carry on

"All I want to see is justice," said Richard Etheredge, 72, a white farmer who was evicted from his farm last month. "The world cannot carry on with criminals."
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What's the meaning of carry on here? continue?
Thanks.

Sometimes "to carry on with" means to have relations, or intercourse with (not sexual!)  The world cannot continue to deal / negotiate with criminals. 

It seems unrealistic to suggest that if criminals cannot be eliminated, the world must come to a grinding halt. 


- A.

The definition I have in mind is similar to number 2, but may be colloquial.  As applied to a love afair, A would be said to be carrying on with B.  That is, my usage would be intransitive, while the usage in number 2 is transitive, a love affair being the direct object.

Etheredge is planning to fight the criminals, not negotiate with them.  The interpretation you originally suggested sounds like he's saying, "If the criminals are given a voice, we may as well all give up."

I'll admit you could make a case for "We can't go on like this.  Criminals must be eliminated."

I'm leaning toward, "The world cannot allow criminals to participate in the business of government."

  - A.

I guess English is Etheredge's native language.  I've had a couple of friends who grew up learning English is Africa.  They were very well educated, but phrased a few things differently.

I can't help thinking the interpretation you prefer is absurd.  What could he possibly have in mind?

I've had no luck finding a non-romantic example of my usage, although I did find it as intransitive.

 Surely in the context definition #3 is what he intended.