Guest MINDSETTER™: Erlin Rogel - Providence Needs More than Just A Buddy
Monday, July 21, 2014
I thought about naming this reflection “Battered City Syndrome” and decided against it.
Though, psychological dependency is the perfect way to describe the City’s adoration of its history’s only “Prince.”
Not Prince Charming, but a man who through his love transformed the morale and self-esteem of a city in the way only a king can. Like Charlemagne, Buddy ushered in a period of prideful awakening. Through grit and mighty rhetoric he spawned a new age on the city with the little skyline.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHis accomplishments and bigger than life persona are well chronicled. His stint in the big house is another topic that saturates the fanatical press. We talk about the scandals, we talk about his celebrity, we speculate over his integrity, we dislike his marinara sauce, and joke about his retired toupee. Providence is often spoken of as Providence B.B. (Before Buddy) and Providence A.B. (After Buddy).
Yet we fail to talk about the man who is the broker of pride and hope. The man who can inspire whole legions of people to believe in his innocence and valor. The man who’s conviction was received with tears and grief, and who’s recent campaign announcement was welcomed with glee and zeal.
How can that be? Why are the people of Providence so forgiving of their twice-banished mayor? While the rest of nation looks on with dumbfounded anticipation, the City bites its nails with anxiety and butterflies.
To understand his heroic redemption, you must first understand the fragile psyche of the City he built.
Much like a tale of romance, Buddy and the City share lustful memories.
Memories that enflame a lost passion.
Memories that stimulate smiles.
Memories that beg the question: what if?- one more time.
Far from an iconic gem like New York City and Boston, Providence was always the annoying little sister who’s “look at me” antics merited no attention.
Terrorized by old boy machines and mafiosos, we were the smudge along 95 that people accelerated by en route to Boston. We were ugly. We were home to the once widest bridge in the world- the giant slab of concrete we threw over the river. Yup, we were losers. Unlovable ones at that.
Think Meg Griffin.
The desolate downtown mirrored the city's soul.
But then Buddy happened...
and we fell hopelessly in love.
Buddy came into our lives at a time when we most needed a cheerleader. We needed one person that would refuse to believe that Providence was anything but the most beautiful city in the world. Buddy didn’t just advocate for nice things, but demanded them. We went from feeling undeserving, to feeling entitled. He wanted the x games, he got em. He wanted an ice skating rink, boom. Baby Bruins, welcome home.
In a blink of an eye, all of the mayors before him were obsolete.
We found our pride, we found a home, and “I’m from Rhode Island” was soon replaced by “I’m from PROVIDENCE.”
This was it!
Pure bliss!
It was perfect!
We got a mall, we got a theater, our streets were pampered, the man moved land and lit the water on fire. (Think about that for a sec).
And yeah there was that one time he beat his wife’s lover with a log and threw an ashtray at him.
And he left us for a little while.
“It was a mistake” he said ; “the guy deserved it” we eventually said; “he’s human” is what we concluded. So after a brief break up we took him back.
And the honeymoon ensued. It was perfect all over again, and this time our love seemed eternal. He was our rockstar. The bad boy with the secret soft side. He was the boss who gave orders, and delivered action. He treated those politically unsophisticated with blind commitment and service. He was there for the Cambodian New Year Celebrations -before it was the political thing to do- and even showed up at your daughter's quinceañera if he happened to be driving through your neighborhood. He was the voice for the disillusioned. And you know what, the critics are right, Providence has historically been the "you need to know a guy" type of city but for the disenfranchised Buddy was that guy EVERYONE knew.
At least it felt that way.
But then he hurt us.
Intimately this time.
And our “Prince” was sent away. He denies it, says we have no proof of his wrong doing, but our instincts cast a giant cloud of doubt on his words.
How could you not know?!
Why didn’t you know?!
We trusted you!!!
After crying it out and going through the usual stages of a break up- denial, anger, numbness- we decided to take our new image and test the waters again. We were pretty this time around, and who wouldn't want us. Girrrrrl, have you been to Fed Hill? Our restaurant game is on point!
But it wasn't the same.
We’ve had a couple of mayors since Buddy. Benevolent men, decent men. Yet neither were able to bolster the esteem of the City and gain its affection the way Buddy did. The withdrawals churn our stomachs, and the men who pursue his former seat have yet to strike a chord in our hearts. They’re all good men, but they’re not him.
You see Buddy was more than just a temporary admirer. He was more than just a two term chapter. He's the figure who we grew with, became beautiful with, and with whom we found our spiritual worth and pride. His promises weren't just political, they were personal, they were amorous.
But as the old saying goes, the ones you love the most hurt you the most. And this time his spectacle was unforgivable. It was impeding our progress, our viability, carving at the self-esteem we had worked so hard to attain.
And just when we’re about to take the brave step to start something anew, he’s back, he’s seeking to rekindle our story and despite our better judgment, we can’t help but get excited.
Erlin Rogel is a third year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law, founding member of the Rhode Island Hispanic Bar Association, and Providence fanatic.
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