But unless it’s very carefully implemented, a consumption tax (national sales tax) will hurt those at the bottom of the pay scale. Middle class on down...
The upper class can afford a sales tax as a percentage of their pay way more than someone in middle or lower classes. It depends on how wide the base is. There would need to be lots of exemptions for all sorts of “necessities”.
You can say that about the current system too.
Its the middle classes that pay, the rich (minimal) and the bottom do not. Its that way by design!
A consumption tax would get the “off-the books” market as well as put everyone’s skin to a greater or lessor degree into the game. Right now the too many people who vote are NOT effected by the outcomes of their vote because of that lack of skin! They can afford fanciful notions because it doesn’t affect them.