"perhaps something that will benefit all like stem cell research."

Stem cells do NOT benefit all people, just those with cancer or other health problems (only a small segment of society). Now, why poor people's money be going to support richer people with cancer? Don't you think there are more important things for THEM, like food etc. Check out the argument below

While in no way should the government stop scientists from conducting any and all types of research, funding for stem cell research is wrong not only because it forces some taxpayers to act against their own morals, but because it skews the activity of the brightest minds towards stem cells, when other fields may be more promising and or interesting. Stem cell research would be funded by private organizations anyway, since there are numerous charities devoted to cancer and health. There are far fewer charities devoted to theoretical physics, for reasons which I do not quite understand.

Some of my friends have been arguing over at Argumentum, so I'm more likely to respond there (link below).