So my 2 cents for what they are worth.

Python is one of the best starting languages out there, its very simple and it forces you to use good practices. If you are dedicated you could learn it really fast (I learned most of it in a week or two when i was 14).

Java is the next step up. Its a much more powerful language and it has a lot more support and its only a bit harder (I learned it last week, 1 week total, but i know 5 languages now so...)

Granted im talking syntax and basic concepts like objects and data structures and conditions. OOP design and implementation takes practice, patience, and curiosity as everyone else before me has said.

So if your looking to go with Java C++ and C, from personal experience Java is the best starting spot. If you're looking for a development platform, Fedora Core has a version of Eclipse development suite specifically modded for Java thats pretty hot and very nice, dunno what windows or mac offers.

again, just my 2 cents from 4 years of programming