> Talk about government waste. <
Yep. A government that has no debt and is running a surplus can afford to fund optional programs. But we do not have such a government.
The argument can be made that such programs lead to technological breakthroughs. True enough. But you can do basic research without having to go to the Moon.
The money went to scientists, engineers, and manufacturers who, in turn, bought homes, raised families, and bought groceries and cars. The money was not wasted. It supported lives well spent.