Question: The answer was that the reporters who assailed Reagan's howlers were empiricists, but Reagan himself was not.
Most reporters are empiricists.

Answer: it is not possible to tell

Question: He neglects, of course, the fact that the Internet began life as a federal defense project.
People wanted to use the internet to promote their companies.

Answer: it is not possible to tell

Question: Among the sickest patients waiting were some 12 who needed new heart valves.
Twelve patients were considered the sickest due to their need for new heart valves.

Answer:
yes