In history, for generations the rule of monarchy is the crown is given to the first born male. After the first born becomes the son of the first born, the rule allows the blood line to continue and the family to rule the country. There is nothing in the bloodline to say the first born is the most capable and competent leader. In Medieval England, when France was the dominant country of Europe, King Philip IV was tired of going to war with England and decided to marry one of his daughters to the son of the King, this would ensure peace. Edward II married Isabella and life was supposed to go on. That was the plan, however life threw the plans a curve ball as outlined by Alison Weir in her book Queen Isabella published by Ballantine Books, NY, 2005.

The curveball was Edward II was gay and preferred men, once he became King he did his duties to continue the bloodline but the King and Queen had separate bedrooms for a reason. The King’s first lover was Piers Gaveston however he abused his powers and did not seek to ensure the Barons were placated. The Barons decided to eliminate him. After Gaveston was killed, the King sought revenge on the Baron who killed his lover.  Unfortunately, the next person the King took to his bed more than likely used him for Hugh le Despenser lusted after power. A general rule is those that lust after power usually do not make good rulers. Hugh was someone who knew how the system worked and enriched himself and took power from the King for his own benefit. The Queen escaped to France, tricked the King into sending their son Edward III to her, built up a power base of people who did not like Hugh’s rules. After a few years, the Queen  returned to England to easily beat the King’s army, as Hugh had treated everybody badly. Hugh ended on the hangman’s noose. Edward II was not terribly disappointed not to rule; the Queen stepped in to run the country until Edward II was old enough to become King and the country was run competently for all.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, leadership is always an interesting subject. If you work for a boss, you wonder how did he get his job and keep it. If the business is run at a profit and you are reasonably well rewarded, you can overlook many things. Once the company begins to lose money, then the habits and expenses of the leadership is carefully examined. Therefore, it is easier to invest in companies that consistency make money and can raise their dividends. Then you can leave the soap operas to TV or the history books.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.