Python won't import time

Here's my file in full:

import time

      

        
        
        
      

    

When I run it, or any import statement, I get:

import: unable to open X server `' @ error/import.c/ImportImageCommand/366.

      

        
        
        
      

    

I am running it from ssh into a virtual machine with Ubuntu 12.04.03

. python

- v2.7

. When I run the script in the terminal using the UI Ubuntu

, I get the mouse cross cursor as if it wants to capture the screen. When I click, the program ends.

Why import time

access any user interface function?

The scripts I'm trying to write / run are basic text processing and a bunch of command line commands. no user interface features.

Thank!