Fair? Sales tax is the ultimate regressive tax, i.e. falls disproportionately on those with lower incomes. Those who are poor or just-barely-getting-by middle classers aren't socking their money into investments or 401Ks. They are paying bills and buying things.

But, as I said, in England, life's necessities are not taxed. So if you want the luxery items and can afford them, you can afford the VAT. In England, income tax - what they take off the top - is a lot lower than it is in the states. At least it was when I was living there.