It’s ISIS, Not ISIL, Congresswoman!

By Isabel Matos

Nice life, Congresswoman, but something is wrong. Maybe a little intervention is just what is in order right now for some political clarity. I will do you a favor and provide useful information anyone can find. (By the way, readers, I know it’s “Not ISIL”, not “no ISIL” but there’s a reason for it being spelled that way.)

Intentionally or not, you have been referring to a group of terrorists in Iraq and Syria as ISIL, not ISIS, a distinction easy to find. As Allen West points out:

ISIL refers to a group of terrorists that has professed the establishment of an Islamic caliphate that refers to itself as IS (Islamic State).

We should all be referring to the savage and barbaric group as ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) and not ISIL (The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant).

Allen West explains how White House spokesmen, Josh Earnest, and Rear Admiral Kirby from the Pentagon, as well as other voices out of the Obama administration, use the term ISIL and why these distinctions matter:

First, if you choose to refer to this group as ISIL, you have basically rewritten the map of the Middle East and fallen into the trap of not recognizing the existence of Israel and also of Lebanon. If you use ISIL you are then validating the Islamic totalitarian and jihadist claim that the modern day Jewish State of Israel is an occupation state and does not exist in the eyes of Muslims. He continues here:

Second, if you fall into the trap of referring to this group as IS, you have validated the existence of an Islamic caliphate and through your words lend it recognition and credibility.

West concludes:

Lastly, we need to address this group as ISIS because it is seeking to establish an Islamic state within the borders of two recognized nation-states; Iraq and Syria. ISIS can attempt to break down any borders and not recognize them, but we must. We cannot allow this group to reestablish some 7th century regional caliphate and therefore must fight to reestablish sovereignty…

There is an opportunity here to truly promote a country where there can be respect and coexistence of Muslims, Christians, and other religious minorities. A place that would thoroughly reject the idea of Islamic jihadism and would continue to be a reliable ally of the United States. Read the entire article plus a video explanation here.

I know you believe in Israel and the importance of sending the correct message to terrorists that we do NOT dismiss them or that we would EVER intentionally use the term to imply support of the establishment of a caliphate that calls itself an Islamic state. I know that. But as Chairman of the Middle East and North African committee you should know the difference. In case that information did not get to you (in July), I sent you a tweet last week about ISIS vs. ISIL:

@larryelder @RosLehtinen FYI

— isabelmmatos (@isabelmmatos) September 18, 2014

Terminology: "ISIS" vs "ISIL" (The Term Obama Uses) What's the Difference? #isis #iraq pic.twitter.com/VhOLHiVWB3

— Larry Elder (@larryelder) July 6, 2014

I also took the time to make a clip (in Spanish and English for the locals to hear) to show that you have used the term ISIL instead of ISIS in at least three interviews, including in a segment on a recent appearance on Jose Diaz-Balart’s show on none other than MSNBC. Maybe it was an oversight on your part, but it leaves me wondering why you would having missed such an important point being in a prominent position on foreign policy matters.

I also added in the clip your explanations for having voted against ending DACA, Obama’s illegal amnesty, none of which made sense to me. When you consider praise from LaRaza for work done in favor of amnesty as reason for celebration and joy, I know something is wrong. You’re out of touch. Your job is to protect us, not push the legalization of illegals, which by the way, are part of the Mexican Cartel who have been chatting with ISIS, the group you refuse to identify as such. Calling it immigration reform is an insult to our intelligence. WE KNOW you’re wrong. Who do you represent? Jeb Bush or us?

We will need new leadership in Miami if the Republicans we have continue a communist-enabling (suicide) mission. Enough!

I extend an invitation (and a request for a reply) for a meeting or interview, Congresswoman. In case you missed my visit or the note I left at your office:

Dear Ileana,

Please grant me an interview. I would present you with facts, not opinion, about AMNESTY, to show it is a communist-driven agenda. I’m not alone complaining you’re inaccessible.

Thank you.

Isabel