[hedgetrimmer]

By interfering with legitimate trade between countries

That's exactly what the WTO does!

you increase the power of the political class to control production, distribution and pricing,

Who is the "political class" in your example? I am not familiar with the term.

Trade will happen whether you like it or not

Whether I like it or not?

. It is a direct transfer of money from consumers to those families.

A tariff does not directly transfer any money to any citizen. It does however make sure that there is a competitive leveling. It also helps to relieve the tax burden on every citizen, whether they are the producer or not. What is wrong with that?

BTW you haven't shown what is free about free trade.

[Shisan]

You have become silly and disingenuous. You want the gummint to set prices? OK. I'll let you. Then you will find out what the "political class" is.
Protectionism increases the power of the state.