This line is famous because it highlights the illusion of power and the deception the Wizard has been using to appear more grand and powerful than he truly is. It’s a metaphor for the way people or systems sometimes try to project an image of control or authority, only to be revealed as something much less imposing when the truth is exposed. The Wizard’s admission of being just a regular man behind the curtain symbolizes the deconstruction of myths about power and the importance of seeing things for what they truly are.
I don’t see Donald Trump or Elon Musk showing the embarrassed humility of the Wizard. As you recall, Dorothy next says, “Who are you?”
The Wizard: “I am the Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz! I have been a good and faithful servant to you. But I am not the Wizard you think I am.”
Dorothy: “What about the great Oz?”
The Wizard: “The great Oz has spoken. Let the Wizard’s power be respected.”
Dorothy: “You’re a very bad man!”
The Wizard: “Oh, no, my dear, I’m a very good man. I’m just a very bad Wizard.” He continues, “I have no power to grant you your requests, but I will give you something just as good—something far better. It’s my best advice: to go home and find yourself.”
Donald Trump and Elon Musk love being powerful, the men behind the curtain. And, Musk says he’s using AI to shrink the size of government with his DOGE team. But, these are men who, while project authority, are protecting themselves with immunity as they wreak havoc. “Acquired Immunity” refers to the legal protections or shields that someone in power acquires through new court rulings as evidenced by the Supreme Court’s ruling that certain aspects of his presidential duties (e.g., actions taken during his time in office) were protected under executive immunity.
And, then, there was the confusion last week about whether Elon Musk was running the Department of Government Efficiency. In a sworn statement filed in court a week ago, White House official Joshua Fisher denied that Musk was even an employee of the DOGE task force, despite public perception that he is aligned with the office he frequently champions. Legal observers say this is an attempt to protect Musk from lawsuits and legal risks. But, then, a couple of days later, President Trump contradicted this officially sworn statement saying Musk was in charge. Responsibility without accountability seems to be what wizards and emperors want.
In sum, the Trump king-dumb is full of wis-dumb. If Trump is a wizard, he’s a wizard of odd fellows. Mr. Trump, beware of houses falling out of the sky.
-Chip
