So the question is... Is a person who has been transported the same person who left, or a copy?
And what happens when a transporter duplicates someone? One soul or two?
And I've seen references to the fact that a replicator uses "stock" to recreate its stuff... Is that what happens to all the waste?
If so... our dumps would become "prime" real estate if they ever do get a replicator working. Lots of raw materials there.
I don't think the Star Trek variety transporters are remotely possible, it would take unfathomable power to do what is done on TV. However a small,controllable wormhole could accomplish the same thing as a transporter. But the technology to control space-time at will is still a bit beyond us. :)