If we must be taxed, an income tax does seem to be a fairer way of taxing people. However, I would use a proportional (flat) tax instead of a progressive tax. As far as I'm concerned, people paying a flat tax really are paying their fair share of income.
I used to think that too. When I was involved with California's Prop. 13, a bunch of us would get together and ruminate over different ways to tax. The flat tax's advantage is that it is simple It's disadvantage is, that if truly flat, it will not raise enough income under present spending laws. Again, it does get back to the 16th Amendment and its open language. The Amendment places no limit on Congress to spend in relation to income or debt. In the end, one returns to a progressive tax. It really is the most "fair". That is, taxes will a discomfort, but not a pain and the government will have the needed funds to carry out its duties and obligations of a "Superpower".
I don't mind paying a % or two above a flat tax , to be the biggest, meanest MF in the "Valley of the Shadow of Death" that this World will be for Centuries to come.