FORWARD Four Bean Pasta Salad

http://www.democrats.org/democratic-national-platform

Today, our economy is growing again, al-Qaeda is weaker than at any point since 9/11, and our manufacturing sector is growing for the first time in more than a decade. But there is more we need to do, and so we come together again to continue what we started. We gather to reclaim the basic bargain that built the largest middle class and the most prosperous nation on Earth – the simple principle that in America, hard work should pay off, responsibility should be rewarded, and each one of us should be able to go as far as our talent and drive take us.

http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2012/09/04/13656929-a-record-to-run-on?lite 

Often, the Republican line takes the opposite tack -- Obama has done too much, approving too many policies that are too progressive. Ryan is now saying, in effect, "Never mind all of those accomplishments we condemned, the new line is the accomplishments don't exist."

People can and should argue about whether Obama's successes have been worthwhile, whether they were ambitious enough, and whether they were effective, but whether one approves of the president or not, the fact remains the successes are real.

FORWARD Four Bean Pasta Salad
18 servings, 1/2 cup each 

Look forward to a long life, beginning with the next four years, eating delicious, healthy foods.

2 cups whole wheat macaroni, uncooked
1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed, cut in half
3/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup light Italian dressing
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 can (15 oz.) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz.) light kidney beans, rinsed and drianed
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red onion, chopped

Cook pasta as directed, adding green beans to the water during last 2 minutes.  Drian; rinse with cold water and drain again.

Whisk mayonnaise, dressing and dill in large bowl.  Add macaroni mixture and remaining ingredients.  Gently toss to combine.

Refrigerate 2 hours to blend flavors.  Stir gently before serving.

Tip:
You can always use white macaroni, regular mayo and regular dressing in this recipe, but why would you with all of those other healthy ingredients?  This is one of those salads that tastes good prepared the usual way or the healthy way.