When asked if the Obama Administration was right to refuse to use the phrase "radical Islamic terrorism," Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) backed the White House because saying "Islamic Extremists" would anger the terrorists.
Lee said, "They're responsible for ensuring our national security. We have to be careful in our language and how we -- I don't want to see any more anger and hostility or violence in the world. Our response to terrorism is a response that makes us safer that begins to dismantle and degrade terrorist organizations, not create more havoc, anger, and hostility in the world."
The White House and Lee’s acquiescence to how they label America’s enemy has been the subject of much scrutiny and debate this week. The catered response signals a fear of ISIS, Al Qaeda, and their extremist allies.
This trepidation is only magnified when compared to the language used by America’s oldest ally, France. The French government has responded in a strong manner to radical Islam in both words and actions.
Following the horrifying attack on Charlie Hebdo, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls declared that France was now at war and would respond with tremendous force.
Valls said, "It is a war against terrorism, against jihadism, against radical Islam, against everything that is aimed at breaking fraternity, freedom, solidarity,"
Lee’s comments in support of the Administration are not surprising. She was the only member of Congress to vote against the authorization to use military force to invade Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks.
Lee, speaking to Chris Hayes on MSNBC, continued, "I have to just say to the President and the White Wouse they're absolutely correct. And I'm not even talking about being politically correct. I'm talking about in the context of our national security."