"yep, I will defend those that are being attacked, particularly those that get attacked merely for disagreeing with the popular opinion"
Here's a suggestion:
I'd feel a lot more like defending someone who disagrees with popular opinion if they would take the "high road", treated others with respect, and did not belittle or direct sarcasm towards the person they feel is attacking them for holding an unpopular opinion.
I would think that there are other people who would feel that way too.