By Bill Hurley

It was a very difficult week for Wisconsin educators, public sector workers and millions of citizens. Not only did the Republicans in the state legislature pass an oppressive budget that slashes school budgets and undercuts essential public services, the State Supreme Court cleared the way for a law that strips Wisconsin educators and public employees of their collective bargaining rights.

Emotions ran high on Tuesday as protesters gathered outside the Capitol to let legislators know that these actions are unjust, violate the values of Wisconsin, and will not stand.

As the rally came to an end, literally thousands of people joined hands, walked up the steps to the Capitol, spread out and formed a huge human ring around our majestic building, chanting and singing in solidarity. It was a sight I have never before seen in Madison, and it was truly moving.

The media did not cover this moment. But we did. With video camera in hand, I walked all the way around the Capitol to capture these determined faces and their alternately angry and introspective messages. The video embedded below only just begins to capture the deep emotions of that event. But be sure to watch it to the end as this seemingly endless circle of unified people join in singing "We Shall Overcome," a song that perfectly sets the tone for shifting focus from the difficult battles behind us to the many victories that lie ahead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGerYVIF9o0