What's the big deal about embryonic stem cells?

I've heard about embryonic stem cell research being legalized. I'm all for stem cell research, considering the ways they can help people. However, I know there are other ways to get stem cells, like from the umbilical cord after birth. I know that cord or adult stem cells are multipotent (rather than totipotent or pluripotent) and far more limited in their development than embryonic stem cells, but with research those barriers could probably be surped without continuing something as controversial as the embryonic research. What do you think?