Hidden camera activists begin to release footage

Whether a group of secret-camera-wielding activists actually had any noteworthy videos of Texas Legislators was in question until last week.

The controversial American Phoenix Foundation released its first round of videos -- one of which shows a House Republican allegedly intoxicated and belligerent after a floor session, and another with a caption suggesting a House Democrat had interactions with a crime family (though he has since claimed it was an embellishment in casual conversation).

Some donors have pulled funding from the group. And even the conservative-leaning Breitbart Texas has agreed to not publish the videos. However, the 836 hours of video the group claims to have taken are likely to surface as campaigns for re-elections mount. It's best our readers be aware.

What do you think of the American Phoenix Foundation? Are their activities discouraging legislators from interacting with the general public? Is secret camera footage driving unethical behavior further away from journalists and citizen watchdogs? Or are these videos finally bringing the truth to light?

Let us know your opinion.