On Tuesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott delivered his State of the State address wherein he promised to cut state funding to any “sanctuary” cities within the state. On Wednesday, as Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez began implementation of her new pro-sanctuary immigration policy, Gov. Abbott issued the order to cancel $1.5 million in criminal justice grants that had been slated for the county. Clearly, Gov. Abbott’s words were no empty threat.

The governor’s action prompted Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt to express consternation, stating that the funding cuts were “retribution” for the county’s new pro-sanctuary policy. She continued, “We want that revenue back – not for selfish purposes. We want that revenue back to do the state’s work.” It shouldn’t, but it still does amaze the degree to which these educated leftist elites are blinded to the irrationality of their own statements.

First, equating a grant, which itself was created by the forced but lawful collection of taxes or fines, with revenue is simply false. Travis County did not create that “revenue.” Second, withholding the funds was not a “retributive” action but a disciplinary one. When a police officer gives a driver a ticket for speeding, the officer is not engaging in vengeance but in the administration of justice, commonly referred to as Rule of Law. Finally, and arguably the most absurd portion of the judge’s statement, is the assertion that the funds are needed “to do the state’s work.” How does one, and a judge to boot, do the state’s work if he or she rejects the authority of the state to create and define its laws and refuses to conform to them? That’s known as being subversive, not supportive.

Thankfully, Gov. Abbott is not backing down, as he tweeted, “Today I cut funding to Travis County because of its Sanctuary City policy. Stiffer penalties coming soon.”