Dorothy's Mystical Adventures in Oz

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  Chapter Twenty-two:

  A Political Discussion

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  The journey back to Oz was quite uneventful. Everyone just enjoyed eachother's company as they talked of many things.

  "You know," said the Tin Woodman at one point, "one of the most pleasantaspects of life is having good friends: someone you can talk to whounderstands you, and with whom you can share your hopes and dreams andinnermost thoughts."

  "Yes, friendship is a wonderful thing," said Dorothy. "I was quite alonely little girl on the farm until I met all of you. Now I have themost wonderful friends in the world."

  "Thank you, Dorothy," said the Scarecrow. "We all feel very fortunate tohave you as a friend, too. You have taught us many things."

  "Well, thank you," said Dorothy. "I know I have learned an awful lotfrom all of you. And we have all learned tremendously from the friendswe have met on our journey."

  "I know I have learned a great deal lately," said the Witch. "Thanks toall of you."

  "Thank you," said Dorothy. "I think all people everywhere learn fromeach other. That is part of the joy of life. If there could be nofriendly exchange of thoughts and ideas with others, life would not betoo meaningful."

  "It would be terrible to live one of those countries where people canonly read news that the government allows them to read," said the TinWoodman. "Or where they cannot voice criticism of government programsand policies."

  "The government in those countries must be terribly insecure andfearful," said the Scarecrow.

  "I would say that would have to be true," answered Dorothy.

  "Hmm," said the Witch. "Much like my own kingdom was. A rule of fearinstead of a rule of love."

  "When people are afraid to say anything against their system ofgovernment or their leader, then that is a rule of fear, yes," said Dorothy.

  "Why could I not see that at the time?" said the Witch.

  "Because," replied Dorothy, "your love for yourself, or at least yourlove of power, was stronger than your love for others."

  "I had no love for others," said the Witch. "Only contempt."

  "Exactly," said Dorothy.

  "Thank Heaven you saved me from myself," answered the Witch. "Now I amloved for myself. The power I care for no longer."

  "Don't you see," replied Dorothy, "once you have given up the power, youreceive it. You have more power now than you ever have had."

  The Witch raised her eyebrows questioningly. "I do?" she said.

  "Of course," replied Dorothy. "You now have power over yourself. That isharder to accomplish than obtaining power over ten million people. Andbecause you have power over yourself, you have obtained the respect ofall who come into contact with you. So now you have power over everyone.But this is the power of love, the strongest power in the universe.These little dictators and government officials who think they have somuch power are pitiful sights to behold. They have no power at allcompared to you, now."

  "Well, isn't that something?" replied the Witch incredulously, shakingher head. "Isn't that just something?"