"But the problem of gun suicide is inescapable: More than 60 percent of people in this country who die from guns die by suicide".
I am wondering why this is a problem. If someone wishes to commit suicide, that is their decision. Since 1984, suicide has been decriminalized in the US and we have not seen any change in the suicide rates.
Suicide is a contentious topic and people have strong opinions on both sides of the issue. It is a decision that has a profound impact on the family/friends. But ultimately, it is the decision of the individual.
According to the CDC, it is only in the age group 18-24 where homicide rates are higher than suicide and even those rates are pretty close. In the other age groups, suicide rates are higher (in some cases much higher) than homicide. Suicide is, if you pardon the morbid pun, a fact of life in the US and I imagine in other countries too.
While I was very sad when someone close to me committed suicide, I also respect their decision.