Ada vs. Wall Street

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Noda says there are already criminals who need punishing in the financial fiasco: "Get rid of the CEOs and prosecute them—get rid of all these people getting the big bonus," she said. "All these other Enron people who did something—they prosecuted them and they went to jail. If you or I did something wrong we'd go to jail."

Noda may get her wish. The FBI is already investigating three failed banks suspected of mortgage fraud: Countrywide Financial Corp., IndyMac Bancorp Inc. and New Century Financial Corp., but this week expanded the probe to other firms whose financial fumblings hurt the economy: mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, insurer American International Group Inc. and investment bank Lehman Brothers.

Whatever the punishment may be, Noda says the best thing to do is take your lumps and move on. Fending off creditors ("they'd just torment me to no end") and facing bankruptcy was stressful for the octogenarian, but she got through it and says she is doing fine on infinitesimally less than a CEO payout. She shops at thrift stores—"I'm not proud, honey"—and gets by on her Social Security check. "I can manage. If I don't have the money, I don't spend it. I live in a mobile home with my dog and my cat, and I just thank God every day I can get up and take care of myself."

Despite her limited means, she's even willing to lend a hand to the stumbling financial behemoths that are asking to take even more from her: "I would tell them they need to learn how to budget and do better book work. Tell them come look at my ledger, and I'll show 'em how."

Editor's note: Ada Noda was able to file for bankruptcy with the help of the Legal Aid Society office in Saint Augustine, Fla. If you have limited income and need legal help (or if someone you know does) you can find your local Legal Aid office with the this map.

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Posted By: zaria9 @ 04/04/2009 7:44:09 PM

can anyone help get me answer to this problem why use weeks that you are not getting unemployment benefits for to add to getting food stamp and medicaid benefits help for unemployed people. help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted By: zaria9 @ 04/04/2009 7:37:52 PM

why when getting unemployment benefits there are months that have extra week in them , but we do not get paid unemployment benefits for that week. but children and families in the state of florida has add that as income to your case but we are not receving that income can any tell me why.
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Posted By: zaria9 @ 04/04/2009 7:34:16 PM

why have the department of chidren and families have add unemployment income for the month that have extra week as income when the goverment is not adding that as income to your unemployment checks but they are adding that as income you donot get.