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Bradford pear trees in bloom on the Oklahoma state Capitol grounds with the Capitol dome in the background March 18, 2005, in Okla. City. The vernal equinox marking the first day of spring is Palm Sunday, March 20, 2005. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman

Liberal activists have targeted business members of the American Legislative Exchange Council, a nonpartisan association of conservative state lawmakers dedicated to “limited government, free markets, federalism, and individual liberty.” Walmart is among those who’ve withdrawn after coming under fire. Now, some conservatives argue the Oklahoma Legislature should leave the National Conference of State Legislatures. From fiscal years 2005 to 2012, the state of Oklahoma paid over $1 million in dues to NCSL, which often lobbies for increased government spending and activism. “Oklahomans already have representation before the federal government — known as United States representatives and United States senators,” writes Jonathan Small, fiscal policy director for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. “In addition, there are a multitude of state officials and lawmakers who represent the state. Membership in NCSL is unnecessary.” If private support of such groups is somehow despicable, how can one justify spending limited tax dollars on similar organizations?

Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman