Liberia, Aug. 11 -- Throughout Liberia's history, the collective power of the people has shaped the direction of our nation. Sometimes, that power has been used constructively to solve national problems. At other times, it has contributed to instability, destruction, and human suffering. Our history teaches us an important lesson: when Liberians unite around a common cause, their collective actions can produce enormous consequences - for good or for evil.

The 1979 Rice Riot demonstrated the strength of collective public action. What began as opposition to a proposed increase in the price of rice quickly developed into a national political crisis. The riot exposed deep social and economic inequalities and contributed to the conditions tha...