SS,
First off I did not say that the mandatory increaes were the only problem.
It is real simple. Do nothing and let the economy go into one of the biggest recessions in history. How big would the deficit be had the economy not turned around?
Lets take your scenario and increase taxes and see what happens. Spending would have increased had GW and congress not spent dime. Taxes would have to increase because collections would have been through the floor.
You history buffs should read up on Abes activites during the war. I'll let you off the first time because you are ignorant. Next time you will just be stupid as usual.