Dangerous? Revisionism is part and parcel of history. Rethinking the past and all that. This is has been an interesting discussion because I’ve been going back reading about this horrible case and found out that the original Times article was written by the notorious Abe “I’m Writing as Bad as I Can” Rosenthal who ended up as the Times Editorial chief. A nasty man, a bad writer and thinker, who found a “hook” and, as usual, went whole hog with it.
I notice you didn’t respond to any of my thoughts on the terrain of the area - an area that I was born in actually. And nothing about Queens in winter - all the little details that turn received wisdom on its head.
This was one of the most vicious crimes committed by one of the most vicious murderers on earth. He got out again and murdered again. He should have been executed. Instead, some people in an apartment building got blamed.
Also, as far as another murder committed in the area about 10 years later (I either didn’t know this or forgot it) - what is the suggestion? That the same people lived in the building and yet again ignored screams for help or that the landlord only rented to soulless individuals?
1—I thought it was an excellent article which showed deep flaws and distortions/omissions in the ‘new’ narrative of the killing. It seems Noo Yawkers are desperate to find any narrative that softens their inaction and cowardice that night.
2—I didn’t respond, as I don’t know the area, I will take your word. BUT that still dosent for me argue against some large elements of what didn’t happen that night and should have. Line of sight etc dosent exculpate the 38.
3—I think you are a little vitriolic on Rosenthal. Your post reads like redirected anger. Perhaps NY’ers are angry at him because despite his hype, there is a large grain of truth in what he said. And you know it, but wont admit it.
4—Yes, the man was scum. But that again dosent for many people (me included) negate what the people did, didn’t do, and could have done that night.
Sorry, but the people in that apartment DESERVE criticism. In 1964 and in 2015 and forever. If not all 38, then some. Perhaps all of them on some level. Some lightly, some greatly.
Sorry if that angers you, but its an opinion many Americans and many around the world hold, have held and will always hold. With IMO some justification.
5—The 1974 case had many people in the building hear the poor victim being hit, heard her screaming for help, yet did NOTHING. Not one person went to her aid, or even to her door. NOT ONE person even phoned the police!, the people old the police afterwards that ‘it wasn’t their business’ and it was the caretaker’s job to phone the police......in many ways, the Zahler case is even more shocking on many levels than the more famous case 10 years before......