From the article:

[Consider: The space program of the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s catalyzed the communications satellite and electronics miniaturization revolutions, unleashed environmental awareness via the first color pictures of our fragile home planet, and perched satellites in high orbit to transform weather forecasting. Each of these developments became a signature element of 21st century life, with enormous economic and social benefits.]

But the thing is, is that it DID that. There was indeed a boom in technology then, unfortunately many today that were not even born during Apollo just seem to take it for granted OR the fact that they know but are too busy with their everyday lives and are not being tallied into the spaceflight interest groups (believe me they will when their kids are in school).

I wholeheartedly agree with these as being priorities:

1. Hazards and Earth's climate changes and monitoring.

2. Exploration and discovery would boost our technological fronts as well as science (physical, geological and even biological). With the knowledge we've gained through our satellites, there's no reason why we shouldn't be able to go beyond.