Whether or not rye and whiskey (whisky for our Canadian friends) are the same is a question that will get different answers depending on who you ask.
Why do we call Scotch 'Scotch' instead of just calling it 'whiskey'? Or Bourbon?
Seems to me that the more specific names are used when it's important to the 'speaker' make a distinction.
Personally, I prefer a bit of rye blended with my corn squeezins.