Things are moving.

I think the public's perception can be changed if the information was better.
For instance: the HST was a great PR opportunity for NASA, because there was a great communicator down the line.
The other space telescopes could inspire us as much if they had as good PR means as the HST. The VLT's pictures could be as fascinating as the HST's, if the ESO had better PR.
And this could help accepting not to service HST anymore.
Going back to the Moon would not require new technological developments as it was the case in the 60's. It's not going to cost one trillion dollars and anyway the money will be spread over a number of years.

Raoul