Who cares what New York does when the law is different and more liberal in neighboring states?

Whenever one state tries to take unilateral action, it is counteracted by states with different laws.

So if NYC raises taxes on cigarettes, the criminals start actions to bring in cigarettes from other states with lower taxes. Including criminal actions like theft and hijacking.

Cost of living is so high in America, sales of stolen goods thrive. If people are addicted to cigarettes, saving a dollar on a pack of stolen smokes from a low tax state seems justified instead of quitting the habit.

People in America like to think each state should operate like its own country. The South wanted to continue slavery and their racist attitudes haven’t changed much since the Civil War.

The result, divisiveness. Because each state wants to operate alone instead of as one cohesive country.