float / double support in Python?

[Brian Quinlan]

> Points taken.  But my point is, the leaner Python is, the closer you
can
> get to low level before having to switch over.

OK.

> Ergo, it makes sense to support all basic machine types.

That doesn't follow. 

Supporting a basic machine type (in a zero-overhead fashion) would
require an amazing amount of effort for a language like Python. That
effort would be better directed to features that more of the community
is interested in.

Cheers,
Brian