He had us at 9% inflation,
It peaked at 8% in 2022 due to fall out from the pandemic, energy price hikes resulting from the war in Ukraine and supply chain issues. The UK and Europe had exactly the same problem as I've explained before. I doubt Trump would have done any better had he been in power at that time.
Feniks
2 Dec 2025
Off-Topic / USA News and Poland - part 17 [940]
Perhaps you'd like to comment on my points rather than continuing with the good/bad tariff scenario.
The rollbacks on tariffs are already going to cost a projected $800 billion in debt reduction. Those food products either cannot be produced in sufficient quantity or can't be produced at all in the US, so the tariffs have had to be rolled back because otherwise goods would be too expensive.
The supposed $2000 for each American obviously isn't going toward paying off any federal debt. If it happens.
The debt has now risen to $38 trillion so it would appear that the debt is growing rather than shrinking.
crfb.org/press-releases/gross-national-debt-reaches-38-trillion
What is obvious to me is that the interest alone on the debt far exceeds the revenue that tariffs bring in.
Businesses are passing on increased costs due to tariffs to consumers. Americans are not happy because Trump promised prices would come down.
What is your point? That Trump's tariffs are bad?
Perhaps you'd like to comment on my points rather than continuing with the good/bad tariff scenario.
The rollbacks on tariffs are already going to cost a projected $800 billion in debt reduction. Those food products either cannot be produced in sufficient quantity or can't be produced at all in the US, so the tariffs have had to be rolled back because otherwise goods would be too expensive.
The supposed $2000 for each American obviously isn't going toward paying off any federal debt. If it happens.
The debt has now risen to $38 trillion so it would appear that the debt is growing rather than shrinking.
crfb.org/press-releases/gross-national-debt-reaches-38-trillion
What is obvious to me is that the interest alone on the debt far exceeds the revenue that tariffs bring in.
Businesses are passing on increased costs due to tariffs to consumers. Americans are not happy because Trump promised prices would come down.
Feniks
1 Dec 2025
Off-Topic / USA News and Poland - part 17 [940]
Be as flippant as you want but the tariffs being rolled back don't just apply to coffee beans.
Does this sound like rollbacks are going to reduce the trade deficit?
"The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released new projections showing that recent rollbacks of President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff strategy have wiped out roughly $800 billion in expected debt reduction over the next decade"
fortune.com/2025/11/20/trump-tariffs-retreat-1-trillion-less-deficit-reduction/
On top of that Trump is saying he will give Americans $2000 payments from tariff dividends. I'll believe it when I see it but with a $37 trillion debt, one would think that would go towards reducing that debt. How much has it been reduced by so far?
I have my own thoughts and opinions thanks
Beans comprise about 5 cents per cup at Starbucks. If a 100% tariff adds another 5 cents, nobody cares...
Be as flippant as you want but the tariffs being rolled back don't just apply to coffee beans.
The objective is to reduce the trade deficit
Does this sound like rollbacks are going to reduce the trade deficit?
"The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released new projections showing that recent rollbacks of President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff strategy have wiped out roughly $800 billion in expected debt reduction over the next decade"
fortune.com/2025/11/20/trump-tariffs-retreat-1-trillion-less-deficit-reduction/
On top of that Trump is saying he will give Americans $2000 payments from tariff dividends. I'll believe it when I see it but with a $37 trillion debt, one would think that would go towards reducing that debt. How much has it been reduced by so far?
if you dont want to be grouped in with the TDS parade over there, totally understandable.
I have my own thoughts and opinions thanks
Feniks
29 Nov 2025
Off-Topic / USA News and Poland - part 17 [940]
I'm talking about the future. No-one can deny that automation over the past few decades has had an effect on jobs as well as the rise in cheap imports.
If certain goods can't be produced in sufficient quantities in the US then they have to be imported. Coffee is just one example. Trump has rolled back tariffs on these goods because of rising prices.
What is obvious to me is that if tariffs are going to cost businesses more, then those increases are going to be passed on to consumers. Trump promised that prices would come down so of course shoppers are going to be p!ssed.
The point I was trying to make is that at the time of Biden being in power, the world had been subjected to the pandemic, a once in a lifetime event, and its after effects. Plus the war in Ukraine led to a volatile energy sector. Easy to blame Biden but he became President at an extraordinary time and European economies also had high levels of inflation and fared no better.
I've never even looked at TikTok and I don't watch crappy videos either. I do read business sources quite often though. Guess I could say the same in reverse. The Americans here who don't know the UK but often make judgments on it.
Please educate us Novi, we are waiting.
Then AI would be making things in the US!!!!
I'm talking about the future. No-one can deny that automation over the past few decades has had an effect on jobs as well as the rise in cheap imports.
tariffs.
If certain goods can't be produced in sufficient quantities in the US then they have to be imported. Coffee is just one example. Trump has rolled back tariffs on these goods because of rising prices.
What is obvious to me is that if tariffs are going to cost businesses more, then those increases are going to be passed on to consumers. Trump promised that prices would come down so of course shoppers are going to be p!ssed.
I don't give a fvck about Europe...
The point I was trying to make is that at the time of Biden being in power, the world had been subjected to the pandemic, a once in a lifetime event, and its after effects. Plus the war in Ukraine led to a volatile energy sector. Easy to blame Biden but he became President at an extraordinary time and European economies also had high levels of inflation and fared no better.
the loudest "experts" on America are three foreigners who only know it through Google and TikTok.
I've never even looked at TikTok and I don't watch crappy videos either. I do read business sources quite often though. Guess I could say the same in reverse. The Americans here who don't know the UK but often make judgments on it.
we are waiting for your explanation and your graphs like you promised
Please educate us Novi, we are waiting.
Feniks
28 Nov 2025
History / Historic Photos about Poland with Context [37]
So why didn't they pass any laws then?
I'm quite sure human trafficking was never ignored by men,
So why didn't they pass any laws then?
Feniks
28 Nov 2025
Off-Topic / USA News and Poland - part 17 [940]
Yes, inflation rose during Biden's term but it did in the UK and Germany and probably many other countries. There were global supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic and massive increases in energy prices for starters. I doubt things would have fared that much differently had Trump won the 2020 election.
Have no idea who you're referring to with that comment.
Food prices are increasing. Retail prices are increasing. Fact.
It's not solely due to that. Automation over the decades has also contributed to the decline in US manufacturing. Machines replaced people and AI is now doing the same. Plus, those people who used to have well-paying manufacturing jobs are now part of an ageing population. Trump is trying to recreate the America of his youth but, sadly, it's long gone.
direct comparison of Biden and Trump
Yes, inflation rose during Biden's term but it did in the UK and Germany and probably many other countries. There were global supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic and massive increases in energy prices for starters. I doubt things would have fared that much differently had Trump won the 2020 election.
Only a dogmatic idiot says 'always' or 'never'. T
Have no idea who you're referring to with that comment.
Tariffs are a tool you use selectively to achieve for the best outcome
Food prices are increasing. Retail prices are increasing. Fact.
cheap imports are not cheap at all if you include the devastation imports cause to the people who used to have well-paying manufacturing jobs
It's not solely due to that. Automation over the decades has also contributed to the decline in US manufacturing. Machines replaced people and AI is now doing the same. Plus, those people who used to have well-paying manufacturing jobs are now part of an ageing population. Trump is trying to recreate the America of his youth but, sadly, it's long gone.
Feniks
28 Nov 2025
Off-Topic / USA News and Poland - part 17 [940]
It's not luxury purchases unless you think that beef, coffee, juice, fruits etc are luxuries. Trump has cut tariffs on over 200 food products. Why cut tariffs if they're working so well.
reuters.com/business/trump-cuts-tariffs-beef-coffee-other-foods-inflation-concerns-mount-2025-11-14/
Luxury purchases of imported goods are not living necessities.
It's not luxury purchases unless you think that beef, coffee, juice, fruits etc are luxuries. Trump has cut tariffs on over 200 food products. Why cut tariffs if they're working so well.
reuters.com/business/trump-cuts-tariffs-beef-coffee-other-foods-inflation-concerns-mount-2025-11-14/
Feniks
22 Nov 2025
News / Poland's aid to Ukraine if Russia invades - part 26 [1183]
news.sky.com/story/trumps-28-point-ukraine-peace-plan-in-full-including-land-kyiv-must-hand-to-russia-and-when-elections-must-be-held-13473491
Heavily weighted in Russia's favour of course :(
Does anyone have a quick link to the English version?
news.sky.com/story/trumps-28-point-ukraine-peace-plan-in-full-including-land-kyiv-must-hand-to-russia-and-when-elections-must-be-held-13473491
Heavily weighted in Russia's favour of course :(
Feniks
17 Nov 2025
News / Was Charlie Kirk popular in Poland? [601]
If it's that easy then why, according to what's been written here about you by others, did you feel it necessary to commit fraud, grand larceny etc , and spend time in prison for it. You made money by stealing from others and then have the gall to come here and suggest that it's easy to make money if you work hard. Then you move to Poland and carry on with scams.
I'm pretty sure he didn't encourage criminal activity.
There is opportunity everywhere in the US if you look for it and make the sacrifices required to become successful
If it's that easy then why, according to what's been written here about you by others, did you feel it necessary to commit fraud, grand larceny etc , and spend time in prison for it. You made money by stealing from others and then have the gall to come here and suggest that it's easy to make money if you work hard. Then you move to Poland and carry on with scams.
values of Charlie Kirk
I'm pretty sure he didn't encourage criminal activity.
Feniks
17 Nov 2025
Off-Topic / USA News and Poland - part 17 [940]
If they're that effective then Trump shouldn't be cutting them on over 200 food products. Prices just keep going up for Americans.
reuters.com/business/trump-cuts-tariffs-beef-coffee-other-foods-inflation-concerns-mount-2025-11-14/
tariffs won't work?
If they're that effective then Trump shouldn't be cutting them on over 200 food products. Prices just keep going up for Americans.
reuters.com/business/trump-cuts-tariffs-beef-coffee-other-foods-inflation-concerns-mount-2025-11-14/
Feniks
12 Nov 2025
Travel / Advent weekend in Kraków – looking for local tips [6]
If I was in Kraków over the Xmas period I would go out of my way to see Szopki Krakowskie. These are miniature nativity scenes of historical places in Kraków such as Wawel castle. If your girlfriend is into architecture this way well appeal to her. I only wish I could go to see them as they look absolutely amazing!
On the first Thursday of December the szopki are brought to the main square where judging takes place. The winner is announced 3 days later and the szopki are displayed in the Museum of History (Krzysztofory Palace), also in the main square, until the end of February. You would probably have to book tickets to see them.
Here are a couple of links explaining more about them:
culture.pl/en/article/the-marvellous-christmas-tradition-of-polands-szopki
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krak%C3%B3w_szopka
If I was in Kraków over the Xmas period I would go out of my way to see Szopki Krakowskie. These are miniature nativity scenes of historical places in Kraków such as Wawel castle. If your girlfriend is into architecture this way well appeal to her. I only wish I could go to see them as they look absolutely amazing!
On the first Thursday of December the szopki are brought to the main square where judging takes place. The winner is announced 3 days later and the szopki are displayed in the Museum of History (Krzysztofory Palace), also in the main square, until the end of February. You would probably have to book tickets to see them.
Here are a couple of links explaining more about them:
culture.pl/en/article/the-marvellous-christmas-tradition-of-polands-szopki
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krak%C3%B3w_szopka
Feniks
8 Nov 2025
News / Poland's aid to Ukraine if Russia invades - part 26 [1183]
Seems that way to me. The impression the US government would like to give is that they are all drug dealers/gang members/scum that need deporting, but employers are up in arms that hard working agricultural, healthcare, and hospitality workers who have been there for decades are being indiscriminately removed and deported.
By all means deport criminals and control the border to get a grip on immigration, but I think individual circumstances need to be taken into account for those that have been hard working and productive members of society who have made a positive contribution to the US. Rounding people up like cattle for mass deportation is not unlike events in WW2.
Before long y'all gonna have huge gaps in the market that will be hard to fill.
Well said.
Anyway, back to the war. I came across this song that I hadn't heard for years the other day. 40 years old and different leaders, but sadly, as relevant today as it was back then.
Russians - Sting
Nazi facist witch hunt? Illegal migrants are illegal.
Seems that way to me. The impression the US government would like to give is that they are all drug dealers/gang members/scum that need deporting, but employers are up in arms that hard working agricultural, healthcare, and hospitality workers who have been there for decades are being indiscriminately removed and deported.
By all means deport criminals and control the border to get a grip on immigration, but I think individual circumstances need to be taken into account for those that have been hard working and productive members of society who have made a positive contribution to the US. Rounding people up like cattle for mass deportation is not unlike events in WW2.
Before long y'all gonna have huge gaps in the market that will be hard to fill.
It takes a very special kind of impudence to tell anyone in the USA - a country build by immigrants stealing the land of natives - that they are there illegally. xD
Well said.
Anyway, back to the war. I came across this song that I hadn't heard for years the other day. 40 years old and different leaders, but sadly, as relevant today as it was back then.
Russians - Sting
Feniks
5 Nov 2025
Off-Topic / What is a woman? [820]
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Feniks
5 Nov 2025
Off-Topic / USA News and Poland - part 17 [940]
Crippling the economy? Trump threatened to cut funding to New York if he won.
Sounds more like a dictatorship than a democracy.
Crippling the economy? Trump threatened to cut funding to New York if he won.
Sounds more like a dictatorship than a democracy.
Feniks
30 Oct 2025
Off-Topic / What is a woman? [820]
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Feniks
29 Oct 2025
Off-Topic / What is a woman? [820]
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Feniks
29 Oct 2025
Off-Topic / Random Chat Thread [872]
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Feniks
29 Oct 2025
Off-Topic / Random Chat Thread [872]
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Feniks
22 Oct 2025
Off-Topic / What is a woman? [820]
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Feniks
22 Oct 2025
News / Was Charlie Kirk popular in Poland? [601]
I presumed posters would click on the link provided to view the snopes fact checked Charlie Kirk video and transcript. Thought that would be easier than copy/pasting the whole interview. For anyone that missed the link:
x.com/snopes/status/1968465095828160630
A child giving birth to a child. How is that not harmful? It would be a high-risk pregnancy to start with and completely damaging to her mentally and emotionally. It isn't just the birth process that's risky, someone that age is more likely to go into labour early putting both her and the baby's life at risk. It's insane that Kirk would even consider it.
Anyone advocating something like that has a screw loose in my opinion.
I'd say it's largely irrelevant. He was asked a direct hypothetical question and he gave his answer.
But your hero is advocating that for a child, not a woman.
Context.... helpfully left out by Feniks
I presumed posters would click on the link provided to view the snopes fact checked Charlie Kirk video and transcript. Thought that would be easier than copy/pasting the whole interview. For anyone that missed the link:
x.com/snopes/status/1968465095828160630
the baby could be delivered without harming the mother.
A child giving birth to a child. How is that not harmful? It would be a high-risk pregnancy to start with and completely damaging to her mentally and emotionally. It isn't just the birth process that's risky, someone that age is more likely to go into labour early putting both her and the baby's life at risk. It's insane that Kirk would even consider it.
Anyone advocating something like that has a screw loose in my opinion.
I don't understand why you think the context helps Kirk in any way.
I'd say it's largely irrelevant. He was asked a direct hypothetical question and he gave his answer.
no woman should be forced to endure that, and no child should have to know they were a product of a criminal act.
But your hero is advocating that for a child, not a woman.