The quote attributed to Lyndon Johnson suggests that his push for the Great Society programs was motivated by a desire to secure a lasting voter base for the Democratic Party among African Americans. Whether or not he actually said those words, the implication is that the policies created a dependency on government support, with people seeking assistance to survive due to a lack of education and job prospects in America. This dependency is perceived as problematic and damaging to the social fabric.
In the context of Stephen Coonts' book "Liberty's Last Stand," the concern is that unless there are significant changes to the educational and job systems, America risks becoming a "poor socialist empire." The call to action emphasizes the need for better opportunities so that individuals can support themselves and not rely solely on governmental aid, which could ultimately lead to a society unable to thrive independently.