[Non-Sequitur]

If a woman asks for divorce, that doesn't give the man a right to put a gun to her head and force her to submit. That's exactly what the North did to the South.

In a divorce both parties have rights to be protected and a legal representative to ensure that they are. Since you chose the analogy, why shouldn't secession be the same?

[bravedog]

In a divorce both parties have rights to be protected and a legal representative to ensure that they are. Since you chose the analogy, why shouldn't secession be the same?
It would have to be fair in order to ensure a peaceful transition. You are correct in the fact that in this case, there would be no representation for the states or the federal government, so the Hague would likely be the only recourse for an independent party. We could also choose other states or countries as independent parties to ensure a peaceful transaction. The Hague just ruled on secession actually... they said that there is nothing that can prohibit it. Do you have a better solution? Under the current system, only the federal government decides for themselves(SCOTUS).