If you feel that it is your right and responsibility to protect yourself, then you should be allowed to do so with the maximum degree of force you have a possibility of encountering. With our current technology level, that is generally a firearm.
If you do not want to take that level of responsibility, it is your right to not do so. You may then place your faith in the current level of law enforcement.
The firearm is also a great equalizer (insert Samuel Colt reference here). My wife carries her Glock daily. She has undergone formal training as well as training with me and my friends (mostly veterans and some LEOs). She has some ability with unarmed combat, but I have much more peace of mind knowing she can drop a dirtbag in a couple heart beats if she has to.
I myself also carry a 1911 daily. I have not had to draw in as a civilian and hope I never have to. It is an option I intend to always have in case a situation warrants it.
Oh and Fly... personally I wouldn't go with Kimber. I think it's kinda the Apple of firearms. More expensive than what it is really worth. I'd give Springfield, Colt, or Sig a look over Kimber (the warranties speak for themselves).
