I like the idea of a flat tax, and have no idea what am adequate rate would be. To me, though, if you want to sell the idea of tax reform to an apathetic audience, you eliminate payroll deductions and have workers write a check every month for their tax burden. There would be clamor for reform within three months, especially when those that actually have to pay taxes see those that do not. This would also lead to demands for shrinking the size of the government.
Even those who do not pay would still have to write those monthly checks and then wait until the end of the year for Uncle Sam to send it back to them.