"I believe the Fairtax rate would start at about 42-45% (exclusive, expressed as a normal sales tax), and quickly move much higher as the taxable consumption base evaporates... "
Too, too funny!!! But at least it a bit less than one of the FairTax opponents has cited of a "94%" tax rate ... but we notice this poster thinks it will "... quickly move higher... " so perhaps he's trying to say "94%" without saying "94%".
And in any event, all without any sort of reputable economic study backing it up. The FairTax OTOH has many such studies all coming in at a revenue neutral rate of around 23% (and even that may be higher than necessary).
Studies paid for by the FairTax organization. BTW, have those studies been released yet or are we still relying on the FairTaxers to accurately quote from the studies?
Your entire post, when stripped of the irrelevant comments is that I have not commissioned a study to back up my thinking, and that the FairTax organization has done such studies. But there are a number of economists and studies who have said the same things I am saying. So, your point is wrong.