Originally Posted by raymor

Yeah that was one product of Reagan era defense research. Previously DARPA had a primitive private network connecting a few dozen computers. During the Reagan years government research resulted in the Internet Protocol (IP). Instead of just a network connecting individual computers, it was developed into the inter-network, connecting the world's disparate private networks into one public internet. Also part of Reagan's R&D program was the R&D tax credit, the space station, a major physics boom ...

To criticize Reagan by saying there wasn't enough R&D in the 80s is like calling Clinton a prude. There are plenty of valid criticisms, but that claim is silly.