Just remember the computer you’re in front of would be at least 20 years away without the space program. Not to mention the fact that it is inevitable that someway somehow we’re going to lose the rock and if we don’t have a sustainable subsection of humanity elsewhere everything else we did doesn’t matter. It’s not a waste, it’s survival. There’s plenty of other stupid programs to cut, this one needs a massive increase, space is what matters.
Space exploration indeed had a role and we’ve reaped the rewards in terms of technology, but advances are continuing to be made.
If we as a country weren’t teetering on implosion, had our fiscal matters in order, secured our borders and adequately funded and manned our military, perhaps we could pursue ventures like moon villages. But currently we have more pressing priorities.