How do you interpret the quote?
Having read the history behind it - basically Cato ending every speech he gave in the Roman Senate with it even if the topic was completely unrelated to it, it is clear Cato desired that Carthage and Carthaginian power be destroyed.
Reading between the lines, Cato was no longer willing to tolerate Carthage's influence and interference. Plus I think they wanted the Trapani salt pans in Sicily maybe.
In modern times extend Carthage eastward throughout the Arabian peninsula and westward to the Atlantic, and wash/rinse/repeat. Just call it the 4th and final Punic war.
I don't know enough about Cato to have an honest opinion on him, but I do find it weird, anyone who advocates War constantly seems like someone who works for the other side.
Context is important. At the time he said that (approaching the start of the 3rd Punic war), Rome had already fought 2 wars with Carthage - yet they still didn't feel secure from them. For even more context, check out the territorial transfers that occurred during the first 2 wars. Carthage was to Rome at that time as Britain was to the United States in the early 1770s: An unwanted occupying force. The first two wars may have resulted in Roman territorial acquisition, but it didn't end undue influence from Carthage. The 3rd war in effect ended that.
Certain parallels could be drawn to the War of 1812 in that regard.
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