"This is the oath of the Pennsylvania Blue-collar Party caucus!"
The workers looked at each other's hands.
They were covered in grease, calluses, and scars.
That was their common language, a credential more reliable than any party charter.
"Now, some people want to stand in our way."
Leo's voice turned cold.
"Some are putting up roadblocks in Harrisburg, some are playing dirty tricks in Washington, and some want to starve us with that damn 'compliance'!"
"They think we're beggars. They think we'll get on our knees and beg them for handouts."
"They're wrong."
Leo pointed to the bustling river behind him, to the cargo being loaded onto ships.
"Tell Washington."
"Without people like us, the United States couldn't build a single inch of highway!"
"Without our steel, their buildings would collapse! Without our coal, their lights would go out!"
"We are done asking!"
"We demand a seat at the table!"
