I think that it's telling that they seem to think that what that cop did will teach some "respect".

Quite the opposite in my opinion. Personally, I figure that the respect you give is the respect that you show. Show disrespect to me, I won't respect you. Simple. I treat cops on a case-by-case basis, and try to have a camera (phone) handy. It seems to get respect form the cops, and I don't have to get violent with them

Also ironic that the people that we authorize to use violence to ensure that our rights and freedoms aren't violated are totally willing to violate those very rights and freedoms. Power man, trippy stuff.