"There is already a movement afoot to standardize state and local sales taxes; the FairTax can realistically be expected to accelerate that trend."
If I understand this correctly, I must say that I am 100% opposed to this standardization. I would prefer that the states run their own business and allow me to chose which state is more deserving of my residence. That is one major improvement that can come about as a result of the NRST, increased competition for corporations and residents among the states. If your saying that the NRST could be a tool to standardize the state's tax policies, then I have to disagree with that aspect of the NRST.
"If I understand this correctly, I must say that I am 100% opposed to this standardization. I would prefer that the states run their own business and allow me to chose which state is more deserving of my residence."
You really make your residence decision on whether or not a certain state exempts certain types of products from its sales tax? If so, that is very unusual. States would still have the flexibility to set rates as they desire. They can even refuse to standardize as they see fit. However, it is to everyone's benefit that the myriad of differing sales tax rules by simplified.
However, like in most areas, the FairTax does not require standardization, just encourages it.