"By placing discretion in the hands of an official to grant or deny a license, such a statute creates a threat of censorship that by its very existence chills free speech"

This quote by Harry A. Blackmun talks with the power of censorship as well as the hazard it presents to cost-free speech. By permitting an official to give or deny a license, a law gives that official the power to censor speech. This power, also if it is not used, can have a chilling impact on cost-free speech. Individuals might be less likely to share their viewpoints if they recognize that their speech could be censored. This quote highlights the relevance of securing complimentary speech and the need to be knowledgeable about the possibility for censorship. It is a suggestion that we need to be vigilant in protecting our right to totally free speech.