A citizen, probably one of the 99%, ask these questions about Santa Rosa Occupiers and the letter to the editor in our local paper. Ok, I’ll take the test. Here are my answers:

Are they employed at all?

They are either employed and have worked out some arrangement to be free to occupy or they are unemployed in which case they have a personal reason to protest the economic injustice on the part of the financial industry that has led to thousands being without jobs. They also have a beef with the corporate profiteers over the “free-trade” agreements that have sent so many jobs overseas.

Are they receiving social assistance of any form — unemployment, Medi-Cal, welfare, food stamps or WIC (Women, Infants and Children) funds?

So what? Does receiving social assistance disqualify a person from expressing First Amendment rights?

Are they students receiving grants or tuition assistance?

Again, so what? As long as they are keeping up with their class work they have a right to voice their opinions. When a student receives financial assistance they don’t sign away their rights as citizens.

Where does their food come from?

From generous donations from individuals, stores and restaurants who support the cause. And, do we assume that all the protesters are penniless and can’t buy food?

Who is paying the Occupy organizers to organize?

This is not the Tea Party.

Where did they come from? Are they locals or transients from some other location?

Who cares where they come from? They are all Americans.