Python or Java?

Recently, on another blog, I asked for advice on what language to teach my 13-year old son.

The answer came through loud and clear. Python. So, while I'm not a programmer myself, I have a soft spot in my heart for Python.

However, I've always heard that Java is far more commonly used, and more useful on more platforms, than Python. So I was a bit surprised when Larry Williams, a self-confessed "Java guy," reviewed Python development tools and decided to switch, at least for his Linux desktop work, from Java to Python.

I know that your choice of desktop development tool is always going to be a matter of personal preference. You use what you know best, what you're most familiar with. But, all things being even, which will it be -- Java or Python?