H.M.King Bhumibol Adulyadej celebrated his 60th anniversary as the King of Thailand on Friday, an occasion that was marked with celebrations and visits from dignitaries and royalty from around the world. His Majesty is the currently the longest reigning monarch in the world.

One would be hard pressed to find a ruler who so completely holds the hearts and minds of a nation. In 60 years, the kind has implemented over 3000 development projects, and while it would foolish to think 3000 projects have never seen a failure, there's something inspiring about the idea of a leader who weilds so much power and influence devoting his life to improving the welfare of his people, and not to the expansion of his own power. He's probably the only king who could make people in republics wish they had such a man in their own country - a soft-spoken intellectual, toiling away on social projects, stepping in in times of crisis with a few well-chosen words that make corrupt and squabbling politicians suddenly contrite and willing to compromise.

I can imagine such a king in America, a fouth of July speech about respecting the constitution and the rule of law, and two days later Bush is apologizing for the wire-tapping and surveillance programs (among other things). Well, a girl can dream can't she?

There's a website in honor of the occasion, with more than you could ever hope to learn about the King. You can even listen to the jazz music he's composed. Who knew the king played the sax? If you're feeling especially honored, you can send him a card.