Granted there is a 911 system now. But would New Yorkers be any more likely to use it today? There were people who knew the police number then--and there were radio cars then, btw. No one doubts that had police been called when Kitty G was first attacked, she had a chance at surviving the assault.
There are horrible things that happen every day in this country, but I have yet to see anything as horrible as 38 people intentionally ignoring a murder committed in front of their own eyes.
And if you think New Yorkers vote on what's best for business, then you're not exactly making your point that they are heroes, since, with a few exceptions, they seem to have voted consistently liberal, anti-business schmucks into office over the last half-century. Unless your point is that they are heroic for voting against their interests.
I can't debate a forty year old murder for much longer. It's tiring. I would bet that virtually every one of those 38 or 40 people who saw the crime are dead or near dead themselves.
And yes, New Yorkers use the 911 system at the drop of a hat. Last week I saw an old lady fall down near Herald Sq and thirty people had their cell phones out punching in 911.
And yes, New York invariably vote what's best for business and what's best for New York. This is a point that is debated at every cocktail party I've been to for the past six months.