(1) A caller complained that, under the fair tax, old people will have to pay taxes. It’s fair that the old don’t have to pay but the young do have to pay taxes. So he refers to equal, universal taxation as unfair. Those who benefit unfairly from the current system will never support any kind of flat tax or equal treatment under the law. These people must be out-voted or overpowered. Privilege breeds resentment by those with and those without the special “rights”. No wonder older people are treated so poorly in our society.
(2) People say the 23% will be added to existing prices. They can only think of one sound bite at a time. The embedded taxes, which will disappear, are invsible to them. The main problem with the fair tax is that it seeks to be revenue neutral, instead of decreasing the tax burden and increasing liberty and prosperity.
(3) Opponents of fairness say the fair tax will disproportionately affect the poor. That’s true. They will benefit the most. Poor people will have more money to spend and become more independent. The fair tax encourages saving because you don’t get taxed until you spend the money. And you’ll have more money to spend. Prices will be the same because the fair tax is revenue neutral. Drug dealers and those paid under the table will also be disproportionately affected. They will have to pay the same tax rate as everyone whereas now they pay nothing.
(4) I don’t like the prebate. It’s a form of welfare. I fear many people will quit their jobs and live off the prebate. It’s more than most welfare, food stamps, aid to dependent children, etc., than is available now.

Here’s my plan. Keep it simple based on first principles. 10% on everything with no exceptions for products or consumers. This is not revenue neutral because it would increase revenue, which lower tax rate have proven to do time and again. The only welfare would be from private charities. But once you make an exception, for food or nonprofits, it’s not fair anymore and it’s not simple for merchants to collect. But when’s the last time the privileged few stood on principle?