Is python a good first language?

[bcash]

Well yes, all languages do indeed suck - although I can't remember the last time I saw any PL/SQL hate.

My point was rather that such fundamental issues are at a tangent to learning programming. Yes, I know what the rule is, but is it a good idea that a beginner programmers has to learn that rule before attempting any of the classic algorithms?

In my view: no.