the term “Fair Tax” is an oxymoron, there is no way a tax is fair.
Some taxes are “fairer” than others. The Libertarian in me wants to agree with you that there is “no way a tax is fair.” However, since the dawn of civilized society, there have been taxes collected to pay for necessary government services.
I am in the camp of “taxes are necessary to support a civilized society” but are absolutely not legitimate to serve as a means for “social engineering” or to establish “social justice.”
After we settle the “how do we raise funds necessary for government,” we can have the “proper role of government” debate.
What we are about with the FairTax is raising funds for the legitimate functions of government in the most fair and equitable manner that can be devised.
And, the answer is, a flat rate sales tax.
EVERYBODY pays the same rate, thus fulfilling the Constitutional requirement that all Americans be treated equally under the law.
Here is the FairTax FRequently Asked Questions response to your comment:
“Yes, the FairTax is fair, and in fact, much fairer than the income tax. Wealthy people spend more money than other individuals. They buy expensive cars, big houses, and yachts. They buy filet mignon instead of hamburger, fine wine instead of beer, designer dresses, and expensive jewelry. The FairTax taxes them on these purchases. If, however, they use their money to build job-creating factories, finance research and development to create new products, or fund charitable activities (all of which help improve the standard of living of others), then those activities are not taxed.”
See http://www.fairtax.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FAQs for more Q&As re:FairTax.