How did you ever derive that from what I stated? Buying less and making things last longer, not getting goods that are overpriced for endorsements or whatever, and shifting to made-in-USA preferences will cut down on frivolous purchases, but do NOTHING to improve ones standard of living.
Supply and demand will keep the cost of things in line.
“How did you ever derive that from what I stated?”
Quite simply, I used your own words: “As far as merchandise is concerned, folks will have to buy less, which is better if what they’re buying is made in the USA. Maybe they’ll decide (gasp) that they’ll have to get sneakers without LeBron’s name on them or get a minimal cell phone plan. Free antenna TV is not the end of the world. Perhaps if technology, clothes, furniture (etc) cost more, folks will make what they have last longer.”
You’re saying that people should be willing to pay more for US produced products even if that means they won’t be able to afford to buy as many goods. Explain why someone should want to pay more for a product when an equivalent product is available for a significantly reduced price. Why should someone want their family to reduce their lifestyle so someone else can improve theirs?
people should make do with less lowering their standard of living. If they would only forgo certain purchases then they will be able to afford tariff protected products.