Morality by Respect firstly you are correct when you say "Respect for this, respect for that, respect for the other, drains respect of its power." I had know that. I should have made it more clear that the list is of things we could respect, and to different degrees. We tend to respect our frends more than strangers.
Secondly, no we don't all respect the law or criminals would not be a thing. The government dose want to dictate our morals but thay know there is a point where they can't cross without protests and/or a revolt. A revolt is a sign of disrespect for the government. So yes the law is one factor but not the only one.