What's this? The American College of Physicians is now trying to infringe on my constitutional right to own a firearm [1, 2]? Although the intention is a good one-to reduce death and disability from gunshot wounds-to "medicalize" violent criminal behavior involving a firearm is absurd and destructive. Absurd because the ownership and use of a firearm are not diseases. Destructive because, taken to its logical conclusion, it excuses a criminal act as the result of some uncontrollable physical defect rather than as the result of free choice.

If we start thinking of all human behavior as a disease rather than a volitional act, there will be no end to our legal interventions. One million people die every year of cardiovascular disease in the United States. The cost in human life, disability, and dollars is truly staggering, far beyond that of gunshot wounds. Why not make it illegal to eat large amounts of saturated fats and carbohydrates? Shouldn't we pass a law that requires every able-bodied U.S. citizen to engage in vigorous physical exercise? The restrictions could be endless-any and all behavior deemed "medically" imprudent could be regulated.

The fundamental problem seems to be the direct health care cost to taxpayers of risky behavior that is beyond their control. The best solution would be to make each individual both legally and financially responsible for his or her actions.

We don't want Big Brother government and now Big Brother medicine telling law-abiding citizens how to live our lives.