He is equating status, property ownership and money as measures of success. They are what he values. That's his right. I don't see it that way.

Then you'd be in something of a minority :)

I don't think he's talking about money, but purchasing power, which is a factor in 'standard of living', by an useful definition of such above the poverty line.

And as to the trickle down theory, don't get me started.

It's called 'voodoo economics' for a reason, that reason being that it's complete bullshit :)