Friday marked the end of an era, one I’m sure we’re all sad to see pass. That’s right — the impeachment trial of William Jefferson Clinton is over.

Let us all take a moment of silence to reflect.

OK, now that that’s over, let’s take a moment to look back and laugh at what was undoubtedly one of the stupidest moments in American politics.

Did we learn anything from the Clinton impeachment and trial?

Heck yeah. We learned things we already suspected and things we never wanted to know.

So, in no particular order, here is my top ten list of Things We Learned During the Impeachment.

1. Bill Clinton is a bit of a sleaze.

Just in case anybody didn’t know this going into the hearings, our president is in fact a little shady. Cheating (or whatever it was he did) on your wife does not constitute a high crime, but it’s still pretty dismaying that the commander in chief would stoop so low.

2. Hillary Clinton is a classy lady.

Hillary did the politically savvy thing by not only standing by Bill but helping him from behind the scenes to beat the articles of impeachment. But she has never allowed herself to look weak or wounded and has kept her head held high in what must be an unbelievably difficult period in her life.

Makes you wonder which half of this relationship should have run for president in the first place.

3. The “American People” don’t much care about anything related to politics.

Yes, I already figured this to be true. But the fact that a president could be impeached and actually have his opinion polls go up is beyond belief.

4. The Independent Counsel Act should be abolished.

That’s right, Ken Starr. The Clinton/Lewinsky debacle would have never surfaced if it hadn’t been for you greatly overstepping the bounds of your authority.

(It also wouldn’t have happened if Clinton weren’t a sleaze. See no. 1.)

5. As long as your “youthful indiscretions” happened at least 30 years ago, you’re in the clear.

The adulterous affair of House Judiciary Committee Chairman Henry Hyde was ignored immediately upon its discovery, which is as it should be. But there was still enough time for Hyde to say something stupid.

Writing off an affair as a “youthful indiscretion” was in poor taste and, frankly, impeached the opinion and judgment of Rep. Hyde.

6. If your “youthful indiscretions” happened within the last ten years, you’re toast.

It’s too bad Bob Livingston had to sacrifice his political career because of his extramarital affair. He should have realized that the public doesn’t care about politician’s private lives.

7. The House of Representatives may be a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.

With Hyde and his cronies pushing through an impeachment verdict that was in no way proven, the House made a name for itself that it might not live down for a while. (The constant bickering was fun, though.)

8. Monica Lewinsky is all grown up.

The 25-year-old former intern has seen it all and has lived to tell about it.

In her Senate trial testimony, she was calm and collected. Now she stands to make a fortune off her upcoming tell-all book.

What you did was dumb, honey, but good luck anyway.

9. Linda Tripp will never redeem her tarnished image.

Linda, your problems aren’t the media’s fault. They’re your fault. Stop taping your friends.

10. William H. Rehnquist is a funny guy.

From his strange striped gown to his references to himself as “the chair,” Chief Justice Rehnquist kept senators and humor columnists rolling in the aisles during the hearings.

But his finest moment was during Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott’s presentation to Rehnquist of a “golden gavel” plaque, which is given for presiding over the Senate for 100 hours.

Lott said, “I’m not sure it quite reached a hundred hours, but it’s close enough.”

In response, Rehnquist said, “It seems like it.”

No kidding.

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Sara Ziegler is a junior in journalism and mass communication from Sioux Falls, S.D.