escape after kidnapping

Vol. 10 No. 23 8220 W. Gage Blvd., #715, Kennewick, WA 99336 www.TuDecidesMedia.com June 3rd, 2016

STATE: Transgender bathrooms nothing new at Seattle schools > 22

POLITICS: Bashing Trump not enough to win Latino vote > 19

NATIONAL: Republicans in no hurry to fight zika > 15

Mexican soccer player Alan Pulido overpowered kidnapper > 23

Escape after kidnapping

23 You Decide – A Bilingual Newspaper June 3rd, 2016

Wisdom for your decisions

JUST OUTSIDE COEUR D’ALENE ON HWY 95 IN BEAUTIFUL NORTH IDAHO NO MORE COSTCO TICKETS FOR THE LOWEST TICKET PRICE ANYWHERE

GO TO SILVERWOODTHEMEPARK.COM

JUNE 4th

OPENSBEACH

BOULDER

NEW FOR 2016 6 lane, mat racing water

slide. Riders lie down head first on a mat and race to

the bottom at nearly 30 mph.

LATIN AMERICA

CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico (AP)

About 24 hours after he was kidnapped, Mexican soccer star

Alan Pulido found himself alone with one of his captors and saw his chance. He wres-tled away the man’s pistol and his cellphone and dialed Mex-ico’s emergency number.

Within minutes, he was free.

An official summary report of three calls to an emergency operator obtained by The Associated Press shows the 25-year-old forward for Olym-piakos in the Greek league threatened and beat his captor while on the phone, demanding to be told where they were.

The dramatic account of derring-do shows that Pulido - listed at 5-foot-9 (176 centimeters) and about 150 pounds (68 kilograms) - was the main actor in his

own liberation, a contrast with initial offi-cial accounts of a rescue by police.

On a first call, with the kidnapper over-powered, Pulido peered out of a window and described the white two-story house with two cars, grey and red, parked in front.

In the next call, Pulido told the opera-tor that state police had arrived outside. The operator told him to fire the pistol so they would know they were in the right spot, but Pulido said he had no bullets. He said police them-selves were starting to shoot and described his shorts and tank top so they wouldn’t confuse him with the now-unconscious captor.

Once police arrived, he made a third call to confirm with the opera-tor that they were trust-worthy.

Tamaulipas state Attorney General Ismael Quintanilla had said at a news conference that emergency services received Pulido’s call for help after mid-night Sunday due to ‘’a careless act by his captors.’’

In a later interview with Imagen Radio, Quintanilla confirmed that Pulido had forcibly seized the phone from his captor.

‘’There was an exchange of punches between them,’’ Quintanilla said, though he did not mention the pistol.

Quintanilla said Pulido cut his wrist when he broke a window trying to escape.

Pulido was nabbed by four armed people on a highway while returning from a party at about 11:30 p.m. Saturday. His girlfriend, who was not taken, alerted others.

The suspect was a 38-year-old from the Gulf coast state of Veracruz who Quin-tanilla said was a member of one of the criminal organizations operating in the city. He said three other suspects were identified and a search was underway.

After he was freed, Pulido was taken for medical and psychological review and then provided a statement to investiga-tors.

He made a brief appearance before reporters, responding only to a question about how he was: ‘’Very well, thank God.’’

The player’s Greek club expressed relief over his safe escape from kidnappers.

‘’Alan is safe and sound with his family. We thank everyone for their concern and prayers during the difficult moments he has lived,’’ Olympiakos said via Twitter.

Mexican soccer player Alan Pulido overpowered kidnapper

In this February 25, 2016 file photo, Olympiakos’ striker Alan Pulido, left, fights for the ball during a Europa League soccer match in the port of Piraeus, near Athens, Greece.

tú Decides Newspaper8220 W. Gage Blvd., #715

Kennewick, WA 99336Phone: 509-591-0495

Fax: 800-790-4145

SubscriptionsSubscriptions are available for $26 for 6 months

Web Site: www. TuDecidesMedia.com

tú Decides is published weekly by tú Decides Media Inc. on every Friday. News deadline is every Monday at 12 p.m. Ad reservation deadline is Monday at 10 a.m., ad material deadline is every Monday at noon.

Albert Torres, CEO & President [email protected]

Ismael G. Campos, [email protected]

Gracie Campos, [email protected]

Fernando Aceves, Tony SandovalSales Representatives

Dr. Claudia RomayTranslations

Arlette Rodriguez

Staff Writers

Félix Connection, Isaiah Torres, Ezequiel TorresDistribution

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of

tú Decides Media, Inc.

Table of Contents23

22

LATIN AMERICA: Mexican soccer player Alan Pulido overpowered kidnapper

STATE: Transgender bathroom choice nothing new for Seattle schools

HEALTH LITERACY: SURVIVORSHIP: What does it mean?

POLITICS: Bashing Trump not enough for Democrats to win Latino vote

OUR FAITH: No Promised Land without God

LATIN AMERICA: Wave of drug-related killings continue in Acapulco

NATIONAL: Republicans in no hurry to fight zika

COLUMN: Dave Says: If it’s paid for, do you sell it?

21

17

19

18

15

15


June 3rd, 2016 You Decide – A Bilingual Newspaper 22


Relax on the lake • Camp in your secret spot • Wherever you shall explore

Call or stop by your favorite Numerica branch today!numericacu.com • 800.433.1837

*Here’s the legal stuff. Not good on cash out or the refinance of Numerica loans. Some conditions may apply. Subject to credit approval. BOATRV90

Boats & RVsNo payments for 90 days!*

STATE

SEATTLE, Washington (AP)

In progressive Seattle, a presiden-tial order that public schools give transgender students access to the

bathrooms matching their gender iden-tity won’t require a shift.

While the debate has reached a fever pitch in other parts of the country, the city’s public schools have accommodated transgender students in the bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their identity since 2012. It stands in stark con-trast to places like North Carolina that recently passed divisive restrictions.

The Seattle school district celebrated the opening of its latest gender-neutral bathroom last Tuesday with a large gath-ering of students and faculty at Nathan Hale High School. Nearly half of the city’s 15 public high schools have restrooms that can be used by people of any gender, with one dating to the 1990s.

To Destin Cramer, 17, the inclusive bathroom is another jolt for a move-ment in full swing in Seattle and gaining momentum nationally. Cramer is a trans-

gender student at Nathan Hale who created the gender-neutral bath-room for his senior project.

“I feel like it’s going to start making a domino effect and everyone’s going to start realizing this needs to happen in order for transgender students to feel more included,” he said.

While Washington state has asked schools to include bathroom accommodations for transgender students for four years, it isn’t immune to the clashes playing out nationwide. Conservatives are trying to get a measure on the November ballot that would force public schools to require students to use facilities corresponding with their biological gender at birth.

But President Barack Obama said two weeks ago that schools nationwide must

treat transgender students in a way that matches their gender identity.

The debate flared in Washington state after officials in late December began officially requiring public buildings to let transgender people use the facilities matching their gender identity.

The rule has faced challenges, includ-

ing failed efforts to repeal it in the Legislature and the effort to gather enough signatures to qualify a restrictive ballot measure.

GOP state Sen. Doug Erick-sen, who sponsored an anti-access bill that narrowly failed, said local school boards should decide bath-room policies.

“I think most people in Washing-ton state feel that President Obama has grossly overstepped his execu-tive authority,” Ericksen said.

Seattle schools have already decided the issue with community support, said Eyva Winet, assistant principal at Nova High School, a small alternative school has had a gender-neutral bathroom for about 20 years.

“I don’t think his statement is that Earth-shattering to us out here on the West Coast,” Winet said of Obama’s direc-tive. “But it’s pretty exciting that there is a national move toward anti-discrimi-nation laws similar to what we have in Washington state.”

Transgender bathroom choice nothing new for Seattle schools

Destin Cramer, left, and Noah Rice place a new sticker on the door at the cer-emonial opening of a gender neutral bathroom at Nathan Hale high school on

Tuesday, May 17, 2016, in Seattle, Washington.



Health LiteracyThis Page is Sponsored by Tri-Cities Cancer Center

SURVIVORSHIP: What does it mean?

By: Joan Stewart, RT(T), BA HCA, Clinical Services Project Coordinator,

Tri-Cities Cancer Center

Have you heard this before? “I’m a survivor”

Survivorship has been a buzzword for some time; a term reflecting life after cancer treatment. But now we recognize survivorship needs more focused attention. As the number of people living for long periods after a diagnosis of cancer increases, it has become evident there should be a focused plan of care after treatment. That plan is called a survivorship care plan.

Cancer and its treatment can certainly take their toll. Issues cancer survivors may face after therapy include pain, fatigue, fear of recurrence, living with uncertainty, neuropathy, lymphedema, bone loss, sexual dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, memory issues, and future cancer risk. While some of these issues will fade with time, others may linger. A Survivorship Clinic looks to minimize these issues and overcome them when possible.

A comprehensive survivorship care plan plots for each individual the recommended screenings and health evaluations for the next five or more years. It also addresses who should be ordering or reviewing these tests. The plan is a document that details the diagnostic workup that determined the cancer treatment received. It may also list additional therapy and medical information related to the diagnosis such as genetic testing. Once the plan document is complete,

a visit with a survivorship clinic provider is scheduled. At that visit, our provider will review the care plan and the personal issues that each patient has identified as a concern. Our goal is to empower each cancer survivor to recover and remain as healthy as possible.

The development of a Survivorship Clinic is in keeping with quality measures as outlined by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Your Tri-Cities Cancer Center is adding a Survivorship Clinic to our support services as part of our mission to provide and coordinate the highest quality compassionate cancer care for the community we serve.

FAQ

How do I benefit from this?

The goal of a survivorship plan is to help each cancer survivor understand where they have been and what lies ahead. Most cancer survivors find their experience a life changing event. We want to help them move forward with individualized resources and referrals. This personalized

survivorship care plan is shared with an individual’s entire health care team. This will facilitate strong coordination and reduce the potential for unnecessary appointments or

testing in the future.

Am I a candidate for a Survivorship Clinic?

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center is currently reaching out to breast cancer survivors regarding their interest in survivorship care. In the future, we will expand the program to include other cancers.

Will my insurance cover this visit?

Most insurance plans consider Survivorship Clinic appointments a necessary visit for individuals who have received treatment for cancer. Before coming in for an appointment, we will review your coverage and assess any out-of-pocket expenses. Our Patient Financial Services Representative is available to provide counseling for those with questions or concerns.

7350 W. Deschutes Ave. | Kennewick, WA(509) 783-9894 | tccancer.org

Saving Lives Everyday...

Non-Cancerous Disease Treatments

Plantar fasciitis

Dupuytren’s contracture

Tennis elbow

And many others!For more information, visit our website at tccancer.org/treatment-of-benign-diseases/



TM/©

2016 Sesame W

orkshop. All Rights Reserved. 71412 5/16

June 15 •Windermere Theatre at Toyota Center • 10:30am & 6:30pm

Toyota Center Box Office • Ticketmaster.com

Tickets on sale now!

POLITICS

NEW YORK (AP)

Latino groups have criticized the Democratic Party for relying too heavily on Republican Donald

Trump’s inflammatory comments on illegal immigration to drive Hispanic voters to the polls, calling instead for the party to do more to address Latino con-cerns, according to meeting notes seen by the Associated Press.

“We cannot rely on Trump as that will set us up for failure,” according to notes summarizing a meeting on May 2 between Democratic Party officials and representatives of several Hispanic advo-cacy groups.

“Our values… need to be uplifted,” they continued.

Hispanics make up around 17 percent of the U.S. population, making them a critical voter group in what is expected to be a tight race between Trump and the Democratic nominee.

Democratic operatives have called Trump an ideal spur for getting out the Latino vote because of his hard-line

approach to illegal immigra-tion, with some canvassers even using his picture to help encour-age Hispanics to register.

The New York billionaire and now presump-tive Republican nominee made waves early in his campaign by saying Mexico was sending rapists and drug dealers over the border. He has vowed to make Mexico pay for building a wall to block them and promised to round up and deport the mil-lions of undocumented immigrants now in the United States.

By contrast, Democratic contenders for the White House, front-runner Hillary Clinton and rival U.S. Senator Bernie

Sanders of Vermont, have both promised to provide undocumented immigrants a path to legal status. The have also prom-ised to nominate Latinos to key posts in their prospective administrations.

At least two Hispanics are also consid-ered candidates to be the running mate to the eventual Democratic presidential nominee: Labor Secretary Thomas Perez

and Housing and Urban Develop-ment Secretary Julian Castro.

“While Latinos appear to be a solid part of the Democratic base right now, that can certainly change,” said Brent Wilkes, the treasurer for the National His-panic Leadership Agenda and the national executive director of the League of United Latin American Citizens, who was present at the meeting.

In the last election in 2012, Latinos constituted 10 percent of the electorate and voted for Presi-dent Barack Obama over Republi-can Mitt Romney by 71 percent to 27 percent, according to an analy-sis of exit polls by the Pew Hispanic

Center.Many Latino advocates also stressed to

the Democratic Party that, as members of nonpartisan organizations, their con-cerns are in addressing issues within their communities, such as education and the economy, rather than backing any one party or candidate.

Bashing Trump not enough for Democrats to win Latino vote

Democratic U.S. presidential candidates Hillary Clinton (left) and Bernie Sanders are seen during a Democratic debate in New York on April 14, 2016.




Our Faith

By Dr. Joseph Castleberry

“Go up to the land I swore to give to Abraham … And I will send an angel before

you … Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey.But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. … If I were to travel with you for even a moment, I would destroy you” … Moses said to the Lord… “Let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor … If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place”… The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.”—Exodus 33:1-17, NLT

In essence, the LORD told Moses, “I will be faithful to the promise of land that I made to Abraham and his descendents, and I will keep my promise. You can possess the land. My angel will guide you and fight for you. But I will not go with you because I can’t put up with your sins.” Moses responded that he didn’t want the Promised Land without knowing the LORD more, understanding his ways and enjoying his presence.

God loves humanity and has given us the whole earth, with all its riches and blessings. God has given us air, water, food, friendship, intelligence, a sense of purpose, a beautiful environment, and much more. Nevertheless, if human beings do not want to walk with the God of the Way, God will let them go it alone. Many immigrants only want to have pros-perity and the blesssings of life without worrying about God, and God obliges no one to follow. Everyone has freedom

to search for what he or she really wants. If riches, riches. If pleasures, pleasures. But some desire God so much that they would opt to walk up a via dolorosa with the LORD rather than walk down luxuri-ous roads without him. They don’t want blessings; they want the LORD of the Blessings.

God’s immigrants agree with Moses: “Let me know your ways so I may under-stand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor.” They won’t take a single step if God won’t go with them. If you will surrender yourself to God’s guidance and let God reign in your life, you can be sure that the LORD looks on you with favor and knows you by name.

Copyright©2013 by Joseph L. Castle-berry. All Rights Reserved. [email protected]

Dr. Joseph Castleberry is president of Northwest University in Kirkland, Wash-ington. He is the author of The New Pil-grims: How Immigrants are Renew-ing America’s Faith (Worthy Publishing). Follow him on Twitter @DrCastleberry and at http://www.facebook.com/Joseph.Castleberry.

No Promised Land without God

It All Depends on Your Perspective

Goals change, markets fluctuate. Investment results vary over time.

Most financial experts agree that you’re better off taking a long-term

perspective when evaluating your investments and how much they

match your life’s goals. A financial advisor can provide the assistance

you need to set strategies and take action toward your specific needs

and aspirations. Call your Waddell & Reed financial advisor today and

ask about creating your personal financial plan.

Investing. With a plan.

Waddell & Reed, Inc. 11866 (01/11) Member SIPC

ISMAEL (Mel) G. CAMPOSFinancial Advisor8905 W Gage BlvdSuite 300Kennewick, WA 99336O: (509)[email protected]

The City of Richland’s Planning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to receive citizen comments on the City’s use of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds.

The public hearing will be held Wednesday, June 22, 7:00 p.m. in the City of Richland’s Council Chambers, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland. This facility is fully accessible. Written comments on the 2017 CDBG funding process will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., June 30, 2016 and will be considered as the 2017 Annual Action Plan is being developed.

Approximately $195,000 in CDBG and $100,000 in HOME funds are expected to be available for projects in 2017. Applications for the 2017 CDBG process will be available on June 9. Applications may be obtained by contacting Michelle Burden, Block Grant Coordinator at 942-7580, or online at: www.ci.richland.wa.us. Proposals must address a priority need (strategy), meet allocation policy criteria, HUD eligibility, and meet a National Objective, as outlined in the CDBG application.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Hand Delivered – July 7, 2016, 4:30 p.m.. U.S. Mail - postmarked July 7th, 2016. For additional information, technical assistance, or to obtain accommodations for special needs, contact the City of Richland, Block Grant Coordinator, Michelle Burden at 942-7580 or by email at [email protected].

CITY OF RICHLANDPUBLIC HEARING ON HOUSING &

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS



FURNITURE 4 LESS

509-572-2337 3001 W 10TH AVE SUITE A, KENNEWICK

¡Se habla Español!

Kennewick783-ROSE5428 W. Clearwater Ave.

www.justroses.org

Graduation Gifts

Pasco547-50021835 W. Court St.

ACAPULCO, Mexico (AP)

Along with beach towels or sandals, there’s a new popular beach accessory that says a lot

about the violence gripping this once-glamorous resort: a small black leather tote hanging from the neck or shoulders of some men. It’s not a man-bag, exactly; it holds a small pistol.

“When I saw you guys standing outside my office, I almost went for my bag,” said one businessman who lives in terror after getting death threats and extortion demands by criminal gangs at his office four blocks from the water. “I’m in fear for my life.”

Death can strike anywhere in Acapulco these days: A sarong vendor was slain on the beach in January by a gunman who escaped on a Jet Ski. Another man was gunned down while enjoying a beer at a seaside restaurant. In the hillside slums that ring the city, a 15-year-old girl’s body was found chopped into pieces and wrapped in a blanket, her severed head in a bucket nearby with a hand-lettered sign

from a drug gang.The upsurge in killings has made Aca-

pulco one of Mexico’s most violent places, scaring away what international tourism remained and recently prompting the U.S. government to bar its employees from traveling here for any reason.

In response, Mexico has lined the city’s coastal boulevard with heavily armed police and soldiers, turning Acapulco into a high-profile test case for a secu-

rity strategy that the gov-ernment has used else-where: When homicides spike, flood the area with troops.

Today it’s almost easier to find a truck full of sol-diers, a federal police-man or a gaggle of local tourist cops than it is to find a taxi along the “costera,” the seaside bou-levard that runs through the hotel zone. Marines patrol the beach, while federal police watch over the breakwaters.

“This area has been made bulletproof,” Guerrero state prosecutor Xavier Olea said.

Except it hasn’t. A week after AP report-ers visited, gunmen shot to death three young men in broad daylight two blocks away from a restaurant where they met with an underworld figure. Two of their bullet-ridden bodies lay on the concrete just off the beach, and one bled out on the sand. Two were waiters, and the third a roving coconut oil vendor.

On a recent day, farther down the beach, another black bag hung around the neck of a man nicknamed “the lieu-tenant.” He works as a bodyguard for a man with underworld connections who agreed to meet near an open-air restau-rant to discuss the security situation. He spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid being targeted by rivals or authorities.

“There are 300 paid killers on the costera,” the underworld figure said, ges-turing expansively over plates of fried fish and shrimp. At least one other bodyguard was nearby. “A decent killer makes about

5,000 pesos ($275) a week.”Experts say Acapulco shows the lim-

itations of the government’s security strategy. Federal police, almost none of whom are from the city, quickly get lost once they leave the coastal boulevard and ascend into twisting, hillside neighbor-hoods. Their heavy weapons are ill-suited to urban policing, and they’re hampered as well by Mexico’s unwieldy judicial system and a lack of investigative training.

LATIN AMERICAWave of drug-related killings continues in Acapulco

In this May 11, 2016, photo, a cab drives past the Cuauhtemoc housing development, painted with some local propaganda, in the tourist city of

Acapulco, in the Mexican state of Guerrero.




Money is only

as iMportant

as what it

does for you.

Proper money management is a blueprint for your financial future and can help you achieve your future goals and objectives — no matter what those may be. Waddell & Reed invites you to learn more about money management and its benefits.

Waddell & Reed, Inc. MFA10877E (02/15)

MonEy MAnAgEMEnt:i d e n t i f y i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d p u r s u i n g g o a l s

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Waddell & Reed, Inc. offers financial planning services in its capacity as a registered investment adviser.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services are offered through Waddell & Reed, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC and Federally Registered Investment Advisor.

Wednesday, June 8, 20167:00PM

Templo Betania1007 S. 7th Ave. • Pasco, Washington

Please R.S.V.P. to Ismael (Mel) Campos

Ismael (Mel) Campos & Gabriel Barajas, Financial Advisors with Waddell& Reed, Inc., invite you to attend "Money Management: Identifying

Opportunities and Pursuing Goals." This educational presentation aboutmanaging your money includes ample opportunity for questions. There is

no charge for this event, and you are welcome to bring guests.

AMANDA LANG, O.D.

Experienced Optometrist | State of the Art ClinicModern | Stylish | Affordable Eyewear

Look to Tri-Cities Community Health for all your health care needs!

You will see the difference!

Your eyes are an important

part of your health!

Now includes eye careAppointments available now!

Call (509) 547-2204



Dave Says

TM/©

2016 Sesame W

orkshop. All Rights Reserved. 71412 5/16

15 de junio •Windermere Theatre en Toyota Center • 10:30am & 6:30pm

Oficina de Boletos Toyota Center • Ticketmaster.com

¡Boletos a la venta ahora!

NATIONAL

WASHINGTON (AP)

The White House and Demo-crats are pressuring congres-sional Republicans to act on

President Barack Obama’s demands for money to combat Zika, but even the onset of mosquito season that probably will spread the virus has failed to create a sense of urgency.

Republicans from states at greatest risk, such as Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Georgia, have been slow to endorse Obama’s more than 2-month-old request for $1.9 billion to battle the virus, which causes grave birth defects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cur-rently reports more than 470 cases in the continental U.S., all so far associated with travel to Zika-affected areas.

Polls show that the public isn’t any-where nearly as scared of Zika as it was about the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the handful of cases in the U.S. in 2014. Aides to GOP lawmakers, even those representing Southern areas most vulnerable to Zika, say they’ve yet to hear

from many anxious constituents, though they said this could change. “Very few calls/letters,” emailed a spokeswoman for Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla.

On Monday, the National Governors Associated weighed in, urging the admin-istration and lawmakers returning to Washington “to work together to reach agreement on the appropriate funding levels needed to prepare for and combat the Zika virus.”

The congressional response to Zika contrasts sharply with the rush last year to

pass legislation to curb the admis-sion of Syrian refugees, which passed the House less than a week after terrorist attacks in Paris. Syrian refugees were erroneously linked to the attack.

“Any time there’s a public health issue, bordering on crisis, there’s obviously some urgency,” said Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla., who’s running to replace Republican Sen. Marco Rubio. Jolly added, however, that “I don’t know that it has become a political issue in Florida as much as it has inside the Beltway.”

One voice for immediate action, however, is Rubio, who’s leaving the Senate after his unsuccessful presidential bid.

“It is just a matter of days, weeks, hours before you open up a newspaper or turn on the news, and it will say that someone in the continental United States was bitten by a mosquito and they contracted Zika,” Rubio said in an April 28 floor speech. “When that happens, everyone is going to be freaked out ....This is going to happen.”

Republicans in no hurry to fight zika

In this February 11, 2016 file photo of aedes aegypti mosqui-toes are seen in a mosquito cage at a laboratory in Cucuta,

Colombia.

Dear Dave,

I’m debt-free except for my house. I make about $120,000 a year, and I have a truck that’s worth around $33,000 and a car that’s worth $28,000. I don’t have an emergency fund, so I was wondering if I should sell the truck to establish my emergency savings. — Eric

Dear Eric,

A good rule of thumb is to never have more than half of your annual income tied up in things that go down in value. You’re not quite there, but you’re close. And I love your idea of wanting to immediately establish an emer-gency fund. You never know what life is going to unexpectedly throw at you, and an emer-gency fund is great insurance against that sort of thing.

Here’s how I look at it. Nothing you’ve told me indicates that this truck represents anything being out of control. It’s an expensive truck, but it’s not like you make $30,000 a year and have a $33,000 truck. That kind of thing would be just plain stupid. But if you don’t need or want the truck — and you’re that passionate about having a big, instant emer-gency fund in place — then sell it! — Dave

If it’s paid for, do you sell it?

escape after kidnapping

Documents