The camera never stops rolling

Editorial: Even when the cameras aren't rolling, never assume that no one is looking.
On Monday, news broke that Iowa Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix resigned just hours after footage taken earli-er this month at a Des Moines bar showed him kissing a lobbyist surfaced.
Dix is not the first and like-ly won't be the last public figure to be recorded on film or audio acting in a manner contrary to what is expected of a person in his or her posi-tion. With technology to easi-ly record and take pictures readily available to almost anyone, instances of politi-cians, athletes and people with any sort of celebrity misbehaving on camera or audio have become more common.
While celebrities are people too and have their own lives outside of their platform, it is not unreasonable for the pub-lic to expect people of influ-ence to lead by example. A common argument against these videos and following repercussions is that these people shouldn't have to be worried about constant sur-veillance. While privacy in one's home should never be violated, a public figure, es-pecially a politician, should be aware of his or her actions out in public.
It's disheartening to see someone with a high profile act poorly, regardless of polit-ical affiliation. Often times, these public figures are people who have gained popularity and support by endearing themselves to the public.
When these videos feature politicians, the disappoint-ment increases. Politicians are people that are in their posi-tions because they have built and were elected on a platform that should reflect an individ-ual's moral standing and sys-tem of beliefs. Videos and audio such as the one featur-ing Dix break the trust of those who elected our leaders and lead to questions of au-thenticity and sincerity.
Comments on social media posts regarding Dix's resigna-tion run the gamut that typi-cally follow scandals. Some commend Dix for his decision while others take the stance that the video was recorded with the sole intention on ousting Dix from his posi-tion. Some have even blamed the lobbyist. Regardless of one's opinions on the manner, it's important to look at what was recorded. As a married man with three kids, Dix's actions showed a disregard for his family. As a politician, he should know that he is a rep-resentative for Iowans and while he may not have been on official business when the video was taken, his stand-ings as a public figure, and more importantly, a husband and father, do not end even if it seems as though no one is looking.