Why do Atheists defend Islam?

[abaris]

My post wasn't directed as you specifically, so I'm not sure certain why you seem personally offended.

I'm not offended by you personally, but by the ovesimplification in general. To say, the ones trying to make a distinction between the religion and the people, are afraid of retaliation, is offensive on two marks. First, it implies, they simply have their pants full and that's the only reason for not jumping the oh so popular muslim bashing train. Secondly it's simply a statement from the high horse, although I fail to see what the high horse should be when it comes to hating a whole group of people.