The old newspaper mantra – “If it Bleeds, it Leads” – is very much alive and well in our modern media-saturated internet news fountains.
The news is noisier now than it was in the pre-internet days. More graphic. It is carefully distilled down into partial truths and almost always infected with a political agenda cloaked
as a “story.”
A savvy entrepreneur could make millions if he/she managed to build an honest news agency with a reputation for reporting events without spin.
It appears (at least to me) that today’s news outlets knit their narratives in such a way so as to plant in the minds of readers the suggestion that the American Experiment has failed; that the Creation* is dying.
One such narrative theme, served up almost daily in American news media, suggests acute racial disharmony. They want us to believe that Americans of different races do not and cannot get along.
This narrative is what I call (using the scientific term) B—S–T!
Here’s the truth. Every day in America, people of different races, ethnic heritages and religions transact with one another, in a million different ways, acts of kindness, generosity, friendship and love. But you are not likely to see THAT in the media headlines anytime soon.
Our Diversity Bean Salad celebrates this truth. It is a take on the old 3 bean salad idea that was an ever-present fixture of 1970s summer cookouts.
Have the kids help you make it – and tell them what it means.
Need This
1 – 15 ounce can of black beans
1 – 15 ounce can of white cannellini beans
1 – 15 ounce can of light red kidney beans
1 – 15 ounce can of yellow wax beans
1 medium size onion – chopped
1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley)
Salt
Ground black pepper (or cayenne pepper)
Marinade**
Do This
Drain the 4 cans of beans and give them a good rinse under clean cold water.
In a large bowl, add the beans, chopped onion and cilantro and mix thoroughly.
Add in your marinade and mix again. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well one more time then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour – longer is better.
Serve chilled.
Serves 4. My Cost Approx. $4.93 total – about $1.23 per serving.
*July 4th, 1776 is the birthdate of the “Creation” a common early reference to the newly formed American nation.
**The traditional 3 bean salad marinade was an overly sweet combination of sugar (about 1/2 cup),
white vinegar (about 2/3 cup) and vegetable oil (about 1/3 cup). This is way too sweet for my taste.
I used the leftover marinade from a jar of marinated olives which was excellent. Balsamic vinegar
and olive oil would be another great choice – your call. GMN