The politicians will never eliminate withholding. As for the notion people don't know much sales tax they pay, of course we do. Its upfront in the price of every good since its tacked after the price is set. At that point, one decides if an item is worth getting even with the tax. If its too onerous, one can simply refuse to buy. Therein lies the beauty of the Fair Tax. The power to supply government with increased revenue rests with you and your decision on whether or not to make a purchase. You refuse, the government doesn't get paid. Whereas in contrast under the income tax, you have to pay regardless of the state of the economy or you don't like what happens with the money. The power belongs to the IRS and its jack-booted goons. If we're discussing true accountability, no question in my mind at all - the Fair Tax is the way to go.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
Therein lies the beauty of the Fair Tax. The power to supply government with increased revenue rests with you and your decision on whether or not to make a purchase. You refuse, the government doesn't get paid. Under the FairTax the decision to not pay government is tied to the decision to not make a purchase. If the government doesn't get paid, neither does the business owner, nor the producers of the products and services not purchased.
It is impossible to impact one, without impacting the other. Ultimately, that's all of us.