Paul Scott: Gun ownership is NOT a disease and I don't think the CDC has or would make such an assertion.  The use of guns as a violent reaction to disagreements, the use of guns to express hatred, the accidental use of guns by children and, yes, adults too, the use of guns in suicides, and the use of guns in crimes, account for some 33,000 deaths per year in the US.  If the "causes" of such violence were studied I think we would be addressing the very significant issues you raise.  regards, Gary