You don't think that those older than you, who can at least claim to having lived longer, deserves respect? That was a common theme where I was from. Even an upperclassman who only had a year on you should still be addressed respectfully, sometimes whether they earned it or not.
It's often difficult to talk to those in a position of power if you're not confident. Personally, I'm happy here, and I think some of the things people have done in the past are awful, and put us all at risk, yet, they seem to think they're doing it for the greater good of everyone. It's all perspective of what those things might be.