YouTube - sort of a cesspit of info - tells people how to be disrepsectful of police officers while also staying wihtin the boundaries of the law. On the other hand, more and more videos are being added each month of police officers who abuse their position and abuse the general public, and the news outlets pick up on it. When was the last time you saw the media do a positive story on a police officer? They're rare, but stories of bad cops abound.
I agree with your post also. You HAVE to show respect. Although it is a 2 way street. If you don't show any, don't expect any. I have no problem with that.