TPS

Greece is constrained by being in the eu and adopting the euro; it's analogous to a us state that must balance its budget.We've always been in a position where the fed loans the us money, just not to the current degree. If there was an issue with selling tbills, one easy solution would be stop paying interest on bank reserves, which currently exceeds 1 trillion. The banks would then buy treasuries with their excess reserves. Once again, the key for fed govt deficits and debt is the direction of change. We are currently moving in the right direction with a falling ratio, and now that it's dropping below 4%, then the debt/GDP ratio will also decline.

I think I've said this before, the government like a corporation is an ongoing concern, so neither one has to ever pay back their debt until they are dissolved. As long as you can make your interest payments then you will be able to rollover debt in perpetuity.

that last part was directed at 3rdnlong.How much debt can one handle depends on their level of income.

Two points. How much debt any entity takes on is related to your income and assets. GDP is the ultimate source of taxes and ability to service that debt. Comparing it to GDP also normalizes for comparisons sake, which is why I brought up the Reagan comparison. A nominal number is pretty meaningless without some type of comparison. The key issue for deficits and debt are the trends. As the deficit ratio has been declining since the worst of the recession, and is now reaching a sustainable level (<4% of GDP), which means the Debt/GDP ratio will start to decline again. To 3rd, any discussion about usefulness and wastefulness will be based on subjective factors for the most part, so I do try to stick to more concrete issues. You stated several times that the Reps were tired of trillion dollar deficits, so I decided to point out they no longer exist, and in fact have been declining significantly for the past several years.

Yes, Miami hasn't shown much of a run game. However, as it's an away game, it should come down to another dog fight for the Bills, and the team that gets the lucky breaks will win. The Bills have shown that they can generate a decent running game against good run defenses, so that will help Thad in the passing game with play action. On D, the Fins have also given up a lot of sacks, and hopefully Gilmore and Byrd will be much better in this game. I like the match up and think the Bills squeak this one out, 23-20.

I guess changing the subject is an admission that you are wrong about trillion dollar deficits. I find it ironic that a conservative wants to argue one government's deficit spending is "better" than another's...

Final exact numbers aren't in for September, but it's estimated at $650 billion.If you want to compare nominal numbers to make a point, that's up to you. If you want to be honest, then this year's deficit as a percent of GDP will be 4%. This will put Obama on par with Reagan, who also experienced 5 years of Deficit/GDP ratios of 4% or greater during his 8 years in office (yes, I'm expecting the next 3 years to be less than 4%, just as the CBO projects).

We no longer have trillion dollar deficits. This year's fiscal year deficit is under $700 billion.

He confirmed my hunch from a couple weeks ago that Branch makes a huge difference in the run D.

I half suspect you are correct. On a positive note, here's more confirmation that Branch is a stabilizing force against the run.http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2013/10/15/bills-offseason-pickups-producing-on-d/

Almost a TD. He finally showed signs of life in this game. I like the idea of having Marquis and him on the outside, which should open up the inside. Great game yesterday, bummer about the outcome.

I predict the first TD bomb of the season for tj graham.

Finally got to see Buscaglia's ratings from Ravens game, and Branch did rate very well, better than any grade Carrington received from him in the first 3 games. He also mentions that Dareus played very well against the run too. Branch only had 28 snaps, but that probably had to do with the fact that the Ravens ran only 1-2 times in the second half. http://www.wgr550.com/Upon-Further-Review-Bills-vs-Ravens/17434479

I'm hoping Buscaglia's weekly all 22 evaluation will provide some insight.

Maybe you can answer my question about Branch. Does he deserve kudos for the run defense performance? Re Levitre, I'm in the camp that says you don't overpay for guards.

My impression (from a few plays where I remember seeing #90 stick out) was that Branch had a big part in the improvement of the run defense yesterday, and his play probably opened things up for Dareus, some. For anyone who analyzes the game (from taping it or All-22), did Branch make a difference (over Carrington)?

I was critical of Searcy last week, but re as a deep safety. I think he does great in Scott's old role. Leonard has filled in great, but Byrd is still needed as the last line of defense. I thought Hackett missed a great opportunity at the start of the second half to make a big play on a play fake. I'm surprised no one has mentioned Branch. I think he had a lot to do with Dareus having a big day and shutting down the run game. Good showing in general today.

I've always wondered if some people purposely try to bring down the level of discourse because TBD is the #1 Bills site. Of course, I also think Oswald was a patsy...

From Buffalo rumblings. Check slide 15. FJ is breaking free in the middle and begging for the ball... http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/9/26/4772898/bills-vs-ravens-2013-ej-manuel-vs-eight-man-pressure-fronts

If you like beer, it's "Buffalo Beer Week" which goes through the 29th. Check out the events here.

Searcy may be good in run support, but he sucks in deep coverage. At least Twice he got sucked in leaving Rogers on his own giving up two big plays. They miss Byrd.

(Awesome)2!!

The last several pieces have been written by bizarro Jerry. He can't keep this up. The real Jerry will show up again soon, very soon...

Just posted on BB.com. Love KW's ending. http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Bills-win-in-dramatic-fashion/f79934ae-0869-4376-8406-f3f3af65310b

I dont think anyone mentioned him yet, but Moats had another solid game.