United States District Court For The District of Columbia: Philip J. Berg, Esquire

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Case 1:08-cv-01933-RWR Document 17 Filed 06/22/2009 Page 1 of 28

Law Offices of:


PHILIP J. BERG, ESQUIRE
555 Andorra Glen Court, Suite 12
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444-2531
Identification No. 09867
(610) 825-3134

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT


FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PHILIP J. BERG, ESQUIRE, pro se, on his :
own BEHALF and on BEHALF of the :
GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES :
OF AMERICA, :
:
Relator,
: CIVIL ACTION NO. 08-cv-01933
:
vs. :
:
BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, :
Defendant. :
:

RELATOR’S MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION

NOW COMES the Relator, Philip J. Berg, Esquire [hereinafter “Berg”], and hereby

submits the within Motion for Reconsideration of this Court’s Order of June 9, 2009 on the

following grounds:

• Relator has discovered new law and new information pertaining to the Conflict-

of-Interest with both the United States Attorney General’s Office as well as the United States

Department of Justice;

• This Court never addressed the issue of the Conflict-of-Interest;

• A Conflict-of-Interest exists with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder; the U.S.

Attorney General’s Office as well as the United States Department of Justice in violation of the

Federal Conflict-of-Interest Laws and the Code of Federal Regulations;

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Case 1:08-cv-01933-RWR Document 17 Filed 06/22/2009 Page 2 of 28

• The Relator has met the burden and this Court has the inherent power to

Reconsider the Order issued June 9, 2009; and

• In the interest of Justice, this Court should grant the Relator’s Motion; Conflict

out U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, the U.S. Attorney General’s Office and the United States

Department of Justice. This Court has the inherent power to appoint the Relator or appoint a

Special Prosecutor should this Court feel it necessary.

Respectfully submitted,

s/ Philip J. Berg
Dated: June 19, 2009 ____________________________
PHILIP J. BERG, Relator
555 Andorra Glen Court, Suite 12
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444-2531
Phone: (610) 825-3134

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Law Offices of:


PHILIP J. BERG, ESQUIRE
555 Andorra Glen Court, Suite 12
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444-2531
Identification No. 09867
(610) 825-3134

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT


FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PHILIP J. BERG, ESQUIRE, pro se, on his :
own BEHALF and on BEHALF of the :
GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES :
OF AMERICA, :
:
Relator,
: CIVIL ACTION NO. 08-cv-01933
:
vs. :
:
BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, :
Defendant. :
:

MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN SUPPORT OF PHILIP J. BERG, RELATOR’S,


MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION

I. STATEMENT OF FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY:

This Qui Tam based on the False Claims Act (FCA) action is a unique case with unique

circumstances because of the nature of the False Claims, that being because the allegations of

fraud herewith are against now, sitting Barry Soetoro a/k/a President Barack Hussein Obama

regarding his fraudulently holding the Office of United States Senator from Illinois and the fact

that review of these proceedings to decide to prosecute rests with the United States Attorney

General Eric Holder who reports directly to the alleged violator; gives opinions and legal advice

to the alleged violator; was senior legal advisor to Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack H. Obama’s

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Presidential campaign; and served as one of three [3] members on Obama’s vice-presidential

selection committee and thus a major Conflict-of-Interest exists.

FURTHER, because of the uniqueness of this case, the Relator is addressing this Motion

to Attorney General Eric Holder as well as this Honorable Court and Relator requests a Hearing

on the matter if the within issues are unable to resolve between the Relator and U.S. Attorney

General Eric Holder.

1. Relator Berg has honored the fact that this case was “Under Seal” until the

Honorable Richard W. Roberts, after requesting the position of the U.S. Justice

Department and U.S. Attorney General’s Office and after the Relator argued for the

Government or the Relator to proceed, dismissed this case with Prejudice on June 9,

2009.

2. The Government filed a Motion to Dismiss the Relator’s case and Relator

requested a Hearing pursuant to the FCA statute.

3. The Hearing was held on June 9, 2009 and in keeping with the “Sealed” status,

the doors to this Honor’s Courtroom were locked; the windows were covered; and there

was no one present except the Judge, Court staff and counsel.

4. When the Honorable Richard W. Roberts took the bench, he addressed Relator by

saying that since the District of Columbia Court of Appeals has taken the position that

Judges do not have input on False Claims Act cases, he would not give any opinion and

therefore, you [Relator Berg] must convince the U.S. Justice Department and the U.S.

Attorney General to proceed with this case by their handling it or to grant you, the

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Relator, the authority to proceed. Unfortunately, the government was not in agreement;

however, they report directly to and give legal advice to the “alleged” violator.

5. The Government position is that the Relator, Berg, alleges in his lawsuit that

President Barack Hussein Obama defrauded the United States by taking his Senate salary

when he did not meet the citizenship requirements to hold a Senate seat, a correct

position. However, in an attempt to cloud the issue or rather prejudice this proceeding;

the Government states that the Relator, Berg, has made similar allegations in other

proceedings. See, e.g., Berg v. Obama, 574 F. Supp 2d 509 (ED. Pa. 2008).

6. In their Response, The Department of Justice reviewed the Relator’s [Berg’s]

allegations, determined that they lack merit, and concluded that they therefore should

not be pursued on the United States’ behalf against its sitting President, again prejudicial

remarks as the Qui Tam proceeding is concerned with the defrauding of the U.S.

Government by Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack Hussein Obama by running for and being a

U.S. Senator, when he wasn’t eligible.

7. Then the Government continued by stating, “See generally Memorandum Ruling,

Hollister v. Soetoro, Civ. No- 08-2254 (JR), slip op. at I (D.D.C. Mar. 5, 2009)….”

Again, prejudicial to the case herein and an attempt by the Government to take the focus

off of the issue in this case.

8. The Government states that the Court of Appeals has recognized that 31 U.S.C. §

3730(c)(2)(A) gives the United States “virtually ‘unfettered’ discretion” to dismiss a Qui

Tam suit, including, as here, before the United States has made its election whether to

intervene. See (United States ex rel. Hoyte v. American National Red Cross, 518 F. 3d

61, 65 (D.C. Cir. 2008); Swift v. United States, 318 F.3d 250, 251-54 (D.C. Cir. 2003).

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By affording Qui Tam Relators an opportunity for a “Hearing” if they request one,

Section 3730(c)(2)(A) gives Relators the chance to try to convince the United States to

change its mind but gives the Court no role in second-guessing the United States’

exercise of its prosecutorial discretion. See Hoyte, 518 F.3d at 65; Swift, 318 F.3d at 253.

The Court of Appeals has explained: “Nothing in § 3730(c)(2)(A) purports to deprive the

Executive Branch of its historical prerogative to decide which cases should go forward in

the name of the United States.” Swift, 318 F. 3d at 253. In the exercise of its discretion,

the United Slates has determined that this action should not proceed.

9. The Relator’s position is contra - the above is not completely true. First, the

Government has the choice to decline intervention and allow the Relator to prosecute the

case. Unlike the False Claim Act provisions relating to settlements, which are found in

Section 3730(c)(2)(B), there are absolutely no guidelines for the Court contained in 31

U.S.C. § 3730(c)(2)(A) for the Court to consider if the Government makes a Motion to

Dismiss as they have here. In United States ex rel. Sequoia Orange County v. Sunland

Packing Company, 912 F. Supp 1325, 1340 (E.D. Cal. 1995) aff’d, 151 F.3d 1139 (9th

Cir. 1998), a case of first impression, it was held that the Government’s right to dismiss

Qui Tam actions is subject to judicial review. The D.C. Circuit has declined to use the

Sequoia test, however they refer to the case in both Hoyte and Swift.

10. As this Court is aware, on or about January 31, 2009, the Relator, Berg, filed a

Motion to have the within case “Unsealed” and allow him to litigate the case as it had

been over sixty [60] days and the Government failed to respond, intervene or decline to

intervene.

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11. The Government Responded to the Relator’s Motion and claimed they had not

been served. They then claimed in the same Response that they had not been served

correctly and therefore the sixty [60] day time frame had not begun to run. The

Government stated they had not yet had an opportunity to evaluate Relator’s allegations

and determine how to proceed. The Government stated they needed an additional sixty

[60] days to conduct their investigation. The Government stated, "In particular, counsel

for the United States need time to determine how best to proceed and seek proper

authority." Based on the Government’s statements and request, this Court granted the

Government an additional sixty [60] days to conduct their investigation.

12. The Government rarely moves to dismiss a Qui Tam Complaint; it can simply

decline to intervene in the action, thereby limiting expenditure of governmental

prosecutorial resources while preserving the outside chance the action may be

successfully pursued by the Relator. Two [2] commentators argue that the inactivity of

the Government in a declined Qui Tam case may constitute a violation of the

Government’s contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing. See John Chierichella &

Louis Victorino. A Qui Tam Conundrum; When Relator’s Suit Lacks Merit, What is

Government’s Duty to the Contractor? Legal Times (February 28, 2000), at 30-31.

13. The Government does have broad discretion to dismiss a False Claims Act;

however, they must meet the “rational relation” standard that is the substantive due

process analyses requirement, which they have not done here.

14. Article I, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution states:

“No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the age of thirty
years, and been nine years a citizen of the United States and who shall not,
when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for which he shall be chosen.”

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Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution states:

“The Constitution entrusts the Executive with duty to take Care that the Laws be
faithfully executed."

15. This case is regarding Barack Hussein Obama whose name was changed to Barry

Soetoro when he was approximately five (5) years old. Soetoro / Obama attended school

in Indonesia as an Indonesian citizen by the name of Barry Soetoro.

16. The following Questions must be answered:

A. What is Barry Soetoro’s current legal name? According to his


school record from Indonesia, his legal name is “Barry Soetoro.”

B. Did Barry Soetoro ever legally change his name back to Barack
Hussein Obama? If so, when and where?

C. Did Barry Soetoro ever recoup any U.S. citizenship status, if in


fact he was entitled to such? If so, when, where?

D. If Barry Soetoro never recouped any U.S. Citizenship status by his


21st birthday, that would have required him to send an Affidavit to
the Indonesian Government relinquishing his Indonesian
citizenship, and petitioning the U.S. Department of State, then he is
still to this date, an Indonesian citizen. [Due to the Hague
Convention of 1930, the U.S. would not and will not interfere with
another Country’s individual citizenship status. The U.S. only
accepts dual citizenship status if the other country recognizes and
allows dual citizenship status. Indonesia did not allow dual
citizenship in the 1960’s, and not until 2006.]

E. Did Barry Soetoro attend Occidental College in Los Angeles as a


foreign student? Did he obtain foreign aide? He was called Barry
at Occidental.

F. Why are all of Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack Hussein Obama’s


records, including school records in the U.S. sealed?

17. A U.S. Senator is required to be a U.S. citizen for nine (9) years and run for and

operate that particular job function under their legal name.

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18. If Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack Hussein Obama was still an Indonesian citizen at

the time he secured the U.S. Senate seat, he was paid by the Treasury Department by

false pretenses as he would have been required to fill out forms and sign them stating he

was a “U.S. Citizen” for nine (9) years and his legal name was Barack Hussein Obama.

However, his legal name is not Barack Hussein Obama nor was it at the time he secured

the position of U.S. Senator, as no records can be located legally changing his name from

Barry Soetoro to Barack Hussein Obama.

19. It is believed Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack Hussein Obama was born in Kenya. A

COLB [Certification of Live Birth] is not proof of citizenship status; Maya Soetoro,

Barry’s half-sister was born in Indonesia and her birth was also registered in Hawaii

where she obtained a COLB. It is believed upon Barry’s return to the U.S. from

Indonesia, his grandparents just simply began using the name “Barack Hussein Obama”

instead of legally reinstating any type of U.S. citizenship status and legally changing his

name back to “Barack Hussein Obama.” And a COLB is not sufficient to prove

Hawaiian heritage for a land lease for purchase for ninety-nine [99] years.

20. Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack Hussein Obama’s mother, Stanley Ann Dunham was

not old enough at the time of his birth to register his birth in the U.S. as a “natural born”

only a “naturalized”, however, minors follow their parents citizenship status. When he

was five or six years old, Stanley Ann Dunham married an Indonesian citizen and moved

with young Barack Hussein Obama to Jakarta, Indonesia. In the late 60’s and 70’s,

Indonesia did NOT allow dual citizenship and did not until 2006. [Indonesian

Constitution]. Thus, Stanley Ann Dunham had to relinquish her U.S. Citizenship status

to gain her Indonesian citizenship status. Moreover, young Barack could not attend the

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Indonesian public schools without being an Indonesian citizen, it was not allowed and the

Indonesian Government verified the citizenship status of all students attending their

public schools. It is believed young Barry was either adopted or his birth legally

acknowledged by Lolo Soetoro, his “step” father, in either case, Barry became an

Indonesian Citizen and his name became “Barry Soetoro,” as evidenced by his school

records that also indicated his Nationality as “Indonesia” and his Religion as “Islum.”

21. The Indonesian Government requires a young person to choose their citizenship

status when they turn the age 18, however, it must be done before the age of 21.

[Indonesian Constitution]. In order to relinquish your Indonesian citizenship status, you

must send a signed Affidavit to the Indonesian Government relinquishing your

Indonesian Citizenship Status. Young Barry, if he did this, which he didn’t, still would

have had to petition the U.S. State Department to recoup any U.S. Citizenship status he

once held. Again, no record has been accessible showing this was ever done. Then, you

still have the name issue. Barry would have had to file papers in Court seeking a legal

name change from his Indonesia adopted/acknowledged name of Barry Soetoro. To date,

no record has been located that this occurred.

22. Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack Hussein Obama was head of the Harvard Law

Review, is a Harvard Law School Graduate, he taught Constitutional Law, he is very

familiar with the legal requirements of securing a U.S. Senator position. He is also very

familiar with the U.S. laws to recoup any U.S. citizenship status; the changing of his

name from Barry Soetoro to Barack Hussein Obama, and his fraudulent use of this

Hawaiian Certification of Live Birth [COLB], to use the name Barack Hussein Obama as

his legal name, knowing it is not; and to show his citizenship status as U.S. naturalized or

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natural born, knowing he never took the legal steps necessary to recoup his U.S.

citizenship status and knowing he is still to this date, an Indonesian citizen.

23. Now the instant case, the Government is attempting to dismiss the Qui Tam action

claiming the Relator, Berg’s claims lack merit. The Relator has clearly established a

genuine question into the legality of “Barack Hussein Obama” serving as U.S. Senator

from Illinois. We are unsure as to his legal name and citizenship status. With this said,

pursuant to Article II, Section 3, the Government has a duty to ensure our laws are

upheld, which also include our Constitutional laws. The request for the Government to

Dismiss the within action is in clear violation of their duties pursuant to Article II,

Section 3 and should “NOT” be allowed.

24. The very important factors in this case are the mere fact that Barry Soetoro a/k/a

Barack Hussein Obama drew funds from the Treasury Department which included U.S.

Senator from Illinois pay; travel expenses; car expenses; medical coverage expenses; etc.,

which totals hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions. If the Relator is correct,

which he believes he is, and Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack Hussein Obama is not a legal

U.S. Citizen or was not a legal U.S. citizen at the time he ran for and served as U.S.

Senator from Illinois, then he defrauded the Government out of hundreds of thousands, if

not millions of dollars, which the Government is entitled to recoup. The Government

will NOT be prejudiced if the Relator is allowed to litigate the issues.

25. A threshold issue has also been raised giving this Relator a right to Discovery

relating to the Government’s prosecutorial decision. Relator, Berg, has supplied

documents substantiating the name of Barry Soetoro, not Barack Hussein Obama; the

citizenship status of Barry Soetoro – being Indonesian; and the fact, Barry Soetoro a/k/a

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Barack Hussein Obama obtained money from the Federal Government claiming his

eligibility to hold the Office and position of U.S. Senator and collecting pay based on his

fraudulent assertions he was a citizen and his legal name was “Barack Hussein Obama.”

26. What has the Government done to ensure Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack Hussein

Obama was in fact legally qualified to hold the position of U.S. Senator and entitled to

the money he received, which again was based on his false statements? The answer:

Nothing!

27. Unlike the Hoyte case, the within action has raised legal questions to Barry

Soetoro a/k/a Barack Hussein Obama’s entitlement to pay from the Government for the

position of U.S. Senator from Illinois, which he clearly was not holding legally. As

stated in Swift, the Government's discretion to dismiss an action…may not be absolute.

28. Relator, Berg, has furnished the Government and this Court with the following

information as to Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack Hussein Obama’s legal name, which is

Barry Soetoro and his citizenship status as Indonesian. None of which has been refuted

by the Government.

29. Relator, Berg, has furnished sworn Affidavits showing Barry Soetoro a/k/a

Barack Hussein Obama was born in Mombosa, Kenya, again which the Government has

“not” refuted.

30. Relator, Berg, has presented evidence to the Government and this Court that the

Certification of Live Birth [COLB] presented on the internet by Barry Soetoro a/k/a

Barack Hussein Obama has been deemed a forged and altered document, which has “not”

been refuted by the Government.

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31. Relator, Berg, has presented evidence that the birth announcement filed in the

Hawaiian newspapers regarding Barack H. Obama on or about August 13, 1961 could

not be verified, which has “not” been refuted by the Government.

32. Relator, Berg, has presented evidence Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack Hussein Obama

never resided in the address on the birth announcement, which has “not” been refuted by

the Government.

33. Relator, Berg, has raised the issue pertaining to Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack

Hussein Obama’s college records wherein Relator is informed, believes and therefore

alleges Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack Hussein Obama attended Occidental College in

California and Columbia University as a foreign student, which has “not” been refuted by

the Government.

34. What has the Government investigated?

35. Has the Government located Barry Soetoro a//k/a Barack Hussein Obama’s “vault

(long version)” birth certificate? Hawaii officials have stated they have Barack Hussein

Obama’s “vault” (long version) birth certificate is in the vault of the Department of

Records, although they never stated where it indicates Obama was born.

36. Has the Government located any citizenship records for Barry Soetoro a/k/a

Barack Hussein Obama? The U.S. State Department as well as Barry would have these

records.

37. Has the Government located any legal documents legally changing Barry

Soetoro’s name to Barack Hussein Obama? The Court’s and Barry would have these

records.

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38. Relator has clearly shown a substantial threshold entitling him to discovery

relating to the Government’s prosecutorial decision to seek dismissal of the Relator’s

False Claim Action. See Swift v. United States, 318 F.3d 250, 254. (D.C. Cir. 2003).

39. Information filed or gathered by the Government relating to its decision whether

to intervene has been held non-exempt from disclosure. In United States ex rel. Mikes v.

Strauss, 846 F.Supp. 21 (S.D.N.Y. 1994) the Court denied the Government’s Motion to

retain the documents filed in relation to the Government’s investigation of a Qui Tam

Complaint under seal.

ARGUMENT

I. A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS WITH U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL


ERIC HOLDER, HIS OFFICE and THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
JUSTICE IN VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST
STATUTES and THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS:

40. As stated above, this is a Qui Tam action wherein the Relator brought action after

discovering Barry Soetoro a/k/a Barack Hussein Obama may not be a United States

Citizen and usurped the Office of United States Senator from Illinois, who drew an

annual income, expenses, medical expenses, etc. by falsely claiming he was entitled to

the pay from the U.S. Treasury as he qualified for the position he usurped.

41. United States Attorney General, Eric Holder’s Office. Despite the evidence

produced, U.S. Attorney General Holder’s staff moved to dismiss the Qui Tam action

claiming the Relator’s allegations lacked merit.

42. Again as previously stated, this is a very unique situation. Barry Soetoro a/k/a

Barack Hussein Obama [hereinafter “President Obama”] is now our acting President of

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the United States. President Obama appointed Eric Holder for the position of the United

States Attorney General and Mr. Holder reports directly to President Obama. This

creates a huge Conflict-of-Interest with anyone from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s

Office having any association with the Qui Tam matter against, now, President Obama.

43. There are four [4] Federal Statutory prohibitions and related regulations

addressing Conflicts-of-Interest on the part of present officers or employees of the

Federal (and in some instances of the District of Columbia) government. None of the

statutory prohibitions are limited in application solely to lawyers. The conflicts dealt

with by the several provisions are, in each instance, conflicts between public

responsibilities and private interests. All of the statutory provisions are found in Chapter

11 (Bribery, Graft and Conflicts of Interest) of Title 18 of the United States Code, the

Federal Criminal Code.

44. There are statutory restrictions on Conflicts-of-Interest during Government

Service. Although there are four [4] statutory provisions regarding conflicts between

governmental responsibilities and private interests of government employees, all of

which apply to employees of the District of Columbia as well as the federal government,

only two [2] apply in this case and are as follows:

• A prohibition on certain representational activities relating to


claims against and other matters affecting the government, 18 USC
§ 205

• A prohibition on certain acts by government employees affecting a


personal financial interest—applying, inter alia, to negotiations for
post-government employment, 18 USC § 208.

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45. 5 CFR § 2635.101 states in pertinent part “ (a) Public service is a public trust.

Each employee has a responsibility to the United States Government and its citizens to

place loyalty to the Constitution, laws and ethical principles above private gain. To

ensure that every citizen can have complete confidence in the integrity of the Federal

Government, each employee shall respect and adhere to the principles of ethical conduct

set forth in this section, as well as the implementing standards contained in this part and

in supplemental agency regulations. (b) General principles. The following general

principles apply to every employee and may form the basis for the standards contained in

this part. Where a situation is not covered by the standards set forth in this part,

employees shall apply the principles set forth in this section in determining whether their

conduct is proper. (1) Public service is a public trust, requiring employees to place loyalty

to the Constitution, the laws and ethical principles above private gain…(5) Employees

shall put forth honest effort in the performance of their duties. (6) Employees shall not

knowingly make unauthorized commitments or promises of any kind purporting to bind

the Government…(14) Employees shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the

appearance that they are violating the law or the ethical standards set forth in this part.

Whether particular circumstances create an appearance that the law or these standards

have been violated shall be determined from the perspective of a reasonable person with

knowledge of the relevant facts…(c) Related statutes. In addition to the standards of

ethical conduct set forth in this part, there are conflict of interest statutes that prohibit

certain conduct. Criminal conflict of interest statutes of general applicability to all

employees, 18 U.S.C. §§ 201, 203, 205, 208, and 209, are summarized in the appropriate

subparts of this part and must be taken into consideration in determining whether conduct

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is proper. Citations to other generally applicable statutes relating to employee conduct are

set forth in subpart I and employees are further cautioned that there may be additional

statutory and regulatory restrictions applicable to them generally or as employees of their

specific agencies. Because an employee is considered to be on notice of the requirements

of any statute, an employee should not rely upon any description or synopsis of a

statutory restriction, but should refer to the statute itself and obtain the advice of an

agency ethics official as needed.

46. As to the restrictions on conflicts of interest during government service, only

section 208 is illuminated by formal regulations, which are found in the Code of Federal

Regulations (CFR). 5 CFR § 2635 and in 5 CFR Part 2640. 5 CFR § 2635.501(a) states

in pertinent part:

“An employee who is concerned that other circumstances would raise a


question regarding his impartiality should use the process described in
§2635.502 to determine whether he should or should not participate in a
particular matter.” See also 18 U.S.C. §208(a).”

47. 5 CFR § 2635.502 states in pertinent parts, “(a)… where the employee determines

that the circumstances would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant

facts to question his impartiality in the matter, the employee should not participate in the

matter… (b) Definitions. For purposes of this section: participate in a particular

matter…(iv) Any person for whom the employee has, within the last year, served as

officer, director, trustee, general partner, agent, attorney, consultant, contractor or

employee.” 5 U.S.C. § 2640.103 “Prohibition” states:

“(a) Statutory prohibition. Unless permitted by 18 U.S.C. 208(b) (1)–(4), an


employee is prohibited by 18 U.S.C. 208(a) from participating personally and
substantially in an official capacity in any particular matter in which, to his
knowledge, he or any other person specified in the statute has a financial interest,

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if the particular matter will have a direct and predictable effect on that interest.
The restrictions of 18 U.S.C. 208 are described more fully in 5 CFR 2635.401 and
2635.402.

(1) Particular matter. The term “particular matter” includes only matters that
involve deliberation, decision, or action that is focused upon the interests of
specific persons, or a discrete and identifiable class of persons. The term may
include matters, which do not involve formal parties and may extend to legislation
or policy making that is narrowly focused on the interests of a discrete and
identifiable class of persons. It does not, however, cover consideration or adoption
of broad policy options directed to the interests of a large and diverse group of
persons. The particular matters covered by this part include a judicial or other
proceeding, application or request for a ruling or other determination, contract,
claim, controversy, charge, accusation or arrest.

(2) Personal and substantial participation. To participate “personally” means to


participate directly. It includes the direct and active supervision of the
participation of a subordinate in the matter. To participate “substantially”
means that the employee's involvement is of significance to the matter.
Participation may be substantial even though it is not determinative of the
outcome of a particular matter. However, it requires more than official
responsibility, knowledge, perfunctory involvement, or involvement on an
administrative or peripheral issue. A finding of substantiality should be based not
only on the effort devoted to the matter, but also on the importance of the effort.
While a series of peripheral involvements may be insubstantial, the single act of
approving or participating in a critical step may be substantial. Personal and
substantial participation may occur when, for example, an employee
participates through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation,
investigation or the rendering of advice in a particular matter. [emphasis
added]

(3) Direct and predictable effect. (i) A particular matter will have a “direct” effect
on a financial interest if there is a close causal link between any decision or action
to be taken in the matter and any expected effect of the matter on the financial
interest. An effect may be direct even though it does not occur immediately. A
particular matter will not have a direct effect on a financial interest, however, if
the chain of causation is attenuated or is contingent upon the occurrence of events
that are speculative or that are independent of, and unrelated to, the matter. A
particular matter that has an effect on a financial interest only as a consequence of
its effects on the general economy does not have a direct effect within the
meaning of this part.

(ii) A particular matter will have a “predictable” effect if there is a real, as


opposed to a speculative, possibility that the matter will affect the financial
interest. It is not necessary, however, that the magnitude of the gain or loss be
known, and the dollar amount of the gain or loss is immaterial.

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Case 1:08-cv-01933-RWR Document 17 Filed 06/22/2009 Page 19 of 28

48. Eric Holder joined President Obama’s presidential campaign as senior legal

advisor and also served as one of three [3] members on Obama’s vice-presidential

selection committee. In December 2008, then President-elect, Obama asked Eric Holder

to serve in his cabinet as the U.S. Attorney General, see EXHIBIT “A”.

49. As this Court is aware, Mr. Holder was appointed by President Obama and now

serves as the United States Attorney General; is the head of the United States Department

of Justice and United States Attorney General’s Office. Eric Holder is paid by the United

States Government and reports directly to President Obama. Eric Holder has a direct

financial interest in that he draws a salary based on his position as United States Attorney

General.

50. Furthermore, the conflict goes beyond financial. The United States Attorney

General is the Chief Law enforcement officer of the Federal Government and represents

the United States in legal matters and gives advice and opinions to the President of the

United States, see EXHIBIT “B”.

51. This Qui Tam action is against our now President based on the salary and

expenses drawn when he served as the United States Senator from Illinois by false and

fraudulent means. If Berg is allowed to litigate this Case, there is a great potential that it

will effect Obama’s Presidential position.

52. If the U.S. Attorney General, his staff and Office, including the United States

Department of Justice are not conflicted out, then justice will never be served. If Mr.

Holder allows the action to go forward, he is at great risk of losing his position, which is

a financial interest, as he would lose his government pay. U.S. Attorney General Holder

is aware of this and for this reason will never allow a Qui Tam action which bears the

Z:\Berg\Qui Tam Motion for Reconsideration 06 19 09 19


Case 1:08-cv-01933-RWR Document 17 Filed 06/22/2009 Page 20 of 28

name Barack Hussein Obama to go forward. Any involvement by U.S. Attorney General

Eric Holder and/or any of his staff, which he over-sees in this Qui Tam case, are clear

violations of the Code of Federal Regulations and the United States Codes.

53. For the above aforementioned reasons, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, his

Office and the United States Department of Justice must be conflicted out.

II. RELATOR HAS MET THE BURDEN and THIS COURT HAS THE
INHERENT POWER TO GRANT THE RELATOR’S MOTION FOR
RECONSIDERATION BASED ON THE NEW FACTS SUBMITTED
HEREIN:

54. Rule 59 is a procedural device and is therefore applicable in all federal cases,

except in certain limited circumstances (see generally Ch. 124, The Erie Doctrine and

Applicable Law)

55. A Court may grant a Rule 59(e) motion only when it finds an "intervening change

of controlling law, the availability of new evidence, or the need to correct a clear error or

prevent manifest injustice." Firestone v. Firestone, 316 U.S. App. D.C. 152, 76 F.3d

1205, 1208 (D.C. Cir. 1996) (per curium) (internal quotations and citations omitted).

Dawson v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 978 F.2d 205, 206 (5th Cir. 1992) (federal rules govern

Fed. R. Civ. P. 59 determination) Still v. Towsend, 311 F.2d 23, 24 (6th Cir. 1962)

(motion for new trial based on newly discovered evidence is determined by federal not

state law); Womble v. J.C. Penney Co., Inc., 431 F.2d 985, 989 (6th Cir. 1970) (citing

Moore's Court held that federal rules apply to question of jury misconduct for purpose of

granting or denying new trial).

56. The Supreme Court has stated that Rule 59(e) is generally invoked "only to

support reconsideration of matters properly encompassed in a decision on the merits."

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Case 1:08-cv-01933-RWR Document 17 Filed 06/22/2009 Page 21 of 28

White v. New Hampshire Dep't of Employment Sec., 455 U.S. 445, 451, 102 S. Ct. 1162,

71 L. Ed. 2d 325 (1982).

57. Re-examination clause does not limit trial judge's authority. Fed. R. Civ. P. 59(a);

Gasperini v. Center for Humanities, 518 U.S. 415, 432-433, 116 S. Ct. 2211, 135 L. Ed.

2d 659 (1996) (citing Moore's, discussing applicable analysis in re-examination clause

cases presenting countervailing federal interests);

58. Although Motions for Reconsideration are to be filed within ten [10] days upon

entry of Judgment, there is an exception to the rule, it’s the Rule 60(a) exception, see

Burnham v. Amoco Container Co., 738 F.2d 1230, 1231-1232 (11th Cir. 1984).

59. Relator has filed his timely motion pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,

Rule 59(e) and has presented new evidence and new laws herein, for this reason,

Reconsideration should be granted.

60. For the above aforementioned reasons, Relator respectfully requests this Court to

grant a Hearing on the matters stated herein and requesting this Court’s intervention if the

Relator and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder are unable to resolve the issues regarding

the Conflict-of-Interest issues and the violations of the Federal Laws and the Code of

Federal Regulations. In addition, the Relator is asking his motion be granted and the case
re-opened.

WHEREFORE, Relator, Philip J. Berg, requests this Honorable Court to grant

Reconsideration and Re-Open the within matter allowing the Relator to litigate the Qui Tam

action. Further, Relator is requesting U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, his Office, staff and

the U.S. Department of Justice to remove themselves from the within action as a result of the

Z:\Berg\Qui Tam Motion for Reconsideration 06 19 09 21


Case 1:08-cv-01933-RWR Document 17 Filed 06/22/2009 Page 22 of 28

Conflict-of-Interests; violations of the Federal Conflict-of-Interest Laws; and violations of the

Code of Federal Regulations.

Respectfully submitted,

s/ Philip J. Berg
_________________________
Philip J. Berg, Relator

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Case 1:08-cv-01933-RWR Document 17 Filed 06/22/2009 Page 23 of 28

EXHIBIT “A”

Z:\Berg\Qui Tam Motion for Reconsideration 06 19 09 23


Case 1:08-cv-01933-RWR Document 17 Filed 06/22/2009 Page 24 of 28

http://www.biography.com/articles/Eric-Holder-391612?part=1

Eric Holder Biography


lawyer, judge, former deputy attorney general

(1951–)

RELATED PEOPLE

• Barack Obama
• Bill (William Jefferson) Clinton

As deputy attorney general, Holder developed and issued the "Holder


Memorandum," which spelled out the guidelines for the criminal prosecution of
corporations. He also developed rules for the regulation of health care, and
assembled a task force that determined how to investigate criminal investigations
of high-ranking federal employees.

At the president's request, Holder created the organization, Lawyers for One
America. The group was designed to bring greater diversity to the law profession,
and increase pro bono work among the nation's lawyers. Holder also briefly
served under President Bush as Acting Attorney General, during the pending
confirmation of Attorney General John Ashcroft.

After serving in this position for four years, Holder joined the private sector to
work at the law firm, Covington and Burling LLC, in 2001. He continues to work at
the firm, representing clients such as the National Football League during its
investigation of quarterback Michael Vick, and the negotiation of an agreement
with the Justice Department for Chiquita Brands International.

In addition to his normal workload, Holder serves on a number of philanthropic


boards, including the Columbia University board, the Save the Children
Foundation, and Concerned Black Men, a group that seeks to help troubled
youth in D.C. He has also been nationally recognized for his work in the law
profession; he was featured in the 2007 edition of The Best Lawyers in America,
and in 2008 he was named by The National Law Journal as one of "The Most 50
Influential Minority Lawyers in America" as well as by Legal Times for being one
of the "Greatest Washington Lawyers of the Past 30 Years."
Case 1:08-cv-01933-RWR Document 17 Filed 06/22/2009 Page 25 of 28

In late 2007, Holder joined Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign as a


senior legal advisor, and later served as one of three members on Obama's vice-
presidential selection committee. In November of 2008, it was reported that the
president-elect asked Holder to serve in cabinet as the U.S. Attorney General. If
he is nominated and confirmed by the Senate, he will become the first African-
American Attorney General in history.

He is married to obstetrician Sharon Malone. The couple has three children:


Maya, Brooke and Eric. They currently reside in Washington, D.C.

© 2008 A&E Television Networks. All rights reserved.


Case 1:08-cv-01933-RWR Document 17 Filed 06/22/2009 Page 26 of 28

EXHIBIT “B”

Z:\Berg\Qui Tam Motion for Reconsideration 06 19 09 24


Case 1:08-cv-01933-RWR Document 17 Filed 06/22/2009 Page 27 of 28

http://www.usdoj.gov/ag/

Office of the Attorney General

The Judiciary Act of 1789 created the Office of


the Attorney General which evolved over the
years into the head of the Department of
Justice and chief law enforcement officer of the
Federal Government. The Attorney General
represents the United States in legal matters
generally and gives advice and opinions to the
ANNUAL REPORTS President and to the heads of the executive
SPEECHES departments of the Government when so
requested. In matters of exceptional gravity or
TESTIMONY importance the Attorney General appears in
ATTORNEYS GENERAL OF person before the Supreme Court. Since the
1870 Act that established the Department of
THE U.S., 1789-PRESENT Justice as an executive department of the
OAG FOIA government of the United States, the Attorney
General has guided the world's largest law
DOJ HOME office and the central agency for enforcement
of federal laws.
Case 1:08-cv-01933-RWR Document 17 Filed 06/22/2009 Page 28 of 28

Law Offices of:


PHILIP J. BERG, ESQUIRE
555 Andorra Glen Court, Suite 12
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444-2531
Identification No. 09867
(610) 825-3134

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT


FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PHILIP J. BERG, ESQUIRE, pro se, on his own :


BEHALF and on BEHALF of the :
GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES :
OF AMERICA, : Case No. 08-cv-1933
:
Relator, :
:
vs. :
:
BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, :
Defendant. :

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, hereby certify that Philip J. Berg, Esquire has served the Relator’s Motion for

Reconsideration by mail through the United States Postal Service, this 19th day of June 2009

upon the following:

Keith V. Morgan Sara McClean


Assistant United States Attorney Department of Justice Trial Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice United States Department of Justice
555 Fourth Street N.W. Civil Division
Washington, D.C. 20530 P.O. Box 261
Ben Franklin Station
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder Washington, D.C. 20044
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001

s/ Philip J. Berg
________________________________
Philip J. Berg, Esquire, Relator

Z:\Berg\Qui Tam Motion for Reconsideration 06 19 09 25

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