C can be good for introductory programming classes at the college level because it also teaches you about how computers work.... but for kids I think a higher level language like python is a good starting point.

I personally don't like python for numerous personal reasons... but I'm teaching my son Python as his first computer language for the simple reason that there's a very good kid's programming book out there, and it uses python: "Hello World! Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners"

link: http://www.manning.com/sande/

The link above has some sample chapters to look at.

I've also set him up with Ubuntu to learn with. Ubuntu has a lot of free educational software (with the edUbuntu bundle), runs very well on a cheap netbook, and the unix security model keeps him from installing tons of junk programs off the web that cripples his computer. Though it would be nice if ubuntu had some of the OS X parental controls... especially with email and chat.

I want to be able to open up the doors on the messed-up US immigration system and bring more talent into the US. Because that talent creates wealth, here in the US, where I live. I also want to open it up to unskilled laborers because hard work creates wealth too.

But on the other side I want to be able to move to other countries and have rights to own properties and have the same legal rights as natives there. I want to be entitled to basic human rights and rights to the property that I bring with me. In return, I'll bring money with me, when I retire, to places like Mexico. Or maybe I'll work from home and move south from LA to Baja and make my money go further. And I'll take that money that I bring with me, and I'll spend it. And if other Americans come with me, that will pump lots of money into depressed areas.

If we have free trade in goods with NAFTA, why can't we have free trade in labor??