To the editor:

I am a Democrat. I am not voting for Donald Trump. But I take this opportunity to heap a mountain of praise on a Republican who, unlike the GOP nominee, showed great integrity when faced with a challenge to our very democracy, a more fragile entity than people who watch such things truly understand. And Donald Trump’s unfettered, ill-considered rants, and those of many of his supporters, are just that: a threat to a democracy that is more fragile than he seems to understand. Does he even care?

Then there’s Mike Pence, Trump’s running mate, who does care. When a rowdy supporter at a rally a few days ago suggested a “revolution” — and make no mistake, she meant an violent revolution similar to the one that threw out the British more than 200 years ago if Hillary Clinton prevails — Mike Pence stood tall and said, emphatically, “No!”

Back when Al Gore lost to George Bush in what many Democrats thought was a rigged outcome, endorsed by a partisan Supreme Court, Gore stepped back, for the good of our democracy, and said, “OK.” No claims of a “rigged election”; no talk of revolution. Mike Pence stood tall and did the same, for the good of our democracy’s health and long-term well-being. He understands. He has integrity. He loves America.

So, from this die-hard Democrat, I offer this in all sincerity: “Thank you Mike Pence. Thank you.”

Oh, and a wish: That your running mate was listening.

Malcolm Gibson,

Lawrence