I have met many pretty awesome muslim folks... peaceful, compassionate, caring, virtuous... they have my deepest respect and regard.
That being said, my mom and dad used to be muslim a while back so I know all too well how a significant portion of muslim think, talk, and plan. There is a whole lot of hatred in Islam. Violence is often glorified. And from what I know, and a ton that my father experienced and heard... there is a sigificant movement in Islam to dominate other peoples and, particularly, western societies.
Islam to me is a two headed religion, like Christianity in many respects, there are genuinely awesome people to be found and there are crazies... what is alarming to me is how many crazies there are in Islam, even in the US.
So I, for one, am not going to cowtow to Muslim folks who say their religion is misunderstood and defamed (and by extension, need to stop 'bashing')... in my opinion it is not true, your religion is defamed by the actions and words of it's own leaders and peoples. E.G. Videos from muslim areas of the world of masses of peoples dancing around and praising Allah when the twin towers were hit (that is beyond disgusting). In my experience and personal knowledge... that is closer to the face and purpose of Islam than the peaceful religion folks in it's sold as in the west. I'm sorry... but I know too much of the talk, and my dad wwwwaaaayyy too much, that goes on behind closed doors in some Islamic gatherings, etc. so I know what a lot of folks really want to go down.
Oh... and women and non muslim peoples are often treated like shit in a lot of muslim societies when they can get away with it... so don't give me that bullshit. Go spend some time in the middle east or northern Africa and you will see for yourself.