With all the negative news about US credit card companies and their oh-so-customer-friendly moves of late (recap: Obama passes bill to reign in excessive charges; credit card companies invent new ones), it was heartening to talk with our microcredit partner in India yesterday.

It was heartening because they are offering credit to thousands of poor women in Delhi, and that these women are using the funds to create innovative businesses to provide for their families, send their kids to school, even give their husbands a job.

I’m thrilled to hear about these women. Nearly every single one (99%) pays their loan back, fully and on time. I’m happy for them. I’m happy knowing all they have to do is ask for the money, present a good plan, and make their payments. No pressure, no misleading marketing or fine print. A simple, greed-less business transaction that profits both parties.

And it feels good to know that the Story and Space we created are helping bring in more funds, to in turn, provide more loans. But I have to admit something. I feel like I’m symbolically thumbing my nose at the misuse of credit and deliberate misinformation back here in the US. I know it’s not the most noble of reasons to do social justice. But I can live with it.