We often thank our lucky stars – and affinity for slacking – that we don't work at NY Times. Our thanks get a capital 'T' today, because it sounds like there's about to be a full blown war at the famed paper.

Gawker continues to follow up on the whole "Times photo director may or may not have called photo editor a faggot" story and reveals some real gems (except for whether or not the scandal actually went down).

First, the "faggot" "photo editor" clocks in as a lowly freelancer (poor sucker – oops). Second, a source says the flinger of faggot, a one Michelle McNally, won't suffer any disciplinary action. Third, there's an angry letter going around the office – someone's calling for gay mutiny.

From a concerned journo to his or her less concerned journos:

Dear Colleagues,

One of our freelancers has accused his boss, a masthead editor, of calling him a fag or a faggot. So far, as I understand it, The Times has conducted an investigation, and the only action it's taken is to put some sort of letter in the masthead editor's personnel file.

I don't think this is an appropriate punishment. If The Times means what it says about fairness and diversity, then it's got to put some teeth into its policies. And a slap on the wrist won't do it.

The Times has zero tolerance for employee theft. Recently, a newsroom employee was fired for taking two reams of paper. Is this issue not equally serious? This was no joke gone bad, much as The Times might wish it was. (Besides, when are slurs ever a joking matter?)

I propose asking Steve Reed and the leaders of our LGBT Affinity Group to press The Times on this case. It has taken a great deal of courage for the freelancer to come forward; he has put his career on the line. We need to offer our support and to say loudly and clearly, "This is not right."

Times Copy Editor

Could it be made right if The Times gives the anonymous freelancer a permanent, top position? Probably not, but it's worth a shot…