Do any of you recommend Python as a first programming language?

[Jeff Schwab]

Larry Bates wrote:
> jmDesktop wrote:
>> For students 9th - 12th grade, with at least Algebra I.  Do you think
>> Python is a good first programming language for someone with zero
>> programming experience?  Using Linux and Python for first exposure to
>> programming languages and principles.
>>
>> Thank you.
> 
> ABSOLUTELY.  Get them started with a REAL programming language that will
> teach them proper fundamentals.  I wish Python would have been around 25
> years ago when I taught incoming Freshmen at local University.  To get
> students to understand about variable references, etc.

What do you mean by "variable references," and how are they used in Python?