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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What was the actual threat a city-state on the other side of the Mediterranean posed to Rome, tho?
Occupying military power projected unjustly against the populace? Interference with trade? Sabotage of diplomatic relations with other powers? Pillage, plunder and slaves? The game remains the same Theo: Same as it ever was. Well I'm uncertain if they had money laundering back then.
I'd have to read a boatload more to get more specific, or learn Latin and time travel back to the day. Neither will be occuring any time soon, so take a walk to your local library, check out a book and immerse your mind. Sorry - don't have a specific tome to recommend you.
The interesting thing is I have no idea whether you are right or wrong.
You should read more and write a poem about the Punic Wars, I would like to hear most everything you have to say, although I would most certainly be a dick, and question all of it in the process.