[Michael.SF.]

Thirty seven of fifty states didn't voluntarily enter anything.

have it your way: 37 states voluntarily asked to be admitted............

sheesh.......

[Non-Sequitur]

have it your way: 37 states voluntarily asked to be admitted............

And they were admitted only if Congress said 'Yes'. In several cases years passed between the time a territory petitioned for admission and their being allowed to join.

So if they are allowed in only with the permission of the other states, why shouldn't that permission be required to leave? I noticed you ignored that part.