The US has varied rates on ST based on state (for example, in New Jersey: its somewhere around 6.6%) but that in itself is nowhere close to an actual country (like, Norway imposes 25% VAT on everything nationwide, its included in the final price) but taxes in general are intended to fund roads, education, infrastructure, etc. (this is something all countries have) and taxes are deducted when you receive your paycheck.
The difference is that Norway imposes 25% VAT (whatever the price is, includes tax) for a reason: to maintain high quality standard of living (it explains why you don’t hear stories of medical or student debt as much) as their public services are funded from high taxes imposed towards citizens. While in the US: sales tax is only added upon checkout, but what do you receive from the government in return after paying taxes?
Sales tax is a bad tax if it applies to necessities, because it unfairly punishes low income earners. In my opinion sales tax on luxury items makes sense. Those who have disposable income to by a super car, or yacht, etc should pay a huge tax…or just roll it all into income tax without loopholes.
Alberta doesn’t have Sales tax.
British Columbia has it but not on grocery food items, nor on clothing for youth.