I wrote the book 'Proof of Nothing' (PentaPublishing, 2000) in which evidence is shown that zero is here to stay.
I later learned that Gödel showed something quite similar, but from a different perspective.
I was quite impressed with the Maya when I heard they have used zero about 2000 years ago already.
History is full of folks placing zero value on others, unfortunately, Dr. Rich. I long for a better, smarter world.